Face Mask Covering A Breathing Passage Patents (Class 128/205.25)
  • Publication number: 20110203591
    Abstract: A supplemental gas delivery device is described for a mask assembly having at least one supplemental gas port, the at least one supplemental gas port including an aperture in communication with an interior of the mask assembly. The mask assembly may include an aperture communicating with an interior of the mask assembly, and a cannula for communicating with the supplemental gas port. The cannula is positioned to deliver supplemental gas adjacent to the patient's nares and/or mouth, to increase an efficacy of treatment for the patient by more directly applying the flow of supplemental gas to the patient's nares. An optional bridging portion may be included to provide a connection between supplemental gas port and the cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Amal Shirley AMARASINGHE
  • Patent number: 7997267
    Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface adapted in use to face the patient. The frame includes a main body providing an aperture therethrough for the introduction of breathable gas into a nasal breathing cavity. An elbow assembly is swivelably coupled to the front surface of the frame. The elbow assembly includes a swivel elbow that defines an intake port and an exhaust port separated from the intake port using a baffle. The elbow assembly includes an end portion that interfaces with the aperture of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Ging, Saad Nasr, Rachael Elizabeth Moore, Andrew Martin Price
  • Patent number: 7997275
    Abstract: In order to prevent tainting of a cougher's hand with germs, the product from a cough is carried in contact with a germicide inside a hollow article, and is vented out of the hollow article, in directions away from the user's face and hand holding the article. More specifically, the cough catcher has a hollow region for accepting the product from a cough therein. This hollow region has a filter element containing a germicide mounted therein, and a series of channels formed between the filter element and a bottom surface of the hollow region. The channels communicate with vent ports around a rim portion of the cough catcher. The vent ports are oriented away from both the mouth opening and the outside surface of the cough catcher for conveying the product from a cough away from both the face and the hand of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Quinn
  • Patent number: 7992558
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical mask includes a rigid sealing portion configured to cover and seal around at least a portion of a user's nose including the user's nostrils and a rigid stabilizing frame coupled to the rigid sealing portion. The rigid stabilizing frame includes a generally horizontal upper support member configured to bear against the user's forehead, a generally vertical support member coupled between the rigid sealing portion and the upper support member, and lower left and right support members coupled between the rigid sealing portion and the upper support member and configured to bear against the user's cheeks. The rigid stabilizing frame defines two openings configured to allow the user to see through the medical mask when the medical mask is positioned on the user's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: AirWay Technologies LLC
    Inventors: W. Keith Thornton, Annelise Thornton
  • Publication number: 20110174307
    Abstract: Device for supplying oxygen to occupants of an aircraft comprising an oxygen source at a first pressure known as a high pressure, a first oxygen supply line at a second pressure known as an intermediate pressure, first means for expanding/regulating the oxygen from the source to the intermediate second pressure, to feed into the first oxygen supply line, a second oxygen supply line at a third pressure known as the low pressure, second means for expanding/regulating the oxygen from the source to the third pressure to feed into the second oxygen supply line, characterized in that the first and second expansion/regulating means are positioned within one and the same regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Stéphane Lessi, Jean Arnault, Jean-Michel Cazenave
  • Publication number: 20110168182
    Abstract: A mask and harness system for use in providing breathing oxygen and protection from pollutants for the eyes and respiratory system as might be encountered in high altitude aviation environments. In one preferred embodiment, the mask system has a face seal, a soft flexible lens, a pneumatically-actuated harness, and a regulator with microphone to control the flow of oxygen and to facilitate communications in aircraft flight decks and other aircraft compartments. The system is designed for required five-second donning with one hand and because of the flexible lens, is capable of storage in the relatively preferred on crowded flight decks. It is connected to an oxygen source and, optionally, with aircraft communications. The regulator controls the flow rate of oxygen to the wearer based on altitude and physiological requirements. The regulator includes a valve for purging the condensation-prone moist gases from the lens area and provides positive pressure in the mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: BE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Gary R. Hannah, Randy G. Stratman, Gregory R. Jones
  • Publication number: 20110168179
