Patents by Inventor Martin P. Mintchev
Martin P. Mintchev 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: 11333304Abstract: There is described a pipe apparatus having two circular coaxial layers, inner and outer, defining an annular gap therebetween. At least one segmentation ring with a predesigned opening is placed within the annular gap. The pipe system is composed of interconnected pipe apparatuses of the same type. Compact wireless stations are embedded in the segmentation rings within sealed predesigned openings forming a wireless information and communication network (WICN). Each segmentation ring incorporates a pressure relief mechanism. When a layer of a given pipe apparatus breaks and fluid leaks into the annular gap in a given segment, the segmentation rings surrounding that segment temporarily retain the fluid and the WICN is disturbed in the affected area. At least one external central unit monitors WICN activity and integrity inside the pipe system and detects such leakage, before the leak spreads to another segment of the pipe system, without reaching the outside environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2018Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: UTI Limited PartnershipInventors: Thiago Valentin de Oliveira, Dobromir Filip, Martin P. Mintchev
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Publication number: 20200200329Abstract: There is described a pipe apparatus having two circular coaxial layers, inner and outer, defining an annular gap therebetween. At least one segmentation ring with a predesigned opening is placed within the annular gap. The pipe system is composed of interconnected pipe apparatuses of the same type. Compact wireless stations are embedded in the segmentation rings within sealed predesigned openings forming a wireless information and communication network (WICN). Each segmentation ring incorporates a pressure relief mechanism. When a layer of a given pipe apparatus breaks and fluid leaks into the annular gap in a given segment, the segmentation rings surrounding that segment temporarily retain the fluid and the WICN is disturbed in the affected area. At least one external central unit monitors WICN activity and integrity inside the pipe system and detects such leakage, before the leak spreads to another segment of the pipe system, without reaching the outside environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2018Publication date: June 25, 2020Applicant: UTI Limited PartnershipInventors: Thiago Valentin de Oliveira, Dobromir Filip, Martin P. Mintchev
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Patent number: 9707392Abstract: Neural Gastric Electrical Stimulation (NGES) is a new method for invoking gastric contractions under microprocessor control. However, optimization of this technique using feedback mechanisms to minimize power consumption and maximize effectiveness has been lacking. An apparatus and method are provided for inducing controlled gastro paresis. The apparatus comprises a contraction sensor, a stomach contraction generator, and a controller. The contraction sensor is responsive to circumferential contractions of the stomach, and outputs a signal indicative of a circumferential contraction. The stomach contraction generator induces a circumferential contraction upon receipt of an electrical signal from the controller. The controller sends the electrical signal to the generator upon receipt of the output signal from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: UTI Limited PartnershipInventor: Martin P. Mintchev
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Publication number: 20170105654Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for monitoring the function of sphincters in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The device of the invention includes a signal-generating device that is placed at one side of a GI sphincter, and a signal-detecting device that is placed at the other side of the GI sphincter whose function is to be monitored. The device detects and analyzes the change in the characteristics of the signals that are generated by the signal-generating device and detected by the signal-detecting device. In this manner, the signal data detected during the opening and closing of the GI sphincter can be stored in a data logger and/or can be monitored in real time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2015Publication date: April 20, 2017Applicant: UTI Limited PartnershipInventors: Dan Sadowski, Orly Yadid-Pecht, Qian Lu, Martin P. Mintchev
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Patent number: 9585633Abstract: Ultrasonic catheters and methods for determining and/or monitoring reflux volumes during gastroesophageal reflux events.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: UTI LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventors: Xuexin Gao, Daniel C. Sadowski, Martin P. Mintchev
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Publication number: 20160206228Abstract: The present invention provides an external apparatus that allows automated quantification of the quality of the endoscopy procedure and methods for using the same. The apparatus of the invention includes an endoscope tracking device that is operatively connected to an endoscope cord surface so that a variety of information related to movement of the endoscope can be accurately captured. Exemplary movement information include, but are not limited to, distance travelled by the endoscope, direction of movement by the endoscope, torque exerted by the endoscope, etc. The endoscope tracking device comprises an electromechanical tracking sensor(s) that produce movement information of the endoscope including the ratio of forward and backward movements as well as withdrawal time of the endoscope. As these metrics can be obtained automatically, the apparatus and the method of the present invention can be used as a quality control in daily medical practice.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: July 21, 2016Applicant: UTI Limited PartnershipInventors: Leticia M. Angulo, Christopher N. Andrews, Christopher A. Simon, Martin P. Mintchev
