Halitosis Detection Patents (Class 600/530)
  • Patent number: 8956295
    Abstract: Devices and methods for sleep detection involve the use of an adjustable threshold for detecting sleep onset and termination. A method for detecting sleep includes adjusting a sleep threshold associated with a first sleep-related signal using a second sleep-related signal. The first sleep-related signal is compared to the adjusted threshold and sleep is detected based on the comparison. The sleep-related signals may be derived from implantable or external sensors. Additional sleep-related signals may be used to confirm the sleep condition. A sleep detector device implementing a sleep detection method may be a component of an implantable pulse generator such as a pacemaker or defibrillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Quan Ni, Zoe Hajenga, Douglas R. Daum, Jeffrey E. Stahmann, John D. Hatlestad, Kent Lee
  • Patent number: 8702618
    Abstract: The invention provides a breath testing device which includes a visual indicating agent which changes color in the presence of an odor associated with bad breath, such as sulfur and ammonia odors. An example of the visual indicating agent is 4,4?-bis(dimethylamino)-benzhydrol (Michler's hydrol or BDMB) and related dyes having a similar chemical structure. The indicating agent is applied to a substrate which is then inserted into a tube or straw, or which covers one end of a straw. When a user with bad breath blows into the tube or straw, the indicating agent will change color. The breath testing devices provide a quick and affordable means for a user to test their breath, and they may be packaged in discreet, pocket-sized dispensers which can be carried in a pocket or purse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Kevin P. McGrath, RameshBabu Boga
  • Patent number: 8627821
    Abstract: Methods and devices to determine rate of particle production and the size range for the particles produced for an individual are described herein. The device (10) contains a mouthpiece (12), a filter (14), a low resistance one-way valve (16), a particle counter (20) and a computer (30). Optionally, the device also contains a gas flow meter (22). The data obtained using the device can be used to determine if a formulation for reducing particle exhalation should be administered to an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Pulmatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Edwards, Mark J. Gabrielson, Robert William Clarke, Wesley H. Dehaan, Matthew Frederick Brande, Jonathan Chun-Wah Man
  • Patent number: 8618939
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device comprising an odor sensor and methods of operation are disclosed. An odor is detected using an odor sensor coupled to the mobile electronic device, and a predetermined process is performed if the odor is a predefined odor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihisa Nabata, Toshikazu Hiramoto
  • Publication number: 20130261486
    Abstract: The invention provides a breath testing device which includes a visual indicating agent which changes color in the presence of an odor associated with bad breath, such as sulfur and ammonia odors. An example of the visual indicating agent is 4,4?-bis(dimethylamino)-benzhydrol (Michler's hydrol or BDMB) and related dyes having a similar chemical structure. The indicating agent is applied to a substrate which is then inserted into a tube or straw, or which covers one end of a straw. When a user with bad breath blows into the tube or straw, the indicating agent will change color. The breath testing devices provide a quick and affordable means for a user to test their breath, and they may be packaged in discreet, pocket-sized dispensers which can be carried in a pocket or purse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Kevin Peter McGrath, RameshBabu Boga
  • Publication number: 20130109991
    Abstract: A bad breath detection system comprising: a bad breath detection device; and a indicating agent on the bad breath detection device wherein when a user places the bad breath detection device in their mouth the indicating agent provides a visual cue depending on a concentration of malodorous compounds in a saliva sample of the user to indicate to the user a level of breath freshness. The bad breath detection device may be embodied in various forms including a tube where the user blows into the tube for detection, a strip where an end of the strip is placed in the user's mouth or a disc where the user places the disc into their mouth for detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Michael McLain
  • Patent number: 8376944
    Abstract: A caloric consumption measuring device measures a caloric consumption of a user during an activity. The caloric consumption measuring device includes a first personal data creating component, a second personal data creating component, a heart rate input component, and a caloric consumption calculating component. The first personal data creating component sets at least one personal physical condition of the user and creates first personal data based on the set personal physical condition. The second personal data creating component sets at least one environmental condition of the user and creates second personal data based on the environmental condition. The heart rate input component receives data indicative of a detected heart rate. The caloric consumption calculating component calculates the caloric consumption based on the detected heart rate that was received and the first and second personal data created by the first and second personal data creating components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Ryuji Abe
  • Patent number: 8323206
    Abstract: A mouthpiece with an eject mechanism is disclosed. The mouthpiece includes an eject mechanism adapted to conform to a testing device, such as a breath analysis device. The eject mechanism allows for hygienic removal of a used mouthpiece from the testing device. A guiding surface allows for alignment of the mouthpiece with the testing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lifeloc Technologies
    Inventor: Alan C. Castrodale
  • Patent number: 8221328
    Abstract: The invention provides a breath testing device which includes a visual indicating agent which changes color in the presence of an odor associated with bad breath, such as sulfur and ammonia odors. An example of the visual indicating agent is 4,4?-bis(dimethylamino)-benzhydrol (Michler's hydrol or BDMB) and related dyes having a similar chemical structure. The indicating agent is applied to a substrate which is then inserted into a tube or straw, or which covers one end of a straw. When a user with bad breath blows into the tube or straw, the indicating agent will change color. The breath testing devices provide a quick and affordable means for a user to test their breath, and they may be packaged in discreet, pocket-sized dispensers which can be carried in a pocket or purse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Kevin P. McGrath, RameshBabu Boga
  • Patent number: 7690378
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for monitoring respiratory disorders based on monitored factors of a photoplethysmography (PPG) signal that is representative of peripheral blood volume. The monitored factors can be respiratory effort as well as respiratory rate and/or blood oxygen saturation level. The systems and devices may or may not be implanted in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Turcott
  • Publication number: 20090293211
