Respiratory Gas Passed Over Surface Of Liquid Treating Agent In Reservoir Patents (Class 128/204.14)
  • Patent number: 11883605
    Abstract: A water reservoir includes a reservoir base configured to hold a predetermined maximum volume of water to be used for humidification of pressurized breathable air, a reservoir lid pivotally connected to the reservoir base to allow the water reservoir to be movable between an open position and a closed position, the reservoir lid comprising an inlet and an outlet, and a seal configured to sealingly engage the reservoir lid and the reservoir base when the water reservoir is in the closed position, wherein the reservoir base includes an overfill protection element having an egress path for water at a predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Mark Bertinetti, Justin John Formica, Matthew Rolf Harrington, Saad Nasr, Joseph Samuel Ormrod, Jose Ignacio Romagnoli, Nathan John Row, Luke Andrew Stanislas, Hargopal Verma
  • Patent number: 11596815
    Abstract: Provided is a powered air blower unit for delivering air flow to a user with constant air flow or varying speeds of air flow. The air blower unit may also include a filter for purifying the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Nishank R. Patel, Eric Sommers, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Patent number: 11464935
    Abstract: A respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device for pressurising breathable air to treat a respiratory disorder in a patient includes a pressure generator configured to pressurise breathable air, an RPT device inlet configured to receive breathable air from externally of the RPT device to be pressurised by the pressure generator, an RPT device outlet configured to be connected to an air circuit to direct breathable air pressurised by the pressure generator to the patient, a dock having a dock outlet and a dock inlet, and an external housing to enclose the pressure generator. The external housing forms an opening sized to alternatively receive an end cap or a water reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Mark Bertinetti, Justin John Formica, Matthew Rolf Harrington, Saad Nasr, Joseph Samuel Ormrod, Jose Ignacio Romagnoli, Nathan John Row, Luke Andrew Stanislas, Hargopal Verma
  • Patent number: 11173272
    Abstract: A humidification arrangement can be configured to have multiple compartments with each compartment having at least one moisture source and at least one heater. The compartments can be thermally isolated and can be controlled such that the moisture output of both the first and second compartments is set to a function of the same set of input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Anthony James Newland, Timothy James Beresford Sharp, Jess Edward Donnelly, Andre Van Schalkwyk
  • Patent number: 10918822
    Abstract: A humidification canister for humidifying a breathing gas, the humidification canister includes a fluid supply configured to supply a fluid and a first gas flow path in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A first gas flow path is configured to humidify the breathing gas with the fluid. A second gas flow path at least partially surrounds the first gas flow path. A method of insulating a breathing gas in a humidification canister using a gas is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: VAPOTHERM, INC.
    Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., Owen S. Bamford, William F. Niland, George McGarrity, Carl Buyer, Kenneth Miller, Peter Boyd
  • Patent number: 10874820
    Abstract: A positive airway pressure (PAP) device for supplying a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas and a humidifier configured to receive and humidify the pressurized flow of breathable gas from the flow generator. The PAP device also includes a power source. The flow generator, humidifier and power source are positioned so that heat generated by at least one of the flow generator and the power source is conveyed to water in the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Dion Charles Chewe Martin, Barton John Kenyon, Alexander Virr, Dmitri Anatolievich Doudkine, Philip Rodney Kwok, Richard Charles Napper, John Michael Snow
  • Patent number: 10688272
    Abstract: A respiratory humidification system for providing humidification to gases that pass through a gas passage way before being provided to an airway of a patient is disclosed. The respiratory humidification system may include a liquid flow controller providing a controlled flow of liquid, a heating system including a heating surface configured to be located in a gases passage way and provide humidification to gases passing through the passage way, wherein the heating system receives the controlled flow of liquid, and one or more hardware processors providing deterministic control of a humidity level of gases passing through the gas passage way by instructing the liquid flow controller to adjust the controlled flow of liquid received at the heating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Russel William Burgess, Dean Antony Barker, Laith Adeeb Hermez, Joel Michael Lawson, Robert Stuart Kirton, Kevin Peter O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 10413686
