Treating Agent Evaporated From Extended Surface Absorbent (e.g., Sponge, Fibrous Wick, Screen, Etc.) Patents (Class 128/204.13)
  • Patent number: 11918780
    Abstract: A medical device comprising an enclosure defining a cavity for containing agent, a lumen for receiving a pressurized gas, and a barrier positioned between the cavity and the lumen, the barrier including at least one opening for storing agent, wherein rotation of the barrier relative to the lumen establishes fluid communication between the at least one opening and the lumen for delivering agent from the at least one opening to the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Robert Jagelski, Andrew Pic, Amanda Lynn Smith, Ra Nam, Laurie A. Lehtinen
  • Patent number: 11638803
    Abstract: An anesthetic evaporator unit (2) with an anesthetic container (4) for receiving liquid anesthetic, with a gas line (6) with an open-pore, porous line wall (8) for guiding gas and for enriching the gas with anesthetic, and with an anesthetic-guiding wick (10), which extends from an interior space (12) of the anesthetic container (4) to the line wall (8) in order to supply the line wall (8) with anesthetic from the anesthetic container (4). The anesthetic evaporator unit (2) has a heater (14) for heating the gas line (6). A method for controlling the anesthetic evaporator unit (2) is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Michael Heidschmidt, Klaus Radomski, Thomas Lutter, Franz Mair
  • Patent number: 11471636
    Abstract: A moisture removal and condensation and humidity management apparatus for a breathing circuit includes a breathing circuit tubing defining a breathing gas conduit. The breathing gas has a first humidity level and a level of moisture therein. A dry gas conduit is adjacent at least a portion of the breathing gas conduit. The dry gas flow is configured to have a second humidity level lower than the first humidity level. A moisture transmission pathway is provided between the breathing gas conduit and the dry gas conduit, such that humidity in the flow of breathing gas is lowered and moisture is transferred to the dry gas flow. The moisture transmission pathway may be provided by a permeable portion which is permeable to water vapor but impermeable to liquid water, or by one or more perforations which permit drainage of liquid water from the breathing gas conduit to the dry gas conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Medline Industries, LP
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick Dwyer, James Lorek
  • Patent number: 11439789
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering anesthetic agent to a patient. In one embodiment, an anesthetic vaporizer includes a vaporizing chamber configured to hold a liquid anesthetic agent, and an inductive heating element positioned exterior to the vaporizing chamber and housed within a gas-tight barrier, the inductive heating element operated to selectively heat a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Russell James Kuzelka, Joseph James Lacey
  • Patent number: 11247007
    Abstract: A silencer having improved ease of maintenance and a small size and light weight and a respiratory assistance device. The silencer is provided to therapy equipment where pressurized air is generated by a blower, and the pressurized air is supplied to an airway of a patient from an attachment part attached to the patient, the silencer being inserted into a flow passage so as to reduce sound generated by the therapy equipment, the pressurized air being introduced from the blower to the patient through the flow passage. The silencer is provided outside a casing which accommodates the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Metran Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazufuku Nitta, Shinichi Shiota
  • Patent number: 11247017
    Abstract: A breathing gas humidifier capsule having an evaporator module with a heated, hydrophobic liquid water reservoir defined by water vapor-permeable walls. Liquid water in the hydrophobic reservoir is vaporized by a heater and the generated water vapor is entrained in a passing breathing gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: PEGASUS RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Miller
  • Patent number: 10993471
    Abstract: Vaporizer cartridges are provided. In some implementations, a cartridge includes a body having a base region sized to be inserted into a receptacle on a device, a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the body, a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material, a wick positioned to contact the vaporizable material, a resistive heating element having a pair of heating element ends, and a pair of plates away from the distal end. The plates are in contact with the pair of heating element ends, have a contact end exposed on an outer surface of a distal end of the body, and are configured to complete a circuit with the device when the base region is inserted into the receptacle, the exposed contact ends disposed in a first plane on the distal end. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Juul Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Christensen, James Monsees
  • Patent number: 10864346
    Abstract: A medical humidifier for humidification of air to be delivered to a patient's airways may include a humidification chamber, a reservoir and a water delivery mechanism. The humidification chamber may include a water retention feature such as a wick, a heating element for heating the humidification chamber, and an air flow baffle configured to promote humidification. The humidifier may be further configured to execute one or more algorithms, for example to determine a condition of the humidifier and/or to mitigate any detected faults. In some forms, the humidifier may also comprise algorithms for controlling one or more components of the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Matthew Rolf Harrington, David Creusot, Dmitri Anatolievich Doudkine, Andrew Sims, Luke Andrew Stanislas, Nan Hai Wu, Arthur Kin-Wai Yee
