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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Publication number: 20100185225Abstract: A device, including a display and an implant for placement within a hollow body organ, the device includes a member having an undeployed shape for delivery within a hollow body and one or more deployed shapes for implantation therein. The member having sufficient rigidity in its deployed shape to exert an outward force against an interior of the hollow body so as to bring together two substantially opposing surfaces of the hollow body. The device includes a means for changing the deployed shape of the member while implanted within the hollow body. The device also includes a wireless device, external to a body of a patient, for controlling the means and for changing the deployed shape of the member while implanted within the hollow body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventors: Thomas E. Albrecht, Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Ortiz, Mark S. Zeiner, Amy L. Marcotte, Daniel F. Dlugos, JR.
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Patent number: 7727141Abstract: An implantable artificial sphincter system provides long-term adjustment via transcutaneous energy transfer (TET), minimizing invasive adjustment through adding or removing fluid via a syringe. An infuser device provides bi-directional fluid transfer via a flexible conduit to a sphincter band, such as a gastric band. Materials are nonferrous and nonmagnetic so as to be magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safe, being substantially immune to strong magnetic fields and not introducing an electromagnetic interference/compatibility (EMIC) hazard.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: William L. Hassler, Jr., Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100114143Abstract: A device, including an implant for placement within a hollow body organ. The implant includes a member having an undeployed shape for delivery within a hollow body and one or more deployed shapes for implantation therein. The member has sufficient rigidity in its deployed shape to exert an outward force against an interior of the hollow body so as to bring together two substantially opposing surfaces of the hollow body. The implant includes a means for changing the deployed shape of the member while implanted within the hollow body. The device includes a wearable element configured to be worn by a patient, and has an external device coupled thereto and configured to send and/or receive a wireless signal to control the means for changing the deployed shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Thomas E. Albrecht, Jason L. HARRIS, Mark S. ORTIZ, Michael J. STOKES, Mark S. ZEINER, Amy L. MARCOTTE, Daniel F. Dlugos, JR.
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Publication number: 20100114148Abstract: An implant for placement within a hollow body organ having a member with an undeployed shape, for delivery within a hollow body, and one or more deployed shapes, for implantation therein. The member has sufficient rigidity in its deployed shape to exert an outward force against an interior of the hollow body so as to bring together two substantially opposing surfaces of the hollow body. The implant also includes a means for changing the deployed shape of the member while implanted within the hollow body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Thomas E. Albrecht, Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Ortiz, Amy L. Marcotte, Daniel F. Dlugos, JR., Mark S. Zeiner, Michael J. Stokes, Jeremy D. Jarrett, Matthew D. Daniel
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Publication number: 20100114145Abstract: A device, including an implant for placement within a hollow body organ. The implant includes a member having an undeployed shape for delivery within a hollow body and one or more deployed shapes for implantation therein. The member has sufficient rigidity in its deployed shape to exert an outward force against an interior of the hollow body so as to bring together two substantially opposing surfaces of the hollow body. The device includes a means for changing the deployed shape of the member while implanted within the hollow body. The means includes an antenna configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device. The external device is configured to communicate telemetrically with the member. The device further includes at least one means to limit rotational movement of the antenna relative at least one of the member and the external device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: THOMAS E. ALBRECHT, Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Ortiz, Mark S. Zeiner, Amy L. Marcotte, Daniel F. Dlugos, JR.
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Publication number: 20100114144Abstract: An implant for placement within a hollow body organ. The implant includes an implantable distension device having an undeployed shape for delivery within a hollow body and one or more deployed shapes for implantation therein. The implantable distension device has sufficient rigidity in its deployed shape to exert an outward force against an interior of the hollow body so as to bring together two substantially opposing surfaces of the hollow body. The implant includes a powered means for changing the deployed shape of the implantable distension device while implanted within the hollow body. The implant also includes an implantable sensing device in communication with the implantable distension device and configured to sense a parameter related to the implantable distension device and to communicate the parameter to a filter, the filter transmits a selected portion of the parameter to a data storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Thomas E. ALBRECHT, Jason L. Harris, Mark S. ORTIZ, Mark S. ZEINER, Daniel F. Dlugos, JR.
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Patent number: 7601162Abstract: An actuator having a variable internal volume is mechanically coupled to an adjustable implantable band so as to effect changes in the effective internal perimeter of the band. The actuator may be directly connected to the band, or be connected through a cable. Configurations of the actuator include a series of folds and ridges and bellows. A plurality of actuators may be used in combination with a single band. A clutch mechanism may be included to hold the band in place when not acted upon by the actuators. One end of the actuator may be connected directly to a bidirectional flow device.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: William L. Hassler, Jr., Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr.
