Patents by Inventor Thomas C. Moore
Thomas C. Moore 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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Publication number: 20020193690Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end with a drive cable disposed therein, the drive cable having a proximal end and a distal end, and rotatable relative to the catheter body. A first electromagnetic element is disposed proximate the distal end of the catheter, and a second electro-magnetic element disposed proximate the distal end of the drive cable and in electrical communication with an operative element mounted at the end of the drive cable, the first and second electromagnetic elements forming an inductive coupler. The catheter assembly can include various other distal operative elements, which are in communication with corresponding proximal operative elements via transmission lines embedded within the wall of the catheter body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Applicant: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. Moore, Eric Williams, David A. White, Donald S. Mamayek, Donald Masters, Martin Belef, Veijo Soursa
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Publication number: 20020183723Abstract: The system (2) includes a catheter drive unit (22) and a catheter (24) extending therefrom movably mounted to a catheter drive sled (26). The catheter drive unit rotates and translates the catheter core (34) within the catheter sheath (36). The sled has a serrated, conical drive unit interface (82), with a bag-piercing tip (86) mateable with a translator drive ouput (92) so that a sterile drape (112) enclosing the catheter drive unit is automatically pierced when the catheter drive unit is mounted to the sled. A control unit (6) is spaced apart from the catheter drive unit and provides power and commands to the catheter drive unit and receives information and data from the catheter drive unit. The rotator and translator drive motors (54, 90) are operated from both the control unit and the catheter drive unit. Both the control unit and catheter drive unit have translation displacement displays (10, 30).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Applicant: SCIMED Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: W. Martin Belef, John H. Ream, Thomas C. Moore, Steven N. Roe, Jeffrey M. Jones, Niyazi Beyhan, Arcadi Elbert
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Patent number: 6482162Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging catheter is used to generate a three-dimensional image of an organ having a relatively large cavity, such as, e.g., a heart. The catheter includes an elongate catheter body having an acoustic window formed at its distal end. The catheter further includes an imaging core, which includes a drive cable with a distally mounted ultrasonic transducer. The transducer is disposed in the acoustic window and is rotationally and longitudinally translatable relative thereto, providing the catheter with longitudinal scanning capability. The catheter further includes a pull wire, which is connected to the distal end of the catheter body, such that longitudinal displacement of the pull wire causes the acoustic window to bend into a known and repeatable arc. The catheter can then be operated to generate a longitudinal scan of the organ through the arc, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventor: Thomas C. Moore
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Patent number: 6450965Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end with a drive cable disposed therein, the drive cable having a proximal end and a distal end, and rotatable relative to the catheter body. A first electro-magnetic element is disposed proximate the distal end of the catheter, and a second electro-magnetic element disposed proximate the distal end of the drive cable and in electrical communication with an operative element mounted at the end of the drive cable, the first and second electro-magnetic elements forming an inductive coupler. The catheter assembly can include various other distal operative elements, which are in communication with corresponding proximal operative elements via transmission lines embedded within the wall of the catheter body.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Eric Williams, Thomas C. Moore, David A. White, Donald S. Mamayek, Donald Masters, Martin Belef, Veijo Suorsa
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Patent number: 6398737Abstract: The invention provides exemplary systems and methods to prevent rotation of an imaging device if the imaging device is advanced beyond a distal end of a catheter. In one exemplary embodiment, a catheter is provided which comprises a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen which terminates in an exit port at the distal end. The lumen is configured to receive a rotatable imaging device having an ultrasonic imaging element. An ultrasonically recognizable pattern is disposed proximally to or at the exit port. The pattern is adapted to reflect a signal from the imaging element to produce a unique detectable image which in turn is employed to stop rotation of the imaging device.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. Moore, Larry D. Wasicek, Ronald J. Jabba
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Patent number: 6398755Abstract: The system (2) includes a catheter drive unit (22) and a catheter (24) extending therefrom movably mounted to a catheter drive sled (26). The catheter drive unit rotates and translates the catheter core (34) within the catheter sheath (36). The sled has a serrated, conical drive unit interface (82), with a bag-piercing tip (86) mateable with a translator drive output (92) so that a sterile drape (112) enclosing the catheter drive unit is automatically pierced when the catheter drive unit is mounted to the sled. A control unit (6) is spaced apart from the catheter drive unit and provides power and commands to the catheter drive unit and receives information and data from the catheter drive unit. The rotator and translator drive motors (54, 90) are operated from both the control unit and the catheter drive unit. Both the control unit and catheter drive unit have translation displacement displays (10, 30).Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1999Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: W. Martin Belef, John H. Ream, Thomas C. Moore, Steven N. Roe, Jeffrey M. Jones, Niyazi Beyhan, Arcadi Elbert