  • Patent number: 10758331
    Abstract: Provided is a rotatable surgical apparatus and accompanying method for processing a specimen via the rotatable surgical apparatus. The surgical apparatus may include a base member and a platform member where the platform member and base member abut. Each of the base member and platform member may define one or more channel. The one or more base channels may be in fluid communication with the one or more platform channels. A nozzle may be disposed on the top surface of the platform member, in fluid communication with the at least one platform channel and may administer anesthetic to a specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: John Strein, Sam Cichon
  • Patent number: 10746420
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of this disclosure, a gas humidifier system includes a reservoir of liquid with at least one selectively permeable tube at least partially submerged within the liquid. A gas stream may be fed into the selectively permeable tube that passes through the liquid reservoir. The selectively permeable tube may be substantially impermeable to the gas flowing therethrough but permeable to vapor (e.g., water vapor) entering the selectively permeable tube from the liquid. Thus, vapor from the liquid reservoir can enter the selectively permeable tube and humidify the gas flowing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: ELEMENTAL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 10716701
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for monitoring, diagnosing and/or treating sleep apnea. Devices of the invention comprise a mouthpiece having a filter assembly and a microchip. Devices of the invention may also comprise a nasal splint having a filter assembly and a microchip. The invention also relates to a system comprising devices of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ALLREST TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Robert S De Heer, Jerome Hester, Juan Ramon Zarco
  • Patent number: 10315148
    Abstract: A fluidic filter for filtering a fluid includes a filter housing having an inlet part, an outlet part and a housing part, and a filter element having an inlet side and an outlet side. The filter element is housed inside the housing part of the filter housing and includes a first flow passage that extends along a longitudinal direction of the filter element and is connected to the outlet part, and a plurality of ridges extending along the longitudinal direction. A plurality of second flow passages respectively are formed between ridges and an inner surface of the housing part, allowing the fluid to flow from the inlet side of the filter element along the longitudinal direction. At least a portion of the plurality of ridges facing the second flow passages is permeable to the fluid so as to allow passage of the fluid from the second flow passages to the first flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: ESA European Space Agency
    Inventors: Matthew Smith, Christopher Hunter, Don De Wilde, Nick Goody
  • Patent number: 10247432
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of this disclosure, a gas humidifier system includes a reservoir of liquid with at least one selectively permeable tube at least partially submerged within the liquid. A gas stream may be fed into the selectively permeable tube that passes through the liquid reservoir. The selectively permeable tube may be substantially impermeable to the gas flowing therethrough but permeable to vapor (e.g., water vapor) entering the selectively permeable tube from the liquid. Thus, vapor from the liquid reservoir can enter the selectively permeable tube and humidify the gas flowing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 10158129
    Abstract: A fluid exchange membrane module includes a case including at least two pairs of fluid inlets and fluid outlets, and a fluid exchange membrane installed within the case and disposed so that a dry fluid flowing between one pair of a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet does not directly contact a high-humidity fluid flowing between another pair of a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet in the operating state of the module. The fluid inlet for the high-humidity fluid includes a diffuser. The fluid exchange membrane module may adiabatically expand a fluid flowing toward one side of a fluid exchange membrane and thus increase the relative humidity of the high-temperature and high-humidity fluid so as to maximize fluid transmission through the fluid exchange membrane, and may decrease the pressure of the fluid so as to uniform pressure distribution of a fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: KOLON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kyoung Ju Kim, Young Seok Oh, Jin Hyung Lee
  • Patent number: 9717878
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating anaesthesia, particularly in Re-Breather anaesthetic circuits. A problem with Re-Breather circuits is that their dynamic response can be relatively slow. The dynamic response is the response of the circuit to delivering changes of anaesthetic concentration. In current circuits, Fresh Gas containing anaesthetic is delivered into the circuit and may be substantially diluted by the gas already present in the circuit. It is therefore difficult to achieve a rapid increase of anaesthetic concentration for delivery to the patient. In the present invention, an accumulator is placed in the Re-Breather circuit to accumulate Fresh Gas containing anaesthetic as it is introduced into the circuit, adjacent an inhalation conduit to the patient. Fresh Gas containing high concentrations of anaesthetic is therefore immediately available to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Colin Dunlop
