An energy conserving power transmission fluid composition comprising:

This invention relates to a power transmission fluid composition capable of reducing the energy consumption of transmissions, differentials, or other devices in which it is used.
Over the last decade manufacturers of gear systems, especially automobile builders, have sought methods to reduce the energy consumption of these devices and the automobiles in which they are used. Improvements in automobile transmissions such as continuously variable transmissions and 6 speed automatic transmissions have made large strides in reducing energy consumption of cars. In some cases, such as manual transmissions, differentials used in axles and in fixed speed reduction gearing little improvement in the hardware can be made to gain further energy conservation. In these cases manufacturers seek improvements in the lubricant to provide the energy savings. The challenge is to reduce energy dissipated in the gear contact. This energy is lost as heat. Therefore, lowering the energy lost in the gear contact will lower the bulk fluid temperature. If the lubricant is capable of doing this, either through judicious choice of lubricant base stocks, or additives, then it can truly be called an energy conserving power transmission fluid.
It is well known that lowering the viscosity of a lubricant can lower the energy consumed in the device in which it is used. This technique is especially important at lower operating temperatures where lubricant viscosities are elevated. The technique works as long as adequate hydrodynamic films are provided in the device. If viscosity is lowered too far, hydrodynamic films fail and friction increases, thereby increasing energy consumption. Reduction of energy consumption through reducing fluid viscosity is often referred to as reducing xe2x80x9cchurning lossesxe2x80x9d. However, we have now found that by appropriate selection of lubricant basestocks energy consumption in gear contact can be reduced, independent of viscosity, thereby permitting the formulation of energy conserving lubricants of higher viscosity.
For the purposes of this invention a power transmission fluid is defined as any lubricant used in contact with gears involved in the transmission of mechanical energy. Commonly these devices would include, but not be limited to, automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, continuously variable transmissions, automated manual transmissions, transfer cases, axles and differentials used in mobile applications. They would also include stationary gearing used in industrial applications as well as industrial transmissions.
We have found that power transmission fluids comprised of base fluids made up of high viscosity polyalphaolefins, certain polyol esters and other lubricant basestocks, containing appropriate performance additive packages for the required applications, can yield significant energy savings when compared to the same composition without the polyol ester.
This invention relates to an energy conserving power transmission fluid composition comprising:
(a) from 1 to 49 wt. % of a polyalphaolefin base stock having a kinematic viscosity of from 40 mm2/s at 100xc2x0 C. to 500 mm2/s at 100xc2x0 C.;
(b) from 1 to 95 wt. % of a lubricant basestock having a kinematic viscosity of from 2 mm2/s at 100xc2x0 C. to 10 mm2/s at 100xc2x0 C.;
(c) from 1 to 49 wt. % of a polyol ester of a C5 to C30 monocarboxylic acid and a polyol of the formula R(OH)n where n is at least 2, up to 5, and R is any aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbyl group; and
(d) an effective amount of a performance additive package
provided that the composition has a kinematic viscosity of at least 4 mm2/s at 100xc2x0 C.
The stabilization temperature of the compositions of this invention with the polyol ester is at least 2xc2x0 C. lower than the same composition tested without the polyol ester, when tested by an appropriate method.
Polyalphaolefin
Polyalphaolefins (PAO) are oligomers of terminally unsaturated alkenes. The polyalphaolefins of the present invention are characterized by their viscosities. For purposes of this invention, the high viscosity polyalphaolefins are defined as possessing kinematic viscosities at 100xc2x0 C. of from about 40 to about 500 mm2/s. Production of high viscosity polyalphaolefins is well known in the art and is described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,041,098.
Polyalphaolefins can be made from any terminally unsaturated olefin or mixtures of terminally unsaturated olefins. The preferred polyalphaolefins are made from 1-octene or 1-decene or mixtures thereof. They can be saturated or unsaturated. The preferred PAO""s have kinematic viscosities from about 40 to about 250 mm2/s, and the most preferred from about 40 to 100 mm2/s. The most preferred PAO""s are also saturated by hydrogenation.
The compositions of this invention will contain a minor amount of the high viscosity polyalphaolefin. Typically, amounts will range from 1 to 49% by weight. The exact amount will be determined by the desired kinematic viscosity of the final lubricant.
Lubricant Basestock
Lubricating oils contemplated for use in this invention are either natural lubricating oils, synthetic lubricating oils or derived from mixtures of natural lubricating oils and synthetic lubricating oils. Suitable lubricating oils also include basestocks obtained by isomerization of synthetic wax and slack wax, as well as basestocks produced by hydrocracking (rather than by solvent treatment) the aromatic and polar components of the crude. The lubricating oil will have a kinematic viscosity ranging from about 2 to about 10 mm2/s (cSt) at 100xc2x0 C. Natural lubricating oils include animal oils, vegetable oils (e.g., castor oil and lard oil), petroleum oils, mineral oils, and oils derived from coal or shale. The preferred natural lubricating oil is mineral oil.
The mineral oils useful in this invention include all common mineral oil basestocks. This would include oils that are naphthenic or paraffinic in chemical structure as well as oils that are refined by conventional methodology using acid, alkali, and clay or other agents such as aluminum chloride, or they may be extracted oils produced, e.g., by solvent extraction or treatment with solvents such as phenol, sulfur dioxide, furfural, dichlorodiethyl ether, etc. They may be hydrotreated or hydrofined, dewaxed by chilling or catalytic dewaxing processes, or hydrocracked. The mineral oil may be produced from natural crude sources or be composed of isomerized wax materials or residues of other refining processes.
A particularly useful class of mineral oils are those mineral oils that are severely hydrotreated or hydrocracked. These processes expose the mineral oils to very high hydrogen pressures at elevated temperatures in the presence of hydrogenation catalysts. Typical processing conditions include hydrogen pressures of approximately 3000 pounds per square inch (psi) at temperatures ranging from 300xc2x0 C. to 450xc2x0 C. over a hydrogenation-type catalyst. This processing removes sulfur and nitrogen from the lubricating oil and saturates any alkylene or aromatic structures in the feedstock. The result is a base oil with extremely good oxidation resistance and viscosity index. A secondary benefit of these processes is that low molecular weight constituents of the feed stock, such as waxes, can be isomerized from linear to branched structures thereby providing finished base oils with significantly improved low temperature properties. These hydrotreated base oils may then be further de-waxed either catalytically or by conventional means to give them exceptional low temperature fluidity. Commercial examples of lubricating base oils made by one or more of the aforementioned processes are Chevron RLOP, Petro-Canada P65, Petro-Canada P100, Yukong, Ltd., Yubase 4, Imperial Oil Canada MXT, Fortum Nexbase 3060, and Shell XHVI 5.2.
Synthetic lubricating oils include hydrocarbon oils and halo-substituted hydrocarbon oils such as oligomerized, polymerized, and interpolymerized olefins [e.g., polybutylenes, polypropylenes, propylene, isobutylene copolymers, chlorinated polylactenes, poly(1-hexenes), poly(1-octenes), poly(1-decenes), etc., and mixtures thereof]; alkylbenzenes [e.g., dodecylbenzenes, tetradecylbenzenes, dinonylbenzenes, di(2-ethylhexyl)benzene, etc.]; polyphenyls [e.g., biphenyls, terphenyls, alkylated polyphenyls, etc.]; and alkylated diphenyl ethers, alkylated diphenyl sulfides, as well as their derivatives, analogs, and homologs thereof, and the like. The preferred oils from this class of synthetic oils are oligomers of xcex1-olefins, particularly oligomers of 1-decene and other polyalphaolefins.
