Means For Heating Treating Agent, Respiratory Gas, Or Mixture Thereof Patents (Class 128/203.26)
  • Patent number: 8505534
    Abstract: A humidifying device for breathing gases. The humidifying device has a housing with a recess, a heater, an evaporating chamber with a water feed, a breathing gas feed channel, a breathing gas outlet channel and at least one float element and at least one filling level indicator. The evaporating chamber can be introduced at least partially into the recess and is in contact with the heater to heat water and is designed to receive water from a water reservoir through the water feed. The at least one float element is guided in a floatingly movable manner on the water and is designed to close the feed of water above a water level set point in the evaporating chamber, and the at least one filling level indicator is designed to recognize the drop of the water level from the water level set point as a function of the position of the at least one float element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Kai Brieger, Thomas Rossen, Markus Kämer, Ludger Tappehorn
  • Publication number: 20130199528
    Abstract: An improved medicant delivery system 100 is disclosed wherein the carrier for the medicant is a fluid that can be atomized or vaporized by exposure to heat. The system provides for repeatable dose of medicant, can be stored in any orientation, and/or has an ability to maximize energy efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Chong Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Goodman, William O'Neill, Alexander ChinHak Chong, William P. Bartkowski, Peter Joseph Kovach, Larry Gawain Linde, Randy Eugene Berg
  • Publication number: 20130174842
    Abstract: A therapeutic vaporizer is disclosed having two or more housing portions configured to form an inner cavity. The housing portions are movable between an open and closed position, such that at least a portion of the inner cavity is enclosed when the housing portions are in the closed position. The vaporizer includes at least one accessory-receiving element configured to receive at least one accessory within the inner cavity when the housing portions are in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Clovershield, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Smith Young, Robert Irving Pratt
  • Publication number: 20130174843
    Abstract: A tub for a humidifier includes an inner tub configured to hold a supply of water; an outer tub configured to receive the inner tub, the outer tub comprising a bottom and a cavity being formed between the bottom and the inner tub when the inner tub is received in the inner tub; and a valve configured to control a flow of the supply of water from the inner tub to the cavity. The valve is closed to prevent the flow when the inner tub is received in a first position in the outer tub and open to permit the flow when the inner tub is received in a second position in the outer tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventor: ResMed Limited
  • Patent number: 8479728
    Abstract: Methods and devices for inhalation therapy to deliver and embed (deposit) particles less than about 1 ?m in diameter in the lung. High humidity treatment of the lungs causes condensational growth in particle size upon entering the lungs. Increased particle size is conducive to particle embedment (deposition) in deep lung tissue or at a specific targeted lung region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University
    Inventors: Philip Worth Longest, Jinxiang Xi, Michael Hindle
  • Patent number: 8459259
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water; a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber; a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface; and a wicking element and/or a flat, elongate heating element provided at least in the humidifier chamber. A method of delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes generating a flow of breathable gas; and humidifying the flow by passing the flow over a supply of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Paul Jan Klasek, Dieter Heidmann
  • Publication number: 20130118492
    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: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventor: ResMed Limited
  • Publication number: 20130118484
    Abstract: An inhalation mask, an artificial nose unit, an anesthetic gas concentration detector, an extension tube, an anesthesia attachment, and an elastic bag are in communicative connection in sequence. The elastic bag has a mixing chamber formed therein and has an anesthetic inlet, an air inlet, and an outlet port each formed at the boundary to the exterior. The anesthesia attachment includes a hollow structure and an evaporation injector syringe. The outlet port of the elastic bag is in communicative connection with the hollow structure through its opening, and the evaporation injector syringe tightly mates with the interior of another opening. The anesthetic introduced into the mixing chamber is vaporized and then mixed with air introduced from the air inlet into mixed gas. The mixed gas is supplied from the outlet port to the inhalation mask by compressing the elastic bag or other procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Naoyuki Ishikita
  • Patent number: 8434478
    Abstract: An aerosol inhalator has an aerosol generation passage extending from an ambient air inlet (2) to a mouthpiece (4), a liquid supply device (18) for feeding a predetermined amount of a solution to a feed position (A) in the passage (6), a ceramic heater (12) for heating the solution conveyed from the feed position (A) toward the mouthpiece (4) with a drawn-in flow of air created in the passage (6) by a user's sucking action, thereby causing the solution to evaporate and turn into an aerosol in the passage (6), and a protector provided at least either at a location near the feed position (A) or at a location between the feed position (A) and the liquid supply device (18), the protector having at least one of a radiation cover (2), a cooling device (21) and an open-close valve (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Manabu Yamada, Kazuhiko Katayama, Hiroshi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20130104888