  • Patent number: 9403043
    Abstract: An air warming apparatus operable to provide a user breathing air wherein the air is warmer than that of the user's environment. The air warming apparatus includes a filtered air intake operably coupled to an intake manifold. A lower air transport assembly circumferentially surrounds a user's torso and is adjacent thereto and provides the first phase of air warming for air flowing therethrough. A return manifold operably couples the lower air transport assembly and the upper air transport assembly and further contains a humidifier therein. The upper air transport assembly is surroundably mounted to the user and provides the second phase of air warming. An upper chamber of the intake manifold operably couples the upper air transport assembly and the breathing assembly. The breathing assembly includes a mouthpiece and a breathing valve that is operable to control the air flow through the air warming apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: David Peters
  • Patent number: 9095735
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a nose filter adapted to be inserted into a nostril, the nose filter comprising: a housing having an external shape corresponding to the nostril, for enforcing breathed air to pass through the housing; filtering membrane(s), for filtering inhaled air; a first air passageway(s), through the filtering membrane(s); a second air passageway(s), bypassing the filtering membrane(s); and valve(s), for enforcing inhaled air to pass through the filtering membrane(s), and bypass the filtering membrane(s) upon exhalation; wherein the valve(s) are operative to block the second air passageway(s) upon inhalation, and operative to open the second passageway(s) upon exhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventors: Boris Kashmakov, Levi Tolmasov, Arkady Tolmasov
  • Patent number: 9016274
    Abstract: A device for vaporizing and delivering an aerosol agent includes a heat generator, a heat conductor in fluid (airflow) communication with the heat generator, and a substrate holder in heat conducting relation with the heat conductor. The heat generator is a handheld, portable torch and the heat conductor defines an annular heat conducting chamber surrounding a substrate disposed within the substrate holder that supports the aerosol agent and an aerosol forming agent. Another device is a handheld, battery-powered heat generator including a heating element in heat conducting relation with a substrate holder. The heating element is a nichrome heating coil wound about the substrate disposed within the substrate holder and electrically coupled to the battery. Another device further includes an auxiliary heat generator having an auxiliary heating element formed by a finely woven wire mesh positioned adjacent the substrate and electrically coupled to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Jackie L. White
  • Patent number: 8833366
    Abstract: The present application relates to a liquid-evaporate delivery device which relies on the efficient use of air currents to deliver liquid evaporate to airspace around the device. Efficient air currents may be provided by rotating the air currents around the wick, by providing a helical channel for the air to flow around the wick, and/or by aligning a fan with the longitudinal axis of the wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Takasago International Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph G. Colombo, Anthony J. Leardi, John E. Lando
  • Patent number: 8776787
    Abstract: An adaptor includes a housing and a plurality of blades disposed inside the housing. The adaptor can be utilized with a breathing assist device such as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Air flowing through an air flow path defined by the two ends of the housing is delivered for use. The blades within the housing are aligned in a direction parallel to the air flow path. The blades within the housing can be parallel, zigzag or chevron shape and are designed to facilitate condensation of water from the air flowing over the blades. The adaptor will reduce rain-out effect in the breathing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Eddie Dewayne Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20140174442
    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: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Vapotherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, JR., Owen S. Bamford, William F. Niland, George McGarrity, Carl Buyer, Kenneth Miller, Peter Boyd
  • Patent number: 8757147
    Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Minusa Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Terry, Noah Mark Minskoff
  • Patent number: 8752545
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inhaler component for forming a vapor-air mixture and/or condensation aerosol by vaporising a liquid material and optionally condensing the vapor formed, including: a heating element for vaporising a portion of the liquid material; a wick for automatically supplying the liquid material to the heating element, wherein the wick comprises at least two end sections arranged apart from each other; a first capillary gap for automatically supplying the liquid material to the wick, wherein a first end section of the wick projects into the first capillary gap. In order that the heating element can be supplied more quickly and more reliably with the liquid material, a second capillary gap is provided, which receives therein the second end section of the wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: BATMark Limited