    Abstract: A nasal clip and/or dilator which is U-shaped having protruding wider spherical/spheroid holders at each end of the U is designed to be placed such that each spherical holder is in a nostril. The U-shaped clip can press against the columella and each holder against the septum. Inside each holder is a scented piece, such as a plastic ball or cylinder with aromatic compounds there-in which exit from the surface of the respective scented piece. To facilitate the scent escaping from the scented piece and into the nose, each holder has portals such as around the circumference thereof and/or on opposite sides thereof, transverse to the “U” of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Clifford S. Aboff
  • Patent number: 10112028
    Abstract: A respiratory assistance apparatus includes a flow generator and a humidifier. The humidifier includes a humidification chamber. The humidification chamber comprises a water tub that is configured to receive a volume of water. A lid is hingedly coupled to the water tub for enclosing a volume contained within the water tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventor: Arjen David Kat
  • Patent number: 9901700
    Abstract: A nasal pillow section for use as part of an apparatus for providing a stream of gases to a user, the pillow section in use located in front of the upper lip and below the nostrils of a user, the pillow section comprising a pillow gasket having a gases aperture which receives a stream of gases in use, and nasal pillows fluidically connected to the pillow gasket which are adapted to substantially seal against the nostrils of a user in use, so that substantially the whole of the stream of gases entering the gasket through the aperture passes into the nasal pillows from the pillow gasket and is delivered to the user, the lower inner surface of the pillow gasket shaped so that in use contact between the upper lip of a user and the pillow gasket is minimised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Edwin McAuley, Craig Robert Prentice, Rory Alexander Monro, Isaac Tristram Tane Mason, Nadjean Maurice Gabriel Geslain
  • Patent number: 9038631
    Abstract: A humidifier has a base unit with an engagement face that is configured to interface with a flow generator. The humidifier also has a tank configured to be removably received by the base unit and hold a volume of liquid. The tank has a side wall with an air inlet. The humidifier further has an air flow passage configured to receive an air connector of the flow generator at the engagement face of the base unit. The air flow passage is axially offset from a tank inlet. In addition, a cross-section of the airflow passage inlet and a cross-section of the tank air inlet are substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Geoffrey Crumblin, Michael Thomas Janiak, Dan Kao, Barton John Kenyon, Perry David Lithgow, Rohan Neil Primrose, Jim Saada, John Michael Snow, Duncan Lovel Trevor-Wilson, Alexander Virr, Arthur Kin-Wai Yee
  • Patent number: 9038632
    Abstract: A humidifier has a base unit with an engagement face that is configured to interface with a flow generator. The humidifier also has a tank configured to be removably received by the base unit and hold a volume of liquid. The tank has a side wall with an air inlet. The humidifier further has an air flow passage configured to receive an air connector of the flow generator at the engagement face of the base unit. The air flow passage is axially offset from a tank inlet. In addition, a cross-section of the airflow passage inlet and a cross-section of the tank air inlet are substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Crumblin, Michael Thomas Janiak, Dan Kao, Barton John Kenyon, Perry David Lithgow, Rohan Neil Primrose, Jim Saada, John Michael Snow, Duncan Lovel Trevor-Wilson, Alexander Virr, Arthur Kin-Wai Yee
  • Patent number: 8997740
    Abstract: A humidifier for use with a pressure support system. The humidifier includes a body having an inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet. The inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. The outlet is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. A back-flow preventing valve is positioned upstream of the fluid chamber. The back-flow preventing valve is movable between an open position, in which the inlet is unblocked, and a closed position in which the inlet is blocked. In the closed position, the back-flow preventing valve prevents fluid, fluid vapor, or both from entering the pressure support via the inlet to the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: J. Raymond Pujol, Patrick W. Truitt, Daniel Martin, Winslow K. Duff, Steven A. Kimmel, Jeffery Keppler, Peter Chi Fai Ho, Lance Busch, Jerome Matula, Jr., Drew A. Demangone, Anthony J. Bafile
  • Publication number: 20150020805