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Patent number: 7599744Abstract: Adjustable gastric band implants contain a hollow elastomeric balloon with fixed end points encircling a patient's stomach just inferior to the esophago-gastric junction. These balloons can expand and contract through the introduction of saline solution into the balloon. In current bands, this saline solution must be injected into a subcutaneous port with a needle to reach the port located below the skin surface. The port communicates hydraulically with the band via a catheter. As an alternative to using a percutaneously accessed injection port, a system for regulating the flow of saline that is totally implanted may rely upon bi-directionally pumping fluid from an implant device. This system instead transfers AC magnetic flux energy from an external primary coil to a secondary coil that powers the pump in the implanted reservoir. A magnetically permeable rod centered within the primary coil increases power coupled to the secondary coil.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: James R. Giordano, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., William L. Hassler, Jr.
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Patent number: 7599743Abstract: An implantable medical device system advantageously utilizes low frequency (e.g., about 1-100 kHz) transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) for supplying power from an external control module to an implantable medical device, avoiding power dissipation through eddy currents in a metallic case of an implant and/or in human tissue, thereby enabling smaller implants using a metallic case such as titanium and/or allowing TET signals of greater strength thereby allowing placement more deeply within a patient without excessive power transfer inefficiencies.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: William L. Hassler, Jr., Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090228063Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for aligning an internal antenna with an external device. In one embodiment, an implantable restriction system is provided and includes an implantable restriction device configured to form a restriction in a pathway, and an implantable housing associated with the implantable restriction device. The housing has at least one antenna that can be configured to communicate telemetrically with a transceiver regardless of a rotational orientation of the housing about an axis. The at least one antenna can extend along an axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of a catheter extending from the housing. In one embodiment, the implantable housing can contain a sensor that can be configured, for example, to measure at least one of a system parameter and a physiological parameter, and the antenna can be effective to communicate the measured parameter to the transceiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, JR., Mark S. Ortiz, Amy L. Marcotte, David N. Plescia
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Publication number: 20090222028Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for constraining movement between two housings implanted under the skin. In one embodiment, a restriction system is provided and includes a first housing having a reservoir formed therein and configured to receive fluid, and a second housing spaced apart from and in fluid communication with the first housing. The second housing can have a sensor, for example, for measuring fluid pressure. A restriction device can be in fluid communication with the first and second housings and can be adapted to form a restriction in a pathway. A constraining element can be coupled to the first and second housings and can be configured to limit movement of the first and second housings relative to one another in at least one plane of motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Mark S. Ortiz, Amy L. Marcotte, David N. Plescia
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Publication number: 20090222065Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, JR., Peter Brockmeier, Matthew 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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Publication number: 20090204178Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, JR., Mark S. Ortiz, David N. Plescia, Michael J. Stokes
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Publication number: 20090204131Abstract: 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 is a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device effective to create pumping action to move fluid through the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, 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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Publication number: 20090202387Abstract: An implantable system having internal circuitry configured to withstand a pre-determined amount of sterilization radiation is provided. In general, the system includes an internal control module in electrical communication with an implantable medical device. The internal control module can include a circuit board configured to withstand radiation and/or any number of integrated circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits) wherein the circuits or at least some portion thereof are fabricated so as to withstand some amount of radiation. For example, some portion of the circuitry can be fabricated utilizing radiation compliant material(s), silicon-on-insulator technology, and/or gallium arsenide technology. Additionally, the circuitry can include various components which are inherently resistant to such radiation (e.g., components fabricated utilizing magnetic field based technology, surface acoustical wave devices, etc.).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, JR., Mark S. Ortiz, David N. Plescia, Mark Leuenberger
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Publication number: 20090204132Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, 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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Publication number: 20090204141Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: 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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Publication number: 20090204179Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Daniel F. Dlugos, JR., Mark S. Ortiz, Amy L. Marcotte, Kevin R. Doll, David N. Plescia, Michael J. Stokes
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Patent number: 7568246Abstract: A bed including a frame, a deck coupled to the frame and a communication network located on the bed has at least two modules connected to the network, at least one of those modules being able to provide an alarm message to the bed communication network.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Brad Wilson, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Philip Palermo, Stephen R. Schulte, Jay Butterbrodt
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Publication number: 20090192534Abstract: Methods and devices for effecting a gastric restriction system are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system for forming a restriction in a patient is provided and can include an implantable restriction device and at least one implantable sensor that is in communication with the restriction device. In general, the implantable restriction device can be adjustable and can be configured to form a restriction in a patient. The implantable sensor(s) can be defaulted to a dormant power usage mode and can have a triggering mechanism that is configured to place the sensor(s) in a use configuration upon the occurrence of a triggering event.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Ortiz, Daniel F. Dlugos, JR., Amy L. Marcotte, Thomas E. Albrecht, Michael J. Stokes, David N. Plescia, David C. Yates, Kevin Doll