Means For Heating Treating Agent, Respiratory Gas, Or Mixture Thereof Patents (Class 128/203.26)
  • Patent number: 11878093
    Abstract: A humidification system for delivering humidified gases to a user can include a heater base, humidification chamber having an inlet, outlet, and associated fluid conduit, and breathing circuit including a supply conduit, inspiratory conduit, and optional expiratory conduit. The humidification system can include various features to help make set-up less difficult and time-consuming. For example, the supply conduit, inspiratory conduit, and optional expiratory conduit can be coupled into a one-piece circuit to aid set-up. Various components can be color-coded and can have corresponding structures to indicate which components should be connected to one another during set-up. Such features can also help make the set-up process more intuitive for an operator, which can reduce the need for specialized training and reduce the number of potential errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Jason Allan Klenner, Andrew Paul Maxwell Salmon, Mark Samuel Hamilton, James William Stanton, Michael John Andresen, Jonathan Andrew George Lambert
  • Patent number: 11786692
    Abstract: A float retention arrangement and related methods for a humidification chamber that includes at least one float that operates an inlet valve that controls a flow of water through a water inlet opening of the humidification chamber. A cover of the humidification chamber defines an interior space, at least one gas port and a float retention opening. A component forms at least a portion of a water supply conduit for supplying water from a water source to the water inlet opening. The component is insertable into the float retention opening and is positionable to contact and retain the at least one float in a non-use position. In some configurations, the component can be a water spike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventor: Jess Edward Donnelly
  • Patent number: 11786690
    Abstract: A humidifier system for humidifying a microenvironment in a neonatal incubator includes a reservoir configured to hold water to be evaporated for humidifying the microenvironment. A movable heating element is positioned at a surface level of the water inside a heating chamber so as to heat the water at the surface level inside the heating chamber. The heating element is configured such that it is moved downward within the heating chamber so as to maintain the heating element at the surface level of the water as an amount of water in the reservoir decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Anirban Ghosh
  • Patent number: 11730205
    Abstract: A vaporizer has a main unit, an atomizer, a mouthpiece and a quick connect adapter. The quick connect adapter includes a housing, air flow path, a quick release connector and an adapter connector. The housing defines an inner channel. The inner channel has a first open end and a second open end. The air flow path is defined by the housing to allow vapor to flow from the atomizer to the mouthpiece. The quick release connector is coupled to, and located adjacent, the first end of the housing. The quick release connecter is configured to allow the mouthpiece to be releasably coupled to the main unit via the quick connect adapter. The adapter connector coupled to, and located adjacent, the second end of the housing. The adapter connector is configured to allow the quick connect adapter to be releasably coupled to the main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Dr. Dabber Inc.
    Inventors: Jamie Michael Rosen, Christopher Martin Ortega, Pantelis Costas Ataliotis
  • Patent number: 11724059
    Abstract: A positive airway pressure device includes a blower and a base. A blower outlet passage is connected to the blower and has a central tubular portion and a flexible sealing portion surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the central tubular portion. The base receives a tub with a heat conducting base plate, an internal air passage configured to receive the pressurized flow of respiratory gas from the blower outlet passage, and a pair of tub flanges extending laterally from respective side walls of the tub. Each tub flange has a horizontal portion and a tapered portion. The base further includes a floor with a heater plate a pair of base flanges. Each base flange extends laterally inward from a respective one of the side walls and engages a respective tub flange as the tub is inserted into the base with the tapered portions of the tub flanges being received first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Ian Malcolm Smith, John Michael Snow, Perry David Lithgow, Dan Kao
  • Patent number: 11642485
    Abstract: A connection assembly for a respiratory therapy system, comprising: an outlet assembly, said outlet assembly including an outlet housing and a swivelling disc located on said outlet housing, said outlet housing and said swivelling disc defining, at least in part, a recess; an outlet connector located at an end of a tube portion, said outlet connector including an electrical connector; and a cable having a first end to connect to the electrical connector and a second end to connect to at least one electrical component of the respiratory therapy system, said cable having a slack portion, wherein said outlet connector and said swivelling disc are rotatable in unison between a first position and a second position, and wherein the slack portion of the cable extends from the recess and wraps around the swivelling disc as the swivelling disc is rotated from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Roger Mervyn Lloyd Foote, Ronald James Huby, Saad Nasr, Luke Andrew Stanislas, Zhuo Ran Tang, Ernie Wei-Chih Tsai