    Abstract: A flow generator and humidifier construction is described, including a flow generator construction adapted to reduce noise output compared to known flow generators of comparable size. The flow generator includes a chassis forming first and second muffler volumes and a venturi-shaped connection portion, and a metal/polymer composite material blower enclosure which suppresses noise from the blower. The flow generator may be programmed to include a reminder system including a menu from which the user may request a reminder to take specific action, e.g., replace a component, call a physician, and/or enter patient data card, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Barton John KENYON, Arthur Kin-Wai YEE, Geoffrey CRUMBLIN, Perry David LITHGOW, Alexander VIRR, Donald Angus RICHMOND, Mark John PAYNE, Jim SAADA, John Michael SNOW, Duncan Lovel TREVOR-WILSON, Andrew Roderick BATH, Michael Thomas JANIAK, Dan KAO, Marek Tomasz SAPULA, Simone Marie JEHA, Andrew Charles MURRAY
  • Patent number: 8893715
    Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus and method of controlling a breathing assistance apparatus is disclosed. Particularly, the breathing assistance apparatus is controlled such that it has a drying cycle to enable drying of the tubing that supplies gases to a user and prevent the harboring of pathogens within the tube. The drying cycle is preferably operated automatically by internal controllers in the apparatus. However, it may be manually activated by pressing a button on the apparatus. The drying cycle is preferably activated at the end of a user's treatment session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Jon Payton, Kevin Peter O'Donnell, Christopher Simon James Quill, Ian Douglas Makinson, Emily Joy Drake, Craig Karl White, Virginia Louise Glover
  • Publication number: 20140290655
    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: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: John Michael SNOW, Simon Robert CORK, John ZEKIC, Benjamin John HUNTER
  • Publication number: 20140261419
    Abstract: A water chamber for a respiratory therapy apparatus has a base casing, a cover casing and a partition. The partition makes the air flows downward, turns around and then goes up to prolong the route and the time of the air passing through the water chamber. Therefore, the air can be saturated with moisture sufficiently to increase the air humidity. When the air is passing through the water chamber, the air is divided into two parts to each respectively enter a first tube and a second tube. The audio frequencies caused by the two parts of the air are changed due to a change of a cross sectional area. When the two parts of the air converge, the audio frequency is changed again. The partition makes the air in different portions of the water chamber have different audio frequencies, thereby reducing the resonance to eliminate noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: APEX MEDICAL CORP.
    Inventor: Chia-Hsiang Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20140261420
    Abstract: A humidifier assembly includes a water supply reservoir; and a vessel defining a water holding cavity configured to hold water at a water level, and having an inlet adjacent to the bottom thereof, a respiratory gas inlet, a respiratory gas outlet, a gas pressure equalization port, a water level control port, and a water level control pipe communicating with said water level control port and configured to extend below the water level in the cavity. Tubing directs water from the water supply container to said humidifier vessel. Tubing also extends between the water supply container and gas pressure equalization port and water level control port. A first one-way valve is disposed along a pressure equalization flow path between the reservoir and cavity, which path includes the gas pressure equalization port, with third tubing extending therefrom to an opposite end disposed under the water level in the water holding cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick DWYER, Jason FOUSHEE, Marc Alan BURK
  • Publication number: 20140182583
    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: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Breathe Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Wondka, Joseph Cipollone, George A. Kassanis, Todd W. Allum, Enrico Brambilla
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140166012
    Abstract: A device for humidifying breathing air for artificial respiration of mammals, in particular human beings, includes at least one essentially closed container for receiving water, a first opening for letting in the non-humidified air and a second opening for letting out humidified air, and an inlet for supplying the water to the container. The inlet is located in the upper part of the container, which is adjoined by a tube essentially crossing through the container interior, and on the free end of the tube, a valve is disposed, which limits the level of the water supplied via the tube in such a way that the container bottom in the container interior is essentially covered with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ARTA PLAST AB
