David C Rich

US Patent:

6575164, Jun 10, 2003

Filed:

Sep 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/410355

Inventors:

Michael B. Jaffe - Cheshire CT
David R. Rich - Glastonbury CT
Paul B. Gunneson - Cheshire CT
Eric P. Wigforss - Durham CT

Assignee:

NTC Technology, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

A62B 0902

US Classification:

12820524, 12820418, 1374875, 137557

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for enhancing reliability of, and monitoring the operation of airway valves to enhance patient safety. Pneumatic control line pressure (positive or negative) for actuation of the airway valve may be specified at a given magnitude or within a selected range and monitored continuously. Reduced or excessive pressure may be compensated by actuation of a pressure source or a bleed valve, and monitoring may be effected so as to warn the user of any deviation from the range, or deviations of selected magnitudes or frequencies or a combination thereof. The inspired volume of CO may be monitored using air flow and CO sensing, with detection of excessive CO volume triggering a warning. Similarly, measured end-tidal or end-inspired CO or other appropriate measures of CO concentration may be employed as a warning trigger. Other driving energy sources for airway valves, and monitoring thereof, are also disclosed.

US Patent:

6631717, Oct 14, 2003

Filed:

Oct 21, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/425839

Inventors:

David R. Rich - Glastonbury CT
Michael B. Jaffe - Cheshire CT

Assignee:

NTC Technology Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

A62B 700

US Classification:

12820513, 12820418

Abstract:

A re-breathing apparatus including a novel dual chamber reservoir connected to a ventilator circuit by means of a diverting adapter. The dual chamber reservoir utilizes two gas chambers which can be operated in reciprocating fashion. To accomplish re-breathing, expired gas is drawn into one chamber, while gas is ejected from the other chamber. The expired gas is then ejected into the breathing circuit as the patient inspires, while a charge of fresh gas is drawn into the other chamber. The diverting adaptor minimizes mixing of gases being drawn into and ejected from the two chambers. An advantage of the inventive method is that the total volume of gases in the system can be kept constant throughout re-breathing. The preferred embodiment of the inventive reservoir is a one-piece, blow-molded plastic, bellows-like structure which can be manufactured simply and inexpensively for one-time (disposable) use. Actuation of the system may be performed under microprocessor control.

US Patent:

6671532, Dec 30, 2003

Filed:

Sep 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/242866

Inventors:

Brian M. Fudge - Middletown CT
Kimberly A. Golden - Wallingford CT
David R. Rich - Glastonbury CT

Assignee:

Respironics Novametrix, Inc. - Wallingford CT

International Classification:

A61B 500

US Classification:

600344, 221 26

Abstract:

An oximetry sensor that can be easily applied and attached to a portion of the body of a patient in a noninvasive manner is provided. The oximetry sensor of the present invention includes an adhesive wrap member for use with reusable pulse oximetry sensor electronics (e. g. , an LED assembly and a photodiode coupled with a cable) to retain the sensor in the desired position comfortably on a patient. The adhesive member includes a release liner thereover which may include an appliquà or other member thereon, for example, instructions for use. The release liner is configured for removal from the adhesive member in at least one release liner portion subsequent to attaching of the pulse oximetry sensor electronics without disturbing such positioning.

US Patent:

6763829, Jul 20, 2004

Filed:

Jan 14, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/047573

Inventors:

Michael B. Jaffe - Cheshire CT
David R. Rich - Glastonbury CT
Paul B. Gunneson - Cheshire CT
Eric P. Wigforss - Durham CT

Assignee:

NTC Technology, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

A62B 902

US Classification:

12820524, 12820418, 12820523, 251 12, 137557

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for enhancing reliability of, and monitoring, the operation of airway valves to enhance patient safety. Pneumatic control line pressure (positive or negative) for actuation of the airway valve may be specified at a given magnitude or within a selected range and monitored continuously. Reduced or excessive pressure may be compensated by actuation of a pressure source or a bleed valve, and monitoring may be effected so as to warn the user of any deviation from the range, or deviations of selected magnitudes or frequencies or a combination thereof. The inspired volume of CO may be monitored using air flow and CO sensing, with detection of excessive CO volume triggering a warning. Similarly, measured end-tidal or end-inspired CO or other appropriate measures of CO concentration may be employed as a warning trigger. Other driving energy sources for airway valves, and monitoring thereof, are also disclosed.