The lubricant base stock will have kinematic viscosities of from 2.0 mm2/s (cSt) to 10.0 mm2/s (cSt) at 100xc2x0 C. The preferred mineral oils have kinematic viscosities of from 2 to 6 mm2/s (cSt), and most preferred are those mineral oils with viscosities of 3 to 5 mm2/s (cSt), at 100xc2x0 C.
The lubricant base stock will be present in the composition of this invention in amounts ranging from about 1 to 95 wt. %, preferably 5 to 75 wt. %.
Polyol Ester
The polyol esters of the current invention are those prepared from polyhydroxy species, such as trimethylol propane, neopentyl glycol, pentaerythritol, and long chain carboxylic acids. Esters useful in this invention include those made from C5 to C30 monocarboxylic acids and polyols and polyol ethers such as neopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, and the like.
Suitable polyols have the formula R(OH)n wherein R is any aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbyl group (preferably an alkyl) and n is at least 2, up to about 5, preferably 3-5. The hydrocarbyl group may contain from about 2 to about 20 or more carbon atoms, and the hydrocarbyl group may also contain substituents such as chlorine, nitrogen and/or oxygen atoms. The polyhydroxyl compounds generally may contain one or more oxyalkylene groups and, thus, the polyhydroxyl compounds include compounds such as polyetherpolyols. The number of carbon atoms (i.e., carbon number, wherein the term carbon number as used throughout this application refers to the total number of carbon atoms in either the acid or alcohol as the case may be) and number of hydroxy groups (i.e., hydroxyl number) contained in the polyhydroxyl compound used to form the carboxylic esters may vary over a wide range.
The following alcohols are particularly useful as polyols: neopentyl glycol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolbutane, mono-pentaerythritol, technical grade pentaerythritol, and di-pentaerythritol. The most preferred alcohols are technical grade (e.g., approximately 88% mono-, 10% di- and 1-2% tri-pentaerythritol) pentaerythritol, monopentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol and trimethylolpropane.
Suitable aliphatic monocarboxylic acids for preparing the polyol ester used in the present invention include both saturated and unsaturated acids having about 5 to 30 carbon atoms such as stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, lauric acid, tall oil fatty acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, decanoic acid, capric acid, valeric acid and the like.
A preferred polyol ester is trimethylolpropane isostearate sold as xe2x80x9cPriolube 3999xe2x80x9d having a kinematic viscosity of 13.19 mm2/s at 100xc2x0 C. and 91.66 mm2/s at 40xc2x0 C.
The polyol ester will be present in an amount of 1 to 49 wt. %, preferably 5 to 50 wt. %, more preferably 5 to 25 wt. %.
Performance Additive Package
The performance additive package will be determined by the desired end use application. In general power transmission fluid performance packages contain anti-oxidants, anti-wear agents, friction modifiers, ashless dispersants, extreme pressure agents, corrosion inhibitors, viscosity modifiers and anti-foamants, each present in customary amounts so as to provide their normal attendant functions, such as 1 to 25 wt. %. The exact amounts and presence or absence of the individual components will be determined by the intended application. Preferred are compositions free of polymeric viscosity modifier.
Automotive Gear Oilxe2x80x94one type of automotive gear oil additive package would contain one or more of a highly sulfurized hydrocarbon or ester, a phosphite or phosphate, corrosion inhibitors, dispersants and anti-foamants. Examples of commercially available gear oil additive packages are: Anglamol 99, Anglamol 6043, Anglamol 6085 from the Lubrizol Corporation; Hitec 320, Hitec 323, Hitec 350 and Hitec 385 from the Ethyl Corporation; Mobilad G-252, Mobilad G-251 and Mobilad G-2001 available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company.
A second type of automotive gear oil additive package consists of colloidally dispersed potassium triborate particles. This technology is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,853,772; 3,912,639; 3,912,643 and 4,089,790. An examples of a commercially available gear oil package based on this technology is OLOA 9151X from Oronite division of ChevronTexaco Chemical Company.
Automotive gear oil additive packages are normally present from about 1% to about 15% by weight of the finished lubricant.
Manual Transmission Fluidxe2x80x94manual transmission fluids can be directly formulated from specialized additive packages or from reduced treat rates of automotive gear oil packages. Manual transmission fluid additive packages generally contain one or more anti-wear agents, ashless dispersants, corrosion inhibitors, friction modifiers, anti-foamants and sometimes viscosity modifiers. An example of a commercially available manual transmission fluid additive package is Infineum T4804 from Infineum, which contain antifoamant, antioxidant, rust inhibitor, magnesium sulfonate detergent, seal swellant, amine phosphate antiwear additive, borated polyisobutenyl succinimide dispersant and friction modifier, each present in customary amounts so as to provide their normal attendant function.
Manual transmission fluid additives generally comprise from about 1% to about 10% of the weight of the finished lubricant.
Automatic Transmission Fluidxe2x80x94automatic transmission fluid additive packages normally consist of ashless dispersants; anti-wear agents; anti-oxidants; corrosion inhibitors; friction modifiers; seal swell agents; anti-foamants and sometimes viscosity modifiers. Examples of commercially available automatic transmission fluid additives are: Lubrizol 6950; Lubrizol 7900; Lubrizol 9614 from the Lubrizol Corporation; Hitec 403; Hitec 420; Hitec 427 from the Ethyl Corporation and Infineum T4520, Infineum T4540 from Infineum.
Automatic transmission fluid additives normally comprise from about 1 to about 20% of the weight of the finished lubricant.
Representative amounts of additives in an automatic transmission fluid are summarized as follows:
There are several methods that have utility in determining the relative energy conserving ability of lubricants in power transmission applications. Although neither method is universally accepted, both have been shown to correlate with field applications. The premise of both methods is reduction of heat generation in highly loaded mechanical contact. The assumption being made is that the lower the steady state operating temperature of the device, the less energy is being converted to heat. Consequently the more energy available to be transmitted.
ARKL (axial thrust ball bearing) test. This test has been developed by Volkswagen and the procedure is available as PV 1454 from Volkswagen AG. In this test a highly loaded (5,000 N) ball type thrust bearing is run (@4,000 rpm) in the test lubricant (40 ml) for 120 minutes. The test bearing and lubricant are contained in an insulated housing fitted with thermocouples. At the end of the 120 minute running time the steady state temperature is determined by using the following equation:
Tsteadystate=(30xc2x0 C.xe2x88x92Tambient)+Ttest oil
FZG Steady State Temperaturexe2x80x94This procedure uses an FZG Gear Test apparatus as described in ASTM procedure D-5182. To perform the steady state temperature stabilization test the apparatus is equipped with a thermocouple to monitor the bulk oil temperature, fitted with xe2x80x9cCxe2x80x9d profile gears and filled with 1250 ml""s of test lubricant. After a short break-in (15 minutes) at load stage 4 the machine is loaded to load stage 8 and run for 6 hours at 1450 rpm. The lubricant temperature is monitored during the running period and the stabilized temperature at the end of test is reported. This value is most often compared to that of a reference lubricant.
The following examples are given as specific illustrations of the claimed invention. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific details set forth in the examples. All parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified.