    Inventors: Helge STEG, Leif HALL
  • Publication number: 20140166011
    Abstract: A method for reducing a loss of medication from a nebulizer includes the steps of entraining a liquid medication into a first flow of a pressurized gas into a nebulizer chamber and also entraining an additional amount of the liquid medication into a second flow of ambient air drawn into the nebulizer chamber through an opening when a patient inhales through the nebulizer chamber. When the patient exhales, a portion of the exhaled breath is directed into the outlet of the nebulizer chamber, thereby increasing a backpressure within the outlet and substantially stopping the second flow of ambient air into the nebulizer chamber, thereby decreasing the amount of medication lost to the ambient environment while the patient is not inhaling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Pierro, Khalid Mansour, Christopher Varga
  • Publication number: 20140154134
    Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a device and method for sanitizing a medical instrument with ozone, in particular the invention relates to a system, method and a device for sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The device has an ozone compartment, an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution lines that distribute ozone to a continuous positive airway pressure device. The device may further include a heater adapter unit to connect heating systems in CPAP devices while distributing ozone to sanitize the CPAP device in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy Leyva
  • Publication number: 20140137861
    Abstract: A ventilator with integrated breathing air humidifier has at least two defined air pathways provided in the breathing air humidifier, wherein the breathing air humidifier is installed and fixed on a horizontal surface of the ventilator. The ventilator with integratable breathing air humidifier has a breathing air humidifier with at least a top part and a bottom part, wherein a water reservoir is provided in the bottom part, and wherein the top part cannot be removed from the bottom part when the unit is in at least one operating mode. The ventilator may have an air humidifier with at least one water reservoir, and at least one filing device for the water reservoir in the breathing air humidifier, wherein the filing device can be operated with one hand and/or opened with one hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Weinmann Geräte für Medizin GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl Andreas Feldhahn, Wolfgang Wedler, Matthias Pulla, Christof Göbel, Thomas Ress, Frank Herrmann, Stefan Hein, Christian Kluin, Joachim Gardein
  • Publication number: 20140137866
    Abstract: A blower unit for use as part of an integrated blower/humidification system is described. The blower unit has an outer casing, which encloses and forms part of the blower unit, the casing including an air inlet vent. The blower unit further includes a humidifier compartment for receiving a humidifier unit with a separate gases inlet and outlet, the compartment having a heater base for heating the contents of the humidifier unit. The compartment also has a blower inlet port which aligns with the humidifier unit inlet in use, the blower providing a gases path through the casing between the inlet vent and the inlet port. The blower unit also includes a fan for providing a pressurised gases stream along the gases path, and a power supply unit for powering the fan. The gases path is routed over the power supply unit in order to provide a cooling air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Venkata Subbarao Potharaju, Christie Jayne Stanton, Andrew Paul Maxwell Salmon, Yi-Cheng Sun, Hayden Briscoe, Samuel Frew, Steven John Worthington, Phillip John Dickinson, Cameron Jon Haxton
  • Publication number: 20140130802
    Abstract: A humidifier for humidifying a flow of breathable gas to be delivered to a patient includes a chamber configured to receive the flow of breathable gas; a tub configured to contain a supply of water, the tub being configured to be inserted into the chamber; a lid provided on the chamber and being movable between an open position and a closed position; and a seal provided on the lid, the seal being configured to seal the chamber such that the flow of breathable gas pressurizes the chamber. The humidifier may be connectable to a flow generator configured to generate the flow of breathable gas. A tube for delivering the humidified flow may be connected to the humidifier. The tube may be a heated or non-heated tube. A respiratory apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient may include the humidifier and the flow generator and/or the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Alexander VIRR, Andrew Roderick BATH, Nathan John ROW, Dan KAO, Phoebe Katherine HILL, Nicholas Andrew EARL, Hargopal VERMA, Junning CHEN
  • Patent number: 8701662
