Patents by Inventor Robert P. Harhen

Robert P. Harhen 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: 9131900
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and techniques for applying a device to a subject. Such apparatus and techniques may provide feedback to an operator and/or regulate the force used to apply the device, yielding an improved result. Particularly useful embodiments include apparatus and techniques for applying a medical device, such as a skin surface electrode or microneedle array, to a patient's tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Afanasewicz, Robert P. Harhen, Adam J. Young, Rafael M. Cordero, Gerald Powers
  • Patent number: 8805470
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are provided for interfacing a device with a surface. The apparatus and techniques provide gel encapsulation and isolation mechanisms to extend the shelf-life of the preparation devices, allow for the use of more effective materials, and improve the quality of the contact between a device and an application surface. Particular embodiments of these apparatus and techniques suitable for use in medical contexts are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Afanasewicz, Robert P. Harhen, Adam J. Young, Rafael M. Cordero
  • Patent number: 8577440
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to sensor designs or shapes configured to facilitate placement of sensor electrodes and, thus, proper positioning of the sensors on patients. According to certain embodiments, a sensor may include a substrate that includes multiple electrodes, where a first electrode is configured to be placed on a patient's temple and a second electrode is configured to be placed on a patient's forehead directly above a patient's eyebrow. The sensor may include a particular shape and a fixed distance between the first and second electrodes to facilitate proper angling and positioning of the first and second electrodes as well as the other electrodes (e.g., third and fourth electrodes). Other embodiments may include a method for positioning the sensor on the patient, including a monitor with help screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Afanasewicz, Robert P. Harhen, Adam J. Young, Rafael M. Cordero
  • Publication number: 20130023748
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are provided for interfacing a device with a surface. The apparatus and techniques provide gel encapsulation and isolation mechanisms to extend the shelf-life of the preparation devices, allow for the use of more effective materials, and improve the quality of the contact between a device and an application surface. Particular embodiments of these apparatus and techniques suitable for use in medical contexts are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: NELLCOR PURITAN BENNETT LLC
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Afanasewicz, Robert P. Harhen, Adam J. Young, Rafael M. Cordero
  • Publication number: 20130023749
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and techniques for applying a device to a subject. Such apparatus and techniques may provide feedback to an operator and/or regulate the force used to apply the device, yielding an improved result. Particularly useful embodiments include apparatus and techniques for applying a medical device, such as a skin surface electrode or microneedle array, to a patient's tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: NELLCOR PURITAN BENNETT LLC
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Afanasewicz, Robert P. Harhen, Adam J. Young, Rafael M. Cordero, Gerald Powers
  • Publication number: 20120253163
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to sensor designs or shapes configured to facilitate placement of sensor electrodes and, thus, proper positioning of the sensors on patients. According to certain embodiments, a sensor may include a substrate that includes multiple electrodes, where a first electrode is configured to be placed on a patient's temple and a second electrode is configured to be placed on a patient's forehead directly above a patient's eyebrow. The sensor may include a particular shape and a fixed distance between the first and second electrodes to facilitate proper angling and positioning of the first and second electrodes as well as the other electrodes (e.g., third and fourth electrodes). Other embodiments may include a method for positioning the sensor on the patient, including a monitor with help screens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Afanasewicz, Robert P. Harhen, Adam J. Young, Rafael M. Cordero
  • Publication number: 20120251790
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for creating sharp features within a mold. For example, three or more mold plates may be provided to create a single mold assembly. Each mold plate includes one or more mold cavities, each having one or more surfaces. The provided mold plates may be assembled to form the mold assembly having a combined mold cavity between adjacent mold cavities of the mold plates. Although none of the individual mold cavities of the mold plates include sharp features, when the mold assembly is assembled, a combined mold cavity will include sharp transitions (e.g., angles of less than 180 degrees, right angles, angles of less than 90 degrees, and so forth) between adjacent surfaces of the mold cavities. In certain embodiments, sets of mold plates may be re-aligned to create varying mold cavity geometries. In addition, in certain embodiments, a mold pin may be inserted into an inner volume of a mold plate to both create additional sharp transitions between adjacent surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Robert P. Harhen, Rafael M. Cordero, Adam J. Young, Marc Davidson
  • Patent number: 5404876
    Abstract: A disposable electrode assembly for contacting a patient and for receiving electrical signals from at least one remotely located electrode, the remotely located electrode having leads. The electrode assembly has a thin, flexible, leg plate with a bottom surface contacting the patient without adhesive. At least two triangular-shaped springs are carried by the leg plate for electrically and mechanically connecting the leads from the remotely located electrode to the leg plate. At least two latches, each adapted to snap over one of the triangular-shaped springs, provide an audio indication of flap closure and keep a flap closed over each of the triangular-shaped springs. A reference electrode electrically contacts the patient through a skin-contacting surface when the electrode assembly is secured to the patient. The reference electrode is electrically coupled to, but mechanically decoupled from, the leg plate. Separate, insulated wires electrically engage the springs and the reference electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Graphic Controls Corporation
    Inventors: David M. DiSabito, Robert P. Harhen, Robert J. Graumann
  • Patent number: 5326272
    Abstract: A low profile connector, as for an electrode, is disclosed. The connector of the invention includes an electrically conductive connector body and electrical connector means to separate electronics. The connector body has a channel or groove which communicates with one side of the connector body and its bottom. The channel leads to a "stop" position located substantially the central portion of said body. Viewed from the bottom of the connector body, the channel is interiorly concave so as to cooperatively, preferably rotatively and restrictively receive and hold an upstanding portion of an electrode, such as an electrode eyelet. In a preferred aspect, the present invention is an electrical assembly which includes the connector body and a biomedical electrode, such as a TENS electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Harhen, William J. Marlow, Dawn E. Sissom