RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140202466 | PATIENT INTERFACE DEVICE WITH LIMITED SUPPORT AREA ON THE FACE - A patient interface device includes a support member, a sealing assembly attached to the support member, and a pair of contacting members. The contacting members are coupled to the support member on each side of the sealing assembly. The contacting members are each configured and arranged to contact the user over a limited contacting region, which corresponds to a junction of the oribicularis oris facial muscle, the zygomaticus facial muscle, and the risorius facial muscle. | 07-24-2014 |
20140182589 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING CHEYNE-STOKES RESPIRATION - A system and method for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The system monitors a characteristic that varies based on variations of the flow of the breathing gas and determines a Target Flow for the gas to be delivered to the patient based on the monitored characteristic. The Target Flow is set to a level sufficient to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration or a sleep disordered breathing event. The system also alters the Target Flow based on a determination that the patient is experiencing a sleep disordered breathing event. The system further determines a pressure relief component and controls the flow of gas delivered to the patient based on the Target Flow and the pressure relief component. | 07-03-2014 |
20140109912 | CUSHION FOR A PATIENT INTERFACE - A respiratory mask is provided having an outer shell coupled to a cushion for the delivery of a gas to a user. The cushion of the respiratory mask has at least one pleat disposed in the cushion in order to provide varying degrees of flexibility and support about the cushion. | 04-24-2014 |
20140094669 | NASAL AND ORAL PATIENT INTERFACES - A patient interface for communicating fluids to and/or from a patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. In addition, a patient interface for fluid and physiological function monitoring proximate to the patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. An apnea monitor and a method for monitoring apnea are also disclosed. | 04-03-2014 |
20140083430 | PATIENT INTERFACE WITH AN ADJUSTABLE CUSHION - A patient interface of the present invention includes a faceplate including a plurality of headgear attachment elements, a seal member operatively coupled to the faceplate; and an adjustment mechanism coupling the seal member to the faceplate. The adjustment mechanism controls the position of the seal member relative to the faceplate such that the seal member is moveable from a first position to a second position and is maintained in the second position during use of the patient interface after being moved to the second position. | 03-27-2014 |
20140060544 | PATIENT INTERFACE DEVICE - 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 and a sealing assembly operatively coupled to the support member such that the support member is moveable relative to the support member. The support member defines a gas carrying conduit adapted to carry a flow of gas to the sealing assembly. The support member is a single-piece unitary member and includes a conduit coupling portion adapted to be coupled to a patient circuit. | 03-06-2014 |
20130319422 | PATIENT INTERFACE ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM USING SAME - A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device, a headgear, and pivoting coupling member joining the interface device to a headgear assembly. In one embodiment, the patient interface device is a nasal cushion that includes a formable support mounted to the nasal cushion for providing support and adjustment of the nasal cushion to improve fit and comfort. In a further embodiment, a pair of rigid connecting members couple the patient interface device to the headgear. | 12-05-2013 |
20130206140 | MODULAR PRESSURE SUPPORT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A pressure support system that comprises a patient circuit, a docking assembly, and a tank. The patient circuit delivers a pressurized flow of breathable gas to a patient. The docking assembly has an inlet and an outlet that is adapted to receive the pressurized flow of breathable gas, and is also adapted to be connected with the patient circuit. The tank is constructed and arranged to be removably connected with the docking assembly, and enables the pressurized flow of breathable gas to pass therethrough. The tank is also adapted to contain a liquid such that a humidity level of the pressurized flow of breathable gas is elevated as the pressurized flow of breathable gas passes therethrough. | 08-15-2013 |
20130104903 | CHIN PIVOT PATIENT INTERFACE DEVICE | 05-02-2013 |
20130104902 | FULL FACE RESPIRATORY MASK WITH INTEGRATED NASAL INTERFACE | 05-02-2013 |
20130067953 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FILLING A PORTABLE LIQUID GAS STIAGE/DELIVERY SYSTEM - A liquefied gas storage/delivery system and method that includes a liquefied gas storage system. The liquefied gas storage system includes a housing containing a storage vessel suited to contain a supply of liquefied gas, such as liquid oxygen (LOX). A rotatable turntable is provided on an exterior surface of the housing. An interface shaped to match the shape of at least a portion of a portable liquid storage/delivery device is provide in or on the turntable. A connector is disposed in the interface that couples to a corresponding connector on the portable liquid storage/delivery device. The two connectors are coupled by placing the portable liquid storage/delivery device in the interface and rotating the turntable. | 03-21-2013 |
