Breathable Liquids Patents (Class 128/913)
  • Patent number: 8347879
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device is disclosed having a housing and a fluid discharge device. The fluid discharge device is arranged to be actuated by one or more levers so as to apply a force transversely to the fluid discharge device which is used to move a container forming part of the fluid discharge device along a longitudinal axis of the fluid discharge device to cause actuation of a pump forming part of the fluid discharge device. A pre-load means is used to prevent actuation of the pump until a pre-determined force is applied to each lever of sufficient magnitude to guarantee the production of a well developed efficient spray from the fluid dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Michael Birsha Davies, James W. Godfrey
  • Patent number: 7814900
    Abstract: A dispenser (1) comprises a can (2) and body (3). The can is an aluminum extrusion with a valve crimped into its mouth, the valve having an outlet spout (4). The crimped region (5) of the can surrounding the valve has a lesser diameter than the can has through the main part (6) of its length. The body has a mouthpiece (11) with a pivotal cover (12) drivingly connected to a cam (13). This bears on the underside of junction member (14), into a socket (15) of which the spout 4 fits. A breath actuated dose release mechanism (16) is provided. The body has a tubular section (7) for receiving the necked down region (5) of the can. A printed paper label (21) is wrapped around the joint between the body and the can to unite the can to the body in position such that when the cover is opened, a dose is dispensed by the cam (13) lifting the junction member and depressing the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Clinical Designs Limited
    Inventor: Raymond John Bacon
  • Patent number: 6983749
    Abstract: Devices and methods to heat and cool human beings, including inducing and maintaining hypothermia in human patients. Methods include inducing hypothermia to treat ischemic events, including heart attack and stroke, to limit damage caused by the ischemic event. Methods can include: using the lungs for heat exchange; using cooled gases for ventilation; using helium in the ventilation gas mixture, using medications to control reflex heat production; and injecting a perfluorocarbon mist into the gas stream to increase the cooling rate. The high thermal conductivity and diffusivity of helium results in greater inspired gas temperature equalization toward body temperature. Due to the latent heat of vaporization, addition of even small quantity of phase-change perfluorocarbon dramatically increases the heat carrying capacity of the respiratory gases. Hypothermia may be terminated by discontinuing the medications and warming the patient using a warmed helium-oxygen mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Minnesota High-Tech Resources, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew M. Kumar, Larry D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6694977
    Abstract: A novel technique for ventilation and heat exchange is disclosed called Mixed-mode Liquid Ventilation (MMLV). This technique uses an endotracheal catheter to add and remove liquid from the lungs continuously and/or cyclically, and deliver gas at a rate independent of the delivery of liquid. This technique produces small-scale mixing of gas and liquid in the airways, allowing for efficient gas and heat exchange. Medical uses for the technique are disclosed. These uses include induction and reversal of hyperthermia, and hypothermia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Critical Care Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Federowicz, Sandra R. Russell, Steven B. Harris
  • Publication number: 20030056788
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating a patient in need of facilitated oxygen delivery through the lungs, additional lung surfactant, removal of material from inside the lung, or inflation of collapsed portions of the lung, comprising the step of introducing into the lung of the patient an effective therapeutic amount of a fluorocarbon liquid, the amount not exceeding the functional residual capacity of the lung of the patient upon exhalation taking into account any positive and expiratory pressure applied to the patient's lung. The method may also comprise the additional step of providing an oxygen-containing breathing gas to the patient while the fluorocarbon liquid is in the lung.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Nicholas Simon Faithfull, Jeffry Greg Weers
  • Publication number: 20020153010
    Abstract: A liquid ventilation apparatus and method for facilitating liquid breathing by a patient. The apparatus can include a pressurizable chamber adapted to contain a breathable liquid and a gas, such that pressurizing and depressurizing the chamber moves a breathable liquid into and out of the lungs of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Allan L. Rozenberg, John K. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20020023640
    Abstract: A respiratory apparatus is provided including a liquid ventilator. The primary components of the apparatus include a ventilator, control valve, and chiller/oxygenator. The invention utilizes a closed loop circulation of a breathable liquid to provide liquid ventilation and pulmonary cooling. The ventilator is a dual-chambered device which may be hand or machine actuated. A dual compression force is applied to the ventilator which induces a patient's inspiration of oxygenated and cooled liquid from an inspiration chamber, and simultaneously induces transfer of oxygen depleted, heated liquid into the oxygenator/chiller from an expiration chamber. Upon release of the compression force, the ventilator returns to its normally open or uncompressed state inducing evacuation of the liquid from the patient's lungs into the expiration chamber and flow of re-oxygenated and chilled liquid into the inspiration chamber of the ventilator, thus readying the ventilator for the next inspiration phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Chris Nightengale