Energy conserving power transmission fluids

Abstract: (c) from 1 to 49 wt. % of a polyol ester of a C5 to C30 aliphatic monocarboxylic acid and a polyol of the formula R(OH)n where n is at least 2, and

Abstract: (d) an effective amount of a performance additive package selected from the group consisting of automotive gear oil additive packages, manual transmission fluid additive packages and automatic transmission fluid additive packages,


An applicator comprising a support which is configured to allow the applicator to be engaged with a container containing a first product, in the form of a gel, cream, or liquid, and an application member on the support. The application member is capable of conveying the first product from an opening defined by the support to an application face of the said application member. The applicator further includes a lid configured to removably cover the applicator member by engaging with the support. In a closed end of the lid there is a second product, in the form of a solid cake or powder. The application face is capable, when the lid is fitted, of being pressed elastically against the said second product so that the second product can be loaded onto the application face. Once the first and second products have been loaded onto the application face, the lid can be removed and the application face can be put in contact with a surface to apply the combined first and second products.

The present invention relates to an applicator for use in the separate and/or combined application of at least two products, such as products which contain active ingredients or compounds. The products are contained in separate reservoirs configured to cooperate so as to form an integrated assembly.
Thus, for example, in the context of the application of make-up to the body or to the hair, it is desirable to provide a make-up base in the form of a cream, a gel, or a milk which the user can combine with a separate product, for example in the form of a compacted or loose powder containing colored pigments or fillers. Preferably, it is possible for the separate product to be chosen from a number of powders containing pigments of different colors, so that the user can choose the color and/or the appearance of the make-up to be applied.
Likewise, in the field of sun protection, it may be desirable to have a moisturizing or soothing base in the form of a milk or a cream, which a user can combine with a separate product, for example in the form of a powder or a cream containing a UV filter, which can be chosen from a plurality of powders containing filters having differing protection factors. In this manner, the user can select the desired sun protection to be applied to the skin. For instance, in the first few days of exposure to the sun, it may be desirable to use a product with a high protection factor, while, as the days progress, it may be desirable to use products with decreasing protection factors.
Hence, one of the objects of the invention is to provide an applicator forming a container for one product, wherein the applicator can be used in combination with another container containing another product whose action complements the action of the product contained in the applicator.
Another object of the invention is to provide a stand-alone applicator assembly containing a first product with an application member and a member for fitting the application member on a container containing a second product that is to be used in combination with the first product.
It should be understood that the invention could be practiced without performing one or more of the preferred objects and/or advantages described above. Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description which follows.
To achieve these and other advantages, and in accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a first aspect of the invention includes an applicator comprising a support configured to be removably provided on a container containing a first product, wherein the support defines an opening. An application member having a first end portion mounted on the support and a second end portion having an application face. The application member is configured to convey the first product from the container to the application face via the opening. The application further includes a lid configured to removably cover the application member, the lid having a closed end portion containing a second product arranged such that the application face is capable of being pressed against the second product when the application member is covered with the lid.
There is thus produced, for example, a unit containing one product, such as, for example, a powder or the like, wherein the unit can be fitted onto the container containing another product capable of facilitating the specific product to crumble. The two products are kept separate from one another and are conveyed in metered amounts onto the application face of the application member for the purpose of combined application. In this manner, the product contained in the lid preferably does not soil the product contained in the container prior to their combination. An application member of a given applicator preferably is not brought into contact with a second product other than the one contained in the lid with which it is associated. Preferably, the product contained in the container can be dispensed under pressure, for example by a pump, a piston, a propellent gas, or other suitable mechanisms for dispensing materials under pressure.
At least prior to use, the application face of the application member is forced elastically to press against the free surface of the product contained in the lid. With certain products this pressing is enough to ensure that the application face becomes adequately laden with the product. However, the loading of the application face with the second product also may be encouraged by rotating the application face while it is held pressed against the free surface of the product contained in the lid.
The product may be poured, either in a hot or cold state, or compacted, directly into the closed end of the lid or into a cup mounted in the closed end of the lid. Members, for example in the form of fins or other catching means, may be provided so as to allow the product, when it solidifies, to catch in the closed end of the lid when the product is poured into the lid.
In the case of a product in the form of a loose powder or a cream, a containment member, for example in the form of a grating or perforated mesh, may be provided to keep the second product in the closed end of the the lid, while also allowing the product to contact the application face.
The second product may be separated from the closed end of the lid by an elastically deformable member, such as, for example, a block of foam or a spring. Such a member is able to contribute to pressing the application surface elastically against the second product, especially when the applicator member is made of a material which is not substantially elastically compressible or even not at all elastically compressible. When the elastically deformable member is a foam, particularly an open-cell foam, for example, the product can be anchored in the closed end of the lid when the product is poured in the form of a liquid.
The closed end of the lid may be capable of axial movement, for example by elastic deformation. This characteristic makes it possible to reload the application member with the second product without having to completely refit the lid onto the support, particularly when the lid is a screw-on lid. The axial movement of the closed end may be accomplished by providing a closed end capable of elastic deformation. For example, the closed end may be in the form of a diaphragm made of elastically deformable material. Alternatively, such axial movement may result simply by slide-mounting the closed end, causing the closed end to be forced into an uppermost position under the effect of the elastic compression of the applicator member when the lid is fitted on the support. The lid also may be fitted on the applicator support in a sealed manner.
Preferably, the application member is made of a block of porous material capable of absorbing the first product and conveying the first product from the orifice to the application face of the application member. The application member may, for example, be selected from an open-cell or semi-open-cell foam or a felt. The application face of the application member also may be covered with flocking. In the case of such an absorbent product, particularly in the case of a felt or of an open-cell or semi-open-cell foam, the application member forms a number of xe2x80x9cnaturalxe2x80x9d passages formed between fibres or by the pores of the material. These passages intercommunicate and are particularly suitable when the product contained in the container is liquid. In the case of a more viscous product, or in the case of a non-porous material, at least one xe2x80x9cartificialxe2x80x9d passage may be made in the form of one or more ducts extending, for example, axially through the application member from the support to the application face. This permits the product contained in the container to be conveyed to the application face.