20130041280 | COMPENSATION OF VOLUMETRIC ERRORS IN A GAS MONITORING SYSTEM - A mainstream gas monitoring system ( | 02-14-2013 |
20120318272 | CUSHION INSIDE A CUSHION PATIENT INTERFACE - A patient interface device that includes a mask shell and a cushion assembly. The cushion assembly includes a seal cushion and a support cushion. The seal cushion contacts a first area of a patient's face to form a seal therewith. The support cushion defines a second area over a face of such a patient when the patient interface device is being worn. The second area overlaps at least a portion of the first area. | 12-20-2012 |
20120279502 | PATIENT INTERFACE WITH FOREHEAD SUPPORT SYSTEM - A patient interface having a forehead support adjustably. The forehead support assembly includes a support arm that is adjustably mounted to the mask shell, thereby allowing the adjustment of the distance between the forehead support bracket and the mask shell in order to adjust for patients of different sizes. A forehead support bracket is pivotally connected to the support arm. The pivoting forehead support bracket is self-aligning to allow the forehead pad to remain parallel to the patient's forehead at all times, thus enhancing comfort and stability. The forehead support bracket is removable from the support arm, allowing the headgear (with support bracket attached) to be donned separately from the mask and support arm. The forehead support bracket in one embodiment has a forehead pad formed from the headgear itself. | 11-08-2012 |
20120255552 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING CHEYNE-STOKES RESPIRATION - A system and method for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The system monitors a characteristic that varies based on variations of the flow of the breathing gas and determines a Target Flow for the gas to be delivered to the patient based on the monitored characteristic. The Target Flow is set to a level sufficient to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration or a sleep disordered breathing event. The system also alters the Target Flow based on a determination that the patient is experiencing a sleep disordered breathing event. The system further determines a pressure relief component and controls the flow of gas delivered to the patient based on the Target Flow and the pressure relief component. | 10-11-2012 |
20120227744 | PATIENT INTERFACE ASSEMBLY WITH SIMULTANEOUS MASKSTRAP ADJUSTMENT - A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device and a headgear. The headgear includes a first headgear strap and a second headgear strap having first end portions connected to opposite sides of the patient interface device. Second end portions of the first headgear strap and a second headgear strap are coupled to a first beam member and a second beam member respectively. The first and second beam members extend behind a head of such as user during use and are joined together via an adjustment mechanism that allows the overall length of the first beam and the second beam to be selectively adjusted. | 09-13-2012 |
20120216813 | PATIENT INTERFACE WITH AN ADJUSTABLE CUSHION - A patient interface of the present invention includes a faceplate including a plurality of headgear attachment elements, a seal member operatively coupled to the faceplate; and an adjustment mechanism coupling the seal member to the faceplate. The adjustment mechanism controls the position of the seal member relative to the faceplate such that the seal member is moveable from a first position to a second position and is maintained in the second position during use of the patient interface after being moved to the second position. | 08-30-2012 |
20120209096 | NASAL AND ORAL PATIENT INTERFACES - A patient interface for communicating fluids to and/or from a patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. In addition, a patient interface for fluid and physiological function monitoring proximate to the patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. An apnea monitor and a method for monitoring apnea are also disclosed. | 08-16-2012 |
20120152252 | AUTO-TITRATION BI-LEVEL PRESSURE SUPPORT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A bi-level pressure support system and method of treating disordered breathing that optimizes the pressure delivered to the patient during inspiration and expiration to treat the disordered breathing while minimizing the delivered pressure for patient comfort. The pressure generating system generates a flow of breathing gas at an inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) during inspiration and at an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) during expirations. A controller monitor at least one of the following conditions: (1) snoring, (2) apneas, (3) hypopneas, or (4) a big leak in the pressure support system and adjusts the IPAP and the EPAP based on the occurrence of any one of these conditions. | 06-21-2012 |
20110293480 | SENSOR THAT COMPENSATES FOR DETERIORATION OF A LUMINESCABLE MEDIUM - A sensor that generates an output signal in response to a stimulus, wherein the output signal is generated with a predetermined relationship to one or more properties of the stimulus such that the one or more properties of the stimulus can be determined as a function of the output signal. In one embodiment the sensor comprises a component, a sensor processor, and a transmitter. The component deteriorates, thereby causing predictable fluctuations in the predetermined relationship between the output signal and the one or more properties of the stimulus. The sensor processor provides information related to the deterioration of the component. The transmitter wirelessly transmits the information provided by the processor. | 12-01-2011 |
