Respironics, Inc.

Lifecare International, Inc.

Douglas R Ogden

Gregg D Keefe

Eugene P Smith, Iii

Darwin B Dobson

Joseph A Abeyta

A start-up ramp system for CPAP and bilevel CPAP devices. The system offers the patient a choice of at least two, time-pressure ramp paths over a predetermined, fixed, initial time interval to a predetermined, fixed, initial therapeutic pressure. Both the initial time period and initial therapeutic pressure are set by the care giver and are non-adjustable by the patient. In operation, the patient then selects the ramp path of his or her choice to the pre-set pressure over the pre-set time period by depressing an actuator button which has a graphic or pictorial representation of the ramp path on it. Regardless of the ramp path selected, the CPAP device will reach the predetermined therapeutic pressure only after the predetermined time interval set by the care giver has lapsed.

Start-up ramp system for CPAP system with multiple ramp shape selection

A sealing and retaining arrangement for a humidifier with separable top and bottom members and an attaching arrangement for rigidly connecting a ventilator or other respiratory device to the top of the humidifier in a predetermined, fixed position. The sealing and retaining arrangement is designed for use between separable top and bottom members of a humidifier. The top and bottom are made of relatively rigid material and have overlapping or telescoping portions with a flexible, resilient seal extending therebetween. The seal also serves to positively retain the top and bottom together while in use. The attaching arrangement is designed to rigidly connect the ventilator or other respiratory device to the top of the humidifier in a predetermined, fixed position. This is accomplished by rigidly coupling the air outlet of the ventilator directly to the air inlet of the humidifier without any intervening, flexible hose.

Humidifier for a ventilator and an associated attachment

A facial mask assembly for covering at least the nose and nares of a patient's face and compensating for any unequal forces that may be generated in the straps holding the mask on the patient's face. The assembly includes a rigid, cup-shaped shell with a soft seal engaging and sealing against the patient's face. The shell is preferably secured or attached to the patient's head by an arrangement including a rigid plate mounted to the rigid shell and a harness. The harness extends about the back of the patient's head and preferably has side straps attached to the top of the rigid plate. The rigid plate is loosely mounted to the rigid shell at at least three locations and can move to compensate for any unequally applied forces that would otherwise tend to rock or cock the shell off the patient's face and create a gap or leak in the seal. The invention also includes a modified hose coupling that permits the rigid shell and the flexible hose connected to the respiratory device to rotate relative to each other about multiple axes.

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Arvada, CO, United States of America

Douglas R Ogden