  • Patent number: 6289892
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating a patient in need of facilitated oxygen delivery through the lungs, additional lung surfactant, removal of material from inside the lung, or inflation of collapsed portions of the lung, comprising the step of introducing into the lung of the patient an effective therapeutic amount of a fluorocarbon liquid, the amount not exceeding the functional residual capacity of the lung of the patient upon exhalation taking into account any positive and expiratory pressure applied to the patient's lung. The method may also comprise the additional step of providing an oxygen-containing breathing gas to the patient while the fluorocarbon liquid is in the lung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventors: Nicholas Simon Faithfull, Jeffry Greg Weers
  • Patent number: 6119687
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating a patient in need of facilitated oxygen delivery through the lungs, additional lung surfactant, removal of material from inside the lung, or inflation of collapsed portions of the lung, comprising the step of introducing into the lung of the patient an effective therapeutic amount of a fluorocarbon liquid, the amount not exceeding the functional residual capacity of the lung of the patient upon exhalation taking into account any positive and expiratory pressure applied to the patient's lung. The method may also comprise the additional step of providing an oxygen-containing breathing gas to the patient while the fluorocarbon liquid is in the lung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventors: Nicholas Simon Faithfull, Jeffry Greg Weers
  • Patent number: 6116235
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the conservation of respiratory promoters following their pulmonary introduction are disclosed. In preferred embodiments the present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing the loss of respiratory promoter, and particularly fluorochemcials, during medical procedures such as liquid ventilation. The disclosed methods comprise the use of vapor retention assemblies, which may be conventional heat and moisture exchangers, to passively retain the respiratory promoter and return it to the lungs in subsequent breaths. Novel vapor retention assemblies comprising fluorophilic exchange elements are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventors: Mark A. Walters, Ernest G. Schutt, John K. Hoffman, Mark H. Wyzgala, W. Dean Kirkland
  • Patent number: 6112744
    Abstract: In respiratory care with liquids, the patient is connected to a liquid apparatus and a ventilator for supplying and removing a treatment liquid and a breathing gas respectively to/from the patient. The exchange of gases between the breathing gas and the treatment liquid is improved with a device which causes the breathing gas and/or the liquid to oscillate. The device may be a breathing gas generator which generates different frequencies to cause the breathing gas and treatment liquid to oscillate at appropriate frequencies. The device may be a vibrator unit which is applied to the chest to cause the treatment liquid to oscillate. The device may be a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field across the lungs and setting electrically conductive components in the treatment liquid in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Elema AB
    Inventor: Kurt Hognelid
  • Patent number: 6105572
    Abstract: A liquid ventilator having a dual loop, single pump configuration is disclosed. The liquid ventilator preferably utilizes two three-way valves for routing liquid from a reservoir in a regeneration apparatus and to a patient's pulmonary system, and back to the reservoir again. A controller controls the configuration of the three-way valves and the pump speed of the motor to allow user control over the parameters of inspiration and expiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignees: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp., Temple University of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Thomas H. Shaffer, Marla R. Wolfson, James L. Heckman, John Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6041777
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which allow for closed-circuit ventilation for the treatment or diagnosis of disorders. The closed-circuit ventilation apparatus of the present invention provide a closed-circuit respirator that isolates the gas flow path from the ventilator apparatus. This allows the prolonged administration of expensive materials such as fluorochemicals without excessive loss due to evaporation. As such the provided methods an apparatus are particularly applicable to liquid ventilation including partial liquid ventilation and total liquid ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventors: Nicholas Simon Faithfull, Ernest G. Schutt
  • Patent number: 6012453
    Abstract: An apparatus that provides for withdrawal of the liquid contents from a closed container 14 independent of the spatial orientation thereof, is described. The liquid withdrawal apparatus includes flexible withdrawal conduits 58 disposed inside the container and in fluid flow communication with external heat exchangers 144, 146. The heat exchangers serve to transfer heat to the withdrawn liquid to thereby provide a breathable gas mixture. The upstream end of the withdrawal conduits 58 are provided with a weighted pick-up means comprising a wicking material that draws liquid into the interior thereof to ensure contact of the liquid with the conduits, even when the supply of liquid is nearly depleted. A pressure differential between the inside of the container and the external heat exchangers, normally brought about by an inhalation event of the user, provides the motive force for withdrawing the liquid contents from the container through the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Figgie Inernational Inc.