20110259339 | VENTILATING APPARATUS AND METHOD ENABLING A PATIENT TO TALK WITH OR WITHOUT A TRACHOSTOMY TUBE CHECK VALVE - A method of operating a ventilator assembly having inhalation and exhalation passages communicating with one another, and a respiration assembly that can perform repetitive respiratory cycles. The method includes (a) connecting the conduit with an open end of an endotracheal tube positioned within the trachea so that the open end leads into the airway below the vocal cords, (b) repetitively cycling the respiration assembly so that during the inhalation phase, gas in the inhalation passage flows through the endotracheal tube and into the airway, and during the exhalation phase, an exhalation valve is maintained relatively closed and the exhaled gases flow pass the vocal cords and out of the mouth thereby facilitating the patient's ability to speak, and (c) monitoring ring the pressure within at least one of the passages during both phases for determining the pressure within the patient for use in operating the ventilator assembly. | 10-27-2011 |
20110155139 | CUSHION FOR A PATIENT INTERFACE - A respiratory mask is provided having an outer shell coupled to a cushion for the delivery of a gas to a user. The cushion of the respiratory mask has at least one pleat disposed in the cushion in order to provide varying degrees of flexibility and support about the cushion. | 06-30-2011 |
20110154990 | HIGH OUTPUT CONCENTRATOR - A multi-chamber canister for a pressure swing absorption system within a general housing assembly. The chambers include a first molecular sieve chamber for receiving a first molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas and at least a second molecular sieve chamber disposed within the housing assembly for receiving a second molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas component. Furthermore, a supply chamber is disposed within the housing for receiving air from the ambient environment and for communicating air to either first or second molecular sieve chambers. | 06-30-2011 |
20110126841 | PATIENT INTERFACE DEVICE - 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 and a sealing assembly operatively coupled to the support member such that the support member is moveable relative to the support member. The support member defines a gas carrying conduit adapted to carry a flow of gas to the sealing assembly. The support member is a single-piece unitary member and includes a conduit coupling portion adapted to be coupled to a patient circuit. | 06-02-2011 |
20110114096 | CHIN PIVOT PATIENT INTERFACE DEVICE - A patient interface device that includes a body portion comprising a pair of arms and a chin support. A first end portion of each arm in the pair of arms is coupled to an opposite end of the chin support. The chin support is adapted to be disposed under the mandible responsive to the patient interface device being donned by a user. At least one headgear attachment element is provided on each arm in the pair of arms. A circuit portion is provided at a second end portion of each arm in the pair of arm. A patient interface portion is coupled to the circuit portion. | 05-19-2011 |
20110112857 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING AND MONITORING PATIENT COMPLIANCE WITH MEDICAL DEVICE USAGE PRESCRIPTION - A computer-implemented method for tracking and monitoring a patient's compliance with a medical device usage prescription for a medical device is disclosed. This method and system includes the steps of: (a) providing a minimum medical device usage compliance value for the medical device for a predetermined compliance period; (b) providing the quantity of compliance periods in a measurement cycle; and (c) determining a compliance period value as the number of compliance periods in the measurement cycle in which an actual medical device usage value is at least equal to the minimum medical device usage compliance value. In another embodiment, the method also includes: providing a weighting factor, and applying the weighting factor to at least one actual medical device session usage value. | 05-12-2011 |
20110088700 | MASK ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY - A strap for use in a mask attachment assembly. The strap includes a hook pad provided on a first portion of a surface of the strap located and having a first width extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the strap. The hook pad includes a plurality of hooks. Loops are provided on a second portion of the surface of the strap. The second portion has a second width extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the strap. The plurality of loops extend entirely across the second width and are configured to engage the plurality of hooks in a releasable and engageable manner. The second width is greater than the first width, and an outer edge portion of the first portion of the surface surrounding at least a portion of the hook pad, wherein the outer edge portion does not include any hooks. | 04-21-2011 |
20110088698 | PATIENT CONTACTING SEAL AND MASK USING SAME - A seal and a respiraoty mask having a seal adapted for confronting engagement with a surface of a user to form an interface therewith. The seal includes a first portion defined by a gel substance. In one embodiment, the seal includes a selectively formable substance adapted to be molded from a first pattern into a second pattern and to retain the second pattern responsive to being so molded. The seal and mask having the seal in this embodiment is tailored to patient by causing the formable portion of the seal to be placed in a malleable state, applying the seal to the patient while the formable portion is in the malleable state, and causing the formable portion to be placed in a fixed state to retain a shape generally conforming to the portion of the patient underlying the seal. | 04-21-2011 |