    Abstract: An emergency pulmonary resuscitation device is described. The device of the present invention provides emergency breathing for use in techniques such as CPR, and is preferably capable of interaction with an automatic external defibrillator. The device is easy to operate and provides feedback so that it may be used by persons without medical training. The device also works through a simple action, making it possible for it to be inexpensively manufactured and widely disseminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: NEOFORCE INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Otho Boone, Monica Ferrante, Mark DeStefano
  • Patent number: 7975694
    Abstract: A patient interface includes a body member, a partition, a nasal seal portion, and a port. The partition is integral with the body member, and separates an interior of the member into a first chamber configured to receive a nose of a patient and a second chamber. The nasal seal portion is integral with the partition, and projects therefrom into the first chamber. The nasal seal portion includes a seal surface and a gas passage therethrough. The seal surface is configured to conform with a lower portion of the nose that is surrounding nasal passages of the patient, without entering the nasal passages of the patient, when the patient interface is mounted operatively on the face of the patient. The port integral with the member is in fluid communication with the second chamber for delivery of gas to the patient via the gas passage in the nasal seal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Peter Chi Fai Ho
  • Patent number: 7975693
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an adjustable gas delivery system is provided. The system may include a face mask, an arm apparatus, and a gasket. The face mask may be configured to deliver gas to a subject, and may include a flexible cushion portion configured to interface with the subject's face and a rigid base portion configured to support the cushion portion, the rigid base portion including a gas inlet. The arm apparatus may be configured to deliver gas to the face mask. The arm apparatus may include a gas outlet having a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the gas inlet of the base portion of the face mask. The gasket may couple the gas outlet of the arm apparatus with the gas inlet of the face mask. The gasket may be flexible such that the orientation of the face mask relative to the arm apparatus is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Edward M. Geiselhart, Chris Houghton, Erik Holverson, Brian Woodard, Benjamin K Sun
  • Patent number: 7975729
    Abstract: An in-structure air delivery system comprises a control panel and a plurality of air delivery lines. The control panel is located at a first location in the structure and has an air supply inlet. Each air delivery line extends from the control panel to a different location in the structure. Valves are configured to selectively control the flow of air through each of the air delivery lines. In a method of use, a high pressure air supply such as a portable compressor is connected to the inlet of the system. Air is selectively delivered to one or more of the delivery lines. A control unit is connected to the outlet of the delivery line. Air is supplied to the control unit. The control unit is used to regulate the flow of air to a component of breathing equipment, such as to a firefighter's breathing equipment air cylinder to be re-filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Richard W. Lisle
  • Patent number: 7975692
    Abstract: A device for artificial respiration, including a front support (3) which is connected to a respiratory mask (1) that includes a connection for the respiratory tube (4), a front support is coupled to the respiratory mask by a distancing element (2) and at least one cavity (11) is arranged in the region of the distancing element, the cavity leading into an inner chamber (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Weinmann Geräte für Medizin GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Eifler, Arnold Frerichs
  • Publication number: 20110162650
    Abstract: A respiratory interface device (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80) comprising a main body (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) that includes a fluid conduit adapted to be connected to a breathing circuit, and a sealing member (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85) adapted to engage a surface of a patient, such that the fluid conduit is in fluid communication, in use, with an airway of the patient, wherein the sealing member (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85) includes a plasticising agent, and a barrier member (18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 88) is provided between the sealing member (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85) and the main body (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) of the device(10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80), the barrier member (18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 88) at least impeding the migration of plasticising agent from the sealing member (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85) to the main body (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) of the device(10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: COSMEPLAST ETS
    Inventors: Andrew Miller, Martin Spayne, Martin Davies