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Patent number: 6361497Abstract: A control panel for an ultrasonic imaging system. A pointing device such as a track ball is centrally located on the control panel and a plurality of buttons and control knobs are arranged around the pointing device in a manner that is ergonomically improved and enhances intuitive system operation. For example, a plurality of image mode selection buttons may be arranged in a substantially linear fashion and located above the pointing device on the control panel. The imaging mode selection buttons preferably are arranged from left to right in order of anticipated use or in order of anticipated frequency of use.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Georgi Lathbury, Niyazi Beyhan, Thomas C. Moore, Sharon Liberty
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Patent number: 6358207Abstract: A control panel for an ultrasonic imaging system. A pointing device such as a track ball is centrally located on the control panel and a plurality of buttons and control knobs are arranged around the pointing device in a manner that is ergonomically improved and enhances intuitive system operation. For example, a plurality of image mode selection buttons may be arranged in a substantially linear fashion and located above the pointing device on the control panel. The imaging mode selection buttons preferably are arranged from left to right in order of anticipated use or in order of anticipated frequency of use.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Georgi Lathbury, Niyazi Beyhan, Thomas C. Moore, Sharon Liberty
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Publication number: 20020007120Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end with a drive cable disposed therein, the drive cable having a proximal end and a distal end, and rotatable relative to the catheter body. A first electro-magnetic element is disposed proximate the distal end of the catheter, and a second electro-magnetic element disposed proximate the distal end of the drive cable and in electrical communication with an operative element mounted at the end of the drive cable, the first and second electro-magnetic elements forming an inductive coupler. The catheter assembly can include various other distal operative elements, which are in communication with corresponding proximal operative elements via transmission lines embedded within the wall of the catheter body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventors: Thomas C. Moore, Eric Williams, David A. White, Donald S. Mamayek, Donald Masters, Martin Belef, Veijo Soursa
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Patent number: 6292681Abstract: A vascular imaging system with an automated longitudinal position translator includes a drive unit with a single motor to provide for rotational and longitudinal translation of a drive-cable and distally mounted transducer within a catheter assembly. The drive unit includes a main body casing and a pullback carriage on which the main body casing slidingly engages. The drive-cable is mechanically coupled to the motor, and an outer sheath of the catheter assembly is fixed to the pullback carriage via a rigid pullback arm. The imaging system can be made to operate in an automated longitudinal translation mode, wherein the main body casing of the drive unit is made to uniformly and longitudinally move relative to the pullback carriage by the drive unit motor, thus causing coincident longitudinal movement of the drive-cable (and distally located transducer) relative to the outer guide sheath of the catheter assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Boston Scientific CorporationInventor: Thomas C. Moore
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Publication number: 20010020149Abstract: The invention provides exemplary systems and methods to prevent rotation of an imaging device if the imaging device is advanced beyond a distal end of a catheter. In one exemplary embodiment, a catheter is provided which comprises a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen which terminates in an exit port at the distal end. The lumen is configured to receive a rotatable imaging device having an ultrasonic imaging element. An ultrasonically recognizable pattern is disposed proximally to or at the exit port. The pattern is adapted to reflect a signal from the imaging element to produce a unique detectable image which in turn is employed to stop rotation of the imaging device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: September 6, 2001Inventors: Thomas C. Moore, Larry D. Wasicek, Ronald J. Jabba
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Publication number: 20010016688Abstract: An ultrasound catheter is disclosed wherein a rotatable transducer couples to the input of a preamplifier. Protection circuits at the input and output of the preamplifier protect the preamplifier from the transducer excitation signal. The preamplifier couples to the distal end of a transmission line. In an alternate embodiment, at least one switch responds to the presence of the transducer excitation signal by coupling the transducer excitation signal to the rotatable transducer and protecting the preamplifier from the transducer excitation signal. The at least one switch responds to the absence of the transducer excitation signal by coupling a received signal produced by the rotatable transducer to the input of the preamplifier. The at least one switch further responds to the absence of the transducer excitation signal by coupling the output of the preamplifier to the distal end of the transmission line.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2001Publication date: August 23, 2001Inventors: Thomas C. Moore, Veijo Suorsa, Donald Masters
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Patent number: 6251078Abstract: An ultrasound catheter wherein a rotatable transducer couples to the input of a preamplifier. Protection circuits at the input and output of the preamplifier protect the preamplifier from the transducer excitation signal. The preamplifier couples to the distal end of a transmission line. In an alternate embodiment, at least one switch responds to the presence of the transducer excitation signal by coupling the transducer excitation signal to the rotatable transducer and protecting the preamplifier from the transducer excitation signal. The at least one switch responds to the absence of the transducer excitation signal by coupling a received signal produced by the rotatable transducer to the input of the preamplifier. The at least one switch further responds to the absence of the transducer excitation signal by coupling the output of the preamplifier to the distal end of the transmission line.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. Moore, Veijo Suorsa, Donald Masters