20100307497 | MAGNETIC COUPLING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A magnetic coupling assembly for use in coupling portions of a gas deliver system. The magnetic coupling assembly includes a first member and a second member to be coupled together. The attractive forces between the first plurality of magnetic elements on the first member and a second plurality of magnetic elements on the second member join these member. The poles of magnetic elements in the first and second plurality of magnetic elements is opposite that of an adjacent magnetic element. The first and second members are easily detached from one another simply by rotating the first member relative to the second member such that the magnetic poles of the magnetic elements in each plurality of magnetic elements become unaligned, causing an weakening of the attractive forces. | 12-09-2010 |
20100294281 | RESPIRATORY FACE MASK - A mask assembly ( | 11-25-2010 |
20100294127 | OXYGEN CONCENTRATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present system is an adsorption system for separating air into a concentrated gas component, which has an air supply, a compressor for receiving and compressing the air supply, providing a compressed air supply, and molecular sieve material for separating the compressed air supply into a concentrated gas component. The adsorption system delivers at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of concentrated gas component from the molecular sieve material in which the system has a specific total weight per LPM <9 lbs/LPM. Additionally, an output quantity of the concentrated gas is delivered by the adsorption system and a purging quantity of the concentrated gas is dispensed into a sieve chamber of the adsorption system undergoing a purge cycle. The purging quantity has a value equal to or less than the difference between the maximum quantity and the output quantity, and the purging quantity is controlled based on the output quantity. | 11-25-2010 |
20100275782 | HIGH OUTPUT CONCENTRATOR - A multi-chamber canister for a pressure swing absorption system within a general housing assembly. The chambers include a first molecular sieve chamber for receiving a first molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas and at least a second molecular sieve chamber disposed within the housing assembly for receiving a second molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas component. Furthermore, a supply chamber is disposed within the housing for receiving air from the ambient environment and for communicating air to either first or second molecular sieve chambers. | 11-04-2010 |
20100269701 | OXYGEN CONCENTRATION SYSTEM - The present system is an adsorption system ( | 10-28-2010 |
20100258133 | FACE MASK - A mask assembly ( | 10-14-2010 |
20100236558 | PATIENT INTERFACE WITH FOREHEAD AND CHIN SUPPORT - A patient interface gas delivery mask having a forehead and chin support system including a forehead support, a chin support, and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient that incorporates such a mask, forehead support, and chin support. The forehead support includes a supporting arm which is adjustably mounted to the mask shell, thereby allowing the adjustment of the distance between the forehead support bracket and the mask shell in order to adjust for patient's of different sizes. A forehead support bracket is pivotally connected to the support arm. Likewise the chin support is also adjustably mounted to the mask shell. | 09-23-2010 |
20100230314 | PATIENT INTERFACE PACKAGING WITH INTEGRATED SIZING GAGE - A patient interface packaging that includes an integrated sizing template. The packaging system includes a container having an inner chamber containing a patient interface device having a size contained within. The packaging further includes an outer exterior having an integral flap. The integral flap includes at least one opening therethrough forming a sizing template. The size of the opening corresponds to the size of the mask contained within the package so that the opening may be fitted to the nose region of a patient's to allow the user to determine an appropriate size patient interface device that matches his or her anatomical dimensions. | 09-16-2010 |
20100222655 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MONITORING PRESSURE RELATED CHANGES IN THE EXTRA-THORACIC ARTERIAL CIRCULATORY SYSTEM - A method and apparatus for monitoring changes in the intra-thoracic pressure of a patient due to the patient's respiratory activity or volumetric changes in the extra-thoracic arterial circulatory system due to cardiac function based on the changes in pressure in the patient's extra-thoracic arterial circulatory system as measured by a plethysmography sensor, such as an photoplethysmograph. A frequency spectrum is generated for the plethysmograph signal and the frequencies of interest is isolated from the frequency spectrum by setting appropriate cutoff frequencies for the frequency spectrum. This isolated frequency is used to filter the plethysmograph signal to provide a signal indicative of the patient's respiratory activity or cardiac function. | 09-02-2010 |