  • Publication number: 20110162651
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vent assembly suitable for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment. In one embodiment the vent is made of a thin air permeable membrane. Generally, the membrane is thinner than 0.5 mm. The membrane can be made of a hydrophobic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The membrane can also be fabricated from expanded PTFE. The expanded PTFE membrane is mounted on a polypropylene scrim. The pores of the membrane have a reference pore size of 10 to 15 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the vent assembly includes a vent constructed from stainless steel. In another embodiment the membrane has a superficial cross-sectional area of approximately 500 mm2. In another embodiment the vent assembly comprises a membrane attached to a vent frame, the vent assembly forming an insert which can be removeably attached to a mask frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Joanne Drew, Alexander Virr, Geoffrey Crumblin
  • Publication number: 20110155136
    Abstract: A gas inspiratory and expiratory device for a respiratory mask includes a tubular housing having top and bottom ends, an air chamber formed between the bottom and top ends, a vent hole for fluid communication of the air chamber with ambient atmosphere, and a passage hole for fluid communication of the air chamber with a CO2 measuring apparatus. The top end is open to permit fluid communication of the air chamber with an internal portion of the respiratory mask. An inner tube is disposed within the air chamber, and includes an air inlet end disposed at the bottom end of the tubular housing, and an air supply end extending externally of the top end of the tubular housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: GaleMed Xiamen Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Gary C.J. LEE
  • Patent number: 7967014
    Abstract: An application device for a breathing mask arrangement includes a base portion, a holding portion structured to support a mask and pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, a right arm element pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, and a left arm element pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a third pivot axis. The right and left arm elements are each provided with a contact portion for bearing against a right and a left forehead zone respectively of a mask user. The holding portion, the right arm element, and left arm element can be pivoted with respect to the base portion about the respective first, second, and third pivot axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: MAP Medizin-Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Heidmann, Richard Brandmeier, Stefan Madaus, Harald Voegele
  • Publication number: 20110146687
    Abstract: An oxygen supply device includes: an oxygen tank (10); a pipe (20) which is connected to the oxygen tank; an oxygen mask (30); and a joint (40) which detachably connects the oxygen mask to the pipe, wherein the joint includes a socket (41) provided for the pipe and a plug (42) provided for the oxygen mask, wherein the oxygen mask includes a head attachment portion (31) attached to a head of the user, a pipe body (32) supported by the head attachment portion and having a front end portion extending toward the front side of the head of the user, and a tube (33) connecting a base end portion of the pipe body to the plug (42), and wherein the socket is provided for each component of the pipe, and the plug is connectable to each socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20110146686
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a system for the oxygen supply of persons in an aircraft. In order to provide the simplest possible system, which is suitable in particular for a reconfiguration of the seat devices (12), the system has at least one oxygen line, one oxygen feed, and multiple attachment points for oxygen masks (24), the oxygen line extending in the longitudinal direction and the attachment points being connected to the oxygen line. The attachment points are preferably situated linearly and are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Schneider, Quirin Wahle, Simon Knaak, Thomas Vogt
  • Publication number: 20110146684
    Abstract: A cushioning component for use with a mask is constructed of foam material. A patient contacting surface, that is adapted to contact a patient, in use, has a rounded cross sectional profile and a base surface opposed to the patient contacting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Alicia Kristianne Wells, Lee James Veliss, Melanie Lucia Cariola, Fiona Catherine Carroll, Scott Alexander Howard
  • Publication number: 20110146685
    Abstract: A patient interface has a single loop headstrap and a mask for covering at least the nostrils of the user. The single loop headstrap extends from the mask at either end. A short length of supple conduit is coupled to the mask by a swivel or ball joint to allow rotation of the conduit relative to the mask through different angles and orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Olivia Marie Allan, Arvin San Jose Gardiola, Lewis George Gradon, Wen Dong Huang, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark McLaren, Craig Robert Prentice, Andrew Paul Maxwell Salmon, Silas Sao Jin Siew
  • Patent number: 7963283