    Inventors: Izrail Tsals, Dominick J. Frustaci, Scott J. Hynek
  • Patent number: 5927273
    Abstract: A method and apparatus utilize liquid ventilation to increase the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The method involves replacing gas in the lungs with an oxygen and carbon dioxide carrying liquid to eliminate the decreased pumping efficiency of the heart seen during conventional or active compression-decompression (ACD) closed-chest CPR. A further advantage during ACD-CPR is the ability to perform liquid ventilation without a mechanical respirator. A further advantage is provided by supplying a continuous flow of liquid (or gaseous) ventilation medium throughout the entire chest compression/re-expansion cycle, dramatically accelerating both gas exchange and cooling or warming of the patient or animal subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Life Resuscitation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Federowicz, Ronald M. Klatz
  • Patent number: 5853003
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating a patient in need of facilitated oxygen delivery through the lungs, additional lung surfactant, removal of material from inside the lung, or inflation of collapsed portions of the lung, comprising the step of introducing into the lung of the patient an effective therapeutic amount of a fluorocarbon liquid, the amount not exceeding the functional residual capacity of the lung of the patient upon exhalation taking into account any positive and expiratory pressure applied to the patient's lung. The method may also comprise the additional step of providing an oxygen-containing breathing gas to the patient while the fluorocarbon liquid is in the lung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventors: Nicholas Simon Faithfull, Jeffry Greg Weers
  • Patent number: 5829428
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the conservation of respiratory promoters following their pulmonary introduction are disclosed. In preferred embodiments the present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing the loss of respiratory promoter, and particularly fluorochemcials, during medical procedures such as liquid ventilation. The disclosed methods comprise the use of vapor retention assemblies, which may be conventional heat and moisture exchangers, to passively retain the respiratory promoter and return it to the lungs in subsequent breaths. Novel vapor retention assemblies comprising fluorophilic exchange elements are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventors: Mark A. Walters, Ernest G. Schutt, John K. Hoffman, Mark H. Wyzgala, W. Dean Kirkland
  • Patent number: 5788665
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a uniformly dispersed drug-containing phase within a continuous liquid delivery phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventor: K. Michael Sekins
  • Patent number: 5706830
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a liquid ventilator system which comprises a source of oxygenated liquid, an inspiratory conduit, a bifurcated bronchial tube, and a pump. The bifurcated bronchial tube has a left lumen for directing the flow of oxygenated liquid into the left primary bronchus of a subject, and a right lumen for directing the flow of oxygenated liquid into the right primary bronchus of a subject. The invention further provides a method for liquid ventilation of a subject using the system, as well as a method of increasing ventilation efficiency by continuous isovolumetric flow of oxygenated liquid into the bronchi of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: South Alabama Medical Science Foundation
    Inventor: James C. Parker
  • Patent number: 5707352
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a uniformly dispersed drug-containing phase within a continuous liquid delivery phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventors: K. Michael Sekins, Thomas H. Shaffer, Marla R. Wolfson
  • Patent number: 5655521
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating a patient in need of facilitated oxygen delivery through the lungs, additional lung surfactant, removal of material from inside the lung, or inflation of collapsed portions of the lung, comprising the step of introducing into the lung of the patient an effective therapeutic amount of a fluorocarbon liquid, the amount not exceeding the functional residual capacity of the lung of the patient upon exhalation taking into account any positive and expiratory pressure applied to the patient's lung. The method may also comprise the additional step of providing an oxygen-containing breathing gas to the patient while the fluorocarbon liquid is in the lung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventors: Nicholas Simon Faithfull, Jeffry Greg Weers
  • Patent number: 5590651
    Abstract: The amount of breathable liquid eliminated from a mammal through volatilization in the lungs and/or through skin transpiration is detected by measuring the amount of saturation of the expiratory gas by vapors or the breathable liquid. Instantaneous saturation values are employed to gauge the amount of interaction in the lungs between the breathable liquid and respiratory gas flowing therein and to control selected feedback operations to maintain the maximum possible amount of interaction therebetween. The saturation level of expiratory gas is also employed to optimize operating parameters or a system for recovering the breathable liquid from the expiratory gas, directly from the patient, or from a gas or liquid ventilator. The saturation level or expiratory gas is also employed to perform functional residual capacity studies and to correct for errors in conventional functional residual capacity measurements performed while a patient undergoes partial liquid ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Temple University - Of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Thomas H. Shaffer, Marla R. Wolfson, Thomas F. Miller, Raymond Foust, III
  • Patent number: 5540225
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing partial liquid ventilation, in connection with which a liquid such as an oxygen carrying fluorocarbon liquid is introduced into the lung and removed from the lung of a patient while the patient is simultaneously breathing an oxygen-carrying breathing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventor: Ernest G. Schutt
  • Patent number: 5531219
