# US 7,073,500 B2 · Method and apparatus for defending against naso-pharyngeal viral attacks > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,073,500 B2 - Document ID: US7073500B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 10/445,140 - Filed: 2003-05-23 - Published: 2004-11-25 - Granted: 2006-07-11 - Earliest claimed: 2003-05-23 - Inventors: Lawrence Kates - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7073500B2 ## CPC - A61M 15/0085: {using ultrasonics (spraying or atomising liquids using ultrasonic vibrations in general B05B17/06)} - A61M 15/0016: {located downstream of the dispenser, i.e. traversed by the product} - A61M 16/1095: {in the connecting tubes} - A61M 16/16: Devices to humidify the respiration air {(A61M16/1045 takes precedence)} - A61M 2205/07: having air pumping means - A61M 2205/3386: Low level detectors - A61M 2205/581: by audible feedback - B05B 17/0615: {spray being produced at the free surface of the liquid or other fluent material in a container and subjected to the vibrations} - A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)} - B05B: SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES (spray-mixers with nozzles B01F25/72; processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces by spraying B05D) ## Abstract An apparatus is disclosed for practicing a method of treating viruses in the nasal mucosa. Vapor is generated, heated and delivered to the nasal mucosa in intermittent bursts, timed to coincide with inhalation. Control circuits are provided to maintain the temperature of the vapor at the point of delivery at a level greater than that necessary to kill viruses in the nasal mucosa. Timing circuits can synchronize the vapor delivery with a breathing cycle with heated vapor being supplied during inhalation and blocked during exhalation. Other circuits terminate operation when liquid is insufficient or after a predetermined timed interval. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus of treating a subject for naso-pharyngeal viral attacks comprising the combination of: a. reservoir means for containing a quantity of liquid; b. first means associated with said reservoir means for converting liquid to vapor; c. second means, adjacent said reservoir means for heating vapor created by said first means; d. vapor delivery means adapted to be worn by a subject to be treated and positioned to direct vapor into the nasal mucosa of the subject; e. conduit means connecting said reservoir means and said vapor delivery means; f. third means for sending vapor heated by said second means through said conduit means into said vapor delivery means; g. control means for repeatedly interrupting the flow of vapor to the subject; and temperature control means coupled to said second means for heating the vapor to a temperature that will be greater than 90° F. and less than 110° F. when delivered to the subject. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first means include atomizing means for vaporizing liquid. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said atomizing means include a supersonic transducer. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second means include a heating coil interposed between said conduit means and said reservoir means. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said third means include electrically controlled fan means adapted to force vapor from said reservoir means into said second means. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said fan means bring ambient air into said reservoir means to mix with vapor created therein and to aid in the transport of vapor to said second means and beyond. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means include valve means in said vapor delivery means for blocking the flow of vapor to the subject. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The apparatus of claim 7, further including exit port means in said vapor delivery means for providing an alternate path for vapor when said valve means block the flow of vapor. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said control means include adjustable timing circuits for operating said valve means to be in synchronism with the breathing of the subject. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said timing circuits synchronize said valve means to block vapor flow during an exhalation cycle of the subject. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said timing circuits synchronize said valve means to permit vapor flow to the subject during an inhalation cycle. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, further including vapor temperature sensing means interposed between said second means and said conduit means and coupled to said control means for maintaining a vapor temperature at said vapor delivery means in excess of 99° F. but less than 110° F. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, further including vapor temperature sensing means interposed between said second means and said conduit means and coupled to said control means for maintaining a vapor temperature at said vapor delivery means of approximately 110° F. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) Apparatus of claim 1 further including liquid level sensing means in said reservoir means coupled to said control means for terminating all operations when the level of the liquid in said reservoir means falls below a predetermined minimum level. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means includes adjustable timing means for disabling the apparatus after a predetermined time interval.