Patents Examined by Melanie Hand
  • Apparatus and method for controlling the negative pressure in a wound
    Patent number: 8998865
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for treating a wound with negative pressure. The apparatus includes a wound cover, a first pump for providing said negative pressure to the wound, a canister, a first conduit between the wound cover and the canister, a means for measuring the pressure within the canister, and a second conduit which connects the canister with the first pump. A method for controlling the negative pressure in a wound using such an apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Mölnlycke Health Care AB
    Inventor: Ulf Johannison
  • Vial assemblage with vial and pre-attached fluid transfer device
    Patent number: 8998875
    Abstract: Vial assemblages having a vial and a pre-attached fluid transfer device for use with a needleless syringe for enabling flow communication between the syringe and the vial. The fluid transfer device includes an elongated tubular flow member having a connector for sealing flow communication with the needleless syringe and a spike having a spike end for puncturing the vial for enabling flow communication between the needleless syringe and vial interior. The spike end is in intimate sealing contact with the vial's stopper. The fluid transfer device also includes a manually removable closure for initially sealing the connector and, on removal, exposing the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Medimop Medical Projects Ltd.
    Inventors: Nimrod Lev, Niv Ben Shalom
  • Negative pressure wound treatment device, and methods
    Patent number: 8992492
    Abstract: A negative pressure (i.e., vacuum or suction) wound healing device and system incorporating the device. The device of the present disclosure is smaller, lighter, portable, and overall more manageable by both the user and the medical personnel than the conventional systems. The device could be readily worn by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Wound Care Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Anderson, Douglas Duchon
  • Absorbent article having compressed grooves
    Patent number: 8993832
    Abstract: Described is an absorbent article that includes at least a liquid-permeable sheet, a liquid-impermeable sheet, and an absorption body sandwiched between the liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet. A pair of right and left compressed grooves are formed along the longitudinal direction. Each compressed groove is separated into a right or left compressed groove located in the longitudinal side edge part at least in the center region of the absorption body, a front-side compressed groove located in the longitudinal front part of the side edge part, and a rear-side compressed groove located in the longitudinal rear part of the side edge part and out of these compressed grooves. The compressed groove located on the widthwise innermost side is formed to allow its end part in the separation portion to run in parallel with the longitudinal centerline or face outwardly in the width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Kuroda, Yuki Noda, Shinpei Komatsu, Osamu Nakajima
  • Methods, apparatuses and systems for caval stenting for venous drainage
    Patent number: 8992455
    Abstract: A self expanding cannula with improved drainage properties based upon its greater length is provided, along with methods of using the cannula in cardiopulmonary bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Coraflo Ltd.
    Inventor: Ludwig Von Segesser
  • Oscillating positive expiratory pressure device
    Patent number: 8985111
    Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus having a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and an oscillation member disposed within the chamber. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and an disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Jerry Grychowski, Martin Foley
  • Corrugated membrane actuators
    Patent number: 8986240
    Abstract: An IOP control valve is disclosed. The IOP control valve comprises a corrugated membrane and a housing including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The corrugated membrane is anchored within the housing to form a reference chamber on a first side of the corrugated membrane and a fluid flow channel on a second opposing side of the membrane. The reference chamber has a reference chamber pressure representative of atmospheric pressure. The fluid flow channel can selectively increase and decrease in size to permit fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The corrugated membrane is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow channel from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet by deflecting in response to pressure differentials of the reference chamber pressure and the fluid flow channel pressure acting on the opposing sides of the corrugated membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cesario P Dos Santos, Robert J Sanchez, Jr., Leslie A Field
  • Absorbent article having joint regions
    Patent number: 8986274
    Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article in which a joining strength between sheet-shaped members is improved. A joint portion which joins a front trunk-surrounding region and a rear trunk-surrounding region of the absorbent article to each other has a first joint region arranged continuously along an outer edge and the second joint portion arranged continuously in a region closer to the outer edge than the first joint region, substantially parallel to the first joint region. The sum of the areas of the plurality of first joint portions in the first joint region is less than the sum of the areas of the second joint portions in the second joint region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Sasayama, Hirotomo Mukai, Tomoko Tsuji, Tatsuya Hashimoto, Shinji Noma, Kei Wakasugi
  • Self-cleaning surgical suction device
    Patent number: 8986285
    Abstract: A suction device is disclosed that includes a suction tube having a first longitudinal axis, and proximal and distal openings; a guide tube that is substantially coextensive with and parallel to the suction tube, and has a second longitudinal axis, and proximal and distal openings; a stylet having proximal and distal ends; and a junction conduit having proximal and distal openings; wherein the stylet is disposed along the second longitudinal axis and encircled by the guide tube, and the proximal opening of the junction conduit contacts the distal opening of the suction tube and the distal opening of the guide tube such that the distal opening of the junction conduit is in fluid communication with the suction tube, and urging the stylet through the guide tube translates the stylet to the distal opening of the junction conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Neuro Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Sean A. Salehi, Jeffrey N. Wickham
  • Packaged tampon and applicator assembly
    Patent number: 8986272
    Abstract: A package includes a tampon and applicator assembly and a wrapper for enclosing the tampon and applicator assembly. The wrapper is selectively configurable between a sealed configuration wherein the tampon and applicator assembly are sealingly enclosed in the wrapper and an opened configuration for allowing the tampon and applicator assembly to be removed from the wrapper. The wrapper has a front panel, a back panel, two side edges, two end edges, an interior space, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis. The front panel has, in the opened configuration of the wrapper, a pair of spaced-apart longitudinal components extending generally parallel to each other and longitudinally of the wrapper to define an opening in the wrapper. Each of the longitudinal components is spaced inward from the respective side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrienne Rae Loyd, Marcus David Weiher, Carrie Nicole Sinkele, Daniel Thomas LaBash, Thomas William VanDenBogart, Gary John Borkowski
  • Device for treatment of wounds and a method for manufacturing of wound pads
    Patent number: 8986270
    Abstract: A device for treatment of wounds using reduced pressure is provided. The device includes a pump, a reservoir connected to the pump for collecting exudate from a wound, an inlet to the reservoir for connecting the reservoir with the wound so as to allow the pump to expose the wound to the reduced pressure, a wound pad to be arranged in the wound cavity, and a sealing covering the wound and the wound pad. The wound pad consists of an open-cell polyurethane foam which is fully impregnated with a soft hydrophobic silicone gel. The foam has a hardness of 1.0-6.0 kPa measured according to ISO 3386-1 at 40% compression. Also provided is a wound pad to be used with an absorbent member. In addition, provided is a method for manufacturing the wound pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Mölnlycke Health Care AB
    Inventors: Ulf Johannison, Sofia Frantzich
  • Method and device for clamping a blister within a dry powder inhaler
    Patent number: 8985101
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inhaler having a vibration element for aerosolizing medicament contained in a blister pack, wherein individual blister packs are positioned within the housing to be simultaneously engaged with the flow channel and the vibration element. The flow channel includes a blister pack clamping surface that engages the blister pack near the top of the crown and allows the blister three rotational degrees of freedom. The advantages of this arrangement include improved consistency and higher airspeed of the synthetic jet, as well as other advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Microdose Therapeutx, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent D. Mosier
  • Water-absorbing resin compound
    Patent number: 8981176
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a water-absorbing resin compound, wherein the water-absorbing resin compound can retain antibacterial properties of an antibacterial metal to suppress the emission of unpleasant odors even when an organic material exists in a system in the case of using an eluting-type antibacterial agent. Thus, the present invention relates to a water-absorbing resin compound, which comprises a water-absorbing resin, an antibacterial agent having a porous material incorporating an antibacterial metal, and a metal chelating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayasu Taniguchi, Masayoshi Handa, Yasuhiro Nawata
  • Night vision composition
    Patent number: 8979809
    Abstract: A method for optimizing pupil size in individuals suffering from excessive pupillary dilation in dim light as well as through medication is disclosed. Alpha 1 antagonist is applied in an eye drop formulation to the eye, resulting in reduced pupil size in dim light, but less reduction in pupil size in bright light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ocularis Pharma, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald Horn
  • Devices and methods for treating accidental bowel leakage
    Patent number: 8979814
    Abstract: Described here are body liners and methods for treating accidental bowel leakage using one or more body liners. The body liners may be formed from one or more liner layers and in some instances may comprise one or more adhesive regions to connect the body liners to the skin of a wearer. The body liners may be configured to absorb fluid, and may selectively distribute fluid relative to the body liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Blasius Brezoczky, Karl Patrick Ronn, Kelly Lewis Brezoczky, Elizabeth Hodge Ronn, Steven B. Gold
  • Absorbent article comprising an activated region
    Patent number: 8974430
    Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise an absorbent assembly comprising an absorbent core. The article may also comprise a chassis formed by a web comprising at least one continuous layer that forms a portion of a water-impermeable backsheet and a portion of laterally opposing side flaps. The chassis may further comprise a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a front waist region comprising a front waist edge, a back waist region comprising a back waist edge, a crotch region between the waist regions, laterally opposing side edges extending between the front waist edge and the back waist edge, an exterior surface, and an interior surface to which the absorbent assembly is attached. The attachment of the absorbent assembly may be shaped. The chassis may further comprise a continuously activated region disposed in one or both of the front and back waist regions of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean Lavon, Thomas Henrich, Luke Nogales, Kevin Michael Smith, John Strube
  • Absorbent article including a plurality of longitudinally extending channels
    Patent number: 8975466
    Abstract: An absorbent article including a first end region, a second end region and a central region, a plurality of channels arranged in each of the first and second end regions, at least one channel arranged in the central region and extending in a longitudinal direction of the article, the at least one channel being connected at each end thereof to the plurality of channels in the first end region and the plurality of channels in the second end region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ana Maria Elena R. Marcelo, Fernanda Wiermann Paques, Steven H. White
  • Modular surgical laser systems
    Patent number: 8967883
    Abstract: Laser emission systems for surgical and other therapeutic uses are herein disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, different laser control systems are disclosed each capable of multiple, simultaneous emission of lasers of different wavelengths in a single beam. The embodiments feature a handheld wireless laser module or a portable console with a laser tip extending therefrom. The laser module is controlled by wireless footswitch. Fiber extension modules may be used with the later embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: CAO Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Densen Cao
  • Arteriovenous shunt having a moveable valve
    Patent number: 8968233
    Abstract: An arteriovenous shunt assembly including a shunt having a hollow bore between open first and second ends thereof and a valve slidably disposed through the hollow bore. The valve includes means for retaining the valve in a closed position or in any of various selected open positions that provide corresponding different rates of blood flow through the shunt assembly. In some embodiments, the AV shunt assembly is self-expandable from a collapsed tow-profile configuration employed during transluminal delivery. The valve position in the hollow bore may be adjusted in vivo by inflating a catheter balloon in a blood vessel to bear against an end of the valve. Methods for using the shunt assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Niall Duffy, Kevin O'Sullivan
  • Devices and methods for treatment of damaged tissue
    Patent number: 8961481
    Abstract: Methods and devices for treatment of damaged tissue are disclosed, including treatment of wounds by employing non-electrically powered, reduced pressure therapy devices. Maintenance and control of the sub atmospheric pressure exerted may be provided by such devices while minimizing discomfort to the user. The devices may be configured to be worn inconspicuously underneath clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Spiracur Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Hu, Moshe Pinto, Kenton Fong