    Abstract: A multiple method step for delivering a medicament to the lungs, in connection with which, a biocompatible perfluorocarbon liquid is introduced into the lungs and the a microparticulate medicament is introduced into the lungs where it is dispersed into the pulmonary spaces which are filled or coated with the perfluorocarbon liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventor: Gwen H. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 5492109
    Abstract: An involuntary respiratory apparatus for perfusing and entraining a breathable liquid from the lungs of a patient. The system includes a number of components which are interconnected by a conduit so as to form a substantially closed loop, single path circuit. The various components include a reservoir, a pump, an oxygenator, a heat exchanger, an endotracheal tube, a Y-connector, a valve and a controller. To simulate inspiration, the controller closes the valve, which is located downstream of the Y-connector, thereby forcing the liquid into the lungs of the patient. After a tidal volume of liquid has been perfused into the patient's lungs, the controller opens the valve. The Y-connector is shaped such that the flow of liquid through its inspiratory limb will cause the liquid in the patient's lungs to be entrained into the flow out of the Y-connector. In this manner, the Y-connector operates as an ejector pump and allows the apparatus to continuously perfuse the liquid through the single path circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Ronald B. Hirschl, Jean P. Montoya, Scott I. Merz
  • Patent number: 5490498
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating a patient in need of facilitated oxygen delivery through the lungs, additional lung surfactant, removal of material from inside the lung, or inflation of collapsed portions of the lung, comprising the step of introducing into the lung of the patient an effective therapeutic amount of a fluorocarbon liquid, the amount not exceeding the functional residual capacity of the lung of the patient upon exhalation taking into account any positive and expiratory pressure applied to the patient's lung. The method may also comprise the additional step of providing an oxygen-containing breathing gas to the patient while the fluorocarbon liquid is in the lung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Faithfull, Jeffry G. Weers
  • Patent number: 5437272
    Abstract: Method and means for maintaining respiratory gas exchange, by introducing into the pulmonary air passages of a mammalian host a volume of perfluorocarbon liquid substantially equivalent to the pulmonary functional residual capacity of the host, maintaining respiratory gas exchange in the perfluorocarbon liquid-laden pulmonary air passages by continuous positive pressure breathing with a conventional respirator, for up to an hour or more, and thereafter evaporating the perfluorocarbon liquid from the pulmonary air passages. Useful for treating pulmonary surfactant deficiency or dysfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventor: Bradley P. Fuhrman
  • Patent number: 5335650
    Abstract: A process is provided for controlling a ventilation procedure wherein a liquid ventilation system passes a breathing liquid through at least a portion of a patient's pulmonary pathways. In this process, desired ranges for certain process parameters associated with the liquid ventilation system are established. These desired ranges are input into a central processing unit. Initial settings for the liquid ventilation system are then made such that the actual conditions which will initially occur during the liquid ventilation procedure fall within their respective desired ranges. Thereafter, the liquid ventilation procedure is commenced. During the liquid ventilation procedure, conditions which relate to the established ranges are continually monitored by appropriate sensors. The monitored information is also input into the central processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Temple University - Of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Thomas H. Shaffer, Marla R. Wolfson
  • Patent number: 5277176
    Abstract: An extracorporeal lung assistance device having an oxygen-containing gas chamber positioned in such relationship to a gas exchange chamber that transfer of oxygen to blood and the withdrawal of carbon dioxide from blood disposed may be made. The gas exchange chamber has a blood flow channel extending through the gas exchanger defined by a microporous membrane forming a wall separating the blood flow channel from an oxygen, carbon dioxide exchange media. A second membrane supported in spaced-apart relationship from said first membrane. The space between the membranes is filled with the oxygen carbon dioxide exchange media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventors: Nader M. Habashi, Howard N. Reynolds, Ulf R. Borg
  • Patent number: 5187145
    Abstract: The heat transfer sheet according to this invention includes a substrate sheet and a dye carrier layer formed on one surface of said substrate sheet, and is characterized in that the dye included in the dye carrier layer is represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 -R.sub.4 and X each represent a substituent. According to this invention, it is possible to obtain image representations improved in terms of printing density and clearness as well as storability and resistance to discoloring and browning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Insatsu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jumpei Kanto, Hitoshi Saito, Hiroshi Eguchi, Masayuki Nakamura, Koumei Kafuku, Junji Chiba, Kaoru Suda
  • Patent number: 4232665
    Abstract: This invention relates to the combination of a number of pieces of separate functioning apparatus in order to accomplish the combined purposes of producing medical grade oxygen from air, saturating an inert isotonic liquid with the oxygen, adjusting the temperature of the oxygen saturated liquid to a predetermined temperature, injecting the oxygen saturated liquid into the bottom of the animal lung(s) cavity, circulating the liquid up through the lung(s) cavity by removal of the carbon dioxide saturated liquid at the top of the lung(s) cavity along with displaced from the lung(s) cavity non-miscible, aqueous liquid; separation of nonmiscible liquid, filtering of isotonic liquid for particulate removal, heat sterilization of isotonic liquid as well as stripping of remaining absorbed gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), cooling and temperature adjusting of isotonic liquid to predetermined desired temperature, and return of isotonic liquid to saturator for resaturation with oxygen and repeat cycle use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Inventor: Vesper A. Vaseen