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dental cleaning device having, in combination, a toothbrush and a gas detecting system. The tooth brush has a brush portion and a handle portion. The brush portion of the toothbrush has dental cleaning devices allowing the user to clean teeth. The odor detection system is integrated into the toothbrush and generally comprises a gas sensor indicator for indicating presence of predetermined gas. The system allows the user to brush their teeth and either simultaneously or at differing times, detect any odors associated with bad breath. The device further allows the user a mechanism to know when bad breath causing odors are eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Marc Spungin
  • Publication number: 20080243015
    Abstract: The invention provides a breath testing device which includes a visual indicating agent which changes color in the presence of an odor associated with bad breath, such as sulfur and ammonia odors. An example of the visual indicating agent is 4,4?-bis(dimethylamino)-benzhydrol (Michler's hydrol or BDMB) and related dyes having a similar chemical structure. The indicating agent is applied to a substrate which is then inserted into a tube or straw, or which covers one end of a straw. When a user with bad breath blows into the tube or straw, the indicating agent will change color. The breath testing devices provide a quick and affordable means for a user to test their breath, and they may be packaged in discreet, pocket-sized dispensers which can be carried in a pocket or purse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Kevin Peter McGrath, RameshBabu Boga
  • Patent number: 7226415
    Abstract: The microwave hemorrhagic stroke detector includes a low power pulsed microwave transmitter with a broad-band antenna for producing a directional beam of microwaves, an index of refraction matching cap placed over the patients head, and an array of broad-band microwave receivers with collection antennae. The system of microwave transmitter and receivers are scanned around, and can also be positioned up and down the axis of the patients head. The microwave hemorrhagic stroke detector is a completely non-invasive device designed to detect and localize blood pooling and clots or to measure blood flow within the head or body. The device is based on low power pulsed microwave technology combined with specialized antennas and tomographic methods. The system can be used for rapid, non-invasive detection of blood pooling such as occurs with hemorrhagic stoke in human or animal patients as well as for the detection of hemorrhage within a patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Waleed S. Haddad, James E. Trebes
  • Patent number: 7207947
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for detecting the circadian state of a patient using an implantable medical device based on selected blood carbon dioxide (CO2) parameters. In one example, the implantable device tracks changes in end tidal CO2 (etCO2) levels and changes in maximum variations of pCO2 levels per breathing cycle (?cycleCO2) over the course of the day and determines the circadian state based thereon. It has been found that average etCO2 levels are generally highest and average ?cycleCO2 levels are generally lowest while a patient is asleep and opposite while a patient is awake. Hence, by tracking changes in average etCO2 and ?cycleCO2 levels over the course of the day, circadian states can be detected. Minute ventilation and activity levels are used to assist in the determination of the circadian state. Additional techniques are directed to detecting the stage of sleep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Koh, Euljoon Park
  • Publication number: 20030100842
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for the rapid assessment of the degree of halitosis comprising the steps of a) obtaining a sample of fluid and/or tissue from the oral cavity of a subject, b) assessing the amount of &bgr;-galactosidase in said sample, c) determining the degree of halitosis in said subject, by comparing the result obtained in step b) with appropriate reference values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Melvyn Nevo Rosenberg, Nir Sterer
  • Publication number: 20030098022
    Abstract: A nebulizer includes a peak flow meter measuring the respiratory function of a patient and a nebulizer as a inhaler of a liquid medicine. The patient blows in the breath from a peak flow meter blow-in section of the nebulizer into the peak flow meter to measure the respiratory function. Further, the patient inhales the liquid medicine in a liquid medicine bottle inserted into a liquid medicine bottle insert opening from a nebulizer inhale opening. Simultaneously, outer air measurement is performed with a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor of the nebulizer. Such measurement data and inhale recording data are transmitted to a server from an external connection. Thus, a health site of the patient based on the data is opened on a network. The patient can obtain appropriate advice from a doctor, and a liquid medicine supply from a service provider at appropriate timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Nakao, Koichi Tanaka, Tomoya Ishida, Koichi Takizawa
  • Patent number: 6467333
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for detecting the presence of an analyte, such as for example, a lightweight device, including: a sample chamber having a fluid inlet port for the influx of the analyte; a fluid concentrator in flow communication with the sample chamber wherein the fluid concentrator has an absorbent material capable of absorbing the analyte and capable of desorbing a concentrated analyte; and an array of sensors in fluid communication with the concentrated analyte to be released from the fluid concentrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Erik J. Severin, Bernard Wong
  • Publication number: 20010056246
    Abstract: The invention refers to a colorimetric sensor of halitosis, sensitive to volatile sulphur compounds. Said sensor comprises a solid support and a redox calorimetric reagent sensitive to volatile sulphur compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Julio Rodriguez-Fernandez, Regina Lopez-Fernandez, Rosario Pereiro-Garcia, Alfredo Sanz-Medel
  • Patent number: 6308705
    Abstract: In a lung therapy method, hyperpolarized gas is administered for one breath to a subject, and a magnetic resonance scan of at least one lung of the subject is conducted. The data obtained from the scan are evaluated, specifically to determine the extent and distribution of infusion of hyperpolarized gas in the lung, as an indication of the alveolae in the lung which are open. Based on the evaluation of the data obtained in the magnetic resonance scan, a determination is made as to whether administration of a surfactant is necessary in order to improve opening of the lung. If a surfactant is administered, the procedure can be repeated to obtain an updated dataset, which can be evaluated to determine whether the administered surfactant has been effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Rupprecht, Rainer Kuth
  • Patent number: 6264615
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing the presence and extent of halitosis activity are disclosed. A method includes assaying for the presence of sulfides on the surface of a subject's tongue in order to determine the concentrations of sulfides in the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Diamond General Development Corporation
    Inventors: Howard Diamond, Donald L. Musinski