Patents by Inventor Robert James Laird

Robert James Laird 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).

  • Patent number: 6276661
    Abstract: The invention provides highly adaptable valves for providing hemostasis about minimally invasive surgical implements such as guidewires and endovascular prosthetic delivery catheters. The valves generally comprise an elastomeric sealing body which will maintain hemostasis by contacting a surgical implement traversing the valve over a very small contact area. Preferably, the orifice is formed in a thin membrane which extends radially inward from a torroidal balloon having a relatively rigid outer rim and a flexible inner portion. When a vacuum is applied within such a balloon, the flexible inner portion pulls the membrane radially outward to expand the orifice diameter. A positive pressure can be applied within the torroidal balloon so that the balloon expands radially inward to block access through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert James Laird