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Publication number: 20160206200Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for minimally-invasive diagnosis of conditions within the body of an animal. In one particular embodiment, the present invention provides a method and an apparatus for utilizing intraluminally-generated signals to diagnose disorders or monitor the function of internal organ of an animal by assessing the signal transcutaneously. The signals can be electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, acoustic, ultrasonic, optical, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2014Publication date: July 21, 2016Applicant: UTI Limited PartnershipInventors: Michael D. Poscente, Orly Yadid-Pecht, Christopher N. Andrews, Martin P. Mintchev
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Patent number: 9050464Abstract: A method and a multichannel implantable device are described for partial or complete restoration of impaired gastrointestinal motility, or for disturbing and/or partially or completely blocking normal gastrointestinal motility using one or multiple microsystem-controlled channels of circumferentially arranged sets of two or more electrodes which provide externally-invoked synchronized electrical signals to the smooth muscles via the neural pathways.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: UTI LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventor: Martin P. Mintchev
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Publication number: 20150032176Abstract: A method and a multichannel implantable device are described for partial or complete restoration of impaired gastrointestinal motility, or for disturbing and/or partially or completely blocking normal gastrointestinal motility using one or multiple microsystem-controlled channels of circumferentially arranged sets of two or more electrodes which provide externally-invoked synchronized electrical signals to the smooth muscles via the neural pathways.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: UTI LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventor: Martin P. Mintchev
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Patent number: 8939154Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetically levitating and further steering of an intraluminal device, such as a swallowable microelectronic capsule, for monitoring bodily functions is provided. The method comprises diamagnetically-stabilized levitation, followed by dynamic modification of the external magnetic field producing the said levitation, so that the levitating intraluminal device can be steered in desired direction. The said intraluminal device contains appropriate sensors and reports in real time the forces and pressures exerted on it, as well as its position, so that the levitation and the steering can be dynamically adjusted using appropriate dynamic control of external magnetic devices such as solenoids.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Uti Limited PartnershipInventors: Martin P. Mintchev, Billy T. Wu
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Publication number: 20140378764Abstract: Wireless capsule endoscope technology has been used to image portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly the small bowel. However in other GI organs, especially those having larger-lumens, the capsule may become destabilized and tumble, precluding meaningful interpretation of the acquired images. The present invention describes a method and apparatus for permitting capsule imaging of organs having larger-lumens without tumbling, and includes an outer shell surrounding the capsule that targets the colon, as an example. Once the colon has been reached, the shell breaks or dissolves, and allows expansion of expandable materials attached to each end of the capsule, thereby stabilizing the capsule in the targeted organ, while permitting it to be moved by peristalsis and/or other means for locating the capsule. Imagers and light emitting diodes (LEDs) are activated during the expansion process, and enable overlapping of images.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Martin P. MINTCHEV, Orly YADID-PECHT
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Publication number: 20140343452Abstract: The present disclosure describes an orally administrable implement comprising expandable material designed specifically to swell in a targeted gastrointestinal (Gl) organ of a mammal, including human to form a pseudobezoar, so that upon swelling it touches the walls of the targeted organ. In one design, the swollen pseudobezoar provides sponge-like cleansing of the targeted Gl organ to prepare the said organ for further examination. In another design the expandable material scrapes the walls of the targeted Gl organ by creating a sufficient friction tension between its permeable wails and the mucosa of the Gl organ walls to collect enough adequate tissue samples, occult blood, or both, for the purpose of tissue sample analysis, DNA analysis, occult blood analysis, or a combination thereof. Safety mechanisms for the controlled disintegration of the pseudobezoars in cases of possible obstruction are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: EatLittle Inc.Inventors: Martin P. Mintchev, Orly Yadid-Pecht