    Abstract: A high flow therapy system for delivering pressurized, heated and humidified respiratory gas to an airway of a patient includes a respiratory gas flow pathway for delivering the pressurized 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, a mixing area for mixing oxygen and air in the respiratory gas flow pathway, a humidification area for humidifying respiratory gas in the respiratory gas flow pathway, a heated delivery conduit for minimizing condensation of humidified respiratory gas, a pressure pathway for monitoring pressure of the airway of the patient and communicating the monitored pressure to the microprocessor and a sensor disposed in communication with the pressure pathway, the sensor further disposed in communication with the microprocessor and configured to measure pressure in the airway of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: MERGENET MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert M. Landis, Charles A. Lewis, Louis Javier Collazo
  • Patent number: 8413652
    Abstract: An evaporation element for liquids, in particular aqueous solutions, has a first reservoir for storing the liquid that is to be evaporated, a second reservoir, which is separated from the first reservoir by a sheet and contains a reagent that in contact with the liquid that is to be evaporated carries out an exothermic chemical reaction, and an opening element which, on actuation, perforates the sheet and in this way brings the reagent into contact with the liquid that is to be evaporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Alexander Stirzel
  • Publication number: 20130068224
    Abstract: A drug delivery system, which includes an aerosol generator unit, a pumping unit, a flow tube, at least one condensate collector and an aerosol transition adapter. The aerosol generator forms an aerosol from a liquid formulation, which is partially vaporized. The pumping unit supplies the liquid formulation to the aerosol generator unit and a flow tube having an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet of the aerosol generator unit and an outlet adapted for connection to a patient interface, which supplies ventilation to a patient's lungs. The system also includes at least one condensate collector adapted to collect condensed liquid or liquid produced by the aerosol generator unit, and a transition adapter arranged to mix aerosol produced by the aerosol generator unit with heated air and directs the mixed aerosol into the inlet end of the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Sudarsan Srinivasan, David Ammann, Donald Brookman, Niranjan Maharajh, Gary Grollimund, F. Murphy Sprinkel, JR., Douglas D. McRae
  • Publication number: 20130068225
    Abstract: A respiratory humidification system having a capillary passage in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage, a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream. The aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, Christopher S. Tucker, Amit Limaye
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8375942
    Abstract: A respiration moistener (1) has an inlet (3), into which incoming gas (2) to be moistened can be fed. Vapor (21) is mixed with the incoming gas (2) in a mixing chamber (4). Moistened outgoing gas (5) flows out of an outlet (6). In cases in which the temperature of the incoming gas (2) becomes so high that the temperature of the outgoing gas (5) is above a desired value, the internal desired value is adjusted. The outgoing gas (5) can then cool to the desired value on its way through the inspiration tube (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventor: Jochim Koch
  • Patent number: 8365726
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a tub. The tub includes a base plate; a tub base; a seal between the base plate and the tub base; and a latch mechanism that connects the base plate to the tub base so that the base plate is engaged with the seal. The latch mechanism may include an overcenter latch pivotably attached to the tub base and latch tabs formed on the base plate, the overcenter latch engaging the latch tabs in the connected position to connect the base plate to the tub base. The latch mechanism may alternatively include resilient tabs on the tub base, the resilient tabs elastically biasing the base plate toward the tub base upon connection of the base plate to the tub base. The resilient tabs may include tamper evident projections that indicate that the base plate has been disconnected from the tub base. The base plate may be stainless steel and be formed by stamping. The base plate may include a stamped ring. The humidifier further includes a tub lid configured to cover the tub to form a water container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: John Michael Snow, Simon Robert Cork, John Zekic, Benjamin John Hunter
  • Patent number: 8356593
    Abstract: A delivery tube assembly for delivering a breathing gas to a patient, the delivery tube includes a first lumen having an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The lumen is configured to deliver the breathing gas from the upstream portion to the downstream portion. A second lumen is configured to flow an insulating gas around the first lumen. A method of insulating a breathing gas with an insulating gas and discharging the insulating gas to atmosphere is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., Owen S. Bamford, William F. Niland, George McGarrity, Peter Boyd
  • Patent number: 8342177