  • Patent number: 11583640
    Abstract: A medicine vaporizer apparatus comprises a base with an upwardly extending heating element disposed within a rigid tube. Air is drawn into the rigid tube through an aperture in the rigid tube below the heating element and directed over the heating element to then be drawn through a flexible tube and through a filter or screen comprising an amount of medicine. Heated air flows over the amount of medicine and vaporizes the same, wherein the medicine is thereafter drawn into the lungs of a patient pulling the air therethrough with his or her mouth. Thermal separation and cooling of various parts prevents accidental injury to users and provides an inert air path for the air therethrough. The apparatus further provides controlled incineration and/or vaporization of the medicine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Gough Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Gough, Joshua Gore
  • Patent number: 11577042
    Abstract: Devices for delivering a controlled concentration of an agent are provided. The device includes a reservoir for the agent and a flow control portion operably connected to the reservoir. The device also includes a valve for releasing the agent from the flow control portion and a pump for flowing air to mix with the agent released by the valve and for flowing the agent and air mixture out of the device. Methods of delivering a vaporized agent to a subject are also provided. The methods include storing a liquid agent in a reservoir of a device and flowing the agent into a flow control chamber to change the agent to a gas. The methods also include mixing the agent in gas form with air and flowing the agent and air mixture out of the device to be delivered to a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Stamler
  • Patent number: 11529492
    Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for treating hypocapnia. For example, methods and materials for delivering CO2 to a mammal to treat hypocapnia or compensate for a reduced level of CO2 are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Jan Stepanek, Michael J. Cevette, Gaurav N. Pradhan, Karen K. Breznak
  • Patent number: 11357948
    Abstract: An integrated respiratory pressure therapy device and humidifier for pressurising and humidifying breathable air to treat a respiratory disorder in a patient, includes a blower configured to pressurise the breathable air; a water reservoir configured to hold a volume of water to be used for humidification of the breathable air, the water reservoir comprising a water reservoir base, a water reservoir lid connected to the water reservoir base, and a compliant portion. The compliant portion is constructed from an elastomeric material and configured to seal between the water reservoir base and the water reservoir lid. A water reservoir dock forms a cavity configured to partially receive the water reservoir. The water reservoir lid includes a protrusion and the water reservoir dock includes a recess configured to releasably engage one another to secure the water reservoir to the water reservoir dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Mark Bertinetti, Justin John Formica, Matthew Rolf Harrington, Saad Nasr, Joseph Samuel Ormrod, Jose Ignacio Romagnoli, Nathan John Row, Luke Andrew Stanislas, Hargopal Verma
  • Patent number: 11343877
    Abstract: A cartridge for an e-vaping device includes an infrared sensor configured to measure infrared radiation emitted by at least a portion of a heating element coupled to a dispensing interface in the cartridge. The field of view of the infrared sensor may encompass an entirety of the heating element. The infrared sensor may be an infrared light emitting diode. The e-vaping device may include control circuitry configured to determine the temperature of the heating element based on sensor data generated by the infrared sensor and control the electrical power supplied to the cartridge based on the temperature of the heating element. The control circuitry may control the electrical power to maintain the temperature of the heating element below a threshold temperature. The control circuitry may determine the heating element temperature based on accessing at least a portion of the sensor data stored at a storage device in the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Ed Cadieux, Barry Smith
  • Patent number: 11318274
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering anesthetic agent to a patient. In one embodiment, an anesthetic vaporizer includes a housing defining a sump, the sump configured to hold a self-contained supply of liquid anesthetic agent, a heating element electrically coupled to an electrical mating component, a gas inlet passage and a gas outlet passage, a manifold fluidically coupled to the gas inlet passage and the gas outlet passage, the manifold coupled to the housing and forming a gas-tight seal with the sump, and a quick disconnect pneumatic system coupled to the gas inlet passage and the gas outlet passage, sealing the gas inlet passage and the gas outlet passage from atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Russell James Kuzelka, Joseph James Lacey
