Patents by Inventor Robert J. Crowley

Robert J. Crowley 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).

  • Publication number: 20030081220
    Abstract: Diffraction grating based fiber optic interferometric systems for use in optical coherence tomography, wherein sample and reference light beams are formed by a first beam splitter and the sample light beam received from a sample and a reference light beam are combined on a second beam splitter. In one embodiment, the first beam splitter is an approximately 50/50 beam splitter, and the second beam splitter is a non 50/50 beam splitter. More than half of the energy of the sample light beam is directed into the combined beam and less than half of the energy of the reference light beam are directed into the combined beam by the second beam splitter. In another embodiment, the first beam splitter is a non 50/50 beam splitter and the second beam splitter is an approximately 50/50 beam splitter. An optical circulator is provided to enable the sample light beam to bypass the first beam splitter after interaction with a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac Ostrovsky, Mark D. Modell, Robert J. Crowley
  • Publication number: 20030077043
    Abstract: An optical catheter connection system is described which has two mating assemblies: a motor unit and an optical catheter connector. The optical catheter connector mates to the motor unit for coupling optical signal into and out of a catheter optical fiber and providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber. The motor unit includes a rotary shaft powered by a motor for providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber to rotate the fiber. The motor unit further includes a split sleeve for aligning a motor optical fiber with the catheter optical fiber for coupling optical signals between the two fibers. In one embodiment, a shield is provided around the outer surface of the optical catheter connector to help maintain a sterile field by forming a barrier between a clinician's sterile hand, which holds the optical catheter connector, and the non-sterile motor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hamm, Robert J. Crowley
  • Publication number: 20030020922
    Abstract: An imaging system comprises an interferometer and an ultrasound console that processes signals from the interferometer into an image for display. The interferometer may include one or more multi-element photo detectors with a plurality of parallel outputs. A parallel to serial converter is provided between the parallel output of the interferometer and the input of the ultrasound console, to convert the signals provided on the parallel outputs into a serial signal for analysis by the ultrasound console. The interferometer may be selectively coupled to the ultrasound console and the system may further comprise an ultrasound device that may also be selectively coupled to the console, offering a user the option of using either the interferometer or the ultrasound device. The ultrasound console may also include two inputs, one for the interferometer and the other for the ultrasound device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Louis J. Barbato, Isaac Ostrovsky, Mark D. Modell
  • Publication number: 20020193874
    Abstract: A medical device vibratory activation system is disclosed. The system includes an implantable appliance comprising a conductive material and a signal producing mechanism having a portion configured to be located relative to the implantable appliance. The signal-producing mechanism is also configured to generate a signal that interacts with the conductive material in the implantable appliance to induce a motion of the implantable appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Robert J. Crowley
  • Publication number: 20020188201
    Abstract: A medical device for creating images of tissue within a body includes a disposable liquid-confining sheath supporting an elongate flexible drive shaft which carries an imaging device such as a ultrasound transducer. The device may include a trocar adapted to receive the sheath, the trocar permitting the device to be inserted into the body where no natural passageway exists, the trocar having a side-facing region adapted to maintain registry with the imaging device while the imaging device rotates. In another embodiment, the drive shaft includes an outer coil that is configured such that when the drive shaft is driven in the direction tending to decrease the diameter of the outer coil, the outer surface of the outer coil pressurizes liquid distally of the outer surface. The device optionally includes an inflatable balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Crowley
  • Publication number: 20020120264
    Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Mark A. Hamm
  • Publication number: 20020115918
    Abstract: A miniaturized spectrometer is adapted for placement within a body near tissue to be characterized. The spectrometer includes a light source and a plurality of light detectors. The light source generates light to illuminate the tissue. The detectors detect optical signals from the illuminated tissue and convert these optical signals to electrical signals. The miniaturized spectrometer can be disposed at the distal end of an interventional device. Optical conduits, such as fiber optic cables or strands, extending the length of the interventional device are not required when the miniature spectrometer is employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Robert J. Crowley
  • Publication number: 20020109613
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a signal generator for sending an electrical signal from an expandable, flexible layer of material, the signal generator comprising an upper layer of flexible, resilient material and a lower layer of flexible, resilient material which between them define a cavity for enclosing an expandable material such as a cellular foam or gas, whereupon localized distortion of one of the layers of flexible material, effects a signal generation within the structure, which is transmissible through a proper circuit to an outside electrical device. A circuit may be arranged adjacent a plurality of said keys which senses when several of said keys are depressed in a skewed or sideways manner, so as to effect movement of a cursor or pointer on a monitor in communication with a processing unit and said keyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: AmGct Corp.