The application member may include an elastically compressible element, and may in particular be in the form of a bellows. Mounted on the elastically compressible element is the application surface, for example in the form of a foam, a woven or a nonwoven, which may or may not be flocked. The application surface may be relatively smooth or may have reliefs capable of performing a massaging action when applied to the skin.
As a preference, near the opening an opening/closing mechanism, or covering element, may be provided, such as, for example, a shutter or valve. The opening/closing mechanism is actuatable in response to pressure applied to the container. Preferably, the opening/closing mechanism is configured to selectively uncover or close off the opening, and is capable of being placed in communication with the container containing the first product. It is thus possible to prevent a liquid or semi-liquid material contained in the application member (formed, for example, of a mixture of the first and second products) from running down, via the opening, into the container containing the first product. Furthermore, the applicator, particularly when the application member is made of an absorbent material, may contain a sufficient quantity of the first product to form a stand-alone applicator unit. This unit, formed essentially of the lid and the application member, may be carried and used throughout the day independently of the container containing the first product.
According to another aspect of the invention, the opening/closing mechanism is actuatable in response to pressure applied to the application face. That is, the opening/closing mechanism is mounted so as to uncover the opening in response to sufficient pressure exerted on the application face. An elastic return mechanism is provided to force the opening/closing mechanism into the closed position in the absence of sufficient pressure on the application face. Thus, the first product is conveyed onto the application face, to be mixed with the second product located there, only in the application position, when the application face is pressed against the surface that is to be treated. Thus, the separation between the first product contained in the container and the second product contained in the lid is improved further.
Alternatively, the opening/closing mechanism can be mounted in such a way as to uncover the opening in response to sufficient pressure exerted on the opposite side of the support to the applicator member. In this case, the opening/closing mechanism will be returned to the closed position when the pressure ceases. Such pressure may be exerted on flexible or deformable walls forming the container, or on a piston forming the bottom of the container. When the user applies a sufficient force on either the deformable walls or a piston, a dose of the said first product is forced out of the container through the opening and onto the application member.
The mechanism for fitting the applicator on the container may, for example, be chosen from a snap-fastening, a screw-fastening or a push-fit mechanism, and preferably is suitable for fitting the applicator on a dispensing member including a pump or valve having a stem.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is also produced an assembly for the combined application, particularly to the skin, of a first product and of a second product. The applicator assembly comprises a container containing a first product and is capable of allowing the first product to be dispensed under pressure. The assembly further includes at least one applicator according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the at least one applicator contains a second product.
The container preferably is in the form of a container surmounted by a dispensing member in the form of a pump, such as an airless type pump, or a valve, such as a one-way valve, or is a tube or bottle having deformable walls or is a bottle having a piston forming the bottom of the bottle.
As used herein, the term xe2x80x9cairless pumpxe2x80x9d refers to a pump that provides dispensing of a substance from a container in essentially a single direction without permitting reverse (intake) flow of air via the pump. That is, as product is pumped from the container, the pumped product is not replaced with a corresponding volume of air through the pump. In addition to preventing reverse intake flow of xe2x80x9cair,xe2x80x9d an xe2x80x9cairless pumpxe2x80x9d typically does not allow intake of any other substances to replace the volume of product pumped out of the container. For example, an xe2x80x9cairless pumpxe2x80x9d could include a one-way valve, such as a check valve.
By way of example, the second product is a make-up product and each of a plurality of the applicators that could be used with assembly contains a differing second products, for example products having differing colors and/or appearances.
Also by way of example, the second product can be a product affording protection against UV radiation, and each of the applicators that could be used with the assembly contains a second product having a protection factor that differs from the second product contained in another applicator.
In another alternative, each of the applicators comprises a different type of application member, for example application members permitting differing application characteristics. Thus, particularly according to the surface that is to be treated, application members may be made of foams with differing hardnesses or absorption capabilities.
The first product preferably is in the form of a liquid, a cream or a gel.
Yet another aspect of the invention includes an applicator comprising a support having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is configured to be removably provided on a first reservoir containing a first product. A second reservoir containing a second product is configured to be engageable with the support. An application member having an application face extends from the second end portion of the support. The application face is capable of being placed in contact with the second product when the second reservoir is engaged with the support. The application member is configured to be selectively loaded with at least one of the first product and the second product on the application face.
Another aspect of the invention includes an applicator assembly comprising the applicator, a container forming the first reservoir, and a lid defining the second reservoir.
Another aspect of the invention includes an applicator comprising a support defining an opening, an application member disposed on the support, and a covering element configured to selectively open and close the opening. A lid containing a product to be applied to a surface also is provided, the lid being configured to removably cover the application member and being capable of placing the application member in contact with the product.
Yet another aspect of the invention includes a process for applying at least one of a first product and a second product using one of the applicators described above. The process includes providing the applicator and a container containing the first product. The applicator support is placed on the container and the lid is placed over the application face. The application face is loaded with at least one of the first and second products and the lid is removed from over the application face. The application face of the application member is then placed in contact with a surface to thereby apply said at least one of the first and second products to the surface.
In the preferred practice of the invention, one or both of the first and second products is a cosmetic product which is applied to the skin and/or hair of an individual. However, the invention in its broadest aspects could be used to apply many different types of products on many different types of surfaces.
Besides the structural and procedural arrangements set forth above, the invention could include a number of other arrangements, such as those explained hereinafter. It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and the following description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