  • Patent number: 11298479
    Abstract: An aerosol delivery device including a mouthpiece end; an aerosol generation chamber in fluid communication with the mouthpiece end via a primary air channel, wherein the aerosol generation chamber comprises an aerosol source for generating an aerosol from a source material for inhalation by a user through the mouthpiece end during use; and a sensor for detecting when a user inhales on the mouthpiece end, wherein the sensor is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece end via a secondary air channel, and wherein the sensor is located further from the mouthpiece end than the aerosol source, and the secondary air channel bypasses the aerosol generation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
    Inventors: Rory Fraser, Siddhartha Jain
  • Patent number: 11235109
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a heater arrangement in a device arranged to heat smokable material is described. The method includes implementing a heater control loop, which control loop performs steps in one or more successive control periods. The control steps include determining a current remaining on time for a heating element of a heater arrangement based on the current rate of change of temperature, a target temperature and a current temperature of a zone of the device arranged to heat smokable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
    Inventors: Mitchel Thorsen, Roger Watkins
  • Patent number: 11234465
    Abstract: At least one aspect is directed to a system and method for modifying the operational settings of vaporizer devices. An application executed on a client device may render a graphical user interface on a display of the client device for inputting operational settings of a vaporizer device. Once inputted via the user interface of the application, the client device may transmit the operational settings via a network to the vaporizer device. In response to the receipt, the vaporizer device may store and save the operational settings and may adjust the operations of one or more components of the vaporizer device to satisfy the operational settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ahkeo Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Brent M. Skoda
  • Patent number: 11160313
    Abstract: An aerosol inhaler includes: a first branch circuit including a load, a first resistor, and a first node; a second branch circuit including a second resistor, a third resistor, and a second node; an operational amplifier of which a non-inverting input terminal is connected to one of the first node and the second node, and of which an inverting input terminal is connected to the other of the first node and the second node; and a control device having an upper limit temperature and a lower limit temperature. A differential input of the operational amplifier is larger than potential of a negative power supply terminal of the operational amplifier or a minimum value acquirable by the operational amplifier in a first temperature range, and is equal to the potential of the negative power supply terminal of the operational amplifier or the minimum value in a second temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventors: Keiji Marubashi, Hajime Fujita
  • Patent number: 11134721
    Abstract: A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler includes: a first series circuit; a second series circuit connected in parallel with the first series circuit; a first operational amplifier including a non-inversion input terminal connected to one of a first node and a second node, and an inversion input terminal connected to the other of the first node and the second node; and an adjustment circuit connected to the first operational amplifier and configured to prevent a differential input value of the first operational amplifier from being equal to a potential of a negative power supply terminal of the first operational amplifier or a minimum value acquirable by the first operational amplifier, in a state where a potential of the node connected to the non-inversion input terminal is less than a potential of the node connected to the inversion input terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Keiji Marubashi, Hajime Fujita
  • Patent number: 11013272
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette, including an atomizing assembly, a battery assembly, and a box assembly. The atomizing assembly is disposed on the battery assembly. The atomizing assembly includes an e-liquid storage unit and an atomization unit. The atomizing assembly and the battery assembly are disposed in the box assembly. The e-liquid storage unit includes a mouthpiece, a seal ring adapted to seal the mouthpiece, a thread ring, a seal plug, an e-liquid tank, and a tank cover. The atomization unit includes an O-ring, a limit cover, an e-liquid conductive cotton, a heating wire, an insulation ring, and a joint. The battery assembly includes a seal, a support, a first battery cell, a base plate, a first magnet, a cartridge, and a battery cover. The box assembly includes an outer sliding cover, a first screw, an inner sliding cover, a second magnet, a fixed part, a flexible circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Tuanfang Liu
  • Patent number: 10966459
