Respiratory Gas Supply Means Enters Nasal Passage Patents (Class 128/207.18)
  • Publication number: 20110023891
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal to support the unsupported lateral vestibular walls of the nasal passages by lifting or stenting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: WINEASE LLC
    Inventors: Edward L. Blach, James R. Chiapetta
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110011397
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for gas delivery, in particular, a mask including at least one porous barrier defining at least two chambers in gaseous communication. The porous barrier may include a plurality of pores, which define a tapered shape. The mask may include a pliable nasal cushion. The invention provides a method for providing pressurised gas to a subject by supplying gas from a pressurised source to a mask, transmitting the gas into a first chamber at a first pressure, transmitting the gas into a second chamber at a second pressure through a plurality of pores, and transmitting the gas from the second chamber through a mask exit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: COMPUMEDICS MEDICAL INNOVATION PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Hedi Ziv, Rikus Slabbert, Conor McCooey
  • Publication number: 20110005530
    Abstract: Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Rajiv DOSHI, Motohide HATANAKA, Robert A. HOWARD
  • Publication number: 20110005529
    Abstract: Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Rajiv Doshi, Motohide Hatanaka, Robert A. Howard
  • Publication number: 20110005528
    Abstract: Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Rajiv Doshi, Motohide Hatanaka, Robert A. Howard
  • Publication number: 20110009763
    Abstract: A system for sampling exhaled breath and for supply of a gas, the system comprising: a gas delivery cannula comprising at least one nasal prong for insertion into a nostril, the nasal prong comprising a distal end; an exhaled breath sampling cannula for insertion into the nostril, the exhaled breath sampling cannula comprising a distal end; and a connector for coupling the gas delivery cannula to the exhaled breath sampling cannula, such that the distal end of the exhaled breath sampling cannula is disposed deeper in the nostril than the distal end of the nasal prong, to reduce dilution of sampled exhaled breath by delivered gas. The connected is configured to facilitate adjustability of an insertion depth of the exhaled breath sampling cannula into said nostril.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: ORIDION MEDICAL 1987 LTD.
    Inventors: Gershon Levitsky, David Lain, Joshua Lewis Colman
  • Patent number: 7866320
    Abstract: A nasal cannula and mouthpiece assembly for delivering oxygen to a person is provided having a nasal cannula, at least two mouthpieces, two pairs of oxygen supply tubes and two sets of adjustors. Each mouthpiece has a first outer end for receiving oxygen and a second outer end with a first and second opening. The first opening delivers oxygen across lips of a mouth of the person and the second opening delivers oxygen inside the mouth from the sides. A sleeve member encloses each of the mouthpieces and positions the mouthpieces in front of the sides of the mouth. The oxygen supply tubes of the first pair deliver oxygen to the nasal cannula and those of the second pair deliver oxygen to the first pair and to the mouthpieces. The two sets of adjustors adjust the lengths of the oxygen supply tubes of the first pair and the mouthpieces to provide a desired fit of the assembly on the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Heath C. Nichols
  • 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: 20100326447
    Abstract: Described herein are nasal respiratory devices, in particular, nasal respiratory devices configured to achieve positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in a subject wearing the device. PEEP devices may have a threshold pressure for opening during expiration. In some variations, these devices have a threshold pressure for closing during expiration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Bryan Loomas, Rajiv Doshi, Ryan Kendall Pierce, Robert A. Howard, Motohide Hatanaka
  • Publication number: 20100326435
    Abstract: A bite block 20 for use during transoral medical procedures has a main lumen 42 and a side mount 110 for receiving a separately inserted airway 160. The airway 110 may be a commercially available nasopharangeal airway which is inserted in mount 110 and extends into the oral cavity so as to effectively function as oral pharangeal airway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Charles J. Filipi
  • Publication number: 20100326441
    Abstract: A nasal interface device connectable to a main air supply of a forced airway ventilation nasal system is disclosed. The nasal interface device includes at least a wye hose member having an inlet. The wye hose member is characterized by having a continuum forming portion, by having at least two hinge forming portions and by having two nostril associated portions so that the hinge forming portions of the wye hose member form a hinge of the nasal interface device, and upon compressing the continuum forming portion, the angle between the two nostril associated portions around the hinge is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Shlomo ZUCKER, Menachem Dvir
  • Patent number: 7856982
    Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a frame sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes when the patient interface device is donned by the patient. A support member is coupled to the frame such that the support member is moveable relative to the frame. A sealing assembly is attached to the support member. A pair of patient contacting members are operatively coupled to the frame and supporting the frame on a patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    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
  • Patent number: 7856981
    Abstract: The present invention is related a nasal positive airway pressure device. The nasal device utilizes an engagement means located about nasal cannulae to engage and secure the cannulae within the nares of a patient. The engagement means is a nasal scaling flap. The flap in its natural bias is tapered, the wide-open end of which is shaped to conform to the facial contours of a patient's nose around the outside of the nose. Thus in a closed form, the flap provides a cup-like device that is fitted around the patient's nose and prevent the nasal device from falling from the patients nose. In the open form, which allows for placement and fitting of the nasal device, the flap is intended to be in a bent back position to aid insertion of the nasal cannulae into the patient's nares.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Edwin McAuley, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Dominic Robert Doyle
  • Patent number: 7857894
    Abstract: A system and a method are described for monitoring pressure imbalances in the adsorbent beds of a portable gas concentrator. Using the programmability features found in modern portable concentrators, various mitigative procedures to adjust for pressure imbalances and to predict the need for service are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Inogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenton Taylor, Peter Hansen
  • Patent number: 7856979
    Abstract: Described herein are nasal respiratory devices and methods for treating a variety of medical diseases including snoring and sleep apnea through the use of such devices. In general, these devices include an airflow resistor, such as a flap valve and a holdfast for securing the device in communication with the subject's nasal cavity. The devices may be configured to include leak paths to regulate the expiratory pressure when worn by a subject. Methods for using these devices may include securing a device over or at least partially within (or both of) a subject's nasal cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Ventus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Doshi, Ryan Kendall Pierce, Bryan Loomas
  • Patent number: 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
  • Publication number: 20100300450
    Abstract: An airway management device such as, for example, an nasal airway management device with inflatable supraglottic laryngeal cuff is provided. The airway management device includes an airway tube, an inflatable cuff, and an inflation passage. The airway tube defines a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end. At least the distal end of the airway tube is configured to be inserted through a patient's nasopharyngeal passageway. The inflatable cuff is attached at or near the distal end of the airway tube and defines an opening fluidly coupled with the lumen of the airway tube. The inflation passage may extend along the airway tube and may be coupled to the inflatable cuff to allow inflation and deflation thereof. When in a deflated state the inflatable cuff may be inserted through the patient's nasopharyngeal passageway. When in an inflated state the inflatable cuff may expand to form a seal around the patient's supraglottic laryngeal inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: Viachaslau M. Barodka
  • Publication number: 20100300708
    Abstract: Apparatus for oxygenating the airway of a patient may include a device for delivering an oxygen-carrying gas into the airway, a fire detection system configured to detect indications of an imminent or incipient fire in the airway, and a fire suppression system configured to suppress the imminent or incipient fire in the airway in response to detection of the fire in the airway by the fire detection system. A drape for use during surgery on a patient may include a sheet configured to cover an area of the patient during surgery, a fire detection system attached to the sheet and configured to detect indications of an imminent or incipient fire beneath the sheet, and a fire suppression system attached to the sheet and configured to suppress the imminent or incipient fire beneath the sheet in response to detection of the imminent or incipient fire by the fire detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: David T. Raphael, Paul Ronney
  • Patent number: 7837651
    Abstract: Disclosed is a drug delivery infusion pump assembly containing a drug delivery pump, a drug delivery cassette, a pump door, and a housing adapted to receive a drug vial. A drug vial centering mechanism ensures varieties of drug vial sizes are compatible with this device. The drug delivery cassette is capable of being positioned on the drug delivery infusion pump assembly so the drug delivery pump will interface with a drug delivery tube located on the drug delivery cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory D. Bishop, DeWayne A. Davis, Anil K. Nalagatla, Jeffery J. Wuennemann
  • Patent number: 7832400