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing humidification in a breathing assistance system may include a first container at least partially defining a first volume for housing an absorbent material, a second container at least partially defining a second volume for holding a liquid, and one or more fluid passageways for communicating the liquid from the second volume to the absorbent material in the first volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Charles E. Porges
  • Patent number: 8333195
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing breathing gas to a patient that includes a base unit to provide a first flow of gas and a second flow of gas and a humidification canister to be coupled to the base unit is described. The humidification canister includes a first gas flow path to receive and humidify the first flow of gas. A delivery tube assembly includes a first lumen configured for fluid communication with the first gas flow path to receive the humidified first flow of gas and a second lumen to receive the second flow of gas. A method of heating and humidifying the first flow of gas and insulating the first flow of gas with the second flow of gas is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., Owen S. Bamford, William F. Niland, George McGarrity, Carl Buyer, Kenneth Miller, Peter Boyd
  • Patent number: 8333194
    Abstract: A high flow therapy system including a microprocessor, a heating element a non-sealing respiratory interface and a sensor is disclosed. The heating element is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is capable of heating a liquid to create a gas. The non-sealing respiratory interface is configured to deliver the gas to a patient. The sensor is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is configured to measure pressure in an upper airway of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Mergenet Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Lewis, Robert M. Landis
  • Patent number: 8327845
    Abstract: An inline vaporizer disposed in a carrier gas line vaporizes a fluid and adds such vaporized fluid to a carrier gas that flows within the carrier gas line. The vaporizer includes a reservoir or wick that transfers a fluid to a vaporizing element that is adjacent to the reservoir or wick. The vaporizer releases a vapor into the carrier gas line so that the carrier gas flows past the vaporizer to form a vapor and carrier gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hydrate, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Weinstein, Douglas H. Currie, Jr., James R. Scott, Tuan Q. Tran
  • Publication number: 20120304990
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new technology that enables administration of Cannabis to patients for medical purposes. In one embodiment, this invention is a component of a system of technologies, processes and concepts that creates a new method of producing, delivering, administering and regulating the use of medical cannabis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: William W. Todd
  • Publication number: 20120304992
    Abstract: A cannula tip for insertion in a patient's nostril includes nostril- and cannula-ends, with a cannula-end that has a greater cross section than that of the nostril end. The cross section of the cannula tip may decrease from its cannula end to its nostril end linearly or non-linearly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: David R. Ratto, Richard L. Murray
  • Publication number: 20120266880
    Abstract: A device for use as part of a breathing assistance system for providing gases to a user. The device may include a fan, an enclosure for receiving a humidification chamber or both. A user interface of the device can indicate the operating mode of the device, whether a peripheral device is connected and whether a gases conduit is correctly connected to the outlet of the device. A controller in the device may hide or block options from the display of the user interface and may also initiate a power save mode when the device is powered by a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Alex Young, Silvan Terence Butler, Jonathan McLean Thomson, Andrew Paul Maxwell Salmon, Venkata Subbarao Potharaju, Benjamin Wilson Casse, Tak Ming Chung, Sergiu Constantin Filip
  • Patent number: 8282084
    Abstract: A respiratory humidification system having a capillary passage in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage, a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream. The aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, Christopher S. Tucker, Amit Limaye
  • Publication number: 20120247466
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a device useful for facilitating delivery of drugs or medicaments to the respiratory system of a user. The device comprising a mechanism for interrupting the airflow during inhalation or exhalation performed by the user through the device by generating pressure pulses within the respiratory system of the user, such that the delivery of the drugs to the user is facilitated; the pressure pulses are selected from the group consisting of: inspiratory Negative Pressure (NP) pulses, inspiratory Positive Pressure (PP) pulses, expiratory Negative Pressure (NP) pulses, expiratory Positive Pressure (PP) pulses into the respiratory system, and any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: RESPINOVA LTD.
    Inventor: Yuval Avni
  • Publication number: 20120247468
    Abstract: A low flow heated/humidified respiratory gas delivery system, especially useful for low flow rates as preferred in the treatment of neonate and other such patients, wherein the respiratory gas is heated and humidified as desired for delivery to the patient and the temperature is monitored at the point of delivery to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SMITHS MEDICAL ASD, INC.