20100218768 | PATIENT INTERFACE ASSEMBLY WITH SIMULTANEOUS MASK STRAP ADJUSTMENT - A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device having a first fastening element and a second fastening element and a headgear for attaching the patient interface device to a head of a user. The headgear includes a headgear member having a first headgear attachment portion and a second headgear attachment portion, and an attaching mechanism coupling the first headgear attachment portion to the first fastening element and coupling the second headgear attachment portion to the second fastening element. One adjustment of the attaching mechanism controls a tension in the connection between both (i) the first headgear attachment portion and the first fastening element and (ii) the second headgear attachment portion and the second fastening element simultaneously. | 09-02-2010 |
20100212330 | PORTABLE LIQUID OXYGEN DELIVERY SYSTEM - A portable liquid oxygen medical delivery system including a portable liquid oxygen delivery apparatus and a portable liquid oxygen recharger. The portable liquid oxygen delivery apparatus contains an initial quantity of liquid oxygen. The liquid oxygen delivery apparatus is sufficiently lightweight for portability by an ambulatory patient and has a fill port for receiving liquid oxygen. The liquid oxygen recharger stores a supplemental quantity of liquid oxygen and is also sufficiently lightweight for portability by an ambulatory individual. The liquid oxygen recharger has an interface for interfacing the liquid oxygen recharger with the portable liquid oxygen delivery apparatus for delivering the supplemental quantity of liquid oxygen to the portable liquid oxygen delivery apparatus. | 08-26-2010 |
20100137729 | GAS MONITORING SYSTEM AND SIDESTREAM GAS MEASUREMENT SYSTEM ADAPTED TO COMMUNICATE WITH A MAINSTREAM GAS MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A method and apparatus for interfacing a plurality of gas measurement systems, including a mainstream and a sidestream gas measurement system, to a host system via an interface unit. The present invention also pertains to a sidestream gas measurement system that output signals emulating the signals output by a mainstream gas measurement system or portion thereof, so that the sidestream gas measurement system can seamlessly communicate with a host system configured to communicate with a mainstream gas measurement system or a portion thereof. | 06-03-2010 |
20100132710 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR NON-INVASIVELY MEASURING CARIDAC OUTPUT - Apparatus and methods for non-invasively determining cardiac output using partial re-breathing techniques are disclosed in which the apparatus is constructed with an instantaneously adjustable deadspace for accommodating differences in breathing capacities of various patients. The apparatus is constructed of inexpensive elements, including a single two-way valve which renders the apparatus very simple to use and inexpensive so that the unit may be readily disposable. The method of the invention provides a novel means of estimating cardiac output based on alveolar CO | 06-03-2010 |
20100100150 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HYPOGLOSSAL NERVE STIMULATION - A method of treating sleep disordered breathing in a patient includes the steps of monitoring the patient for a pre-inspiratory drive signal indicative of the breathing cycle by sensing electroneurogram activity of a hypoglossal nerve of the patient; and electrically stimulating the hypoglossal nerve of the patient following each detection of the pre-inspiratory drive signal. An implantable apparatus for stimulating a hypoglossal nerve of a patient for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing includes an electrode positioned at least partially around the hypoglossal nerve with a monitoring contact and a stimulation contact and a controller operatively coupled to the monitoring contact and the stimulation contact. The monitoring contact monitors the electroneurogram activity of the hypoglossal nerve for a pre-inspiratory drive signal indicative of the onset of inspiration and sends a signal to the controller which in turn causes the stimulating electrode to electrically stimulate the hypoglossal nerve. | 04-22-2010 |
20100097380 | RESPIRATORY PROFILE PARAMETER DETERMINATION METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method of sampling one or more respiratory profile characteristics and monitoring a variety of respiratory profile parameters. The sampled respiratory characteristics include respiratory flow rate, respiratory pressure, and partial pressure of at least one constituent of a patient's respiration. The method detects patient breaths, determines whether each breath is a spontaneous breath or a ventilator-induced breath and calculates various respiratory profile parameters based on the sampled measurements. The method displays the respiratory profile parameters in graphic and numeric forms. Preferably, the method allows a user to select the displayed respiratory profile parameters. | 04-22-2010 |
20100022906 | LIQUID ABSORBING FILTER ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM USING SAME - A filter assembly for use in sidestream gas sampling assembly. The filter assembly of the present invention includes a hydrophilic The filter further includes a hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic liner. The hydrophobic disk acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism. member that is constructed from a porous material and is situated such that gas entering the filter assembly passes through at least a portion the hydrophilic member. In a further embodiment, the filter includes a hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic member. The hydrophobic member acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism in the gas sampling assembly. | 01-28-2010 |