    Abstract: A nasal cannula comprising a hollow main body having opposed first and second openings formed therein and the main body defining an internal chamber. A partition divides the internal chamber into first and second flow compartments. A flow passageway of a first nasal prong communicates with the first compartment and a flow passageway of the first mouth piece communicates with the first compartment to define a first flow passageway which communicates with both a first nostril and a mouth of the patient. A flow passageway of a second nasal prong communicates with the second compartment and a flow passageway of the second mouth piece communicates with the first compartment to define a second flow passageway which communicates with both a second nostril and the mouth of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Salter Labs
    Inventors: James N. Curti, Peter W. Salter
  • Patent number: 7827987
    Abstract: A system for adjusting a gas delivery mask is provided. The system may include a first housing portion, a first rim flexibly coupled to the first housing portion by a flexible member, a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion, a second rim associated with the second housing portion, and a ball rotatably disposed between the first and second rims and having a gas passageway extending therethrough. The ball may be maintained in contact with both the first and second rims by a resiliency of the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Brian Woodard, Ngee Lee, Edward M. Geiselhart, Chris Houghton, Benjamin K. Sun, Shiv Kumar
  • Patent number: 7819119
    Abstract: A patient interface having a cushion for engagement with the face of a user, a shell having an extension with a forehead support connected to the extension. The forehead support has a hinge so that the forehead support can be deformed to conform to the user's forehead. The patient interface also has a pivotable coupling defined by a body and a coplanar conduit that extends radially from the body. The coupling also has a port that allows access within the cavity formed by the cushion so that the port and coupling may rotate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Chi Fai Ho
  • Patent number: 7814911
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing positive pressure for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea are disclosed. The apparatus includes a nares seal configured to engage the nares of a patient and to direct pressurized air into the airways of the patient. The nares seal can include first and second laterally spaced delivery tubes defining a generally triangular open space between them. The delivery tubes can extend downward below the nose of a patient and curve inward and upward under the nose of the patient. A first and a second nostril tube are connected to the delivery tubes for insertion into the nares of the patient. A wire support may be provided in each of the laterally spaced delivery tubes. The nares seal may be connected to a mask support of headgear configured to be secured to the head of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: AEIOMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Bordewick, Laurel D. Brandt, Mark J. Weimholt
  • Publication number: 20100252042
    Abstract: A system for reducing airway obstructions of a patient may include a ventilator, a control unit, a gas delivery circuit with a proximal end in fluid communication with the ventilator and a distal end in fluid communication with a nasal interface, and a nasal interface. The nasal interface may include at least one jet nozzle, and at least one spontaneous respiration sensor in communication with the control unit for detecting a respiration effort pattern and a need for supporting airway patency. The system may be open to ambient. The control unit may determine more than one gas output velocities. The more than one gas output velocities may be synchronized with different parts of a spontaneous breath effort cycle, and a gas output velocity may be determined by a need for supporting airway patency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Breathe Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Kapust, Todd Allum, Anthony D. Wondka, Joseph Cipollone, Anthony Gerber, Darius Eghbal, Joey Aguirre
  • Patent number: 7806120
    Abstract: Described herein are nasal respiratory devices, in particular, nasal respiratory devices configured to achieve positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in a subject wearing the device. PEEP devices may have a threshold pressure for opening during expiration. In some variations, these devices have a threshold pressure for closing during expiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Ventus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Loomas, Rajiv Doshi, Ryan Kendall Pierce, Robert A. Howard, Motohide Hatanaka
  • Publication number: 20100242967
    Abstract: Naso-pharyngeal devices for treating sleep apnea can perform two functions simultaneously: keeping an open airway through an inner lumen of the device; and support for the tissue in the airway, because keeping the tissue from completely collapsing creates the possibility of some air movement around the device in the critical areas associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Fred Burbank, Mike Jones, Al Memmolo
  • Patent number: 7798148
    Abstract: Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ventus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Doshi, Motohide Hatanaka, Robert A. Howard
  • Publication number: 20100233024
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are vials and devices containing a ketorolac solution for intranasal administration and a head space comprising no more than about 10% v/v oxygen and which vials and devices are stored in an oxygen-impermeable pouch. Also disclosed are processes for preparing the vials and devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Roger Whiting, Ramachandran Thirucote
