Patents by Inventor David J. Paul
David J. Paul 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: 7238155Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. In particular, the apparatus involves a retractor assembly having a pair of opposing blades having a channel adapted to engage an incision in a patient. The retractor blades may have features to cooperatively engage an instrument mount. The instrument mount may hold an instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and allows the instrument to be easily maneuvered. The retractor blades may have a number of suture locks for securing sutures used during surgery. The retractor system is particularly useful in accessing, positioning and stabilizing the beating heart for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green, II
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Patent number: 7220228Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. In particular, the apparatus involves a retractor apparatus having one or more opposing blades having a channel adapted to engage an incision in a patient. The retractor blades may have features to cooperatively engage an instrument mount. The instrument mount preferably is configured to hold an instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and allows the instrument to be easily maneuvered. The retractor blades may have a number of suture locks for securing sutures used during surgery. The retractor system is particularly useful in accessing, positioning and stabilizing the beating heart for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Cardiothoracic System, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene E. Reis, Harry L. Green, II
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Publication number: 20040171917Abstract: Stabilization devices, systems and methods for stabilizing tissue to perform a surgical operation while the heart of the patient continues to beat.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: David J. Paul, Joshua K. Wallin, Eugene E. Reis, Alfredo R. Cantu, Harry L. Green, Harry Ino, Charles S. Taylor
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Publication number: 20040143168Abstract: Surgical devices for stabilizing the heart are disclosed which facilitate anastomosis under beating heart conditions. Various instruments or devices may be maneuvered and secured on a retractor device to provide stabilization of the heart. An instrument mount is provided which is preferably configured to accept a surgical instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and to allow the instrument to be easily maneuvered to a desired position and subsequently locked into position with a simple operation of a single locking actuator. Further disclosed are stabilizer devices each having at least one surface for contacting the heart and each being adapted to be mounted to the retractor while having the ability to be positioned in the desired location against the heart.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green, Joshua K. Wallin, Dwight P. Morejohn, Charles S. Taylor, Gary B. Weller, Richard M. Ferrari
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Patent number: 6758808Abstract: Stabilization devices, systems and methods for stabilizing tissue to perform a surgical operation while the heart of the patient continues to beat. A stabilization system including a tissue contact member having a surface adapted to contact the tissue and temporarily maintain the tissue in a relatively immobilized state; and a maneuverable arm attached to the tissue contact member, which includes at least one articulating joint formed by a link having a male articulating surface composed of angled teeth and a female articulating surface having angled trenches adapted to receive the angled teeth.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Cardiothoracic System, Inc.Inventors: David J. Paul, Joshua K. Wallin, Eugene E. Reis, Alfredo R. Cantu, Harry L. Green, Harry Ino, Charles S. Taylor
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Publication number: 20040092799Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. In particular, the apparatus involves a retractor assembly having a pair of opposing blades having a channel adapted to engage an incision in a patient. The retractor blades may have features to cooperatively engage an instrument mount. The instrument mount may hold an instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and allows the instrument to be easily maneuvered. The retractor blades may have a number of suture locks for securing sutures used during surgery. The retractor system is particularly useful in accessing, positioning and stabilizing the beating heart for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green
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Publication number: 20040049789Abstract: A system and method for interfacing legacy analog audiovisual signal sources with a digital data network allows distribution over that network of audiovisual programming to a number of output devices. Preferably, the digital data network is a fiber optic network installed inside a vehicle. In one particular application, the interface is between the digital data network and an optical disc drive that outputs an analog signal. The analog output is preferred, in part, to support copyright protection measures. An additional interface for a digital video camera allows a signal from the camera to be carried on the in-vehicle digital data network.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2001Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: YAZAKI NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Gregory S. Bower, David J. Paul, Sean C. Sinotte
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Publication number: 20040030223Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for accessing and stabilizing an unstable or moving tissue structure within a patient's body, and in particular, for temporarily stabilizing a target site on the beating heart. The devices generally involve tissue stabilizers having at least one multiple link support member operably connecting a stabilizer foot to a retractor. To minimize motion at the stabilizer foot and improve overall stabilization of the target site, the tissue stabilizer may involve the a stabilizer foot having multiple support members connected to the stabilizer foot at discreet locations. To improve the ability of an instrument support member to be easily articulated through an access incision to position the stabilizer foot as desired, the instrument support member may be operable associated with an attachment or mount which provides additional degrees of freedom at the connection to the retractor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Antonio M. Calafiore, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green
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Patent number: 6685632Abstract: Surgical devices for stabilizing the heart which facilitate anastomosis under beating heart conditions. Various instruments or devices may be maneuvered and secured on a retractor device to provide stabilization of the heart. An instrument mount is provided which is preferably configured to accept a surgical instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and to allow the instrument to be easily maneuvered to a desired position and subsequently locked into position. Stabilizer devices each having at least one surface for contacting the heart and each being adapted to be mounted to the retractor while having the ability to be positioned in the desired location against the heart are provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard II Green, Joshua K. Wallin, Dwight P. Morejohn, Charles S. Taylor, Gary B. Weller, Richard M. Ferrari
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Patent number: 6684157Abstract: An improved system and method of integrating GPS and wireless communication systems with the systems of a user's vehicle make the GPS and wireless communication systems more readily and safely accessible to the vehicle operator during travel. GPS and data from other navigational equipment is transmitted over a digital data network, preferably a fiber optic network, that is provided in a vehicle for distributing data among the various electronic devices on-board. Voice and data streams sent to, and received from, wireless networks operating in the area, e.g., a WWAN, WPAN or WLAN, are also distributed over the fiber optic network for use by various on-board devices. An antenna farm, for a GPS receiver and wireless transceivers, can be connected to the on-board data network.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.Inventors: Alan W. Barman, Michael R. Boyd, David J. Paul