    Abstract: An electrically heated smoking system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. includes at least one heating element for heating the substrate to form an aerosol, a power supply for supplying power to the heating element, electrical hardware connected to the power supply and the heating element, and an interface for establishing a communications link with a host. The communications link can be a USB link and the host can be a personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Felix Fernando, Fredrik Stahle, Jean-Pierre Cordey, Laurent Manca
  • Patent number: 10912900
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a portable vaporization device whereby the vaporization device extracts active compounds from various liquids, fluids, oils, and waxes for inhalation and may heat up any desired amount of a vaporizable substance. The vaporization device has a button that ignites the liquefied gas to produce a flame. The vaporization device has a button to start the feeding mechanism, which pushes the vaporizable substance against a tube that the flame is heating to turn the vaporizable substance more viscous where it then runs down the tube into a series of wires, further heating the vaporizable substance, turning the vaporizable substance into vapor. The dosage of the vaporization device may be set to provide a lower amount of vapor to a greater amount of vapor. The button may be pushed to produce as much vapor as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Sean Avots
  • Patent number: 10881147
    Abstract: An e-liquid pumping assembly for supplying e-liquid to an atomizer includes a housing, an e-liquid bottle, and a pumping head assembly. The pumping head assembly includes a piston, a pumping body clamped with the e-liquid bottle by a first sealing portion, a pumping cover clamped with the pumping body, a feeding tube connected to the atomizer and the pumping body. The piston includes a first lower end inserted into the pumping body and a first upper end exposed from the pumping cover. The e-liquid suction pipe includes a second lower and upper ends respectively inserted into the e-liquid bottle and the pumping body. The piston is pressed to expel air from the pumping body so that e-liquid enters the pumping body through the e-liquid suction pipe. The piston is again pressed for pushing the e-liquid out of die pumping body to the atomizer through the feeding tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: SHENZHEN UWELL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yucheng Xiao
  • Patent number: 10688271
    Abstract: A reservoir configured to retain a volume of liquid for use in an apparatus for humidifying a flow of pressurised air comprises a base portion and a lid portion. The reservoir may be configured to improve its level of thermal contact to the heater plate using the flow of pressurised air. The reservoir may be configured to improve thermal contact between the reservoir and the heater plate by pre-compression upon engagement of the reservoir with the humidifier. The reservoir may comprise a removable intermediate portion, which may include the inlet tube and/or the outlet tube, for improved access for cleaning. The reservoir may also be configured to prevent overfilling. Overfill prevention features in the reservoir may include defined flow egress paths and/or formation of air locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Mark Bertinetti, Justin John Formica, Matthew Rolf Harrington, Saad Nasr, Joseph Samuel Ormrod, Jose Ignacio Romagnoli, Nathan John Row, Luke Andrew Stanislas, Hargopal Verma
  • Patent number: 10648707
    Abstract: A thermoelectric dehumidification rod comprises a bendable heat-dissipation tube formed with a wave structure at the surface, a thermoelectric element set in the heat-dissipation tube, and a power cable. Both ends of the heat-dissipation tube are covered by an end cap, respectively. The power cable is through one of the end caps and electrically connected with the thermoelectric element. Accordingly, the thermoelectric dehumidification rod is bendable and has the closed tube to protect the thermoelectric element. Furthermore, the wave surface of the heat-dissipation tube increases its surface area, enhancing the dissipation effect. Moreover, the thermoelectric dehumidification rod could be put on the curved surface due to its bendable characteristic, shortening the linear length of the whole thermoelectric dehumidification rod, or in a space which size is smaller than the linear length of the unbended thermoelectric dehumidification rod, so it is convenient for use and has more economic benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Tsang-Hung Hsu
  • Patent number: 10561527
    Abstract: Devices for cerebral and systemic cooling via a patient's nasopharyngeal cavity are described. Cooling assemblies include at least one elongate tubular member having first and second lumens, a source of liquid coolant, a gas source communicating with the first lumen, and a switch for alternately connecting the liquid coolant source to the second lumen. The first lumen transports a compressed gas and the second lumen transports a volatile liquid. The pressurized fluid may be a perfluorocarbon. The perfluorocarbon may be perfluorohexane, perfluoropentane, or 2-methyl-perfluoropentane. The gas may be air, oxygen, or a combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: BrainCool AB