  • Publication number: 20100229872
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient interface device, such as a mask (10, 46), nasal pillow (42), or nasal cannula (54, 76, 76?, 78, 82, 90 96), that includes an adhesive layer (40) provided on a surface thereof that is structured to temporarily bond to the skin of a user of the patient interface device. The adhesive layer may include a bonding agent, such as a polymer gel, having a residual extraction force of between about 50 grams and about 200 grams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Peter Chi Fai Ho
  • Publication number: 20100224196
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a nasal cannula for delivering continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) to a patient's nares during operative procedures or in critical care areas. A malleable metal or plastic is encased in the bridge of the cannula to allow it to be shaped to the patient's face. As a result of contouring the cannula to the face, air leaks are minimized allowing a seal to be provided when an op site is applied to cover the upper lip, nasal cannula and nose. The cannula's nasal inserts can end in nontapered or slightly tapered non-sealing beads, which may be slightly angled out to accommodate various facial anatomies. When approximately several liters per minute of oxygen are flowed through the cannula, CPAP is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: JeMi Airway Management LLC
    Inventor: Mitchell L. Jablons
  • Publication number: 20100212663
    Abstract: A spray or injection device that includes a casing or a pusher that includes at least one tab radially moveable between a first radial position, in which the tab does not impede the movement of the pusher with respect to the casing, and a second radial position in which the tab opposes movement of the pusher. The pusher or the casing, respectively, includes at least one ramp-shaped projection configured to bring the tab into the second radial position and then allow it to return to the first radial position. The pusher or the casing further includes at least one stop between the pusher and casing to delineate the end of a first stroke corresponding to a first dose of medicament, and the beginning of a second stroke corresponding to a second dose of medicament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Lionel Vedrine, Frederic Perot, Laurent Barrelle
  • Publication number: 20100206312
    Abstract: A harness for securely positioning a nasal cannula on the face of a person for orally administering oxygen and other gases is described. A flexible chin strap adapted for placement around the chin of the person may be attached to adjustable, flexible straps effective for draping around the ears of the person, which are in turn attached to a central, cannula attachment portion disposed between the cannula and the face of the person. The gas delivery tubes of the cannula are also disposed behind the ears, essentially following the path of the flexible straps of the harness. Once placed on a person, the harness holds the nasal cannula such that the nasal prongs may disposed facing toward the mouth opening in the vicinity of the lower lip thereof, and may deliver gases to a mouth-breathing individual. Another embodiment of the harness may be utilized to position a nasal cannula for nasal administration of gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: John P. O'Leary
  • Patent number: 7775210
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nasal cannula for an anti-snoring apparatus, comprising a forked tube pneumatically connected to apertures, which are embodied and positioned in such a way that air can be administered into the nose of a user via these apertures. The nasal cannula further comprises a heating wire extending in the interior of forked tube in such a way that the heating wire can heat the air supplied through the forked tube. The invention moreover relates to a nosepiece and to a Y-shaped element for nasal cannula including internal radius steps at tube connection points. The invention further relates to a nosepiece and to a Y-shaped element having rounded off transition regions. The invention finally relates to a method for avoiding condensation in nasal cannulas. To this end, the gas is heated as it flows through the tubes of a nasal cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventors: Ulla Schöbel (nee Bauer), Silvio Kilz, Ingo Müller, Martin Baecke, Heiko Krause
  • Publication number: 20100192957
    Abstract: A nasal cannula arrangement for use as part of systems for delivery respiratory gases to a patient is disclosed. The nasal cannula arrangement includes a manifold part adapted to receive gases from a delivery conduit. The manifold includes one but preferably a pair of prongs extending upward and curving towards the rear of the manifold. The prongs are inserted into the nostrils of the patient and deliver gases to a patient. The prongs have a cut out on the rear side of the prongs. The cut out forms a gases outlet in the prongs and are shaped such that the area of the cut out area is greater than the cross sectional area of the prongs at the entry point to the prongs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: NICHOLAS ALEXANDER HOBSON, STEVEN CHARLES KORNER, CRAIG KARL WHITE, JASON VAN BEURDEN
  • Patent number: 7762253
