Patents by Inventor Kok-Ming Tai
Kok-Ming Tai 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: 10322067Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support defining a continuous pathway through the device; an inflatable dilation balloon located on the tubular support, the inflatable dilation balloon including a dilation region forming a first portion of the device and a retention region forming a second portion of the device; and a balloon inflation lumen. The retention region of the balloon is configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the diameter of the dilation region.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Avent, Inc.Inventors: Kok-Ming Tai, Donald J. McMichael, John A. Rotella, Nathan C. Griffith, Emily A. Reichart, Courtney E. Rowe, Steve A. Holley, Edward B. Madsen
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Patent number: 10130559Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support and an inflatable dilation portion located on the tubular support. The inflatable dilation portion includes a stiffening portion and inflation lumen. The device may have a retention portion configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the diameter of the dilation portion. The device is designed to be placed in a patient to dilate the stoma for the installation of a catheter feeding tube. The device may be placed and withdrawn with the use of an endoscope which need be inserted into the patient only one time. The single insertion of the endoscope significantly reduces the trauma to the patient in comparison with multiple endoscope insertion methods.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Avent, Inc.Inventor: Kok-Ming Tai
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Publication number: 20170135908Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support defining a continuous pathway through the device; an inflatable dilation balloon located on the tubular support, the inflatable dilation balloon including a dilation region forming a first portion of the device and a retention region forming a second portion of the device; and a balloon inflation lumen. The retention region of the balloon is configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the diameter of the dilation region.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2016Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: Kok-Ming Tai, Donald J. McMichael, John A. Rotella, Nathan C. Griffith, Emily A. Reichart, Courtney E. Rowe, Steve A. Holley, Edward B. Madsen
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Publication number: 20170035660Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support and an inflatable dilation portion located on the tubular support. The inflatable dilation portion includes a stiffening portion and inflation lumen. The device may have a retention portion configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the diameter of the dilation portion. The device is designed to be placed in a patient to dilate the stoma for the installation of a catheter feeding tube. The device may be placed and withdrawn with the use of an endoscope which need be inserted into the patient only one time. The single insertion of the endoscope significantly reduces the trauma to the patient in comparison with multiple endoscope insertion methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2016Publication date: February 9, 2017Inventor: Kok-Ming Tai
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Patent number: 9492644Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support and an inflatable dilation portion located on the tubular support. The inflatable dilation portion includes a stiffening portion and inflation lumen. The device may have a retention portion configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the diameter of the dilation portion. The device is designed to be placed in a patient to dilate the stoma for the installation of a catheter feeding tube. The device may be placed and withdrawn with the use of an endoscope which need be inserted into the patient only one time. The single insertion of the endoscope significantly reduces the trauma to the patient in comparison with multiple endoscope insertion methods.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Avent, Inc.Inventor: Kok-Ming Tai
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Patent number: 9339442Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support defining a continuous pathway through the device; at least one inflatable dilation balloon and at least one inflatable retention balloon located on the tubular support; and inflation lumens for each balloon. The inflatable dilation balloon forms at least a first portion of the device and the inflatable retention balloon forms at least a second portion of the device. The inflatable retention balloon is configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the largest diameter of the inflatable dilation balloon upon inflation.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Avent, Inc.Inventors: Kok-Ming Tai, Donald J. McMichael, John A. Rotella, Nathan C. Griffith, Emily A. Reichart, Courtney E. Rowe, Steven A. Holley, Edward B. Madsen
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Patent number: 9211234Abstract: A configurable percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube includes a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft defines a lumen therethrough for passage of a feeding solution or medicine. An expandable retainer is located on the shaft, the retainer having a deployed position and an insertion position. The tube includes a releasable lock for maintaining the expandable retainer in its deployed position, the releasable lock located on the shaft proximal to the expandable retainer. A flexible sheath surrounds the expandable retainer, the sheath being generally loose around the retainer when the retainer is in an insertion position and the sheath being generally snug against an exterior surface of the retainer when the retainer is in a deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: AVENT, INC.Inventors: Kok-Ming Tai, Alison S. Bagwell, Andrew T. Baker, Emily A. Reichart, Phillip A. Schorr