    Inventors: Allan Rozenberg, Denise Barbut, John K Hoffman, Thomas H Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10448456
    Abstract: A compact electronic vaporizer is provided herein with a concealable articulating vaporizer pen for vaporization of liquids that articulates between a closed position inside a protective case and an open position outside of the protective case. The protective case contains a deployable power adaptor configured to charge a battery. The battery may be activated by a battery switch within the protective case. A push button on the exterior of the protective case simultaneously articulates the concealable articulating vaporizer pen and activates the battery switch on the battery to turn on the vaporizer. The vaporizer includes a variable voltage controller configured to select a variable voltage of the battery, providing an improved vaporization experience as the user can select an optimum voltage at which to vaporize. The vaporizer is configured for right-handed users and contains a mouthpiece with round-tip opening to provide for more convenient and ergonomic vaporization by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: DES PRODUCTS LTD
    Inventor: Dana E. Shoched
  • Patent number: 10426196
    Abstract: A portable vaporizer is described herein. The portable vaporizer includes a heating assembly having a base and a heating crucible. An extension adapter is coupled to the base of the heating assembly and slidably received within the chamber body. A cartridge receiver is coupled to the chamber body and receives a cartridge therein. A plunger having a head and a threaded shaft is received within the cartridge. The threaded shaft includes a flat edge. A cover having a bore is coupled to the cartridge receiver. The threaded shaft is threadably received through the bore. A mouthpiece having a central bore is received over the threaded shaft. A detent radially extends into the central bore and engages with the flat edge of the threaded shaft. A rotation of the mouthpiece causes an axial movement of the head of the plunger within the cartridge with respect to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: GoFire, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter William Calfee, John Jesse Woodbine
  • Patent number: 10314332
    Abstract: An inhalant material container for electronic smoking device is a tube-like storage container with an open top and an open bottom. The container is made of quartz, glass, or other like materials. The container has a frangible seal covering the open top and open bottom and may have exterior channels to promote air flow around the container. The container is removably inserted into the heating chamber of an electronic smoking device. The container is easily removed and replaced for on demand use. The container can be used in conjunction with modular electronic cigarettes and vaporizer and their various components and connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Healthier Choices Management, Corp.
    Inventors: Edwin Balder, Gilbert Cyphert, Daniel Julia
  • Patent number: 10274539
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to articles (and the manufacture thereof) that use electrical energy to heat a material to form an inhalable substance, the articles being sufficiently compact to be considered ā€œhand-heldā€ devices. In certain embodiments, the articles can particularly be characterized as smoking articles. The smoking article can be adapted to detect the status of a cartridge portion of the smoking article. The smoking article includes a control body portion having a control body engagement end, wherein the control body portion houses a control component and a power source therein. The article further includes a cartridge body portion that has a cartridge body engagement end configured to removably engage the control body engagement end of the control body portion. The cartridge body portion houses a consumable arrangement and a heating connection operably engaged therewith comprising at least one heating element and a fusible link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Jacob Novak, III, Frederic Philippe Ampolini, Allen Michael East, Raymond C. Henry, William Robert Collett
  • Patent number: 10201185
    Abstract: A vaporizer device includes a cartridge configured to hold a vaporizable substance, a wick element coupled to the cartridge, where the wick element is configured to contact the vaporizable substance located in the cartridge and an induction heating element inductively coupled to the wick element, where the wick element is configured to heat the vaporizable substance based on induction heating of the wick element by the induction heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Loto Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Bleloch, Neeraj S. Bhardwaj, Gabriel Brown
  • Patent number: 10099916
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette vaporizer includes a heating element and a microcontroller; the microcontroller monitors or measures external or ambient temperature and uses that as a control input. The control input automatically controls the power delivered to the heating element to ensure that the heating element operates at its optimal temperature. Where ambient temperatures are monitored or measured as very cold, then the power to the heating element is automatically increased to compensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: BEYOND TWENTY LTD.