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Patent number: 6652454Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. In particular, the apparatus involves a retractor assembly having a pair of opposing blades having a channel adapted to engage an incision in a patient. The retractor blades may have features to cooperatively engage an instrument mount. The instrument mount may hold an instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and allows the instrument to be easily maneuvered. The retractor blades may have a number of suture locks for securing sutures used during surgery. The retractor system is particularly useful in accessing, positioning and stabilizing the beating heart for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green, II
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Patent number: 6626830Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for accessing and stabilizing an unstable or moving tissue structure within a patient's body, and in particular, for temporarily stabilizing a target site on the beating heart. The devices generally involve tissue stabilizers having at least one multiple link support member operably connecting a stabilizer foot to a retractor. To minimize motion at the stabilizer foot and improve overall stabilization of the target site, the tissue stabilizer may involve the a stabilizer foot having multiple support members connected to the stabilizer foot at discreet locations. To improve the ability of an instrument support member to be easily articulated through an access incision to position the stabilizer foot as desired, the instrument support member may be operable associated with an attachment or mount which provides additional degrees of freedom at the connection to the retractor.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1999Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Antonio Califiore, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green, II
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Publication number: 20030109987Abstract: An improved system and method of integrating GPS and wireless communication systems with the systems of a user's vehicle make the GPS and wireless communication systems more readily and safely accessible to the vehicle operator during travel. GPS and data from other navigational equipment is transmitted over a digital data network, preferably a fiber optic network, that is provided in a vehicle for distributing data among the various electronic devices on-board. Voice and data streams sent to, and received from, wireless networks operating in the area, e.g., a WWAN, WPAN or WLAN, are also distributed over the fiber optic network for use by various on-board devices. An antenna farm, for a GPS receiver and wireless transceivers, can be connected to the on-board data network.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2001Publication date: June 12, 2003Applicant: YAZAKI NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Alan W. Barman, Michael R. Boyd, David J. Paul
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Publication number: 20030079035Abstract: A multi-format decoder board interfaces with a digital data network, preferably a fiber optic digital data network. Because data can be transmitted over the data network in a wide variety of formats, the decoder board of the present invention is able to decode data streams of audiovisual programming in a variety of formats so that the data can then be output by the board to various output devices including speakers, headphones, video monitors and other display devices. The data network is preferably on-board a vehicle in which the use of multiple playback devices for various audiovisual data formats would be limited by space and power constraints.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Applicant: YAZAKI NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Michael R. Boyd, David J. Paul, Sean C. Sinotte
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Publication number: 20020099268Abstract: Stabilization devices, systems and methods for stabilizing tissue to perform a surgical operation while the heart of the patient continues to beat.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: David J. Paul, Joshua K. Wallin, Eugene E. Reis, Alfredo R. Cantu, Harry L. Green, Harry Ino, Charles S. Taylor
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Publication number: 20020004628Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. In particular, the apparatus involves a retractor apparatus having one or more opposing blades having a channel adapted to engage an incision in a patient. The retractor blades may have features to cooperatively engage an instrument mount. The instrument mount preferably is configured to hold an instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and allows the instrument to be easily maneuvered. The retractor blades may have a number of suture locks for securing sutures used during surgery. The retractor system is particularly useful in accessing, positioning and stabilizing the beating heart for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green
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Patent number: 6331158Abstract: Surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allow various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. In particular, the apparatus involves a retractor assembly having a pair of opposing blades having a channel adapted to engage an incision in a patient. The retractor blades may have features to cooperatively engage an instrument mount. The retractor blades may have a number of suture locks for securing sutures used during surgery. The retractor system is particularly useful in accessing, positioning and stabilizing the beating heart for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green, II
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Publication number: 20010047280Abstract: A method for facilitating relocation includes receiving user preferences, calculating from service provider quoted and actual performance data the probability of a successful relocation, and selecting and recommending service providers that will provide a relocation at the lowest cost with the highest probability of success. Apparatus for facilitating relocations includes input devices for receiving user preferences, output devices for sending recommendations and reports, a data storage device with a database for storing user preferences, service provider quoted performance data and service provider actual performance data, and a processor, connected to the input devices, output devices and data storage device, that performs the method for facilitating relocation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventors: Sam Alexander, George Spitzer, Ben T. Sommers, David J. Paul, Michael Pearson
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Publication number: 20010020121Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. In particular, the apparatus involves a retractor apparatus having one or more opposing blades having a channel adapted to engage an incision in a patient. The retractor blades may have features to cooperatively engage an instrument mount. The instrument mount preferably is configured to hold an instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and allows the instrument to be easily maneuvered. The retractor blades may have a number of suture locks for securing sutures used during surgery. The retractor system is particularly useful in accessing, positioning and stabilizing the beating heart for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 1999Publication date: September 6, 2001Inventors: LAWRENCE W. HU, DAVID J. PAUL, EUGENE EDWARD REIS, HARRY LEONARD GREEN
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Patent number: 6283912Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. In particular, the apparatus involves a retractor apparatus having one or more opposing blades having a channel adapted to engage an incision in a patient. The retractor blades may have features to cooperatively engage an instrument mount. The instrument mount preferably is configured to hold an instrument, such as a tissue stabilizer, and allows the instrument to be easily maneuvered. The retractor blades may have a number of suture locks for securing sutures used during surgery. The retractor system is particularly useful in accessing, positioning and stabilizing the beating heart for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green, II