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Patent number: 9108024Abstract: The present disclosure provides an innovative retention element for use with feeding tubes for placement in a gastric lumen, desirably under direct visualization using an endoscope. The retention balloon has a shape with a recessed or concave center that provides space to accommodate the distal end of inserted feeding tubes. The retention balloon may be conical, square and half spherical and holds the stomach against the inner abdominal wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Avent, Inc.Inventors: Kok-Ming Tai, Alison S. Bagwell, Donald J. McMichael, Neil M. Becker, Benone Tarcau
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Patent number: 8974399Abstract: There is provided a device for sampling bodily fluids. Some embodiments have a handle, a lumen, and a diverter valve. The distal end of the handle is adapted to connect with a sampling device and is in fluid communication with the lumen. There is a vacuum connection on the proximal end of the handle that is also in fluid communication with the lumen. A suction valve may desirably be located in the lumen to control the application of vacuum from the vacuum connection to the sampling device. The diverter valve directs the flow through the lumen such that a sample from the patient goes into a sputum trap when the trap is connected. The device may further have a saline port in fluid communication with the lumen, located distal to the suction valve, for rinsing the tube and diluting secretions.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Avent, Inc.Inventors: Scott M. Teixeira, Andrew T. Baker, Brian J. Cuevas, Adrienne A. Hershey, Kok-Ming Tai, Benone Tarcau, Joseph A. Cesa, Amy G. Williams
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Patent number: 8795236Abstract: The present disclosure describes a cecostomy tube having a head with an opening and a valve. There is a flexible catheter with a lumen having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the catheter in fluid communication with the opening in the head, a portion of the catheter extending away from the head to define the distal end. The catheter also has walls defining inside and outside surfaces from the opening defined in the head to the distal end of the catheter. There is a retainer provided on the distal end of the catheter. The retainer can change shape from a first profile or configuration to a second profile where the second profile is larger than the first profile and the second profile is adapted to retain the cecostomy tube in place in a body. The device may be placed in a single, initial surgical operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Alison S. Bagwell, Thomas G. Estes, Shawn R. Feaster, Emily A. Reichart, Phillip A. Schorr, Jennifer S. Stadelman, Kok-Ming Tai
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Publication number: 20140180242Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support and an inflatable dilation portion located on the tubular support. The inflatable dilation portion includes a stiffening portion and inflation lumen. The device may have a retention portion configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the diameter of the dilation portion. The device is designed to be placed in a patient to dilate the stoma for the installation of a catheter feeding tube. The device may be placed and withdrawn with the use of an endoscope which need be inserted into the patient only one time. The single insertion of the endoscope significantly reduces the trauma to the patient in comparison with multiple endoscope insertion methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventor: Kok-Ming Tai
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Publication number: 20140094751Abstract: The present disclosure provides an innovative retention element for use with feeding tubes for placement in a gastric lumen, desirably under direct visualization using an endoscope. The retention balloon has a shape with a recessed or concave center that provides space to accommodate the distal end of inserted feeding tubes. The retention balloon may be conical, square and half spherical and holds the stomach against the inner abdominal wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Kok-Ming Tai, Alison S. Bagwell, Donald J. McMichael, Neil M. Becker, Benone Tarcau
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Publication number: 20140088460Abstract: There is provided a device for sampling bodily fluids. Some embodiments have a handle, a lumen, and a diverter valve. The distal end of the handle is adapted to connect with a sampling device and is in fluid communication with the lumen. There is a vacuum connection on the proximal end of the handle that is also in fluid communication with the lumen. A suction valve may desirably be located in the lumen to control the application of vacuum from the vacuum connection to the sampling device. The diverter valve directs the flow through the lumen such that a sample from the patient goes into a sputum trap when the trap is connected. The device may further have a saline port in fluid communication with the lumen, located distal to the suction valve, for rinsing the tube and diluting secretions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Scott M. Teixeira, Andrew T. Baker, Brian J. Cuevas, Adrienne A. Hershey, Kok-Ming Tai, Benone Tarcau, Joseph A. Cesa, Amy G. Williams