    Inventors: Ian Murison, Dmitry Gorilovsky
  • Patent number: 9999245
    Abstract: Present disclosure relates to electronic cigarettes having concealable mouthpiece and methods of using the same. In certain embodiments, the electronic cigarette includes: an E-liquid storage tank for storing E-liquid, a concealable mouthpiece assembly having a concealable mouthpiece to be concealed in a mouthpiece cover, a vaporizer assembly, and an E-liquid separation mechanism. The E-liquid storage tank is positioned on the E-liquid separation mechanism and the E-liquid separation base is rotatably positioned on a vaporizer base. The E-liquid separation mechanism has the E-liquid separation base and an E-liquid separation silicone gel ring to separate the E-liquid from the E-liquid storage tank from the vaporizer assembly. When a user rotates the E-liquid storage tank against the vaporizer base in a first direction, the concealable mouthpiece is raised upward for user to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN KANGER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaochun Zhu
  • Patent number: 9924992
    Abstract: An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy including an inductive heating means to generate a vapor phase media that is used for interstitial, intraluminal, intracavity or topical tissue treatment. In one method, the vapor phase media is propagated from a probe outlet to provide a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue to thereby apply ablative thermal energy delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Tsunami MedTech, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hoey, John H. Shadduck
  • Patent number: 9453586
    Abstract: A valve assembly (I) for controlling the supply of water to a reservoir. The assembly (I) has a main body (2) having a floor (4) and side walls (3), an upper float (15) pivotably mounted within the main body (2) and a lower float (21) pivotably mounted beneath the main body (2). The floor (4) of the main body (2) having an aperture. The upper float (15) is upwardly movable to a position to shut off the water supply to the reservoir; and the lower float (21) is movable upwardly to seal the aperture in the floor (4) of the main body (2) thereby to prevent water draining from the main body through said aperture or from prematurely filing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Hydrogarden Wholesale Supplies Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Jones, Stephen Bryce Rusling
  • Patent number: 9233217
    Abstract: A personal vapor device having a disguised appearance is disclosed. The personal vapor device has an outer housing and removable lid that replicate the look of a conventional drinking container, such as a water bottle or drinking cup with a straw. An atomizing device, such as a cartomizer, is contained and concealed within the open interior of the outer housing. A mouthpiece extends through the removable lid and into the open interior. Atomized liquid from the cartomizer is delivered to the mouthpiece for delivery to the user. A power supply and a control circuit are contained within the open interior and, along with the atomizing device, are concealed within the outer housing. The disguised vapor device can be used without drawing attention to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Jason S. Jones
  • Patent number: 9220294
    Abstract: A method of purifying at least one of THC and CBD from a cannabis-containing composition includes heating the cannabis-containing composition to a temperature sufficient to volatilize at least one of THC and CBD into a vapor and condensing the vapor on a substrate. A drug delivery cartridge includes a substrate coated with at least one of THC and CBD and configured to allow for passage of air through the cartridge to volatilize at least one of THC and CBD for inhalation by a user to induce a medicinal or therapeutic effect to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventor: Timothy McCullough
  • Publication number: 20150144136
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering humidified breathing gas to a patient are provided. The apparatus includes a humidification system configured to deliver humidified breathing gas to a patient. The humidification system includes a vapor transfer unit and a base unit. The vapor transfer unit includes a liquid passage, a breathing gas passage, and a vapor transfer device positioned to transfer vapor to the breathing gas passage from the liquid passage. The base unit includes a base unit that releasably engages the vapor transfer unit to enable reuse of the base unit and selective disposal of the vapor transfer unit. The liquid passage is not coupled to the base unit for liquid flow therebetween when the vapor transfer unit is received by the base unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: William F. Niland, Owen S. Bamford, Felino V. Cortez, JR.
  • Patent number: 9038631
    Abstract: A humidifier has a base unit with an engagement face that is configured to interface with a flow generator. The humidifier also has a tank configured to be removably received by the base unit and hold a volume of liquid. The tank has a side wall with an air inlet. The humidifier further has an air flow passage configured to receive an air connector of the flow generator at the engagement face of the base unit. The air flow passage is axially offset from a tank inlet. In addition, a cross-section of the airflow passage inlet and a cross-section of the tank air inlet are substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Geoffrey Crumblin, Michael Thomas Janiak, Dan Kao, Barton John Kenyon, Perry David Lithgow, Rohan Neil Primrose, Jim Saada, John Michael Snow, Duncan Lovel Trevor-Wilson, Alexander Virr, Arthur Kin-Wai Yee
  • Patent number: 9038632