    Inventor: Helmut Buchberger
  • Patent number: 8746240
    Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nate Terry & Michael Edward Breede
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Terry, Noah Mark Minskoff
  • Patent number: 8567402
    Abstract: Mask ports 180 for attaching supplemental oxygen tubes 510 or measurement devices to a respiratory mask are downwardly directed and recessed into the base 110 of the mask frame 100. The ports may comprise a pair of downwardly extending tubular spigots 185 each housed in a respective recess 190 in the base 110, with a shallow bridging recess 290 therebetween for receiving a bridging piece 300 of a closure cap 280.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Michael K. Gunaratnam, Amal Amarasinghe
  • Patent number: 8550068
    Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Terry, Noah Mark Minskoff
  • Publication number: 20130255680
    Abstract: This invention discloses a novel nasal insert which reduces the effect of upper airway resistance syndrome. The insert comprises a short, hollow, flexible tube with the central portion of one side being removed. The insert is inserted into each nostril to allow increased airflow and reduce the work of breathing. The efficiency of the insert may be increased by its impregnation with aroma-therapy essential oils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: George VOLGYESI
  • Patent number: 8496003
    Abstract: A wick for an anesthetic evaporator is provided as a dimensionally stable wick body (14) transporting anesthetic by means of capillary force is provided. The wick body comprises a hollow cylinder as well as webs by which a gas-carrying cavity is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Kleinschmidt, Karl-Ludwig Gippert, Thorsten Bruhn, Dirk-Stefan Reichert, Michael Riecke
  • Patent number: 8448638
    Abstract: An anesthetic vaporizer is disclosed herein which comprises a fresh gas inlet, a mixed gas outlet, a first gas branch circuit, a second gas branch circuit and a vaporizing chamber. The vaporizing chamber has a reservoir for containing an anesthetic agent. The first gas branch circuit connects the fresh gas inlet and the mixed gas outlet. The second gas branch circuit comprises a first pneumatic circuit, a pressure compensation unit, a second pneumatic circuit, a wick unit and a third pneumatic circuit. The pressure compensation unit has a curved, continuous and sealed vent slot. The wick unit has an immersion portion which is directly contacted with the anesthetic agent in the reservoir. The fresh gas inlet, the first pneumatic circuit, the vent slot, the second pneumatic circuit, the wick unit, the third pneumatic circuit and the mixed gas outlet are sequentially connected with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Donghua Chen, Daoming Gong, Wei Wang
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 7992554
    Abstract: A liquid evaporator includes a liquid reservoir (3) with a liquid to be evaporated, a heater (9) and an evaporator tube (12). The evaporator tube (12) has a first porous element (1) having a first porosity and with an area in contact with the liquid in the liquid reservoir (3) and a second porous element (2) with a second porosity and with an area present on an evaporator side (50) used to dispense the evaporated liquid, and an area outside the liquid reservoir heated by the heater (9) which is not directly in connection with the liquid. The first porous element and the second porous element are in contact in contact areas with the first porous element forming a wick delivering liquid from the reservoir to the contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Radomski, Norbert Wruck, Jochim Koch
  • Patent number: 7878197
    Abstract: A nasal comfort device provides humidified air to the nasal passages of a user. The device, which is attachable to a user's face, may include an evaporative surface and a reservoir that is fluidically connected to the evaporative surface. The reservoir may be positioned remotely from the evaporative surface and connected to the evaporative surface with a conduit. A support structure may include one or more support arms which maintain the evaporative surface below the nose. In some embodiments, the device may filter air instead of, or in addition to, humidifying the air. Medications or other agents may be included in the liquid being evaporated or on the evaporative surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Frank L. Christy, Stephen C. Keiser, Richard L. Miller, Benjamin Powers, Peter H. Swai
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100269826
    Abstract: The present application relates to a liquid-evaporate delivery device which relies on the efficient use of air currents to deliver liquid evaporate to airspace around the device. Efficient air currents may be provided by rotating the air currents around the wick, by providing a helical channel for the air to flow around the wick, and/or by aligning a fan with the longitudinal axis of the wick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: TAKASAGO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOSEPH G. COLOMBO, ANTHONY J. LEARDI, JOHN E. LANDO
  • Patent number: 7766014