    Abstract: A humidifier for use with a pressure support system. The humidifier includes a body having an inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet. The inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. The outlet is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. A back-flow preventing valve is positioned upstream of the fluid chamber. The back-flow preventing valve is movable between an open position, in which the inlet is unblocked, and a closed position in which the inlet is blocked. In the closed position, the back-flow preventing valve prevents fluid, fluid vapor, or both from entering the pressure support via the inlet to the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: J. Raymond Pujol, Patrick W. Truitt, Daniel Martin, Winslow K. Duff, Steven A. Kimmel, Jeffery Keppler
  • Patent number: 8677993
    Abstract: A humidification canister for humidifying a breathing gas, the humidification canister includes a fluid supply configured to supply a fluid and a first gas flow path in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A first gas flow path is configured to humidify the breathing gas with the fluid. A second gas flow path at least partially surrounds the first gas flow path. A method of insulating a breathing gas in a humidification canister using a gas is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., William F. Niland, George McGarrity, Carl Buyer, Kenneth Miller, Peter Boyd
  • Patent number: 8636002
    Abstract: A respiratory humidifier chamber for use with a breathing assistance apparatus is described. The chamber includes a water-tight vessel having an inlet for receiving gases from the breathing assistance apparatus, and an outlet through which heated humidified gases exit the vessel for delivery to a patient. The chamber has a partition which divides the chamber into upstream and downstream sub-chambers. The sub-chambers are separated by the partition except for an aperture which passes through the partition and allows gaseous communication between the sub-chambers. The downstream sub-chamber includes a heater base which heats a volume of water contained within it. The aperture is located above the volume of water. The upstream sub-chamber contains an internal heater which heats gases passing through it from the inlet to the aperture. At least part of the internal heater is located immediately adjacent the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Edwin McAuley, Raymond Ka Yau Lo, David Fraser Wixey, Ian Douglas Makinson
  • Patent number: 8602025
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Somnetics Global Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven S. Bordewick, Bruce R. Bowman, Holly Larkin
  • Patent number: 8555879
    Abstract: A blower unit for use as part of an integrated blower/humidification system is described. The blower unit has an outer casing, which encloses and forms part of the blower unit, the casing including an air inlet vent. The blower unit further includes a humidifier compartment for receiving a humidifier unit with a separate gases inlet and outlet, the compartment having a heater base for heating the contents of the humidifier unit. The compartment also has a blower inlet port which aligns with the humidifier unit inlet in use, the blower providing a gases path through the casing between the inlet vent and the inlet port. The blower unit also includes a fan for providing a pressurized gases stream along the gases path, and a power supply unit for powering the fan. The gases path is routed over the power supply unit in order to provide a cooling air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Venkata Subbarao Potharaju, Christie Jayne Stanton, Andrew Salmon, Yi-Cheng Sun, Hayden Briscoe, Samuel Frew, Steven John Worthington, Phillip Dickinson, Cameron Jon Haxton
  • Patent number: 8544465
    Abstract: A CPAP device includes a flow generator including an outlet, a humidifier including an inlet, and an adaptor connector between the outlet of the flow generator and the inlet of the humidifier. The connector includes a flexible and conformable sealing portion that is movable to accommodate misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Redmed Limited
    Inventors: Ian Malcolm Smith, John Michael Snow, Perry David Lithgow, Dan Kao
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8443799
    Abstract: A dry powder inhalation system suitable for transpulmonary administration characterized by using a combination of: (1) A vessel housing a freeze-dried composition that contains a single dose of an active ingredient, and has: (i) a non-powder cake-like form, (ii) a disintegration index of 0.015 or more, and (iii) a property of becoming fine particles having a mean particle diameter of 10 microns or less or a fine particle fraction of 10% or more upon receipt of an air impact having an air speed of at least 1 m/sec and an air flow rate of at least 17 ml/sec; and (2) A device capable of applying said air impact to the freeze-dried composition in said vessel and for discharging the powder-form freeze-dried composition that has been made into fine particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chikamasa Yamashita, Shigeru Ibaragi, Yuichiro Fukunaga, Akitsuna Akagi