    Inventors: Fredrick M. Richards, Gregory S. King, Kevin Thomas Farrell
  • Patent number: 8251060
    Abstract: A device and method for delivering a therapeutic drug to a patient in the form of an aerosol includes a heat generating chamber and an aerosol forming chamber separated by a heat conductor. A heating element is disposed within the heat generating chamber in heat conducting relation with the heat conductor. A substrate having a therapeutic drug and an aerosol forming agent deposited thereon is disposed within the aerosol forming chamber in heat conducting relation with the heat conductor. The heating element ignites a fuel source consisting essentially of a combustible liquefied gas to generate heat that is conducted to the heat conductor and then to the substrate via the heat conductor. The heat generated by the heating element activates the aerosol forming agent to volatilize the therapeutic drug into an aerosol drug contained within the aerosol forming chamber and made available to be inhaled by the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Perfetti and Perfetti, LLC
    Inventors: Jackie L. White, Thomas A. Perfetti
  • Patent number: 8251055
    Abstract: A drug delivery system, which includes an aerosol generator unit, a pumping unit, a flow tube, at least one condensate collector and an aerosol transition adapter. The aerosol generator forms an aerosol from a liquid formulation, which is partially volatilized. The pumping unit supplies the liquid formulation to the aerosol generator unit and a flow tube having an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet of the aerosol generator unit and an outlet adapted for connection to a patient interface, which supplies ventilation gas to a patient's lungs. The system also includes at least one condensate collector adapted to collect condensed liquid or liquid produced by the aerosol generator unit, and a transition adapter arranged to mix aerosol produced by the aerosol generator unit with heated air or ventilation gas and direct the mixed aerosol into the inlet end of the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Sudarsan Srinivasan, David Ammann, Donald Brookman, Niranjan Maharajh, Gary Grollimund, F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr., Douglas D. McRae
  • Patent number: 8245709
    Abstract: A respiration humidifier with a base unit (2), at least one sensor (3), which is connected to the base unit (2), and a mixing chamber (4), which is designed as a mixing chamber detachable from the base unit (2), with a gas-carrying area (5), wherein the mixing chamber (4) has at least one opening (6), through which the at least one sensor (3) is in connection with the gas-carrying area (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Rossen, Jochim Koch, Klaus Radomski
  • Patent number: 8245710
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for use humidified gases delivery treatment comprising a housing, a humidifier, and a chamber heating base connected to said housing, said housing includes a pressurized gases supply, a humidifier engagement (17), a pressurized gases outlet (4), a humidified gases return (7), and a patient outlet (9), said humidifier includes a humidification chamber (2) having a base, a humidifier inlet (5), a humidifier outlet (6) and said chamber is engagable with said humidifier engagement (17) via a single motion, and said single motion of engagement urges the base of said humidification chamber adjacent and in contact with said chamber heating base and makes a first fluid connection between said pressurized gases outlet (4) and said humidifier inlet (5), and makes a second fluid connection between said humidified gases return (7) and said humidifier outlet (6), with said first and second fluid connections being made in the direction of said single motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Ian Douglas Makinson, Martin P. F. Kramer
  • Patent number: 8235041
    Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor preferably includes means to sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold is disclosed to facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit is described which provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Paul John Seakins, Malcolm David Smith, Mohammad Thudor
  • Patent number: 8210177
    Abstract: A valve for controlling the level of liquid within a chamber (10) is disclosed. The valve comprises a liquid inlet (30) and a primary float (40) that is movable in response to a change in the level of liquid (20) within the chamber (10) between an open configuration in which liquid (20) is able to flow through the liquid inlet (30) into the chamber (10) when the liquid (20) within the chamber (10) is below a predetermined acceptable level, and a closed configuration in which liquid (20) is prevented from flowing through the liquid inlet (30) into the chamber (10) when the liquid within the chamber (10) is at or above the predetermined acceptable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Intersurgical AG
    Inventors: Simon Robert Payne, Keethan Fernando
  • Publication number: 20120160242
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling the pressure of a gas in a circuit by means of the generation of bubbles through a liquid, this effect being is used to produce a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The invention comprises a container containing a liquid; a bubble tube with one end located outside the liquid connected to a device connected to a patient's respiratory tract and the other end located within the liquid; and means for adjusting the level of liquid in the container. The device may also comprise, in addition to the aforesaid, means to stabilize the liquid level inside the container, humidifying and heating means located inside the container, and a gas-recycling system that conveys all or a portion of the gases generated in the container towards the humidifying and heating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicants: Socieded Biotecnologia y Bioingenieria Core S.A., Fundacion Universidad Del Norte
    Inventors: Jaime Eduardo Gutiérrez Fonseca, Oscar Omar Ovalle Orejarena, Antonio Bula Silvera
  • Publication number: 20120152246