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wearing article for absorbing bodily substance discharge from mouth or nose. The article is formed from a material which is capable of receiving a holding bodily substance device and which is simply retained on the forearm or elbow of the user. The invention also provides a wearing article for delivering medicinal substance to mouth or nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Wendy P. Piret
  • Publication number: 20100051028
    Abstract: A wick for an anesthetic evaporator is provided as a dimensionally stable wick body (14) transporting anesthetic by means of capillary force is provided. The wick body comprises a hollow cylinder as well as webs by which a gas-carrying cavity is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Drãger Medical AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lothar KLEINSCHMIDT, Karl-Ludwig GIPPERT, Thorsten BRUHN, Dirk-Stefan REICHERT, Michael RIECKE
  • Patent number: 7669599
    Abstract: Mask ports 180 for attaching supplemental oxygen tubes 510 or measurement devices to a respiratory mask are downwardly directed and recessed into the base 110 of the mask frame 100. The ports may comprise a pair of downwardly extending tubular spigots 185 each housed in a respective recess 190 in the base 110, with a shallow bridging recess 290 therebetween for receiving a bridging piece 300 of a closure cap 280.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Michael K Gunaratnam, Amal Amarasinghe
  • Publication number: 20090095295
    Abstract: A device is provided for adsorbing and desorbing anesthetic has good control of anesthetic dispensing such as in an anesthetic system. An adsorption filter is provided with adsorption beds (13, 14), which can be pivoted between an inspiration line (4) and an expiration line (6). The anesthetic is dispensed in the expiration line (6) on the incoming flow side of the adsorption bed (14) arranged there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: DRAGER MEDICAL AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Norbert WRUCK, Gotz KULLIK, Michael RIECKE
  • Patent number: 7428902
    Abstract: A humidifier system for heating and humidifying respiratory gases has a housing with an inner chamber, a first port at the first end for connection to a ventilator breathing circuit and a second port at the second end for connection to a patient to supply respiratory gases to the patient and to receive exhaled gases from the patient. A body of heat moisture exchange (HME) material is located within the chamber, and a water permeable device is also located within the chamber. The housing has a water refill inlet communicating with the water permeable device. A water supply outside the housing is connected to the water refill inlet to supply water to the water permeable device. A heater mounted outside the housing supplies heat to the housing and maintains the housing at a selected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Newport Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Hong-Lin Du, Norio Hachisu
  • Patent number: 7395821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler device and provides such a device comprising first and second compartments (4, 6) movable relative to one another such that, upon movement of said components (4, 6), operating means (16, 28, 40, 42, 44, 46) advances a cartridge compartment (140) into a predetermined position relative to medicament extraction facilitating means (14) and extends the medicament extraction facilitating means (14) into a position adjacent said advanced compartment (140) for allowing medicament extraction upon inhalation by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Cipla Limited
    Inventors: Amar Lulla, Geena Malhotra, Xerxes Rao
  • Patent number: 7011093
    Abstract: Nasal dilators and strips, methods of their manufacture, and methods for improving the breathing of individuals are provided. The strips and dilators include an elongated substrate, with or without a dilating component or portion, having top and bottom surfaces and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the bottom surface. The dilator is designed to provide a gentle expanding force to the nasal wall tissue when the dilator is adhesively attached to the nose. This invention further includes a cosmetic fragrance, an aromatic medication and/or transdermal medication disposed on the strips or dilators. In order to improve the shelf-life and in-use olfactory effectiveness of such products, fragrance delivery mechanisms are used. Separation of volatile oils and adhesives are also provided to minimize adhesive residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: CNS, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton W. Anderson, Nobuya Hashizume, Peter J. Cronk, Kristen Cronk
  • Patent number: 6990979
    Abstract: Breathing equipment with a circuit for breathing gas and with a flat calcium hydroxide absorber (1) is cooled by an evaporating agent with improved cooling. A gas volume flow of at least 60 L per minute is admitted to the outer surface (14) of the calcium hydroxide absorber (1) receiving the evaporating agent by at least one gas delivery device (5). The evaporating agent is delivered to the outer surface (14) of the calcium hydroxide absorber (1) by an admitted pressure from an evaporating agent reservoir (10) via at least one connection line (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Jochim Koch
  • Patent number: 6769428