    Abstract: The method and system are for sealing/unsealing (regulating) airway leaks occurring between the ventilator circuit and respiratory airways during lung ventilatory support in response to myoelectrical activity of diaphragm. Myolectrical activity of a patient's respiratory-related muscle is sensed to detect respiratory effort, and to produce a myoelectrical signal representative of the sensed muscle myoelectrical activity. Respiratory flow and pressure can also be measured to produce respective respiratory pressure and respiratory flow signals. A logic trigger sealing/unsealing of airway leaks in relation to the myoelectrical signal, respiratory flow signal and/or respiratory pressure signal to assist respiration of the patient. The amplitude of the myoelectrical signal is compared to a given threshold, and airway leaks are sealed when the amplitude of the myoelectrical signal is higher than this threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Universite de Montreal
    Inventor: Christer Sinderby
  • Patent number: 7963284
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a custom-fitted mask includes a thin sheet of deformable material that has been formed and fitted to a portion of a face surrounding the nostrils to conform substantially optimally to unique facial features. The thin sheet includes a perimeter defining only soft cartilaginous portions of the nose and portions on either side of and below the soft cartilaginous portions. and excludes hard bony portions of the nose; and an interior within the perimeter. In another embodiment, a mask blank for using in forming a custom-fitted mask includes a thin sheet of deformable material adapted to be transitioned from a non-deformable state into a deformable state, applied against a portion of a face surrounding the nostrils while the mask blank is in the deformable state, and deformed against the face to cause the mask blank to conform substantially optimally to unique facial features to form the custom-fitted mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: AirWay Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: W. Keith Thornton
  • Publication number: 20110139154
    Abstract: Components of a CPAP or other patient ventilation apparatus have a remotely-readable identification tag encoded with component identification. data. The flow generator controller is programmed to receive data derived from the identification tag from a tag reader, and to adapt functions of the flow controller to coordinate with the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Robert Edward HENRY, Karthikeyan Selvarajan, Philip Rodney Kwok, Philip John Gunning, John David Oates
  • Patent number: 7938116
    Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body. Each side frame member includes an integrally formed first connector portion. A headgear assembly is removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly has a second connector portion adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion provided on the frame. The second connector portion is manually movable to a releasing position to detach the headgear assembly from the frame. The headgear assembly is rotationally adjustable with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Ging, Saad Nasr
  • Patent number: 7938115
    Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation device that combines ventilation of a patient's lungs with chest compressions on the patient's sternum area. The device includes a self-inflating bag having an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when bag is compressed; target indicia on the bag to indicate the proper position of the bag on the patient's sternum area and to indicate the proper location on the bag for applying force to the top side thereof; a face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose; and a tube extending from the bag to the face mask. The device may include indicia for indicating the amount of pressure applied to the self-inflating bag, and a backboard including belt/motor structure for providing repeated and rapid chest compression and forced ventilation of the patient's lungs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventors: Darrell K. Thompson, Phyllis D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7938117
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for stiffening a portion of the perimeter of a respiratory mask that has a formable element disposed about its perimeter, thereby making the respiratory mask more comfortable to wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: SleepNet Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Chiesa, Doug Park
  • Publication number: 20110100368
    Abstract: A face mask assembly according to the present invention, includes a mask body. The inside of the mask body is of a size and shape to substantially conformally fit over the oral and nasal region of a patient's face. The mask body forms a receptacle and an opening above the receptacle. The face mask assembly also includes an inlet connection device connected to the receptacle and a hose connected to the inlet connection device. The hose is in open communication with the inside of the mask body to supply gas, normally oxygen. The opening formed above the receptacle is of sufficient size and shape to allow use of a medical scope such as an endoscope or a bronchoscope or a transesophogeal echocardiography scope or similar device. A closure flap substantially closes the opening when the opening is not being used for a medical scope. A port, also connected to the receptacle, is used to sample end of tidal carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Lisa Carole Taylor-Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20110100367