Applicator and applicator assembly equipped with such an applicator


A wireless network adapter for establishing wireless communication links between electronic devices. In one embodiment, the wireless network adapter comprises wireless communication circuitry encased in a shell in the form of a detachable molding element of an electronic device. The wireless network adapter further comprises a bus connector adapted to couple the wireless communication circuitry to an expansion bus when the shell is attached to an outer surface of an electronic device. The wireless network adapter is a fully integrated solution further comprising an RF antenna for communication with a wireless network and a radio modem comprising a radio, a receiver, and modulation circuitry. The RF antenna in the wireless network adapter may take one of several forms. The antenna may be a dedicated unit housed within the shell of the wireless network adapter. Alternatively, the antenna may form a part of the outer shell of the adapter or it may form a part of a company logo located on the shell the adapter. The wireless network adapter is installed in an electronic device such as a portable computer. The electronic device comprises, at a minimum, a system microprocessor, an expansion bus, a read-writeable memory device, an input/output device, and an expansion port connected to the expansion bus that is configured to accept the detachable wireless network adapter. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises an electronic device equipped with an external sleeve configured to accept a wireless network adapter insert.

Not applicable.
Not applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a technique for incorporating an RF transceiver onto the body of an electronic device. More particularly, it relates to a fully integrated, device-independent RF transmit/receive module that combines the antenna and associated electronics into a single package and can be installed and used on a variety of electronic devices for the purpose of communicating with other electronic devices.
2. Background of the Invention
As portable devices become more capable of storing and displaying information, a need inherently arises for data transfers between these devices. One example of this type of transfer includes the downloading of personal schedules and contact information from a computer to a personal digital (or data) assistant (PDA). This communication link is typically established via cumbersome cabling and often proprietary connectors. Wireless communication networks allow this type of data transfer to take place without the need for physical connections.
Generally stated, wireless communication allows for the transmission and reception of data without the need for physical connections. This data can take many forms including audio and video signals or even facsimile and text messages. The progress of wireless telephony and wireless communication between people has been aided by the development of cellular standards such as GSM in Europe and AMPS, CDMA, and TDMA in North America. With the development of standards such as Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11, wireless communication between electronic devices is becoming even more prevalent.
The Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standards allow for short range radio links between electronic devices. In general, these standards allow for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint wireless communications. The Bluetooth standard is generally used in wireless personal area networks (WPAN) and allows users to transfer information between mobile PCs, mobile phones and other devices. The IEEE 802.11 standard is generally used for wireless local area networks (WLAN) and may be used to communicate between PCs, PDAs, and other computing devices. Both offer the advantage of allowing a user or users to establish communications between two or more electronic devices for a data transfer without the need for cumbersome cabling and connectors. Radios which operate according to these standards may transmit or receive signals in the unlicensed, universal ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) radio frequency band between 2.4 and 2.4835 GHz.
The IEEE 802.11 standard and the IrDA standards also allow for wireless communication via infrared (IR) transmission in the 300 to 428,000 GHz range. IR communication may offer greater security than RF communication, but also requires a direct xe2x80x9cline of sightxe2x80x9d link between the communicating devices and can be adversely affected by environmental influences. RF transmission, on the other hand, allows for communication around corners and through walls or barriers. Security and interference problems associated with RF communications are alleviated with the implementation of direct sequence or frequency hopping spread spectrum techniques. Other measures such as error correction and collision avoidance help ensure robust data transfers.
Current wireless point to point communication solutions exist in either a device model-dependent proprietary solution designed into the main body of a product or may take the form of a PCMCIA card for use with notebook computers. PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) is an international standards body and trade association that was founded to establish standards for Integrated Circuit cards and to promote interchangeability among mobile computers. PCMCIA cards (also referred to as PC Cards) and slots provide a means of adding external peripheral components such as a modem or a Network Interface Card to a notebook computer. Companies such as Motorola and Samsung are currently offering PC Card solutions for Bluetooth WPANs and/or IEEE 802.11 WLANs.
Other point to point wireless communication solutions may take the form of Mini PCI cards that are integrated inside a notebook computer. Mini PCI cards are miniature form factor versions of the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) expansion cards used in desktop computers. PCI and Mini PCI cards plug into a high-speed input/output PCI bus used for connecting performance-critical peripherals to the memory, chipset, and processor. For example, video cards, disk storage devices, and high-speed network interfaces generally use a bus of this sort.
Wireless communication devices that take the form of Mini PCI or PC cards are convenient in that they are based on existing computer hardware and bus architecture. Unfortunately, these solutions also occupy existing expansion slots that could otherwise be used for peripherals such as network cards and video drivers. Furthermore, any solution that places the RF antenna in close proximity to a computer""s motherboard and microprocessor is less than ideal. The computer processor and chipset generate noise which results in signal degradation and attenuation. Attenuation is also a result of RF signal multipathing that results from placing the RF antenna in a position where signals can be obstructed by the notebook computer screen and other parts of the system such as magnesium cases or EMI-shielded plastic components.
Experiments show that for significant improvements in performance, the RF antenna in a wireless communication device should be placed high up in an unobstructed location. To account for this, other conventional wireless point to point communication solutions employ a whip or blade type antenna that is mounted high on the device itself or located external to the device. In devices where the antenna is mounted directly to the communicating device, the antenna usually extends beyond the envelope of the product in which they are installed and may be prone to damage resulting in expensive replacement costs. Examples of these types of antennas are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,644,320 and 5,903,548.
Furthermore, in some conventional designs the radio circuitry is often located separate from the antenna. In cases like this, the antenna must be connected via a coaxial cable or shielded wire assembly to the main radio circuitry, which adds to the cost and introduces signal loss and degradation. In addition to being unsightly, the cable assembly can be a nuisance and become tangled with other wiring or other equipment or suffer damage if routed through moving components such as notebook lid hinges. Furthermore, as product configurations change and locations of the radio components change, each new radio configuration must be re-qualified for use by the FCC.
Another disadvantage of certain existing designs is that as wireless specifications change, radio circuitry may become obsolete. If the radio circuitry and/or the antenna subsystem is hardwired into the parent device, then significant disassembly, component replacement, and downtime are required to bring the communication device up to date.
It is desirable, therefore, to provide a small, low cost, fully integrated radio module that can be assembled as a complete unit that is standardized across product lines. This radio module would preferably be fully contained (i.e., include antenna and all related circuitry) so that no cable or connector losses occur and would be easily installed in a parent device such as a portable computer or a PDA. Furthermore, the configuration of the module would allow for optimal placement with regards to RF signal reception and transmission.
The problems noted above are solved in large part by a fully integrated wireless communication device as disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a wireless network adapter comprises wireless communication circuitry encased in a shell in the form of a detachable molding element of an electronic device. The wireless network adapter also comprises a bus connector to couple the wireless communication circuitry to an expansion bus when the shell is attached to an outer surface of the electronic device. The adapter is a fully integrated module comprising an RF antenna for communication with a wireless network and a radio modem comprising a radio, a receiver, and modulation circuitry. The RF antenna in the wireless network adapter may take the form of a dedicated unit housed within the shell of the wireless network adapter, or alternatively, may form a part of the outer shell of the adapter. In yet another solution, the RF antenna may form a part of a company logo located on the shell the adapter.
An alternative embodiment may comprise a detachable molding element that encases a recess in a computer system and a circuit card assembly assembled in the recess of the computer system. The circuit card assembly preferably comprises a fully integrated RF radio module comprising an RF antenna for communication with a wireless network and radio circuitry including a radio, a receiver, and modulation circuitry.
The present invention also contemplates a portable computer comprising, at a minimum, a system microprocessor, an expansion bus, a read-writeable memory device, an input/output device, and an expansion port connected to the expansion bus that is configured to accept the detachable wireless network adapter. Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a portable computer equipped with an external sleeve configured to accept a wireless network adapter insert.
The wireless network adapter, as disclosed herein, may advantageously provide a compact, inexpensive solution for enabling wireless communications between electronic devices. The adapter is standardized for assembly as a complete unit across product lines and the configuration of the adapter allows for optimal placement with regards to RF signal reception and transmission.

Standardized RF module insert for a portable electronic processing device

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


An elastic Internet Protocol (IP) address for hypervisor and virtual router management in a branch environment may be provided. First, an IP address may be assigned to a hypervisor associated with a virtual branch. Next, it may be determined that a virtual machine (VM) has been instantiated at the virtual branch. In response to determining that the VM has been instantiated at the virtual branch, the IP address may then be released. It may next be determined that the VM is in a failed state and then, in response to determining that the VM is in the failed state, the IP address may be reassigned to the hypervisor.

A computer network or data network is a telecommunications network that allows computers to exchange data. In computer networks, networked computing devices exchange data with each other using a data link. The connections between nodes are established using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known computer network is the Internet.
Network computer devices that originate, route, and terminate the data are called network nodes. Nodes can include hosts such as personal computers, phones, servers as well as networking hardware. Two such devices can be said to be networked together when one device is able to exchange information with the other device, whether or not they have a direct connection to each other. Computer networks differ in the transmission medium used to carry their signals, the communications protocols to organize network traffic, the network's size, topology, and organizational intent.