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Patent number: 8852083Abstract: Wireless capsule endoscope technology has been used to image portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly the small bowel. However in other GI organs, especially those having larger-lumens, the capsule may become destabilized and tumble, precluding meaningful interpretation of the acquired images. The present invention describes a method and apparatus for permitting capsule imaging of organs having larger-lumens without tumbling, and includes an outer shell surrounding the capsule that targets the colon, as an example. Once the colon has been reached, the shell breaks or dissolves, and allows expansion of expandable materials attached to each end of the capsule, thereby stabilizing the capsule in the targeted organ, while permitting it to be moved by peristalsis and/or other means for locating the capsule. Imagers and light emitting diodes (LEDs) are activated during the expansion process, and enable overlapping of images.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: UTI Limited PartnershipInventors: Martin P. Mintchev, Orly Yadid-Pecht
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Patent number: 8706231Abstract: A method and a multichannel implantable device are described for partial or complete restoration of impaired gastrointestinal motility, or for disturbing and/or partially or completely blocking normal gastrointestinal motility using one or multiple microsystem-controlled channels of circumferentially arranged sets of two or more electrodes which provide externally-invoked synchronized electrical signals to the smooth muscles via the neural pathways.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: University Technologies International Inc.Inventor: Martin P. Mintchev
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Publication number: 20130030261Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetically levitating and further steering of an intraluminal device, such as a swallowable microelectronic capsule, for monitoring bodily functions is provided. The method comprises diamagnetically-stabilized levitation, followed by dynamic modification of the external magnetic field producing the said levitation, so that the levitating intraluminal device can be steered in desired direction. The said intraluminal device contains appropriate sensors and reports in real time the forces and pressures exerted on it, as well as its position, so that the levitation and the steering can be dynamically adjusted using appropriate dynamic control of external magnetic devices such as solenoids.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventors: Martin P. Mintchev, Billy T. Wu
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Patent number: 8235055Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetically levitating and further steering of an intraluminal device, such as a swallowable microelectronic capsule, for monitoring bodily functions is provided. The method comprises diamagnetically-stabilized levitation, followed by dynamic modification of the external magnetic field producing the said levitation, so that the levitating intraluminal device can be steered in desired direction. The said intraluminal device contains appropriate sensors and reports in real time the forces and pressures exerted on it, as well as its position, so that the levitation and the steering can be dynamically adjusted using appropriate dynamic control of external magnetic devices such as solenoids.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: UTI Limited PartnershipInventors: Martin P. Mintchev, Billy T. Wu
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Publication number: 20120078074Abstract: Ultrasonic catheters and methods for determining and/or monitoring reflux volumes during gastroesophageal reflux events.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Xuexin Gao, Daniel C. Sadowski, Martin P. Mintchev
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Patent number: 7823661Abstract: To limit the growth of errors of an inertial navigation system for measurement-while-drilling, in-drilling alignment methods can be used. A pneumatics-based design of an apparatus for an in-drilling alignment method and its implementation downhole are described.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Inventors: Martin P. Mintchev, Efraim Pecht, Justin Cloutier, Aleksandar Dzhurkov
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Publication number: 20100222841Abstract: Neural Gastric Electrical Stimulation (NGES) is a new method for invoking gastric contractions under microprocessor control. However, optimization of this technique using feedback mechanisms to minimize power consumption and maximize effectiveness has been lacking. An apparatus and method are provided for inducing controlled gastro paresis. The apparatus comprises a contraction sensor, a stomach contraction generator, and a controller. The contraction sensor is responsive to circumferential contractions of the stomach, and outputs a signal indicative of a circumferential contraction. The stomach contraction generator induces a circumferential contraction upon receipt of an electrical signal from the controller. The controller sends the electrical signal to the generator upon receipt of the output signal from the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2008Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: UTI LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventor: Martin P. Mintchev
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Patent number: 7720539Abstract: A method and a multichannel implantable device are described for partial or complete restoration of impaired gastrointestinal motility, or for disturbing and/or partially or completely blocking normal gastrointestinal motility using one or multiple microsystem-controlled channels of circumferentially arranged sets of two or more electrodes which provide externally-invoked synchronized electrical signals to the smooth muscles via the neural pathways.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: UTI Limited PartnershipInventor: Martin P Mintchev