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Publication number: 20130079712Abstract: The present disclosure describes a cecostomy tube having a head with an opening and a valve. There is a flexible catheter with a lumen having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the catheter in fluid communication with the opening in the head, a portion of the catheter extending away from the head to define the distal end. The catheter also has walls defining inside and outside surfaces from the opening defined in the head to the distal end of the catheter. There is a retainer provided on the distal end of the catheter. The retainer can change shape from a first profile or configuration to a second profile where the second profile is larger than the first profile and the second profile is adapted to retain the cecostomy tube in place in a body. The device may be placed in a single, initial surgical operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Alison S. Bagwell, Thomas G. Estes, Shawn R. Feaster, Emily A. Reichart, Phillip A. Schorr, Jennifer S. Stadelman, Kok-Ming Tai
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Publication number: 20120095369Abstract: There is provided a device for sampling bodily fluids. Some embodiments have a handle, a lumen, and a diverter valve. The distal end of the handle is adapted to connect with a sampling device and is in fluid communication with the lumen. There is a vacuum connection on the proximal end of the handle that is also in fluid communication with the lumen. A suction valve may desirably be located in the lumen to control the application of vacuum from the vacuum connection to the sampling device. The diverter valve directs the flow through the lumen such that a sample from the patient goes into a sputum trap when the trap is connected. The device may further have a saline port in fluid communication with the lumen, located distal to the suction valve, for rinsing the tube and diluting secretions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: Scott M. Teixeira, Andrew T. Baker, Brian J. Cuevas, Andrienne A. Hershey, Kok-Ming Tai, Benone Tarcau, Joseph A. Cesa, Amy G. Williams
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Publication number: 20120078039Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support defining a continuous pathway through the device; an inflatable dilation balloon located on the tubular support, the inflatable dilation balloon including a dilation region forming a first portion of the device and a retention region forming a second portion of the device; and a balloon inflation lumen. The retention region of the balloon is configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the diameter of the dilation region.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Kok-Ming Tai, Donald J. McMichael, John A. Rotella, Nathan C. Griffith, Emily A. Reichart, Courtney E. Rowe, Steven A. Holley, Edward B. Madsen
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Publication number: 20120078174Abstract: A configurable percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube includes a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft defines a lumen therethrough for passage of a feeding solution or medicine. An expandable retainer is located on the shaft, the retainer having a deployed position and an insertion position. The tube includes a releasable lock for maintaining the expandable retainer in its deployed position, the releasable lock located on the shaft proximal to the expandable retainer. A flexible sheath surrounds the expandable retainer, the sheath being generally loose around the retainer when the retainer is in an insertion position and the sheath being generally snug against an exterior surface of the retainer when the retainer is in a deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Kok-Ming Tai, Alison S. Bagwell, Andrew T. Baker, Emily A. Reichart
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Publication number: 20120078176Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support defining a continuous pathway through the device; at least one inflatable dilation balloon and at least one inflatable retention balloon located on the tubular support; and inflation lumens for each balloon. The inflatable dilation balloon forms at least a first portion of the device and the inflatable retention balloon forms at least a second portion of the device. The inflatable retention balloon is configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the largest diameter of the inflatable dilation balloon upon inflation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Kok-Ming Tai, Donald J. McMichael, John A. Rotella, Nathan C. Griffith, Emily A. Reichart, Courtney E. Rowe, Steven A. Holley, Edward B. Madsen
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Patent number: 6669460Abstract: A carrier is provided for holding a lens mold that includes a first mold half defining a first optical surface and a second mold half defining a second optical surface. A first frame defines a front surface. A holder assembly is in operative communication with the first frame and is configured to receive the first mold half. The holder assembly is adjustable to rotationally secure the first mold half so that the first optical surface faces outward from the first frame front surface and in any of a plurality of rotational positions with respect to an axis normal to the first frame front surface. A second frame is configured to receive the second mold half so that the second optical surface faces outward from a front surface of the second frame. The second frame front surface opposes the first frame front surface upon alignment of the first frame and the second frame in an operative position.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Kok-Ming Tai, Kevin James Kastner
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Publication number: 20030137636Abstract: Covering an ophthalmic lens edge but leaving optical surfaces of the lens exposed, inserting the lens into a container with a fluid, and agitating the container to polish the lens optic surfaces but not the lens edge. The lens edge can be covered by providing an annular member having an inner surface and a slot defined in the inner surface that is configured to receive and protect the lens edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventor: Kok-Ming Tai