    Abstract: A vaporizer heating assembly includes an airflow chamber having a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a glass body connecting the proximal end to the distal end. A heating chamber is located within the airflow chamber and includes an elongated glass body and a heating element located within the elongated glass body of the heating chamber. A fan is in fluid communication with the proximal end of the airflow chamber and an attachment adapter is mechanically coupled to the distal end of the airflow chamber in a sealing arrangement, where the attachment adapter forms an attachment port for a vapor receiving element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Vapor Systems International, LLC
    Inventor: Amir Yomtov
  • Publication number: 20120138050
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for humidifying ventilation gas. Systems and methods may include a nasal interface apparatus for receiving ventilation gas from gas delivery tubing and for humidifying ventilation gas. The nasal interface apparatus may have one or more channels within the nasal interface to deliver gas from a gas delivery circuit to a patient's nose; one or more structures in fluid communication with the one or more channels to direct ventilation gas to the patient's nose; and a hygroscopic material within the nasal interface in the flow path of the ventilation gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Breathe Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Wondka, Joseph Cipollone, George A. Kassanis, Todd W. Allum, Enrico Brambilla
  • Patent number: 8186344
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a system to control mechanical lung ventilation with volume band, more particularly a system to manage respiratory cycles in patients. Preferably, said respiratory cycles are controlled under pressure, so that the volumes as inspired by the patient are maintained within a volume range, comprising a lower volume limit and an upper volume limit, which are previously determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Intermed-Equipamento Medico Hospitalar LTDA.
    Inventor: Jorge Bonassa
  • Publication number: 20120125334
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reducing condensed humidifying agent in a humidification system by pulsing a delivery of humidifying agent into a respiratory circuit. During a non-pulsed interval, gas flowing through the respiratory circuit will evaporate the condensed humidifying agent present in the respiratory circuit. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for delivering humidified gas to a patient, wherein the delivery avoids the problems associated with a stationary water humidifier. In the method, the delivery of humidifying agent is precisely controlled to deliver a flow of humidifying agent to a volume of gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: CAREFUSION 2200, INC.,
    Inventors: Neil Alex Korneff, Paul David Dixon, Christopher M. Varga
  • Publication number: 20120125333
    Abstract: The present invention relates a modular respiratory system to which different parts can be added in a convenient way enabling such upgraded respiratory system to deliver the most comfortable respiratory conditions at an acceptable cost of ownership.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: PLASTIFLEX BELGIUM
    Inventors: Jon Richard Bedford, Malcolm Graham James, Neil Anthony Kaye, Jeno Kurja, Rik Julia Raoul Langerock
  • Patent number: 8171935
    Abstract: A system for delivering a humidified gas to a patient is disclosed. The system includes a supply tube having a first supply tube end and a second supply tube end. The supply tube has a first inner diameter. The system also includes an apparatus for delivering heated and humidified gas to the first end of the supply tube and a single lumen having a first lumen end and a second lumen end. The single lumen has a second inner diameter, smaller than the first diameter. The first lumen end is in fluid flow communication with the second supply tube end. The system also includes a nasal cannula in fluid flow communication with the second lumen end. A method of delivering heated and humidified gas to a patient is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., William F. Niland, Carl Buyer, George McGarrity
  • Publication number: 20120097163
    Abstract: A humidifier heater base assembly is disclosed for use in a humidifier which is used for heating and humidifying a flow of respiratory gases supplied to a user. The assembly preferably includes a heater plate having a thermally conductive portion and a perimeter portion around the perimeter of the heater plate, and a resilient member having an inner part attached to the perimeter portion. An outer part of the resilient member is adapted to provide a resilient perimeter flange around at least part and preferably the whole of the perimeter portion. The resilient member is adapted to allow the heater base to be fixed to the humidifier by the resilient perimeter flange in such a manner that the heater plate and the inner part can move relative to the humidifier in a direction substantially transverse to the general plane of the heater plate. At least a portion of the resilient perimeter flange remains stationary relative to the humidifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Venkata Subbarao Potharaju, Yi-Cheng Sun, Dominique D'Andrea, Andrew Paul Maxwell Salmon
  • Publication number: 20120080032
    Abstract: The present inventions provide respiratory therapy apparatus that introduce water into the pressurized air delivered to a user during various positive airway pressure therapies and corresponding methods. The respiratory therapy apparatus may be configured to administer one or more positive airway pressure therapies, including: continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP), bi-level positive airway pressure therapy (BPAP), auto positive airway pressure therapy (autoPAP), proportional positive airway pressure therapy (PPAP), and/or other positive airway pressure therapies. The respiratory therapy apparatus may include a user interface that defines an interface passage to communicate pressurized air to the user for inhalation and a humidifier that introduces water into the pressurized air generally at the interface passage. Methods according to the present inventions may include introducing water into the interface passage at one or more humidifier ports disposed about the interface passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Somnetics Global Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven S. Bordewick, Bruce Bowman, Holly Larkin