Elastic internet protocol (IP) address for hypervisor and virtual router management in a branch environment


An ultrasonic imaging probe is provided which is capable of capturing “on-the-fly” scanning planes in successive positions of the probe so as to form a volumetric image representation at a real time frame rate. The probe includes a flexible sealing membrane for a coupling fluid. Laterally extending folding portions of the flexible membrane provide fluid isolation and cancellation of parasitic constraining forces normally generated during probe movement.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to ultrasonic probes used for volumetric scanning and, more particularly, to an ultrasonic imaging probe capable of capturing "on-the-fly" scanning planes in successive positions so as to form a volumetric image representation at a real time frame rate.
2. Related Art
Ultrasonic scanners and probes for acquiring and processing volume information related to biologic tissue or a living body are well known in the art. In the early 1980s, the three-dimensional visualization of human fetus began using systems employing mechanical equipment and basic algorithms for volume rendering. It is believed that these systems are the first 3D imaging systems that use a linear array transducer mounted on a position-sensing arm and capable of providing the system with information regarding the spatial position of the transducer. This approach requires complex mechanical equipment and has now been abandoned by the industry in favor of more advanced 3D concepts including 2D array (matrix array) transducer systems and moving probe systems (employing a motorized linear array transducer).
The matrix array transducer systems are capable of scanning a volume of the region of interest without any movement of the sensing device. In this regard, because the elements of the array (i.e., the pixels) are regularly disposed on the surface of the transducer, a combination of selected pixels, and associated predetermined electronic delay lines for enabling the pixels to be controlled independently, enables focusing of the transducer on any location on the region of interest.
Although the first, matrix array approach definitely provides major advantages in comparison with moving probes, the design and assembly of matrix array transducer devices turns out to be quite intricate, especially in terms of the repeatability and homogeneity of the pixels. In the latter regard, several thousand pixels are necessary to achieve an acceptable image quality. Further, the synthetic acoustic apertures obtained from pixel combinations are of different homogeneities in different orientations. In addition, the required electrical matching of each pixel to the transmission line also presents problems. With regard to the associated imaging system for driving the matrix array transducer, this requires the development of a specific electronic mainframe providing a very large number of independent channels. Because of the high number of pixels to be controlled, the resultant mainframe design specifications rapidly push the limits of the available technologies in terms of component performance and miniaturization so that, currently, the matrix-based imaging systems are typically dedicated to research activities where issues of costs and intrinsic image quality can be balanced by scientific interests and educational considerations.
The second group of ultrasound instruments, i.e., the so called "moving probe" instruments, is theoretically more basic and can be considered to be an extension of the well known linear array transducer technology that operates on conventional or existing imaging systems. The ultrasound transducer used is very similar to conventional devices designed for 2D scanning operations, such as flat or curved linear arrays or phased arrays well known in the art. The transducer head of these instruments is mounted in a moving probe that also includes a mechanism for the transducer assembly including guiding and motorization means for moving the transducer probe during scanning operations. Since the probe uses a linear array transducer, imaging systems compatible with such a probe can be of conventional types and designs that are widely available commercially, and wherein minor upgrades have been implemented such as the addition of an add-on transducer interface and volume rendering software.
In theory, 3D scanning using a linear array transducer can be performed through transducer movements such as swinging, sliding or rotating. The movement can be an alternating movement (e.g., forward and backward) or continuous, and the amplitude of the transducer movement can extend over a range of from a few degrees to 180 degrees or more, depending on the requirements of the particular application. Because, in general, the construction of a 3D moving probe only requires an array transducer coupled to a suitable motorization means and sealed by a probe housing providing an acoustic window for enabling energy transmission to and from the region of interest, a number of different methods and devices are disclosed in the prior art that are usable for 3D scanning. However, in general, two transducer movements are preferred, viz., a rotational movement and a swinging movement.
More specifically, the rotating devices basically comprise phased array probes wherein the transducer footprint is small and the scanning geometry is of sector shape. It is noted that this group of probes is particularly well adapted for cardiology wherein a small emitting surface and sector scanning are required.
On the other hand, swinging probes have larger acoustic windows in order to carry out operations using a linear array transducer. With this type of probe, a synthetic image is obtained from the electronic driving of the elements of the array and, therefore, volume information is obtained by swinging of the array transducer in the elevation plane. This volume scanning method has the advantage of minimizing any encumbrance on the probe operation, and is capable of providing volume images of most human organs without moving the probe itself.
In practice, rotating and swinging probe devices are characterized by different design and assembly difficulties. For example, insofar as the moving transducer of the probe is required to be immersed in a coupling fluid so as to enable acoustic signals to be effectively received through the probe windows, the motorization means for the transducer must be assembled separately from the coupling chamber. This is done to prevent the fluid from causing problems with the operation of the motor and/or transmission. In the rotating devices, providing sealing of the motor from the transducer is quite straightforward. In this regard, an O-ring seal is usually disposed on the output shaft of the motor at the boundary thereof with the liquid chamber so as to provide liquid sealing of the motor.
On the other hand, with respect to swinging probe devices wherein a linear array is caused to laterally swing through an arc, the transducer is mounted on a swinging mechanism having an axis of rotation that is aligned with the azimuthal plane of the transducer. The rotation axis is then connected to the motor output so as to provide the desired swinging movement of the transducer. The coupling provided between the motor and the swinging mechanism can be provided by direct coupling, a pulley system or an intermediate gearbox. Since the rotation axis is azimuthally aligned, the separation between the wet chamber (i.e., the portion of the housing containing the coupling fluid) and the exterior becomes significantly greater than with previous devices.
Methods and devices for implementing 3D ultrasonic probes that have been disclosed in the prior art will be further described below to demonstrate the advantages and drawbacks of these prior art methods and devices.
For example, mechanically moving ultrasonic 3D/4D probes of interest are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,931 to Pini which relates to an apparatus for three-dimensional reconstruction of anatomic body. The apparatus comprises an ultrasonic mechanical probe wherein a sector scanning transducer is moved through an angle of 180 degrees in order to form a volume image. Rotation of the scanning plane can be achieved either mechanically, using a motor for rotating the transducer, or electronically, using a matrix transducer. The method of forming a 3D image is disclosed in the patent but no details are provided regarding the mechanical probe construction..
U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,294 to Mochizuki discloses a swinging ultrasonic apparatus for three-dimensional imaging. In this apparatus, a probe housing or casing receives a swinging mechanism for an ultrasonic array transducer, and a motorization means is provided for moving the transducer. A position coding device is used for sensing the transducer position during the operation thereof and for supplying this information to provide control of the system. The apparatus also comprises external shell that isolates the surface of the transducer from the body to be scanned. A coupling liquid is used for enabling the transmission of acoustic energy through the housing shell. A partition membrane is provided between a transducer end portion and the housing or case so as to hermetically retain the fluid coupling inside of the housing. In order to avoid any internal reflections of traveling echoes, the internal curvature of the housing or case is made larger than that of the transducer so as to direct reflected echoes to the bottom side of the housing or case at which an absorbent material is disposed.
The apparatus of the Mochizuki patent suffers important shortcomings with respect to the curvatures of the transducer and the case. In this regard, the non-uniform distance separating the transducer from the case shell strongly affects the homogeneity of the probe output. The amount of attenuation varies with the distance and the resultant impedance mismatches (sound speed and density) produce deviations in the transducer radiation pattern which contribute to an increase in side lobe levels and to focal aberrations. Further, the liquid partition membrane, which is provided as an add-on device over the front surface of the transducer, causes image artifacts and produces attenuation of the acoustic energy.
In the Mochizuki patent, the use of a loose membrane is proposed so as to allow the transducer to be swung with ease. The associated drawings indicate a "S" shaped membrane is provided for this purpose. As described, the partition membrane of the Mochizuki patent is compressed and released laterally aside from the transducer, during operation, thereby introducing a constraining force when the transducer is swung. This constraining force will result in non-uniform transducer movement so that the overall system must be implemented with a real time position correction algorithm. While a probe apparatus is well adapted for a conventional 3D imaging process wherein the transducer is incrementally stopped in a first position to effect acquisition of an image and then is stepped up to the next position to effect acquisition of a further image, this method is not, however, compatible with "on-the-fly" 3D imaging processing wherein the volumetric information is instantly available during probe operation and wherein the transducer movement must be accurately correlated with the images being acquired.
Turning to the available methods for providing liquid separation in mechanical ultrasonic devices, the use of a flexible membrane for sealing the coupling liquid bath against the external environment has been disclosed in the prior art at least since 1984. In this respect, Biophysic Medical, France proposed at that time a A-scan/B-scan ophthalmic scanner commercially designated as Ophtascan™. The scanner is typically equipped with a "B-mode" imaging mechanical probe so as to provide users with sector viewing of the organ. Probes that are compatible with such systems include a swinging transducer which is moved by motorization means connected thereto through a rotating/swinging movement transformation system. The transducer is equipped with a flexible membrane which is sealed, respectively, to the periphery of the transducer and to the probe housing, in order to provide separation of the fluid chamber. The flexible membrane is made from an elastomeric material (e.g., latex, silicon rubber, natural caoutchouc or the like) having a wave shape from the center to the periphery. The center of the membrane is provided with a hole that matches the transducer circumference and is bonded to that circumference. The periphery of the membrane is attached or sealed to the probe housing. When assembled, the transducer is capable of swinging movement over the operational amplitude thereof while compressing and releasing the membrane portion in the direction of movement.
The scanner proposed by Biophysic Medical is designed for moving single element devices wherein the diameter of the transducer is small enough, as compared with the dimensions of the membrane, to allow a swinging movement of the transducer within acceptable mechanical constraints. Because the membrane is mounted horizontally and secured to the diameter of the transducer, the mechanical effort that must be exerted to overcome the mechanical constraints varies with the position of the transducer. As a result, it is necessary to make corresponding corrections in the motor and in system operations.
Major drawbacks suffered by the Biophysic Medical scanner apparatus include, first, the assembly method required for attaching the membrane to the transducer case is unreliable and the resultant membrane attachment is subject to leaking of the fluid. Second, the required positioning of the membrane increases the effort that must be provided by the motor when the transducer reaches the extreme positions of the swinging movement thereof. Moreover, these observations are also relevant to the apparatus disclosed in the Mochozuki patent wherein a similar membrane is assembled and used therein..
With respect to the prior art discussed above and the method of making 3D ultrasonic probes herein described, there is obviously a need to improve existing 3D probe constructions and manufacturing methods in order to provide better reliability and performance.