    Abstract: A method of operating an aircraft which includes a cabin for the aircrew which is pressurised in normal flight, and a deployment door which is opened in high altitude flight when the cabin will be depressurised, to enable a passenger and/or a load to be deployed from the depressurised cabin of the aircraft to the ground, the aircraft including an installed breathing gas system for providing a limited capacity supply of breathing gas to the aircrew in the cabin in the event of an emergency cabin de-compression, the installed breathing gas system including a source of breathing gas being substantially pure oxygen, and a line from the source to a face mask for delivering the breathing gas to an aircrew member, the method including prior to take-off on a mission according to a mission plan, determining whether the mission plan includes depressurising the cabin and opening the deployment door at high altitude, and where the cabin is planned to be depressurised at high altitude, prior to take-off on the mission, lo
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicants: HONEYWELL AEROSPACE BV, HONEYWELL UK LIMITED
    Inventor: PAUL Ashton TUCKER
  • Patent number: 7934501
    Abstract: A swivel elbow includes a conduit pathway separated from a vent airflow pathway for conducting respective gas flow streams in use. The swivel elbow further includes baffle structure that separates the respective gas flow streams so that they do not interfere with each other within an interior (e.g., breathing chamber) of a mask to which the elbow is connected in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Tsun-Fai Fu, Jim Saada
  • Publication number: 20110094513
    Abstract: An oxygen mask comprises an oxygen supply unit and an attachment unit which is to be attached to a periphery of a nose or a nose and a mouth of a patient. The attachment unit includes an opening which communicates with external air and which is formed at a position to which, when the oxygen mask is attached to the patient, at least one of the nose and the mouth of the patient is opposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fumihiko TAKATORI, Shinji YAMAMORI, Masayuki INOUE
  • Patent number: 7926487
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vent assembly suitable for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment. In one embodiment the vent is made of a thin air permeable membrane. Generally, the membrane is thinner than 0.5 mm. The membrane can be made of a hydrophobic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The membrane can also be fabricated from expanded PTFE. The expanded PTFE membrane is mounted on a polypropylene scrim. The pores of the membrane have a reference pore size of 10 to 15 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the vent assembly includes a vent constructed from stainless steel. In another embodiment the membrane has a superficial cross-sectional area of approximately 500 mm2. In another embodiment the vent assembly comprises a membrane attached to a vent frame, the vent assembly forming an insert which can be removably attached to a mask frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Joanne Elizabeth Drew, Alexander Virr, Geoffrey Crumblin
  • Patent number: 7909035
    Abstract: A multi-chamber mask includes a shell and a partition. The shell is adapted to cover portions of a user's face including the mouth and at least portions of the nose including the nostrils, the shell adapted to contact the face surrounding the covered portions of the face to substantially prevent gas from escaping between the shell and the contacted portions of the user's face, and the shell is adapted to couple to a gas supply source. The partition is coupled to the shell and cooperates with the shell to define a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber adapted to be positioned proximate the user's nose to direct inflow of gas from the gas supply source to the user's nasal passages, the second chamber adapted to be positioned proximate the user's mouth, the partition adapted to restrict flow of gas between the first and the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: AirWay Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: W. Keith Thornton
  • Publication number: 20110061655
    Abstract: The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: B/E Intellectual Property
    Inventors: Thomas K. McDONALD, Mark A. OSWALD, James C. CANNON, Bryan N. ROGERS, Raymond P. FEITH
  • Patent number: 7900628
    Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a support member sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes responsive to the patient interface device being donned by such a patient. A sealing assembly is attached to the support member via a snap assembly associated with the support member and the sealing assembly. The snap assembly allows the sealing assembly to selectively attach to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Ric Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Matula, Jr., Jason P. Eaton, Steven C. Stegman, Luke Stonis, Greg Merz, Keith Grider, Nic Davirro, Chris Von Dohen, Justin Rothermel
  • Patent number: 7900630