20090071479 | MEDICAL VENTILATOR WITH COMPRESSOR HEATED EXHALATION FILTER - A medical ventilator includes a pressure generator for increasing a pressure of gas that produces heat during the operation thereof. A heat sink spaced from the pressure generator is provided for absorbing heat from the pressure generator. A bacteria filter requiring heating in excess of an ambient temperature for the effective operation thereof is coupled in thermal communication with the heat sink. A heat pipe is coupled in thermal communication with the heat sink and the pressure generator for conveying at least part of heat produced by the pressure generator to the bacteria filter via the heat sink. | 03-19-2009 |
20080319354 | System and Method for Monitoring Information Related to Sleep - A system configured to monitor ambient illumination experienced by a subject. In one embodiment, the system comprises an illumination sensor, a timer, and a storage module. The illumination sensor is configured to monitor an intensity of ambient illumination within two or more wavelength ranges by generating one or more output signals that convey information related to the intensity of ambient illumination within the two or more wavelength ranges. The timer is configured to indicate the passage of periods of time. The storage module is configured to store information related to the intensity of ambient illumination within the two or more wavelength ranges, as conveyed by the one or more output signals, for individual periods of time. The system is portable to be carried by the subject. | 12-25-2008 |
20080308100 | System and method for determining humidity in a respiratory treatment system - A patient treatment system and method comprising a patient circuit, a pressurizing flow module disposed in the patient circuit, a humidifier disposed in the patient circuit, a monitor, sensors within the patient circuit, and a processor. The patient circuit delivers a flow of gas from a gas source to an airway of a patient. The pressurizing flow module elevates the pressure of the gas within the patient circuit. The humidifier elevates the humidity of the gas in the patient circuit to a circuit humidity level. The monitor monitors at least one parameter of the gas from the gas source. The sensors generate corresponding signals that can be processed to estimate a rate at which vapor is added to the gas in the patient circuit. The processor determines the humidity level of the gas in the patient circuit downstream from the humidifier based on the signals generated by the sensors and the at least one parameter of the gas in the gas source. | 12-18-2008 |
20080302366 | CUSHION FOR A PATIENT INTERFACE - A respiratory mask is provided having cushion and a shell wherein the cushion has a frustum portion that extends towards the face of the user to provide a larger more stable and comfortable interface with a user which is better able to conform to the complex geometry of the user's face. | 12-11-2008 |
20080275513 | Vestibular Stimulation System and Method - An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275293 | Vestibular Stimulation System and Method - An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275292 | Vestibular Stimulation System and Method - An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient. | 11-06-2008 |
20080236584 | Gas Conserving Device - An electronic oxygen conserving device for controlling a flow of oxygen from an oxygen storage container to a user. When a conserve setting is selected, a flow of oxygen travels through an oxygen regulating valve that has an open state and a closed state. A temporary electrical charge or current is provided to the oxygen regulating valve during the initial inhalation of oxygen by an individual, opening the regulating valve opens to delivery oxygen to the user. The oxygen regulating valve remains open even after termination of the electric current. After a predetermined timed delivery dose or upon exhalation by the individual, a subsequent temporary electric charge or current is provided to oxygen regulating valve, closing the regulating valve closes to prevent delivery of oxygen to the user, thus conserving oxygen. The oxygen regulating valve remains closed even after termination of the subsequent electric current. | 10-02-2008 |
20080200825 | Sidestream Gas Sampling System with Detachable Sample Cell - A sidestream sampling system includes a sidestream gas measurement assembly and a sample cell configured to be assembled therewith. The sidestream gas measurement assembly includes a receptacle for removably receiving at least a portion of the sample cell. The sample cell is coupled to a sampling tube that is configured to communicate with an airway of an individual. When the sample cell is assembled with the sidestream gas measurement assembly, a window of the sample cell is oriented toward a corresponding source and/or detector of the sidestream gas measurement assembly to facilitate monitoring of an amount of at least one gas or vaporized material in an individual's respiration. | 08-21-2008 |
20080196727 | Patient Interface Assembly And System Using Same - A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device, a headgear, and pivoting coupling member joining the interface device to a headgear assembly. In one embodiment, a spring biases the patient interface device against the patient's face when in use. In a further embodiment, the patient interface device is a nasal cushion that includes a formable support mounted to the nasal cushion for providing support and adjustment of the nasal cushion to improve fit and comfort. The headgear assembly in one embodiment is a semi-rigid, minimal contact harness assembly and includes an adjustment assembly that allows for a simultaneous adjustment of multiple straps. In a further embodiment, a pair of rigid connecting members couple the patient interface device to the headgear. | 08-21-2008 |