    Abstract: Nasal dilators and strips, methods of their manufacture, and methods for improving the breathing of individuals are provided. The strips and dilators include an elongated substrate, with or without a dilating component or portion, having top and bottom surfaces and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the bottom surface. The dilator is designed to provide a gentle expanding force to the nasal wall tissue when the dilator is adhesively attached to the nose. This invention further includes a cosmetic fragrance, an aromatic medication and/or transdermal medication disposed on the strips or dilators. In order to improve the shelf-life and in-use olfactory effectiveness of such products, fragrance delivery mechanisms are used. Separation of volatile oils and adhesives are also provided to minimize adhesive residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventors: Peter J. Cronk, Kristen Cronk
  • Patent number: 6758215
    Abstract: An aromatic travel mask that fits over the nose and mouth area of a wearer's face for filtration of air, particularly recycled air in the travel compartment of a common carrier, the travel mask having a face shield with an aroma patch that emits a pleasant aroma and a retainer such as a head band for retaining the face shield against a user's head, the retainer having slidable ear plugs for blocking noise. The face shield also has foldable eye flaps for blocking light when the flaps are extended, the flaps preferably having thermal gel packs for cooling or warming the eye lid area during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Paul G. Begum
  • Patent number: 6701924
    Abstract: The nasal filter is a breathing aid that would filter pollutants and contaminants from the air, thus improving the quality of the air inhaled by individuals who suffer respiratory ailments and allergies to air borne pollutants. Designed to fit just inside the nostrils, the nasal filter would consist of a spring clip having flanged two-pronged ends with an oval shaped filtering member on each end. The filtering elements would be made of a medium grade cotton rolled into an appropriate configuration to fit the nostril, and could possibly be impregnated with oxymetazoline to aid in the treatment of nasal congestion. The flanged ends would secure the device in place during exhalation, and could also be useful in replacing the disposable filtering elements. The spring clip could be offered in clear or flesh-toned plastic and could also be offered in a variety of sizes to fit different user's noses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Richard D. Land, Jr., Dawn Land
  • Patent number: 6691706
    Abstract: Personal Humidifier with a horseshoe shaped headset made of plastic and being hollow in construction, the headset having an integral centrally located accordion type connection that allows each end of the headset to flex outward to snuggly fit on a user's head, the headset terminating at one end in a flexible tubular member, the tubular member terminating in a wicking material, the wicking material being covered by a removable, replaceable screen cover, the tubular member and the wicking material being supported by a hand bendable metal wire, the metal wire allowing the user to position the tubular member and the wicking material in close proximity to the user's nose, the wicking material penetrating into one end of the hollow headset and traveling the entire length of the headset, the hollow headset capable of retaining water or the like, the water capable of traveling along the wicking material to provide moisture in close proximity to the user's nose, the water retaining headset being refill
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Harrison Ives
  • Publication number: 20040003812
    Abstract: The portable scent delivery device employs a housing and scent generator which selectively releases scent. The housing is suitably a headset, hat, shoulder harness or personal electronic device like a mobile telephone. The scent travels to the user's nose by diffusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Manne
  • Publication number: 20030121518
    Abstract: Personal Humidifier with a horseshoe shaped headset made of plastic and being hollow in construction, the headset having an integral centrally located accordion type connection that allows each end of the headset to flex outward to snuggly fit on a user's head, the headset terminating at one end in a flexible tubular member, the tubular member terminating in a wicking material, the wicking material being covered by a removable, replaceable screen cover, the tubular member and the wicking material being supported by a hand bendable metal wire, the metal wire allowing the user to position the tubular member and the wicking material in close proximity to the user's nose, the wicking material penetrating into one end of the hollow headset and traveling the entire length of the headset, the hollow headset capable of retaining water or the like, the water capable of traveling along the wicking material to provide moisture in close proximity to the user's nose, the water retaining headset being refillable by removin
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Harrison Ives
  • Patent number: 6561188
    Abstract: The apparatus is configured to provide improved nasal breathing to persons requiring a range of respiratory based remedies ranging from opening collapsed nasal passages to treating allergic reaction to delivery of immediate dosage or controlled release medication. The apparatus includes connected nasal inserts which provide nodules to open the nasal passage and which directly align with the nasal air channel. For a preferred embodiment which provides a means to delivery of breathable gas mixtures or nasal and sinus rinse solutions, the inserts contain cannula which receive and connect to the source of the gas or rinse. For another embodiment using filtration, the inserts receive disposable filtration pacs. Sustained release of predetermined medical dosages is obtained by a further embodiment wherein the inserts receive medication inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Alan D. Ellis