  • Publication number: 20130081624
    Abstract: A nebulizer and a nozzle thereof are provided. The nozzle has a containing seat and a cover. The containing seat has an air conduit. The air conduit has an input terminal and an output terminal. The cover has a guiding channel and an impediment. An input opening is formed in the nozzle for introducing air. A first opening of the guiding channel is disposed near the output terminal and the input opening is disposed far of the output terminal. The impediment is disposed in front of the output terminal and has a plane. Air emitted from the output terminal lashes the plane and then flows to a second opening of the guiding channel, and the air of the input opening is guided to the first opening for decreasing a whole resistance of the nozzle, and thereby increasing nebulization efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Yi-Hsin Huang
  • Publication number: 20130059826
    Abstract: An inhalable formulation containing SAE-CD and corticosteroid is provided. The formulation is adapted for administration to a subject by nebulization with any known nebulizer. The formulation can be included in a kit. The formulation is administered as an aqueous solution, however, it can be stored as a dry powder, ready-to-use solution, or concentrated composition. The formulation is employed in an improved nebulization system for administering corticosteroid by inhalation. SAE-CD present in the formulation significantly enhances the chemical stability of budesonide. A method of administering the formulation by inhalation is provided. The formulation can also be administered by conventional nasal delivery apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: CyDex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. PIPKIN, Rupert O. Zimmerer, Diane O. Thompson, Gerold L. Mosher
  • Patent number: 8375945
    Abstract: A pressure support system that comprises a patient circuit, a docking assembly, and a tank. The patient circuit delivers a pressurized flow of breathable gas to a patient. The docking assembly has an inlet and an outlet that is adapted to receive the pressurized flow of breathable gas, and is also adapted to be connected with the patient circuit. The tank is constructed and arranged to be removably connected with the docking assembly, and enables the pressurized flow of breathable gas to pass therethrough. The tank is also adapted to contain a liquid such that a humidity level of the pressurized flow of breathable gas is elevated as the pressurized flow of breathable gas passes therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kepler, Michael E. Mort, Richard A. Seman, Jr., Mark William DiMatteo, Christopher J. McCracken, James S. Vreelan, Steven B. Radney, Michael Bobeck, Allen Cameron, David P. Chastain, Patrick F. McDermott, William J. Palm, Roy A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8365727
    Abstract: A respiratory therapy system includes a driver unit and a patient interface device. The driver unit is adapted to deliver pressurized gas flow from a source to the patient interface device. At least one electronic valve can be used to deliver a desired flow to the patient interface device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: CareFusion 2200, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J Dunsmore, Geoffrey C. Wise
  • Patent number: 8342171
    Abstract: A breath-controlled inhalation therapy device includes an obturation mechanism, obturating a nozzle opening through which a pressurised gas, preferably pressurised air, is issued when the device is in operation. An actuation mechanism actuates the obturation mechanism only in the exhalation phases of the respiration cycle of a patient. The fluid to be atomised is therefore substantially atomised only in the inhalation phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: PARI GmbH Spezialisten für effektive Inhalation
    Inventors: Andreas Boehm, Martin Luber
  • Patent number: 8322334
    Abstract: A nebulizer includes a receptacle for containing a liquid, a liquid-drawing tube, and a hollow cover including a partition plate dividing an interior of the cover into first and second chambers, first and second conduits each having an inlet end adapted to be connected to a compressed gas supply tube, and an outlet end communicated with the first chamber, and a mist output tube communicating fluidly with the second chamber. A nebulizing unit is connected to the outlet end of the first conduit and the liquid-drawing tube for directing a first compressed gas from the first conduit to the liquid exiting from the tube to convert the liquid into a mist. The second conduit introduces into the first chamber a second compressed gas which entrains the mist when flowing to the second chamber and exiting through the mist output tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Galemed Corporation
    Inventors: Gary C. J. Lee, Yu-Chien Yen, Thomas Loescher
  • 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: 8113194