    Abstract: A humidifier has a base unit with an engagement face that is configured to interface with a flow generator. The humidifier also has a tank configured to be removably received by the base unit and hold a volume of liquid. The tank has a side wall with an air inlet. The humidifier further has an air flow passage configured to receive an air connector of the flow generator at the engagement face of the base unit. The air flow passage is axially offset from a tank inlet. In addition, a cross-section of the airflow passage inlet and a cross-section of the tank air inlet are substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Crumblin, Michael Thomas Janiak, Dan Kao, Barton John Kenyon, Perry David Lithgow, Rohan Neil Primrose, Jim Saada, John Michael Snow, Duncan Lovel Trevor-Wilson, Alexander Virr, Arthur Kin-Wai Yee
  • Publication number: 20150128941
    Abstract: A therapy system configured to wash out or flush out the oral and/or nasal cavity to reduce the effective dead space and reduce the work of breathing. The system may displace the expired air in the oral and/or nasal cavity with atmospheric air, or air with altered concentrations, for example, increased humidity, or oxygen levels. A sealed oral interface is provided to the mouth of a patient to supply a volume of pressurized gas. A control system to synchronize the supply of pressurized gas with the patients respiratory cycle. The supply of respiratory gas may be provided during only a portion of the respiratory cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Liam Holley, Glenn Richards, Peter Wlodarczyk, Ning Wang
  • Patent number: 9016274
    Abstract: A device for vaporizing and delivering an aerosol agent includes a heat generator, a heat conductor in fluid (airflow) communication with the heat generator, and a substrate holder in heat conducting relation with the heat conductor. The heat generator is a handheld, portable torch and the heat conductor defines an annular heat conducting chamber surrounding a substrate disposed within the substrate holder that supports the aerosol agent and an aerosol forming agent. Another device is a handheld, battery-powered heat generator including a heating element in heat conducting relation with a substrate holder. The heating element is a nichrome heating coil wound about the substrate disposed within the substrate holder and electrically coupled to the battery. Another device further includes an auxiliary heat generator having an auxiliary heating element formed by a finely woven wire mesh positioned adjacent the substrate and electrically coupled to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Jackie L. White
  • Publication number: 20150107591
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for permitting consumption of alcohol vapors is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a heating chamber, a vessel disposed above the heating chamber, the vessel including an aperture, the aperture adapted to receive alcohol in liquid form to be placed in the vessel an to receive a straw and a heating element disposed in the heating chamber the heating element heats the liquid alcohol in the vessel, converting the liquid into a vapor to be inhaled via the straw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: 37 Investment, LLC
    Inventor: Julie G. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20150101606
    Abstract: A device for vaporizing and delivering an aerosol agent includes a heat generator, a heat conductor in fluid (airflow) communication with the heat generator, and a substrate holder in heat conducting relation with the heat conductor. The heat generator is a handheld, portable torch and the heat conductor defines an annular heat conducting chamber surrounding a substrate disposed within the substrate holder that supports the aerosol agent and an aerosol forming agent. Another device is a handheld, battery-powered heat generator including a heating element in heat conducting relation with a substrate holder. The heating element is a nichrome heating coil wound about the substrate disposed within the substrate holder and electrically coupled to the battery. Another device further includes an auxiliary heat generator having an auxiliary heating element formed by a finely woven wire mesh positioned adjacent the substrate and electrically coupled to the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Jackie L. White
  • Publication number: 20150059745
    Abstract: A respiratory assistance apparatus has a gases inlet configured to receive a supply of gases, a blower unit configured to generate a pressurised gases stream from the supply of gases; a humidification unit configured to heat and humidify the pressurised gases stream; and a gases outlet for the heated and humidified gases stream. A flow path for the gases stream extends through the respiratory device from the gases inlet through the blower unit and humidification unit to the gases outlet. A sensor assembly is provided in the flow path before the humidification unit. The sensor assembly has an ultrasound gas composition sensor system for sensing one or more gas concentrations within the gases stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Dean Antony Barker, Mikael Douglas Stewart, Peter Geoffrey Hawkins, Kevin Peter O'Donnell, Russel William Burgess
  • Publication number: 20150059748
    Abstract: A humidifier for a respiratory apparatus includes a first cover, a second cover engaged with the first cover and a partition plate. The first cover defines an air inlet. The second cover defines a chamber configured to contain at least some amount of water. A heater is configured to heat the water to generate humidified air in the chamber. The partition plate is partly sandwiched between the first cover and the second cover. The partition plate defines an air outlet. Air input via the air inlet is humidified by being mixed with the humidified air and thereafter ejected through the air outlet. The air entering via the air inlet is divided by the partition plate into a plurality of flows having different flow velocities, thereby form a plurality of flow paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: CHIA-HSIANG HSIAO, CHIH-TSAN CHIEN, YING-CHIEH HSU, MING-CHENG CHANG, HSIN-WEI CHEN, WEN-BIN SHEN, SHU-CHI LIN, YI-CHEN LU