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Patent number: 6245020Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end with a drive cable disposed therein, the drive cable having a proximal end and a distal end, and rotatable relative to the catheter body. A first electro-magnetic element is disposed proximate the distal end of the catheter, and a second electro-magnetic element disposed proximate the distal end of the drive cable and in electrical communication with an operative element mounted at the end of the drive cable, the first and second electro-magnetic elements forming an inductive coupler. The catheter assembly can include various other distal operative elements, which are in communication with corresponding proximal operative elements via transmission lines embedded within the wall of the catheter body.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: SciMed Life System, Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. Moore, Eric Williams, David A. White, Donald S. Mamayek, Donald Masters, Martin Belef, Veijo Soursa
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Patent number: 6231515Abstract: The invention provides exemplary systems and methods to prevent rotation of an imaging device if the imaging device is advanced beyond a distal end of a catheter. In one exemplary embodiment, a catheter is provided which comprises a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen which terminates in an exit port at the distal end. The lumen is configured to receive a rotatable imaging device having an ultrasonic imaging element. An ultrasonically recognizable pattern is disposed proximally to or at the exit port. The pattern is adapted to reflect a signal from the imaging element to produce a unique detectable image which in turn is employed to stop rotation of the imaging device.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. Moore, Larry D. Wasicek, Ronald J. Jabba
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Patent number: 6162179Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging catheter is used to generate a three-dimensional image of an organ having a relatively large cavity, such as, e.g., a heart. The catheter includes an elongate catheter body having an acoustic window formed at its distal end. The catheter further includes an imaging core, which includes a drive cable with a distally mounted ultrasonic transducer. The transducer is disposed in the acoustic window and is rotationally and longitudinally translatable relative thereto, providing the catheter with longitudinal scanning capability. The catheter further includes a pull wire, which is connected to the distal end of the catheter body, such that longitudinal displacement of the pull wire causes the acoustic window to bend into a known and repeatable arc. The catheter can then be operated to generate a longitudinal scan of the organ through the arc, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventor: Thomas C. Moore
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Patent number: 6142940Abstract: A control panel for an ultrasonic imaging system. A pointing device such as a track ball is centrally located on the control panel and a plurality of buttons and control knobs are arranged around the pointing device in a manner that is ergonomically improved and enhances intuitive system operation. For example, a plurality of image mode selection buttons may be arranged in a substantially linear fashion and located above the pointing device on the control panel. The imaging mode selection buttons preferably are arranged from left to right in order of anticipated use or in order of anticipated frequency of use.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Georgi Lathbury, Niyazi Beyhan, Thomas C. Moore, Sharon Liberty
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Patent number: 6004271Abstract: A vascular imaging system with an automated longitudinal position translator includes a drive unit with a single motor to provide for rotational and longitudinal translation of a drive-cable and distally mounted transducer within a catheter assembly. The drive unit includes a main body casing and a pullback carriage on which the main body casing slidingly engages. The drive-able is mechanically coupled to the motor, and an outer sheath of the catheter assembly is fixed to the pullback carriage via a rigid pullback arm. The imaging system can be made to operate in an automated longitudinal translation mode, wherein the main body casing of the drive unit is made to uniformly and longitudinally move relative to the pullback carriage by the drive unit motor, thus causing coincident longitudinal movement of the drive-cable (and distally located transducer) relative to the outer guide sheath of the catheter assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Boston Scientific CorporationInventor: Thomas C. Moore
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Patent number: 5531700Abstract: A catheter is provided having a catheter body with a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter body has a proximal region having a first diameter and a distal region having a single lumen and a second diameter which is less than a first diameter. A distal guide wire exit port is disposed in the distal region of the catheter body within about 5 cm of the distal end. This allows the catheter to be used as a short lumen rapid exchange catheter. The catheter can also be provided with a proximal guide wire exit port in the proximal region so that the catheter can also be used as a long lumen rapid exchange catheter.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1994Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: Cardiovascular Imaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. Moore, Yue-Teh Jang
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Patent number: 5375474Abstract: A device for measuring strain in substrates at high temperatures in which the thermally induced apparent strain is nulled. Two gages are used, one active gage and one compensating gage. Both gages are placed on the substrate to be gaged; the active gage is attached such that it responds to mechanical and thermally induced apparent strain while the compensating gage is attached such that it does not respond to mechanical strain and measures only thermally induced apparent strain. A thermal blanket is placed over the two gages to maintain the gages at the same temperature. The two gages are wired as adjacent arms of a Wheatstone bridge which nulls the thermally induced apparent strain giving a true reading of the mechanical strain in the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1992Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Thomas C. Moore, Sr.