The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient""s airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. A bleed port for release of exhaled air is defined through a conical vent projecting normally to the path of the incoming air flow, and continues through a nipple extending to the exterior of the air conduit. In one embodiment, a pair of nasal inserts are integral with a nasal cannula body, with bleed ports axially aligned with each insert. In another embodiment, each insert is independently connected to a separate, thin-walled, flexible supply line.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to ventilation devices, and particularly to a ventilation device having a nasal inserts which are inserted into the nostrils and seal against the nostrils without the aid of harnesses, head straps, adhesive tape or other external devices, and having exhalation ports designed to eliminate whistling noises, the ventilation interface having particular utility in various modes of therapy for obstructive sleep apnea.
2. description of the Related Art
Sleep apnea is a potentially lethal affliction in which breathing stops recurrently during sleep. Sleep apnea may be of the obstructive type (sometimes known as the pickwickian syndrome) in which the upper airway is blocked in spite of airflow drive; the central type with decreased respiratory drive; or a mixed type. Breathing may cease for periods long enough to cause or to exacerbate cardiac conditions, and may be accompanied by swallowing of the tongue. Sleep apnea frequently results in fitful periods of both day and night sleeping with drowsiness and exhaustion, leaving the patient physically and mentally debilitated.
In recent years it has been found that various forms of positive airway pressure during sleep can be an effective form of therapy for the apnea sufferer. Ventilation can be applied in the form of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in which a positive pressure is maintained in the airway throughout the respiratory cycle, Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) in which positive pressure is maintained during inspiration but reduced during expiration, and Intermittent Mechanical Positive Pressure Ventilation in which pressure is applied when an episode of apnea is sensed. Positive airway pressure devices have traditionally employed either a face mask which only covers the patient""s nose, or nasal pillows as the interface between the ventilation device and the patient""s airway. However, there are problems with both of these interfaces.
The face mask requires a harness, headband, or other headgear to keep the mask in position, which many patient""s find uncomfortable, particularly when sleeping. The face mask must seal the mask against the patient""s face, and may cause irritation and facial sores, particularly if the patient moves his head while sleeping, causing the mask to rub against the skin. Face masks are also position dependent, and may leak if the mask changes position with movement of the patient""s head. The face mask applies pressure to the sinus area of the face adjacent to the nose, causing the airways to narrow, thereby increasing the velocity of flow through the airway, but decreasing the pressure against the nasal mucosal walls. This strips moisture from the mucosal wall during inspiration, thereby causing drying and a burning sensation. These factors will often result in the patient""s removal of the mask and discontinuance of positive airway pressure therapy.
Nasal pillows are pillowed style nasal seals which are pressed against the inferior portion of the nares to close the nostril openings. Nasal pillows require a headband or harness to maintain the pressure, resulting in the same patient discomfort noted with face masks. Nasal pillows have about a 0.25xe2x80x3 internal diameter at the nasal entry port where the seal is made. Therefore, pressurized air must pass through a constricted port, increasing the velocity of airflow, with resultant drying and burning of the nasal airways. The narrowed interface diameter of the nasal pillows causes a pressure drop, which is directly proportional to the drop in the number of available air molecules within the closed system. It is the volume of air molecules at the area in the patient""s throat where the apneic events appear that is needed to correct apnea. The narrower the airways or the internal diameter of the nasal interface, the lower the volume of air molecules that will be available and the greater the driving pressure that is required to meet the volume demand. An increase in driving pressure does not fully compensate for the loss in the number of air molecules available.
A further problem with existing ventilation devices is that the carbon dioxide bleed ports for venting exhaled gases are noisy on both nasal face masks and nasal pillows. The whistling noise that occurs while utilizing such devices can prove quite annoying to the patient, awakening the patient and causing the patient to discontinue use of the ventilation device.
A number of devices have been proposed which include a ventilation interface for supplying gases to be inhaled, for collecting exhaled gases, or for mounting sensors for measuring or monitoring respiratory function.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,335,654 and 5,535,739, issued on Aug. 9, 1994 to Rapoport and Jul. 16, 1996 to Rapoport et al., respectively, describe a CPAP system using a conventional nasal mask, the innovation comprising a flow sensor in the input line connected to a signal processor to determine the waveform of airflow, which is connected to a flow controller to adjust the pressure of airflow as required. U.S. Des. Pat. No. 333,015, issued Feb. 2, 1993 to Farmer et al. shows an ornamental design for a nasal mask. U.S. Des. Pat. No. 262,322, issues Dec. 15, 1981 to Mizerak, shows an ornamental design for a nasal cannula with a mouth mask.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,832, issued Nov. 8, 1988 to Trimble et al., discloses nasal pillows held in the patient""s nose by a harness arrangement, the device having a plenum with two accordion or bellows shaped nipples for fitting against the nostril openings. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,774,946, issued Oct. 4, 1988 to Ackerman et al., teaches a nasal and endotracheal tube apparatus for administering CPAP to infants, the nose tubes having a bulbous portion for seating in the nares of an infant and a headband with a Velcro(copyright) closure for supporting the cannula and supply tubes.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,269,296, issued to Landis on Dec. 14, 1993, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,477,852 and 5,687,715, issued to Landis et al. on Dec. 26, 1995, and Nov. 18, 1997, respectively, describe CPAP devices for the treatment of sleep apnea with relatively stiff or rigid nasal cannulae or prongs surrounded by inflatable cuffs to retain the cannulae in the nares, but which also may be supplemented by an inflatable head harness to position the cannulae and hold them in place, the two cannulae being joined by a conduit having vent holes to vent exhaled air. U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,506, issued Jul. 9, 1996 to the present inventor, discloses a nasal tube assembly in which the tubes are tapered, frustro-conical assemblies with a soft membrane over the distal tip and a washer at the base of the nasal tube to prevent the tubes from falling through a support bar connected to a harness, the nasal tubes forming a positive seal with the inside of the nostrils to prevent the escape of gases.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,881, issued Nov. 4, 1997 to Winthrop et al., shows a nasal cannula for CPAP therapy with cone shaped nasal prongs in which the cannula is secured to the patient""s upper lip by adhesive tape strips. U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,105, issued Apr. 10, 1990 to Lee, teaches a miniature respiratory breather apparatus in which relatively stiff or rigid nasal tubes have elastomeric packings for sealing the tubes in the nares.
