Earlier this week, Inhalation, Inc. received a U.S. patent regarding several methods to prevent pathogenic infections within the human respiratory system. U.S. Patent No. 7,048,953 ("Methods and Apparatus to Prevent, Treat, and Cure Infections of the Human Respiratory System by Pathogens Causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)"), issued on May 23rd, claims a “method to reduce risks of infection of the human respiratory system by respiratory pathogens in an enclosed public area” by, thirty minutes before entering a public area, inhaling “concentrated vapors from an essential oil that possess anti-pathogenic properties.” The method also comprises the step of, after entering a public area, “periodically inhaling a concentrated vapors from said essential oil” every thirty minutes to two hours,” and further comprising the use of one or more of the following essential oils: Eucalyptus globulus, Melaleuca alternifolia, Eucalyptus citriodora, and Eucalyptus radiata.” The inhalation of eucalyptus oil (or one of its constituents) claims to reduce the risk of infection from the influenza virus (causing the “flu”), the rhinovirus (causing a cold), and any respiratory pathogens causing SARS. According to the patent, “[f]ollowing the inhalation of the vapors, a thin anti-pathogenic layer is formed in the respiratory system that protects against infection for a certain duration of time following inhalation.” This patent relates to a series of prior patent applications, including six provisional applications, three continuation-in-part applications (including one issued as U.S. Patent No. 6,447,816, entitled “Methods and apparatus to prevent colds, flus, and infections of the human respiratory system”), and one U.S. disclosure document.

U.S. Patent No. 7,048,953: LINK
U.S. Patent No. 6,447,816: LINK
Genetic Engineering News Article: LINK
Inhalation, Inc. Website: LINK