  • Patent number: 8146590
    Abstract: There is provided a humidification system for a breathing circuit that can detect abnormality in flow of intake air inside an inspiration tube. A humidification section is arranged inside an inspiration tube of a breathing circuit. Further, the humidification system is constructed capable of supplying moisture into intake air flowing inside the inspiration tube by using, for example, hydrophobic hollow fibers or a hydrophobic membrane. The flow section comprises a supply section for supplying moisture to the humidification section and a delivery section for delivering moisture that has been supplied to the humidification section. The control section detects intake air abnormality using difference information for water temperature of the supply section and water temperature of the delivery section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: METRAN Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazufuku Nitta
  • Publication number: 20120073573
    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: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Mohammad THUDOR, Ian Douglas MAKINSON, Philip James BIGGS, Philip John DICKINSON
  • Patent number: 8122882
    Abstract: A breathing circuit includes inspiratory and expiratory limbs, each having a respective electrically energizable heating circuit. The heating circuits are independently and selectively electrically energized through separate power circuits such as to control the temperature in each limb in a desired fashion so as to reduce rainout in the breathing circuit and particularly in the expiratory limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventors: Cary E. McGhin, Robert L. Snyder
  • Patent number: 8118023
    Abstract: A system and method for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by means of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) system in which is included an ultra-violet light source to remove bacteria and contaminants which may cause respiratory infection in a patient being treated. The ultraviolet light source is contained in a specially designed chamber comprising aluminum or equivalent suitable materials. The ultraviolet chamber is positioned directly downstream of a humidification unit and includes specially positioned baffles to protect connecting elements and other system components from any possible damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Michael J. Short
  • Patent number: 8113204
    Abstract: A microdosing device with a dosing chamber for the at least temporary reception of a liquid quantity, and with which is associated at least one discharge opening is provided. A vibrating unit in operative connection with at least one boundary surface of the dosing chamber is provided in order to vibrate the same for a discharge process, and with a delivery function unit connected to the vibrating unit for activating the latter during a delivery time period. A drying function unit is additionally provided and can be activated in time-separated manner with respect to the delivery function unit in order to free the dosing chamber from liquid residues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Koerner, Michael Helmlinger, Holger Schuerle, Rene Bommer
  • Publication number: 20120017904
    Abstract: Humidified respiratory gas is supplied to a patient through an open cannula placed within the openings of the patient's nostrils. The open cannula allows respiratory gas to escape the patient's nostrils and thereby reduce back pressure experienced by a patient during the expiratory periods of the patient's breathing cycle. An open cannula configuration also eliminates uncomfortable masks that may otherwise prevent an obstructive breathing disordered patient from effectively using respiratory therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: David R. Ratto, Richard L. Murray
  • Publication number: 20120017905
    Abstract: Provided is an artificial nose and a breathing circuit provided with the artificial nose, including: an outer shell; a moisture permeable and water resistant film 6 disposed on an entire circumference of an internal surface of the outer shell, forming a water retention region with the outer shell, and forming an aeration region on an internal surface side thereof; a feed water inlet provided in the outer shell to supply water to the water retention region; a heat and moisture exchanger element loaded in the aeration region; and a heater disposed outside the outer shell, wherein the water supplied from the feed water inlet is retained in the water retention region by the moisture permeable and water resistant film, an inspiratory gas and an expiratory gas pass through the heat and moisture exchanger element loaded in the aeration region, and the artificial nose carries out a first heating and humidifying process of the inspiratory gas in which heat and moisture included in the expiratory gas passing therethrou
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Sata, Norio Hachisu
  • Patent number: 8100123
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat exchanger or other heating and/or cooling device; and a breathing interface, such as a breathing mask or tracheal tube. Optionally, the system may include additional features, such as a mechanical respirator, a nebulizer for introducing medication into the breathing gas, a body temperature probe and a feedback controller. The system can use air or a specialized breathing gas mixture, such as He/O2 or SF6/O2 to increase the heat transfer rate. In addition, the system may include an ice particle generator for introducing fine ice particles into the flow of breathing gas to further increase the heat transfer rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Thermocure, Inc.
    Inventor: Amir Belson