  • Publication number: 20150047637
    Abstract: An air warming apparatus operable to provide a user breathing air wherein the air is warmer than that of the user's environment. The air warming apparatus includes a filtered air intake operably coupled to an intake manifold. A lower air transport assembly circumferentially surrounds a user's torso and is adjacent thereto and provides the first phase of air warming for air flowing therethrough. A return manifold operably couples the lower air transport assembly and the upper air transport assembly and further contains a humidifier therein. The upper air transport assembly is surroundably mounted to the user and provides the second phase of air warming. An upper chamber of the intake manifold operably couples the upper air transport assembly and the breathing assembly. The breathing assembly includes a mouthpiece and a breathing valve that is operable to control the air flow through the air warming apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: David Peters
  • Publication number: 20150040897
    Abstract: A respiratory humidifier (1) for a ventilation system is provided, the humidifier comprising: a housing (2), which is designed essentially in the shape of an ā€œLā€ with a horizontal and a vertical part (4, 6) and a projecting portion (10) extending from the free end of the vertical part (6) toward the horizontal part (4), and which comprises a control unit, a user interface (12), and a heating plate (8), wherein the user interface (12) is arranged on the projecting portion (10) and the heating plate (8) is arranged on the horizontal part (4); and a liquid container (3), which is designed essentially in the shape of a ā€œUā€, comprising a recess (7) and a bottom plate (24) as well as two connector elements (5), each of which establishes a connection with a breathing tube; wherein the heating plate (8) can be heated for heating the liquid in the liquid container (3), and the bottom plate (24) can be brought into contact with the heating plate (8); wherein the liquid container (3) can be slid in such a way onto th
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: HAMILTON BONADUZ AG
    Inventor: Rudolf Buechi
  • Patent number: 8944056
    Abstract: A humidifying apparatus utilizing a semi-permeable membrane portion within a gas conduit where the direction of gas flow within a central lumen is given by an arrow. The humidification apparatus has a helical configuration for the semi-permeable membrane portion, a structural reinforcing member or members, a water channel and a heating element. The helical configuration of an outer wall may be similar to conventional conduits that are in common use in respiratory apparatus. Thus the humidification apparatus may be readily substituted into existing respiratory device by exchanging the gas conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Virr, Donald Darkin, Nathan John Row, Paul Jan Klasek
  • Publication number: 20150020805
    Abstract: A flow generator and humidifier construction is described, including a flow generator construction adapted to reduce noise output compared to known flow generators of comparable size. The flow generator includes a chassis forming first and second muffler volumes and a venturi-shaped connection portion, and a metal/polymer composite material blower enclosure which suppresses noise from the blower. The flow generator may be programmed to include a reminder system including a menu from which the user may request a reminder to take specific action, e.g., replace a component, call a physician, and/or enter patient data card, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Barton John KENYON, Arthur Kin-Wai YEE, Geoffrey CRUMBLIN, Perry David LITHGOW, Alexander VIRR, Donald Angus RICHMOND, Mark John PAYNE, Jim SAADA, John Michael SNOW, Duncan Lovel TREVOR-WILSON, Andrew Roderick BATH, Michael Thomas JANIAK, Dan KAO, Marek Tomasz SAPULA, Simone Marie JEHA, Andrew Charles MURRAY
  • Publication number: 20150020803
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for maintaining patient temperature during an anaesthetic procedure. Patients, particularly small patients, can lose body temperature when undergoing surgery or other procedures where they are anaesthetised. The process of breathing the cool anaesthetic gas contributes to the temperature loss of the patient. An anaesthetic apparatus of the present invention is arranged to warm the gas being provided for the patient to breathe, to facilitate maintaining body temperature. An inspired limb of an anaesthetic circuit comprises tubing with a heating conductor for heating the inspired gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Colin Dunlop
  • Publication number: 20150007817
    Abstract: A mixer-heater device provides controllable reduction in aerosol droplet size. Additionally, an intermittent delivery mode for administering an aerosol to a patient may take into account patient expiration and reduce aerosol losses without prolonging treatment time. Depositional losses in aerosol delivery systems may be reduced by streamlining the three dimensional geometry of conduits which change stream direction or flow path diameter. Ventilation systems may also benefit from streamlined components, in particular Y-connectors, with resulting advantages such as reduced rebreathed CO2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Virginia Commonwealth University
    Inventors: Philip Worth Longest, Michael Hindle