    Abstract: A gas delivery mask apparatus is provided. The mask apparatus may include a mask body, a face mask, and a bellows. The mask body may include a tube configured to extend upwardly adjacent a subject's forehead. The face mask may be configured to deliver gas to the subject and may include a flexible cushion portion configured to interface with the subject's face and a substantially rigid base portion configured to support the cushion portion. The bellows may be configured to couple the tube with the substantially rigid base portion of the face mask. The bellows may be flexible to allow movement of the face mask relative to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Edward M. Geiselhart, Chris Houghton, Erik Holverson, Brian Woodard, Steve Trebotich
  • Publication number: 20110036352
    Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system includes a gas flow generator and a patient interface. The system delivers a flow of gas to the patient using the gas flow generator and the patient interface. The system determines that the patient is experiencing an apnea and, in response, performs a pressure change maneuver. This maneuver includes increasing a pressure of the flow of gas for a period of time, and decreasing the pressure of the flow of gas after the pressure increase. The system then monitors the change in flow rate for the flow of gas resulting from the pressure change maneuver, if any, and determines whether the airway of the patient is open or closed based on the monitored change in the flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Mark C. Estes, John Fiore, Douglas M. Mechlenburg, Heather Ressler, Jeff Kepler
  • Publication number: 20110030684
    Abstract: An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. The oxygen concentrator system may include one or more flow restrictors to allow controlled release of oxygen enriched gas between the canisters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: William R. Wilkinson, Allan Sten Westersten, H. David Shockley, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110030685
    Abstract: An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. The oxygen concentrator system may deliver oxygen as one or more pulses of oxygen per breath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: William R. Wilkinson, Allan Sten Westersten, H. David Shockley, JR.
  • Patent number: 7882833
    Abstract: A remote breathing assembly includes a periphery viewable goggle or mask, intake and return air-tubes sealably connected to the goggle, and a breathing apparatus coupled to the tubes opposite the goggle. The goggle includes a transparent lens having a front section defining a lateral front length, and left and right sections extending transversely from the front section a distance not less than one-forth the front length, a compressible liner, an improved liner interface having trapezoidal sections, and a securing element for fixing the goggle and evenly compressing the liner. The air-tubes each present upper and lower ends, with the intake tube further presenting a flared end section at the upper end. A blower is connected to the flared end section and configured to direct air therein. The apparatus further includes at least one submersible handle and link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: William J. Jacob
  • Patent number: 7874293
    Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Michael Kassipillai Gunaratnam, Philip Rodney Kwok, Memduh Guney, Perry David Lithgow, Donald Darkin, Susan Robyn Lynch, Robin Garth Hitchcock, Lee James Veliss, Richard Sokolov
  • Patent number: 7874292
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swivelled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface. The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Chris Earl Nightingale, Ivan Milivojevic, Lewis George Gradon
  • Patent number: 7861715
    Abstract: A mask system for treating sleep disordered breathing, comprising headgear, a shell/cushion including a channel adjacent a front aperture, a frame, an elbow including at least one undercut on a proximal end, a retaining ring including a rear flange adapted to be retainably insertable in the channel of the shell/cushion, and a front flange adapted to retainably engage with the at least one undercut of the elbow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Resmed Limited
    Inventors: Michael Andrew Jones, Amal Shirley Amarasinghe, Timothy Tsun-Fai Fu, Perry David Lithgow, Jim Saada, Fiachra Marcus Sweeney
  • Patent number: 7861718
    Abstract: An adjustable mask apparatus for use in a breathing assistance system may include a housing, an adjustment arm, and a locking member. The housing may support a cushion configured to provide a seal against a patient's face. The adjustment arm may include a first end configured for attachment to a head gear, and a second end rotatably coupled to the housing to allow rotation of the adjustment arm to adjust a distance between the first end of the adjustment arm and the patient's head. The locking member may be coupled to the housing and may be configured to secure the adjustment arm in one of a plurality of predetermined rotational positions, each predetermined rotational position comprising a rotational position of the adjustment arm with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Janbakhsh, Mark Jacobus Van Kerkwyk
  • Publication number: 20100319689