Several patents describe improvements to nasal cannulae, but without sealing the nose tubes against the nostrils to prevent leakage of gas, including: U.S. Pat. No. 3,513,844, issued May 26, 1970 to Smith (metal strip in cannula cross-tube to retain configuration matching patient""s lip); U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,505, issued Aug. 15, 1978 to Salter et al. (cannula body with ends extending upward and rearward); U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,104, issued Apr. 10, 1990 to Marcy (clasp with lanyard supporting supply tubes to ease pressure on ears); U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,805, issued Jun. 25, 1991 to Nutter (cylindrical soft sponge cuff around supply tubes to ease pressure and prevent skin injuries); U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,491, issued Sep. 10, 1991 to Derrick (device for collecting gases exhaled from both nose and mouth); U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,659, issued Aug. 9, 1994 to Pologe (device for mounting optical sensor on nasal septum); U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,409, issued Apr. 23, 1996 to Weatherholt (nasal cannula with face guards); U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,994, issued Nov. 12, 1996 to Smith (rotatable coupling in supply tubing); U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,630, issued Jun. 10, 1997 to Miller et al. (support for supply tubes); U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,916, issued Jan. 6, 1998 to Byrd (novel head strap for nasal cannula); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,799, issued Apr. 21, 1998 to Nielsen (device with one-way flow through cannula and flow restrictor to equalize flow into two nose members).
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device which provides positive airway pressure (either continuous, bilevel, or intermittent) with the patient""s airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. A bleed port for release of exhaled air is defined through a conical vent projecting normally to the path of the incoming air flow, and continues through a nipple extending to the exterior of the air conduit. In one embodiment, a pair of nasal inserts are integral with a nasal cannula body, with bleed ports axially aligned with each insert. In another embodiment, each insert is independently connected to a separate, thin-walled, flexible supply line.
Advantageously, the construction of the nasal inserts permits the ventilation interface to be retained in the patient""s nares without requiring a harness, head strap, or other retaining device. The nasal inserts do not merely seal the base of the nostrils, but are inserted into the nostrils farther than nasal pillows, as far as the nasal mucosal membrane, and are retained by resilient expansion of the inserts, the flanges engaging notches in the nares, together with the pressure of incoming air, which forms a positive seal to prevent the leakage of air past the inserts. The nasal inserts are constructed according to specifications which permit the inserts to be relatively thin-walled, and are oval-shaped in cross-section to conform to the shape of the nostrils. This construction permits the nasal inserts to have a large internal diameter in order to pass a greater volume of air than nasal pillows or prongs, without significant narrowing of the air passages, thereby maintaining lateral pressure, and avoiding drying and burning of the patient""s nasal passages, as well as supplying a sufficient number of air molecules at the desired pressure to keep the patient""s airways patent. Consequently, the ventilation device is more comfortable for the patient to wear while sleeping than conventional positive airway pressure devices, but at the same time is more effective in treating the patient""s apnea.
The bleed ports are specially designed to avoid the whistling noises commonly experienced with conventional nasal masks and nasal pillows. By projecting the vent structure into the air passage normal to the direction of the air flow from the supply tubes, incoming air must turn ninety degrees and exit through a long, restricted diameter bleed port to vent to the atmosphere, eliminating whistling noises to increase patient comfort. In the embodiment having a nasal cannula body, the bleed ports are axially aligned with the nasal inserts, providing CO2 with a direct path to exit the cannula body. When the nasal inserts are attached to independent supply tubes, the bleed ports are at the base of the nostrils, providing essentially normal exhalation.
When the nasal inserts are directly connected to the supply tubes, the nasal inserts may be even more thin-walled than when attached to a cannula body, resulting in an even greater volume of air supplied through the cannula body, up to a 20% increase in volume. In this case the supply tubes may be similar to heat-shrink tubing, being made from a very thin-walled thermoplastic material that is lightweight and flexible so that the supply tubing may collapse when not in use, but will expand to a predetermined diameter under pressure applied by a ventilator.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy having nasal inserts which seal against the nares and do not require a harness, head strap, or other external devices to maintain pressure for retaining the inserts in or against the patient""s nostrils.
It is another object of the invention to provide a ventilation device having nasal inserts made of flexible, resilient plastic with a bead flange for retaining the inserts in the nares, wherein the walls of the insert are thin-walled and maintain lateral pressure in the nares in order to provide a greater internal diameter for the delivery of a greater volume of air molecules at a constant delivery pressure and without forcing ventilation gases through restricted ports or passageways so that drying and burning of the patient""s nasal airways is avoided while delivering a therapeutic volume of air to maintain the apneic patient""s airways in a patent condition.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy with improved bleed ports to avoid whistling noises at the interface while maintaining a vent passage for expired air.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a ventilation interface which is lightweight and comfortable so that the apnea patient is not tempted to discard the ventilation device while sleeping.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

Ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy