Patents by Inventor Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr.
Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9750629Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A tension release mechanism is associated with the tension element.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Randal T. Byrum, Toralf Bork, Rocco Crivelli, Dean L. Garner, Alec J. Ginggen, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Donna L. Korvick, David T. Krumanaker, Amy L. Marcotte, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kyle P. Moore, Daniel J. Mumaw, Anil K. Nalagatla, Mark S. Ortiz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Bret W. Smith, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Patrick J. Swindon, Richard W. Timm, Eric W. Thompson, Lauren S. Weaner
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Patent number: 9649214Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct. The apparatus includes an elongated member having first end and second ends. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a ring around the organ or duct. A tension element is slidably disposed within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. An antenna/controller pod is releasably coupled to the elongated member for control of the drive element.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Randal T. Byrum, Sean P. Conlon, Alec J. Ginggen, Bret W. Smith, Dean L. Garner, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr.
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Patent number: 8876761Abstract: Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices are accomplished via stabilized implantable systems and ingestible pills. In one embodiment, a method of producing satiety comprising the steps of accessing a gastrointestinal tract of a patient and implanting an intraintestinal therapeutic substance eluting implant. The implant is capable of eluting a satiety inducing substance selected from at least one of a nutrient, a specific satiety inducing bio-active substance, pancreatic polypeptides, free fatty acids, cholecystokinin, amino acids, glutamine, lipids, linoleic acid, or a combination thereof, from the implant into the gastrointestinal tract.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Albrecht, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Sean P. Conlon, Michael S. Cropper, Denzel Z. Herrera-Davis, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Jason L. Harris, Christopher J. Hess, Prasanna Malaviya, Glenda C. Marsh, Mark S. Ortiz, Mark D. Overmyer, Alessandro Pastorelli, Galen C. Robertson, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Stokes, James W. Voegele, Lauren S. Weaner, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher W. Widenhouse, Tamara S. Vetro Widenhouse, James A. Woodard, Jr., David C. Yates, Mark S. Zeiner, Andrew M. Zwolinski
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Patent number: 8870742Abstract: An implantable restriction device can be configured to provide a restriction in a patient, for example as a function of the pressure of fluid. The implantable restriction device can include one or more sensors configured to sense a variety of parameters, such as pressure of the fluid within the implantable restriction device, pulse width, pulse amplitude, pulse count, pulse duration, or frequency, electrical characteristics, or other parameters. Data obtained by the one or more sensors (for example, the data representing pressure, pulse characteristics, and so on) may be communicated to a device located external to the patient, such as a data logger, using telemetry coils or other communicators. The data logger may store the data, and may communicate the data to a remote location via a network such as the Internet. A docking station may be provided to couple the data logger to a network and/or to recharge a cell in the data logger.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Peter Brockmeier, Matthew A. Berger, Randal T. Byrum, Kevin R. Doll, Gaspar M. Gayoso, Dustin R. Jensen, David T. Krumanaker, Amy L. Marcotte, Mark S. Ortiz, David N. Plescia, David C. Yates
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Patent number: 8727964Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Thomas E. Adams, Randal T. Byrum, Sean P. Conlon, Rocco Crivelli, Dean L. Garner, Alec J. Ginggen, Wells D. Haberstich, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Donna L. Korvick, David T. Krumanaker, Timothy P. Lessek, Amy L. Marcotte, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kyle P. Moore, Daniel J. Mumaw, Anil K. Nalagatla, Mark S. Ortiz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Bret W. Smith, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Patrick J. Swindon, Eric W. Thompson, Mark Tsonton, Lauren S. Weaner, Christopher W. Widenhouse, Scott A. Woodruff
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Patent number: 8672830Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A release mechanism is provided for the tension element.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Thomas E. Adams, Randal T. Byrum, Toralf Bork, Christine H. Chen, Sean P. Conlon, Rocco Crivelli, Dean L. Garner, Alec J. Ginggen, David T. Krumanaker, Amy L. Marcotte, Anil K. Nalagatla, Bret W. Smith, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Richard W. Timm
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Patent number: 8636751Abstract: Methods and devices reroute chyme to induce intestinal brake in order to improve the effectiveness of bariatric surgical procedures and to improve comorbidity resolution. A bowel is manipulated to provide a shortened path for chyme to travel to the ileum. These methods and devices of rerouting chyme to induce intestinal brake may include one or more of a surgical procedure, an implanted device, or a combination of an implant with an improved surgical procedure.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Albrecht, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Sean P. Conlon, Michael S. Cropper, Denzel Z. Herrera-Davis, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Jason L. Harris, Christopher J. Hess, Kevin L. Houser, Mario Gutierrez, Prasanna Malaviya, Amy L. Marcotte, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Anthony Nguyen, Mark S. Ortiz, Mark D. Overmyer, Alessandro Pastorelli, Galen C. Robertson, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Stokes, Foster B. Stulen, James W. Voegele, Lauren S. Weaner, Tamara S. Vetro Widenhouse, James A. Woodard, Jr., Mark S. Zeiner
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Patent number: 8617049Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A symmetrical drive system including a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct is further provided. In accordance with an alternate embodiment an apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct including an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Toralf Bork, Christine H. Chen, Rocco Crivelli, Donna L. Korvick, David T. Krumanaker, Timothy P. Lessek, Amy L. Marcotte, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Daniel J. Mumaw, Anil K. Nalagatla, David N. Plescia, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Patrick J. Swindon, Mark Tsonton, Scott A. Woodruff
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Patent number: 8603023Abstract: Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices are accomplished via stabilized implantable systems, and ingestible pills. In one embodiment, the implantable system comprises a device delivering a therapeutic substance to a target location within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient in order to initiate an intestinal braking effect which would promote sensations of satiety and stimulate excess weight loss for the patient.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Albrecht, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Sean P. Conlon, Michael S. Cropper, Denzel Z. Herrera-Davis, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Jason L. Harris, Christopher J. Hess, Thomas W. Huitema, John V. Hunt, Prasanna Malaviya, Mark S. Ortiz, Mark D. Overmyer, Alessandro Pastorelli, Galen C. Robertson, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Michael J. Stokes, Foster B. Stulen, James W. Voegele, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher W. Widenhouse, Tamara S. Vetro Widenhouse, James A. Woodard, Jr., David C. Yates, Mark S. Zeiner, Andrew M. Zwolinski
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Patent number: 8591395Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for handling data in an implantable restriction system. In general, the methods and devices allow collection, analysis, storage, and transmission of pressure measurements. Pressure measurement data can be compressed before storing it. Additionally, not all pressure data need be recorded or retained, such as data substantially equaling a resting or nominal pressure of an implantable restriction device indicative of little to no pressure variation and data indicative of isolated, non-recurring events. Any pressure measurement data that is recorded can be transmitted to an external device using power telemetrically provided by the external device.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Ortiz, David N. Plescia, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., David C. Yates, Kevin Doll
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Patent number: 8591532Abstract: Devices and methods for forming a restriction in a patient are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided including an implantable restriction device, an implantable port in fluid communication with the implantable restriction device, and an implantable pump in fluid communication with the restriction device. In general, the implantable restriction device is adjustable and configured to form a restriction in a patient, and the implantable port is configured to receive fluid from a fluid source external to the patient. The implantable pump has a plurality of actuators configured to change shape upon the application of energy thereto such that sequential activation of the plurality of actuators is effective to create pumping action to move fluid through the pump.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Sugery, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Ortiz, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., David N. Plescia, David C. Yates, Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Zeiner
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Patent number: 8523885Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A load monitor ensures that excessive pressure is not applied to a patient's body organ or duct.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Wells D. Haberstich, Geoffrey C. Hueil, Donna L. Korvick, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Kyle P. Moore, Daniel J. Mumaw, Mark S. Ortiz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Patrick J. Swindon, Eric W. Thompson, Lauren S. Weaner
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Patent number: 8413274Abstract: A bed having a frame and a deck is disclosed. The deck has at least a horizontal position and a chair position. The deck has an adjustable-length foot section.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Peter M. Wukusick, Gregory W. Branson, Kenneth L. Kramer, Stephen R. Schulte, Philip D. Palermo, James M. C. Thomas, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Jay T. Butterbrodt, David J. Ulrich, David A. Albersmeyer, Jason C. Brooke, Eric R. Meyer, John D. Miller, John W. Ruehl
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Publication number: 20130046197Abstract: A docking apparatus comprises a processor, a battery charging module, a storage device, and one or more ports, which are configured to couple with patient monitoring units. Each patient monitoring unit is operable to monitor at least one physiological parameter of a patient. The battery charging module charges the patient monitoring units through the ports. The storage device stores data received from the patient monitoring units through the ports. The processor transmits updates to the patient monitoring units through the ports. The ports may comprise sockets that receive plugs from cables of the patient monitoring units. The docking apparatus may comprise a plurality of separate dock housings associated with corresponding patient monitoring units. These dock housings being joined together in a daisy chain. The docking apparatus may also include a plurality of docking recesses in a single housing, with each docking recess being associated with a corresponding patient monitoring unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, JR., Gregory D. Bishop, Curt R. Eyster, Paul J. Niklewski
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Patent number: 8337389Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for diagnosing performance of a gastric restriction system. In general, the methods and devices can enable patients, health care providers, and others to use pressure data as a feedback mechanism to monitor efficacy of an implantable restriction device and to identify, train, and/or prescribe treatment plan options. Pressure data monitoring can be used locally and/or remotely to monitor a restriction in a patient and compare gathered pressure data with a typical pressure of the restriction. Based on the results of the comparison, possible problems related to the patient and the restriction can be identified and diagnosed with possible cause(s) and solution(s). Notice of any detected possible problems, causes, and/or solutions can be provided to a user.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Mark S. Ortiz, Amy L. Marcotte, Randal T. Byrum, David N. Plescia, Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Zeiner
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Patent number: 8221439Abstract: Various powering devices are provided for transferring and/or generating energy from numerous sources to a communicating member implanted in a patient. The energy transferred to or generated by the communicating member can be used to provide power to an implantable restriction system configured to form a restriction in a pathway.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Mark S. Ortiz, Amy L. Marcotte, David N. Plescia, Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Zeiner, Michael J. Stokes, Sean P. Conlon, David C. Yates
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Patent number: 8192350Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for gathering impedance data related to implantable restriction devices. In general, the methods and devices can enable patients, health care providers, and others to use gathered data as a feedback mechanism to non-invasively monitor efficacy of an implantable restriction device in a patient and to identify, modify, and/or prescribe a treatment plan for the patient considering the gathered data. Impedance data can be gathered and analyzed for tissue proximate to the restriction device, e.g., a fat pad between a gastric band and the patient's stomach. Electrodes in contact with the tissue can measure an impedance of the tissue, with the impedance between the electrodes changing as the tissue reduces in size (e.g., as fat cells shrink) and/or changes configuration.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Ortiz, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Amy L. Marcotte, David N. Plescia, David C. Yates
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Patent number: 8187163Abstract: Various exemplary methods are disclosed for implanting a restriction device for forming a restriction in a patient. The methods can be used with a variety of restriction devices, but in an exemplary embodiment the methods are used for implanting a gastric restriction device.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Ortiz, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Amy L. Marcotte, Randal T. Byrum, Kevin Doll
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Publication number: 20120102647Abstract: A bed having a frame and a deck is disclosed. The deck has at least a horizontal position and a chair position. The deck has an adjustable-length foot section.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Peter M. Wukusick, Gregory W. Branson, Kenneth L. Kramer, Stephen R. Schulte, Philip D. Palermo, James M. C. Thomas, Daniel F. Dlugos, JR., Jay T. Butterbrodt, David J. Ulrich, David A. Albersmeyer, Jason C. Brooke, Eric R. Meyer, John D. Miller, John W. Ruehl
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Patent number: 8152710Abstract: An implantable restriction device can be configured to provide a restriction in a patient, for example as a function of the pressure of fluid. The implantable restriction device can include one or more sensors configured to sense a variety of parameters, such as pressure of the fluid within the implantable restriction device, pulse width, pulse amplitude, pulse count, pulse duration, or frequency, electrical characteristics, or other parameters. Data obtained by the one or more sensors (for example, the data representing pressure, pulse characteristics, and so on) may be communicated to a device located external to the patient, such as a data logger, using telemetry coils or other communicators. The data logger may store the data, and may communicate the data to a remote location via a network such as the Internet. A docking station may be provided to couple the data logger to a network and/or to recharge a cell in the data logger.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Peter Brockmeier, Matthew A Berger, Randal T. Byrum, Kevin R. Doll, Gaspar M. Gayoso, Dustin R. Jensen, David T. Krumanaker, Amy L. Marcotte, Mark S. Ortiz, David N. Plescia, David C. Yates