    Abstract: A flow generator for generating a supply of pressurized air to be provided to a patient for treatment includes a housing, a blower provided to the housing, and a projection unit provided to the housing. The blower is operable to provide a pressurized flow of air at an outlet. The projection unit is operable to project an image onto a surface adjacent the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Philip Rodney Kwok, Ron Richard, Muditha Pradeep Dantanarayana, Larry Puckeridge, Mark Bertinetti
  • Patent number: 7849856
    Abstract: A unidirectional valve, wherein the valve comprises a valve body including a frame, a valve opening through the frame, and a valve seat extending from the frame and at least partially surrounding the valve opening. The valve further includes a valve flap having a first portion attached to the frame and an adjacent second portion free to move from a first position where the second portion is in contact with at least a part of the valve seat to a second position where at least part of the second portion is spaced from the valve seat, wherein the valve flap has a contour profile. The contoured profile may be along the length of the valve flap, between the point of attachment of the flap to the frame and the flap end, or from one flap side edge to a second side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William A. Mittelstadt, David M. Castiglione, Thomas I. Insley
  • Patent number: 7849855
    Abstract: A noise-suppressing gas exhaust system for a gas delivery mask is provided. The system may include a face mask, an arm assembly, and a gas exhaust member. The face mask may be configured to interface with a subject's face. The arm assembly may be configured to support the face mask. The gas exhaust member may be coupled to the arm assembly and may include a single gas passageway extending therethrough. The gas passageway may extend from a first opening formed in a first side of the gas exhaust member to a second opening formed in a second side of the gas exhaust member. The first opening may have a cross-sectional area of about 0.01 square inches to about 0.03 square inches, and the second opening may have a substantially larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Brian Woodard, Erik Holverson, Benjamin K. Sun
  • Publication number: 20100307502
    Abstract: A patient interface system for delivery of a supply of air at positive pressure to the entrance of a patient's airways for treatment of sleep disordered breathing includes an air delivery tube connected to a flexible portion of a plenum; a vent structure having sufficient rigidity to support its own weight under gravity and/or not to block or fold under tube movement or tube drag; and a patient interface structure. The patient interface structure includes a seal forming structure arranged on a top portion of the plenum; and a seal positioning and stabilizing structure connected to a flexible portion of the plenum. The seal-forming structure is substantially decoupled from a tube drag force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Gerard Michael Rummery, Robert Edward Henry, Phoebe Katherine Hill, Andrew Hurst, Fiona Catherine Carroll
  • Patent number: 7845352
    Abstract: A respiratory interface device includes a respiratory mask that interfaces with a face of a patient. The respiratory mask comprises a body portion that forms an enclosure around a nose of a patient and at least one set of headgear strap flanges. The body portion is substantially entirely manufactured from an elastomeric material. A bellows-like structure is integrally molded in the body portion to create a sealing interface between an inner bottom portion of the mask and the patient's nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: CareFusion 205, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey P. Sleeper, David J. Palkon
  • Patent number: 7845353
    Abstract: Mask apparatus and methods for providing positive airway pressure therapies are disclosed. The mask apparatus includes a mask secured to the mount with the mask cantilevered from the mount. A circumferential band, a first lateral stabilizing band and a second lateral stabilizing band secure the mount to the head of a user. The methods include securing a mask apparatus to the head of a user and administering a positive airway pressure therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: AEIOMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Bordewick, Bruce Bowman, David Markovich, Laurel D. Brandt, Mark J. Weimholt, Amy Raatikka
  • Patent number: 7836886
    Abstract: The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: B/E Intellectual Property
    Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Mark A. Oswald, James C. Cannon, Bryan N. Rogers, Raymond P. Feith
  • Patent number: 7832395
    Abstract: A portable breathable gas delivery device including a pressure vessel for storing the breathable gas under pressure and a valve coupled to the pressure vessel through which the breathable gas can be selectively released. The pressure vessel is enclosed in a housing having a first portion that at least partially encloses the pressure vessel and a second portion that partially encloses a chamber coupled to the pressure vessel via the valve into which the breathable gas can be released for breathing by a user. The second portion together with a user's facial structure forms a substantially closed enclosure. The chamber has an opening shaped and formed to interface with the user's facial structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Oxygen Plus, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Rogers