In brief: ITC delivers split ruling, Invacare names interim chairman

SAN DIEGO and BEIJING  - The International Trade Commission on Dec. 23 (ITC) delivered a split ruling to ResMed and BMC Medical/3B Medical, two sleep manufacturers that have been ensnared in a global patent lawsuit. The ITC ruled that several of BMC's masks infringe ResMed patents and entered an order prohibiting BMC from importing, advertising or selling these masks in the United States, according to a press release from ResMed. The masks are BMC Medical's iVolve nasal mask, iVolve N2 nasal mask, Willow nasal pillows mask, iVolve full face mask. The ITC, however, sided with BMC/3B that ResMed's patent on its humidifier is invalid, according to a press release from BMC/3B. ResMed plans to appeal, according to the company's release.

Wright & Filippis hits refresh on O&P

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - Wright & Filippis is rebranding its orthotics and prosthetics business. In July, the provider sold its HME and respiratory business to Lincare so it could focus on O&P, where it got its start 70 years ago. As part of the rebrand, Wright & Filippis has redesigned its website to feature new branding, better navigation and easy-to-read content; and updated the signage and logos at its 20 O&P facilities. “As we continue adapting to the ever changing healthcare environment, rebranding our locations is one of the many changes we're making to improve our services,” said A.J. Filippis, chairman and CEO, in a release.

Maddak founder dies at 93

WAYNE, N.J. - Bel-Art Products and Maddak founder Kurt Landsberger died Dec. 19 at the age of 93, the company has announced. Landsberger launched Maddak as a subsidiary of Bel-Art in 1979 to manufacture aids to daily living to help people with temporary and permanent disabilities live more independently. Landsberger was recalled as a gracious boss who walked the production floor every day and greeted everyone by name. He officially retired in 2012. In July, Warminster, Pa.-based SP Industries acquired Bel-Art and Maddak.

Inogen expands manufacturing, secures reimbursement

GOLETA, Calif. - Inogen has expanded its manufacturing capacity by leasing a 23,890-square-foot area in Richardson, Texas, according to Zacks Equity Research. The move will lower the company's average cost per square foot for manufacturing. In other news, Inogen has secured insurance reimbursement in Germany for its Inogen One G3 portable oxygen concentrator. The company estimates that Germany is the second largest market in Europe for medical oxygen systems.

Invacare names interim chairman

ELYRIA, Ohio - Invacare has appointed Dr. C. Martin Harris interim chairman of the company's board of directors. Harris joined Invacare as a director in 2003 and was appointed its lead director effective May 17, 2012. He is the chief information officer and chairman of the Information Technology Division of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Harris steps into the role following the retirement of Mal Mixon. Invacare also has an interim president and CEO, Rob Gudbranson, following the departure of Gerald Blouch.

Lincare expands presence in Wisconsin

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Lincare has bought the DME business of Stevens Point, Wis.-based Ministry Health Care, according to news reports. Ministry Health Care is a mission-driven, integrated healthcare system of clinics and hospitals, primary care and specialty care physicians, home care and related services in Wisconsin and Minnesota, according to its website. Lincare already operates 10 locations in the state. It plans to continue to offer products and services at Ministry Health Care's locations in Stevens Point, Woodruff/Arbor Vitae and Neenah.

Buying group, consultant offer digital marketing services

DAYTONA BEACH and TAMPA, Fla. - Independent Medical Co-Op (IMCO) and Get Social Consulting have teamed up to offer digital marketing services to HME providers. IMCO recently launched a dedicated membership group serving independent HME providers. Through its partnership with Get Social Consulting, IMCO now offers members digital marketing, social media and e-commerce services, as well as traditional marketing services. IMCO and Get Social Consulting will kick off their partnership with a free webinar, “10 Marketing Ideas to Drive Your Sales in 2015,” presented by Lisa Wells on Feb. 12.

Short takes

Numotion's board of directors and its CEO, Mike Swinford, have named Warren “Bud” DeGraff COO. He joins Numotion after an 18-year career at GE, where he was most recently general manager, diagnostics & clinical services…Asheville, N.C.-based Aeroflow Breastpumps has been nominated for a 2014 Cribsie New Arrival award. The award represents the best new brands and products of the year, with recommendations from the Cribsie Academy, a panel of industry leaders, experts and celebrities. The Cribsie Academy was founded in 2011 to honor innovation and achievement in the baby and kids industry.