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Donald N. Halgren
  • Publication number: 20020099289
    Abstract: A medical device for creating images of tissue within a body includes a disposable liquid-confining sheath supporting an elongate flexible drive shaft which carries an imaging device such as a ultrasound transducer. The device may include a trocar adapted to receive the sheath, the trocar permitting the device to be inserted into the body where no natural passageway exists, the trocar having a side-facing region adapted to maintain registry with the imaging device while the imaging device rotates. In another embodiment, the drive shaft includes an outer coil that is configured such that when the drive shaft is driven in the direction tending to decrease the diameter of the outer coil, the outer surface of the outer coil pressurizes liquid distally of the outer surface. The device optionally includes an inflatable balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Robert J. Crowley
  • Patent number: 6405073
    Abstract: A miniature spectrometer can be used in situ to diagnose tissue and organs through tissue autofluorescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Mark Hamm
  • Patent number: 6394949
    Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Mark A. Hamm
  • Patent number: 6383209
    Abstract: A sheath for use with an interventional device for tissue spectroscopy within a body includes a substantially cylindrical, flexible body having an open proximal end and a closed distal end. The flexible body securely receives interventional device via an interference fit. At least the distal end of the flexible body is formed of a material substantially transmissive of at least one of ultraviolet or visible light. For example, the material can be a polymeric materials such as polyurethane, polyethylene or polystyrene. The sheath can be disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Crowley
  • Patent number: 6364840
    Abstract: Acoustic imaging balloon catheters formed by a disposable liquid-confining sheath supporting a high fidelity, flexible drive shaft which carries on its end an ultrasound transducer and includes an inflatable dilatation balloon. The shaft and transducer rotate with sufficient speed and fidelity to produce real time images on a T.V. screen. In preferred embodiments, special features that contribute to the high fidelity of the drive shaft include the particular multi-filar construction of concentric, oppositely wound, interfering coils, a pre-loaded torque condition on the coils enhancing their interfering contact, and dynamic loading of the distal end of the probe, preferably with viscous drag. The coil rotating in the presence of liquid in the sheath is used to produce a desirable pressure in the region of the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Crowley
  • Patent number: 6364831
    Abstract: An endofluorescence module is utilized with an interventional device insertible in a body to provide at least one fluorescence excitation source. The module can be attached to the distal end of an endoscope, cystoscope or other optical imaging device. One or more filters are utilized to enhance the fluorescence response from the tissue under examination. A light shutter controls the exposure of an optical channel during operation. The adaptability and small size of the module correspond with low cost and disposability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Crowley
  • Patent number: 6343227
    Abstract: A miniaturized spectrometer is adapted for placement within a body near tissue to be characterized. The spectrometer includes a light source and a plurality of light detectors. The light source generates light to illuminate the tissue. The detectors detect optical signals from the illuminated tissue and convert these optical signals to electrical signals. The miniaturized spectrometer can be disposed at the distal end of an interventional device. Optical conduits, such as fiber optic cables or strands, extending the length of the interventional device are not required when the miniature spectrometer is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Crowley
  • Patent number: 6324418
    Abstract: A portable tissue spectroscopy apparatus includes at least one light source, at least one light detector, a power source and a controller module all disposed inside a housing that is insertable inside a body. The housing may be in the form of a hand-holdable probe or in the form of a capsule that can be swallowed or implanted in the body. The probe further includes a display mounted at a proximal end of the housing for displaying tissue characteristics. The capsule further includes a transmitter mounted inside the capsule and a receiver placed outside the body for transmitting signals representative of tissue characteristics to a remote receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Mark A. Hamm
  • Publication number: 20010041887
    Abstract: An interventional device uses light to diagnose and treat tissue regions near the surface. A high intensity ultraviolet light is used. The interventional device includes a housing adapted for placement inside a body and a flash lamp placed inside the housing. The flash lamp is capable of generating high intensity ultraviolet light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Robert J. Crowley
  • Patent number: 6313762
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a signal generator for sending an electrical signal from an expandable, flexible layer of material, the signal generator comprising an upper layer of flexible, resilient material and a lower layer of flexible, resilient material which between them define a cavity for enclosing an expandable material such as a cellular foam or gas, whereupon localized distortion of one of the layers of flexible material, effects a signal generation within the structure, which is transmissible through a proper circuit to an outside electrical device. A circuit may be arranged adjacent a plurality of said keys which senses when several of said keys are depressed in a skewed or sideways manner, so as to effect movement of a cursor or pointer on a monitor in communication with a processing unit and said keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Donald N. Halgren
  • Publication number: 20010029328
    Abstract: A disposable high density optically readable polydeoxynucleotide array with integral fluorescence excitation and fluorescence emission channels is described. The compact array size allows integration into several types of interventional devices such as catheters, guidewires, needles, trocars and may be used intraoperatively. Highly sensitive monitoring of the metabolic and disease pathways of cells in vivo under varying chemical, genetic and environmental conditions is afforded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Robert J. Crowley
  • Patent number: 6289229
    Abstract: A disposable high density optically readable polydeoxynucleotide array with integral fluorescence excitation and fluorescence emission channels is described. The compact array size allows integration into several types of interventional devices such as catheters, guidewires, needles, trocars and may be used intraoperatively. Highly sensitive monitoring of the metabolic and disease pathways of cells in vivo under varying chemical, genetic and environmental conditions is afforded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Crowley