Patents Examined by Melanie Hand
  • Adaptor for breathing tube and method
    Patent number: 9084864
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a universal breathing tube adaptor that can accept or otherwise accommodate a metered dose canister (MDC) having a variety of shapes, structures, sizes, and/or configurations. The present breathing tube adaptor includes a sidewall which defines a chamber. A conduit extends from the chamber through a floor of the device for discharging aerosolized medicament from the MDC. The sidewall includes opposing exposed edges which define a channel. The sidewall supports the MDC when it is invertingly inserted into the chamber. The channel permits structure of an MDC to extend radially outward through the channel and outside the chamber thereby enabling the valve stem of the MDC to engage the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Barthel LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schroeder, Timothy Patrick Barry, Evan James Joyce, Ryan Ross Childs, Ozair Iqbal Chaudhry
  • Stoma closure
    Patent number: 9078764
    Abstract: A stoma closure that includes a conformable portion for conforming to an individual's stoma. The conformable portion includes a sack containing particles. The conformable portion may include a gel that may be loose or be at least partly contained in a sack. The conformable portion may include foam. The conformable portion may be configured to permit venting of flatus, while obstructing the passage of liquid/solid stool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Geraint Davies, John Cline, Christopher Gregory, Alan Cucknell, Julian Scarfe, Pete Cauwood
  • Robotic surgical system with patient support
    Patent number: 9078686
    Abstract: A robotic surgery system for supporting a patient and a robotic surgical manipulator. The robotic surgery system includes a base, a pillar coupled to the base at a first end and extending vertically upwardly to an opposing second end, and an attachment structure coupled to the second end of the pillar. A patient table is coupled to the attachment structure. A robot support arm has a first end coupled to the attachment structure. The robot support arm extends vertically upwardly from the first end to a second end. The robot support arm may further extend horizontally over the patient table to support a robotic surgical manipulator that will extend generally downward from the robot support arm toward a patient supported by the patient table to place an end effector of the robotic surgical manipulator adjacent a desired surgical site on the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce Schena
  • Composition for forming a porous absorbent structure
    Patent number: 9078947
    Abstract: A porous absorbent structure is disclosed which includes absorbent particles and a superabsorbent polymer material having less than about 1000 parts per million residual monoethylenically unsaturated monomer, the superabsorbent polymer material substantially coating the absorbent particles and connecting the particles into a porous network to form the porous absorbent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Peter B. Dulcamara, Jr., Dave A. Soerens, Thomas J. Falk
  • Dynamic fitting body adhering absorbent article
    Patent number: 9072636
    Abstract: A disposable personal care article includes a shell having a unitary structure for disposition adjacent a wearer's vulva region; wherein the shell has a first side and a second side, the first side having a first area and a second area, the first area including body adhesive properties; wherein at least a portion of the first area comprises a body attachment means for adhering the shell directly to the skin and/or hair of the wearer; and wherein the shell has an anterior portion and a posterior portion where the posterior portion exhibits a higher % Extension relative to the anterior portion when a stretching force of 454 grams is applied, as measured by the % Strain Differential Test; and an absorbent structure present in the second area of the shell, wherein the first area is longitudinally separated from the second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa Jean Dennis, Russell Frederick Ross, Luke Hagan, Thomas Andrew Lutzow, Gerhard Andrew Foelsche, Aidan J Petrie, Alan Schinazi
  • Combination eye cup and drop dispenser
    Patent number: 9072580
    Abstract: A Combination Eye Cup and Drop Dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser has a nozzle within an eye cup so that the user's hand will be steadied by resting the eye cup over the eye. The eye cup is integrated with a cap that regulates the opening and closing of the dispenser bottle so that turning the eye cup will open or close the dispenser nozzle. The bottle neck has external threads configured to engage internal threads on the eye cup/cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph Alvino
  • Method of regulating CSF drainage
    Patent number: 9072865
    Abstract: An implantable drainage device for draining the cerebro-spinal fluid of a patient, the device including: a drainage valve including a valve member and a valve seat; a control unit suitable for modifying an operating parameter of said valve, at least as a function of a measurement (D) of the fluid flow rate through said valve; an actuator controlled by the control unit, suitable for modifying the operation of said valve as a function of said operating parameter as modified by the control unit; and a mass flowmeter suitable for evaluating said flow rate of fluid through said valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: SOPHYSA
    Inventors: Philippe Negre, Christophe Moureaux, Christophe Boyer, Olivier Bonnal
  • Method for providing negative pressure to a negative pressure wound therapy bandage
    Patent number: 9067003
    Abstract: A method for providing a negative pressure wherein a pump is cycled on and off to achieve a target negative pressure, which is set slightly lower than the therapeutic negative pressure. A device determines the actual pressure by averaging samples which may occur at a different rate than the pump cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Kalypto Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John Buan, Richard Willems
  • Closure system for a drainable pouch
    Patent number: 9066807
    Abstract: The present invention is a drainable ostomy pouch having a closure system that includes a resealable press and seal material. The material facilitates closing and opening of the ostomy pouch outlet. A space between the comfort panel and the pouch material can accommodate the closure system or at least a portion of the closure system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
    Inventors: Mingliang Lawrence Tsai, Tinh Nguyen-DeMary
  • Robotic catheter systems and methods
    Patent number: 9066740
    Abstract: A robotic instrument system having an elongate sheath instrument and an elongate catheter instrument positioned within a working lumen of the sheath instrument is controlled by selectively operating an instrument driver coupled to the catheter instrument to place a control element extending through the catheter instrument in tension, and thereby articulate at least a distal end portion the catheter instrument, while automatically compensating for a torsional force exerted on the sheath instrument in a first direction due to articulation of the distal end portion of the catheter, by urging the sheath instrument to twist in a second direction opposite of the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Carlson, Federico Barbagli
  • Dryness indicator for an absorbent article
    Patent number: 9056028
    Abstract: A dryness indicator includes a wicking strip continuous between a reservoir end and an opposed open end; a liquid-impermeable top layer disposed on one side of the wicking strip; and a liquid-impermeable bottom layer disposed on the opposite side of the wicking strip, wherein the top layer is affixed to the bottom layer to at least partially enclose the wicking strip, and wherein the indicator is configured such that the open end of the wicking strip can be placed in liquid communication with an object or surface. The dryness indicator also includes a reservoir including an oil-based colorant with the potential to be in liquid communication with the reservoir end of the wicking strip, wherein the wicking strip is configured such that colorant wicking from the reservoir end and an unreacted water-based fluid wicking from the open end meet to define a timing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ning Wei, Shiming Zhuang, Xuedong Song, Kimberly Nicole Struk
  • Method for treating obesity by extracting food
    Patent number: 9055995
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for treating obesity. An artificial obstruction is introduced into the patient's gastrointestinal tract, and a tube is positioned that passes through a patient's abdominal wall into the upper digestive system of the patient. The patient is allowed to carry out his/her everyday affairs including ingesting food. After the patient has ingested food, the food is extracted by pumping it out of the upper digestive system through the tube. The present invention is less invasive than current surgical procedures for reducing weight and allows patients to live a normal and active lifestyle without experiencing adverse side effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Aspire Bariatrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Solovay, Samuel Klein, Stephen B. Solomon, Moshe Shike
  • Method for providing a negative pressure wound therapy pump device
    Patent number: 9058634
    Abstract: A method for providing a device used in association with a negative pressure wound therapy bandage wherein a controller module and a plurality of pump modules are provided to a third party, who leases the controller module and provides the pump modules to an end user. A case for the device may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Kalypto Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John Buan, H. Philip Vierling
  • Device for distributing a fluid product
    Patent number: 9050426
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body, a dispenser mechanism, and a dose counter. The counter includes a first rotary counter element provided with a first surface including a first indicator, such as digits, and provided with at least one first set of teeth, a second rotary counter element provided with a second surface including a second indicator, such as digits, and provided with at least one second set of teeth, and a movable actuator element. The first counter element includes at least one deformable finger displaceable between a non-deformed position and a deformed position, and that is adapted to co-operate, in its deformed position, with the second set of teeth of the second counter element, so as to cause the second counter element to turn. The body includes a cam that is adapted to deform the deformable finger towards its deformed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: APTAR FRANCE SAS
    Inventor: Arnaud Colomb
  • Diaper with separator sheet
    Patent number: 9050218
    Abstract: Diapers, including infant diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence articles, and the like having a transverse separator sheet for excrement separation and/or isolation away from the skin with a specific design of attachment of the transverse separator sheet to the topsheet and to the elastic cuffs of the diapers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Cornelia Beate Martynus, Rolf Hecker, Sandra Freiboth, Donald Carroll Roe
  • Laminar dressings, systems, and methods for applying reduced pressure at a tissue site
    Patent number: 9050210
    Abstract: A system for applying a reduced pressure at a tissue site includes a reduced pressure source, a porous pad in fluid communication with the reduced pressure source, and a drape positionable over the porous pad to seal the porous pad at the tissue site. The porous pad includes a plurality of channel walls to form a plurality of channels between the channel walls. The channel walls are substantially liquid impermeable to prevent movement of a liquid through the channel walls but are gas permeable to allow movement of a gas through the channel walls as reduced pressure is applied at the tissue site. The liquid impermeability of the channel walls and the application of reduced pressure causes flow of the liquid to occur through the plurality of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Scott Olson
  • Diaper with separator sheet
    Patent number: 9050219
    Abstract: Diapers, including infant diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence articles, and the like having a transverse separator sheet for excrement separation and/or isolation away from the skin with a specific design which has a reduced impact on the absorbency, comfort and fit properties of the diapers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Cornelia Beate Martynus, Rolf Hecker, Sandra Freiboth
  • Disposable absorbent article with absorbent particulate polymer material distributed for improved isolation of body exudates
    Patent number: 9044359
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided having an absorbent core located in a chassis and including absorbent particulate polymer material defining at least one cavity for improved isolation of fecal matter or other body exudates. The absorbent core may be substantially cellulose free. Methods for making such an absorbent core and corresponding disposable absorbent article are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Maja Wciorka, Carsten Heinrich Kreuzer, Udo Friedel Schoenborn
  • Fluid management device with fluid transport element for use within a body
    Patent number: 9044354
    Abstract: A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body has at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element, and the at least one fluid transport element has a Wing Stiffness of less than about 10 gf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel C. Carasso, David J. Chase, Erin Marsee, Tara Glasgow
  • Moxa holder support and customized moxibustion device comprising the same
    Patent number: 9044376
    Abstract: The prevention invention relates to a moxa holder support and a moxibustion device comprising the same, and more particularly, to a moxa holder support which provides comfort to a patient receiving moxibustion, and to a moxibustion device in which the temperature of part of a human body, to which moxibustion is applied, can be easily controlled according to the characteristics of the related organ of the human body. When receiving moxibustion using the moxa holder support according to the present invention, a patient can feel comfortable because part of the patient's skin to which moxibustion is applied comes into contact with the leather connected to the bottom of a main body of the moxa holder support and the texture of pig skin, cow skin or sheep skin used as the leather in the present invention is similar to that of human skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Jae Kwang Sun