US Patent:

6941162, Sep 6, 2005

Filed:

Dec 29, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/748074

Inventors:

Brian M. Fudge - Middletown CT, US
Kimberley A. Golden - Wallingford CT, US
David R. Rich - Glastonbury CT, US

Assignee:

Respironics Novametrix, Inc. - Wallingford CT

International Classification:

A61B005/00
B65D085/66

US Classification:

600344, 221 26

Abstract:

An oximetry sensor that can be easily applied and attached to a portion of the body of a patient in a noninvasive manner is provided. The oximetry sensor of the present invention includes an adhesive wrap member for use with reusable pulse oximetry sensor electronics (e. g. , an LED assembly and a photodiode coupled with a cable) to retain the sensor in the desired position comfortably on a patient. The adhesive member includes a release liner thereover which may include an appliqué or other member thereon, for example, instructions for use. The release liner is configured for removal from the adhesive member in at least one release liner portion subsequent to attaching of the pulse oximetry sensor electronics without disturbing such positioning.

US Patent:

6954702, Oct 11, 2005

Filed:

Feb 18, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/781382

Inventors:

Anthony T. Pierry - Plantsville CT, US
David R. Rich - Glastonbury CT, US

Assignee:

RIC Investments, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

G01N033/00

US Classification:

702 22, 600532, 422 94

Abstract:

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 only a mainstream gas measurement system or a portion thereof.

US Patent:

7059322, Jun 13, 2006

Filed:

Oct 7, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/680848

Inventors:

David R Rich - Glastonbury CT, US
Richard S Tencza - Wallingford CT, US
John L Sandor - North Haven CT, US

Assignee:

RIC Investments, LLC. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

A61M 16/00

US Classification:

12820024, 12820227, 12820714, 12820026

Abstract:

An airway adapter suitable for use with patients having low tidal volumes, e. g. , neonates, which minimizes deadspace in the airway and promotes smooth flow of gases through the adapter. The adapter includes a first portion adapted to couple to a tubular adapter, such as an endotracheal tube adapter, and a second portion adapted to couple to a ventilation tube. A longitudinally compressible member is coupled to the first portion to minimize deadspace in the adapter. A portion of the compressible member resiliently contacts and seals against a tubular adapter upon assembly of the airway adapter therewith.

US Patent:

7066176, Jun 27, 2006

Filed:

Jun 4, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/861543

Inventors:

Michael B Jaffe - Cheshire CT, US
David R Rich - Glastonbury CT, US
Paul B Gunneson - Cheshire CT, US
Eric P. Wigforss - Durham CT, US

Assignee:

RIC Investments, LLC - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

A62B 9/02

US Classification:

12820524, 12820418, 12820523

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for enhancing reliability of, and monitoring, the operation of airway valves to enhance patient safety. Pneumatic control line pressure (positive or negative) for actuation of the airway valve may be specified at a given magnitude or within a selected range and monitored continuously. Reduced or excessive pressure may be compensated by actuation of a pressure source or a bleed valve, and monitoring may be effected so as to warn the user of any deviation from the range, or deviations of selected magnitudes or frequencies or a combination thereof. The inspired volume of COmay be monitored using air flow and COsensing, with detection of excessive COvolume triggering a warning. Similarly, measured end-tidal or end-inspired COor other appropriate measures of COconcentration may be employed as a warning trigger. Other driving energy sources for airway valves, and monitoring thereof, are also disclosed.