    Abstract: A multiple lumen nasal cannula that can be used to delivery two separate supplies of gases to a patient. The multiple lumen nasal cannula includes a first lumen for delivering a first gas and a second lumen for delivering a second gas. The first lumen includes support structure that reduces the tendency of the cannula to kink and lock the delivery of gas to a patient. The cannula assembly includes a mixing chamber positioned near the patient such that the two supplies of gas are not mixed until a location approximate to delivery to the patient. The nasal cannula assembly includes a connecting device that allows the two separate supplies of gas to be correctly delivered to the two different lumens of the nasal cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jaron M. Acker, Jennifer L. Pakter, Robert Q. Tham
  • Patent number: 7762258
    Abstract: An infant nasal interface mask for use with a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) system including a mask body and a base. The mask body forms a cavity and is defined by a leading portion, an intermediate shell portion, and a trailing portion. The leading portion terminates in a leading edge forming an aperture open to the cavity and having a generally triangular shape for placement over a patient's nose. The trailing portion includes a bellows segment characterized by an increased flexibility as compared to a flexibility of the intermediate shell portion. The base extends from the trailing portion opposite the leading portion and forms at least one longitudinal passage extending through a thickness of the base and fluidly connected to the cavity. The intermediate shell portion is laterally pivotable relative to the base via the bellows segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: CareFusion 2200, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Zollinger, Brian Pierro
  • Patent number: 7753991
    Abstract: A water transport assembly, is provided including a housing having a first chamber therein, which is accessible through an opening in the housing. The housing additionally includes a sample inlet port and a sample outlet port, both of which are in fluid communication with the first chamber. A flat ion exchange membrane is attached to the housing in a plane over the opening in the housing, to seal the opening in a vapor tight seal. Water will pass through the membrane based upon the vapor pressure on each side of the membrane, to either dry or humidify sample passing through the first chamber. When the flat ion exchange membrane is a flat, thin ion exchange membrane it is preferable that the thin ion exchange membrane have a thickness of between about 0.1 and about 3.0 mils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Kertzman Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Kertzman
  • Patent number: 7743770
    Abstract: A cannula having at least three separate flow passages and comprising separate nasal and mouth main bodies. The nasal body has first and second nares and first and second main flow chambers respectively communicating with first and second ports, and the first and second flow chambers are separated from one another by a septum. The mouth main body is adjacent the nasal main body and has at least one mouthpiece and at least a third main flow chamber therein communicating with a third port. The cannula has at least first, second and third flow paths which can be connected with a desired supply, monitoring or detection device. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Salter Labs
    Inventors: James N. Curti, Kyle L. Adriance, Russell J. Kinney
  • Patent number: 7740014
    Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering a substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device including: a nosepiece for fitting to a nostril of a subject; a substance supply unit for supplying a substance for delivery through the nosepiece; and a delivery prevention mechanism for preventing delivery of a substance through the nosepiece until the nosepiece is properly fitted to the nostril of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Optinose AS
    Inventor: Per Gisle Djupesland
  • Patent number: 7735491
    Abstract: Described here are methods for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable nasal devices are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Ventus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Doshi, Motohide Hatanaka, Robert A. Howard
  • Patent number: 7735492
    Abstract: Described here are methods, devices, and kits for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable nasal devices are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Ventus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Doshi, Motohide Hatanaka, Robert A. Howard
  • Patent number: 7735490
    Abstract: A nasal cannula apparatus which includes one or more adjustment members which allow a wearer of the apparatus to retentively reposition the fluid supply tubing to a desired position of comfort. The ability to retentively reposition minimizes the dermal abrasion problems of the ears and other portions of the face experienced by the prolonged wearing of the nasal cannula apparatus encountered in the current art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Tracey Lyn Rinaldi
  • Publication number: 20100139664
    Abstract: A method of forming a cannula from a cannula mandrel assembly comprising a pair of mouthpiece/nasal mandrels and a mating facepiece mandrel. The facepiece mandrel has a pair of conical holes, in an intermediate section thereof, for receiving a leading end of one mouthpiece/nasal mandrel. The conical holes allow the facepiece mandrel to slide along the mouthpiece/nasal mandrels until the conical holes abut with respective mating tapering conical sections and prevent further sliding movement along the mouthpiece/nasal mandrels. Following assembly, the assembly is heated, at least one coating of a polymeric material is applied thereto and heat from the assembly at least partially cures the polymeric material on the assembly. Following curing, the facepiece mandrel and formed cannula are slide along the mouthpiece/nasal mandrels until the facepiece mandrel and formed cannula are removed therefrom. Lastly, the facepiece mandrel is removed from the formed cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: SALTER LABS