    Abstract: A breath-controlled inhalation therapy device includes an obturation mechanism, obturating a nozzle opening through which a pressurized gas, preferably pressurized air, is issued when the device is in operation. An actuation mechanism actuates the obturation mechanism only in the exhalation phases of the respiration cycle of a patient. The fluid to be atomized is therefore substantially atomized only in the inhalation phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: PARI GmbH Spezialisten für effektive Inhalation
    Inventors: Andreas Boehm, Martin Luber
  • Patent number: 8074645
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Somnetics Global Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven S. Bordewick, Bruce Bowman, Holly Larkin
  • Patent number: 8061352
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating breathing cycle of a patient using an aerosol delivery device. In one aspect, an aerosol delivery device includes a visual indicator that is moveable in response to a patient's breathing cycle and is positioned away from an inspiration path of the aerosol. In another aspect, a method of cycling a visual indicator between a first position and a second position in response to a patient's breathing cycle is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Jerry R. Grychowski, George Baran, Martin P. Foley
  • Patent number: 7997270
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas includes a conveyor device for conveying the respiratory gas, a conduit for feeding the respiratory gas conveyed by the conveyor device to a person, and a humidification device for humidifying the respiratory gas. A sensor device is configured to generate a signal indicative of the respiratory gas humidity and a control device is configured to control the humidification device with regard to the signal which is generated by the sensor device. A method of supplying a respiratory gas to a patient, in which the respiratory gas is introduced by means of a conveyor device into the conduit leading to the patient and is humidified, includes operating the conveyor device so that a respiratory gas pressure which is above ambient pressure is provided in the conduit, and adjusting the humidity on the basis of signals indicative of the relative and/or absolute humidity of the respiratory gas generated by the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: MAP Medizin-Technologie GmbH
    Inventor: Jörg Meier
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110132360
    Abstract: A ventilator with integrated breathing air humidifier has atleast two defined air pathways provided in the breathing air humidifier, wherein the breathing air humidifier is installed and fixed on a horizontal surface of the ventilator. The ventilator with integratable breathing air humidifier has a breathing air humidifier with atleast a top part and a bottom part, wherein a water reservoir is provided in the bottom part, and wherein the top part cannot be removed from the bottom part when the unit is in atleast one operating mode. The ventilator may have an air humidifier with atleast one water reservoir, and atleast one filing device for the water reservoir in the breathing air humidifier, wherein the filing device can be operated with one hand and/or opened with one hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: WEINMANN GERATE FUR MEDIZIN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Karl Andreas Feldhahn, Wolfgang Wedler, Matthias Pulla, Christof Göbel, Thomas Ress, Frank Herrmann, Stefan Hein, Christian Kluin, Joachim Gardein
  • Patent number: 7938112
    Abstract: Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas includes a liquid storage space for storage of a liquid, a humidifying region for loading the respiratory gas with the liquid by the respiratory gas coming into contact in the humidifying region with the liquid, a respiratory gas supply device for supplying the respiratory gas to the humidifying region, a respiratory gas withdrawal device for withdrawal of the humidified respiratory gas from the humidifying region, and a partial-amount discharge device for passing a partial amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage space into the humidifying region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: MAP Medizin-Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Mayer, Harald Genger, Stefan Madaus, Adreas Klopp, Stefan Schatzl, Harald Vogele, Bernd Lang
  • Patent number: RE44453
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a base configured to retain a body of liquid therein, a top cover, and a seal disposed between the top cover and the base. At least a portion of the base is constructed of a heat conducting material. The top cover defines both an inlet and an outlet communicated with an interior of the base. The inlet is configured to receive pressurized breathable gas and the outlet is configured to deliver the pressurized breathable gas with added humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Virr, Ian Malcolm Smith, Perry David Lithgow, Richard Llewelyn Jones, Andrew Cheung