    Inventors: James N. CURTI, Peter W. Salter
  • Patent number: 7730888
    Abstract: A method includes advancing a distal end of a tubular nasopharyngeal airway device through a nostril opening and into a nasal passageway of a patient, the nasopharyngeal airway device having a proximal end that is larger than the nostril opening. At least a terminal tip of a resiliently flexible elongated locking protrusion that projects from the proximal end of the nasopharyngeal airway device is inserted into the same nostril opening in which the nasopharyngeal airway device is disposed so that the locking protrusion biases against the lining of the nasal passageway, thereby securing the nasopharyngeal airway device within the nasal passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Spivan, LLC
    Inventor: Ivan L. Dunlap
  • Publication number: 20100132716
    Abstract: A nasal assembly includes a patient interface including a hollow body that defines an air chamber and a pair of nozzles supported by the hollow body. Each nozzle includes a conical tip structured to sealingly communicate with a respective nasal passage of a patient's nose in use. Headgear is provided to the patient interface so as to maintain the patient interface in a desired position on the patient's face in use. The hollow body is bendable to adjust a position of the nozzles in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Karthikeyan Selvarajan, Philip Rodney Kwok, Philip John Gunning
  • Publication number: 20100132717
    Abstract: A breathing arrangement includes a patient interface, at least one inlet conduit, and a headgear assembly. The patient interface includes a mouth covering assembly including a cushion structured to sealingly engage around exterior of a patient's mouth in use, a nozzle assembly including a pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of a patient's nose in use, and an element connecting the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly. The at least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. The headgear assembly is removably connected to at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly so as to maintain the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly in a desired position on the patient's face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Aaron Samuel DAVIDSON, Michael Kassipillai Gunaratnam, Susan Robyn Lynch, Milind Chandrakant Raje, Gary Christopher Robinson, Steven John Lubke, Gregory Scott Smart, Philip Rodney Kwok, Rupert Christian Scheiner
  • Publication number: 20100132707
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for controlling a TNI-apparatus (1). One method can measure the actual gas temperature at the outlet of the humidifier (19). One method can determine a set gas temperature (34) of the gas at the outlet of a humidifier (19) of the TNI-apparatus (1) in dependence on an ambient temperature (25) of the TNI-apparatus (1), or a set gas temperature (34) of the gas at the outlet of a humidifier (19) of the TNI-apparatus (1) in dependence on a gas flow (28) in the TNI-apparatus. One method can determine a set gas temperature (34) of the gas at the outlet of a humidifier (19) of the TNI-apparatus (1) in dependence on a comfort value (30) predetermined by a user, or adjust the heating power of a heating wire (26) in a nasal cannula (27) of a TNI-apparatus (1) in such a way that a gas exiting the nasal cannula (27) has approximately the same temperature, which the gas had when it exited a humidifier (19) of the TNI-apparatus (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Ingo Muller
  • Patent number: 7726314
    Abstract: The present invention is a generally conical nebulizer, aerosol, filter or inhalant face mask for sealing against the atmosphere a wearer's mouth and nose, the improvement comprising a representation of a face on the outside surface with an exhaust valve located where the mouth would be located. The exhaust valve is adapted to visibly lift outward and up from the outside mask surface to imitate a flapping tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Koo Khim Ming
  • Patent number: 7708017
    Abstract: A breathing arrangement includes a patient interface, at least one inlet conduit, and a headgear assembly. The patient interface includes a mouth covering assembly including a cushion structured to sealingly engage around exterior of a patient's mouth in use, a nozzle assembly including a pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of a patient's nose in use, and an element connecting the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly. The at least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. The headgear assembly is removably connected to at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly so as to maintain the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly in a desired position on the patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Aaron Samuel Davidson, Michael Kassipillai Gunaratnam, Susan Robyn Lynch, Milind Chandrakant Raje, Gary Christopher Robinson, Steven John Lubke, Gregory Scott Smart, Philip Rodney Kwok, Rupert Christian Scheiner