Patents by Inventor Walter R. Pyka
Walter R. Pyka 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: 7722626Abstract: The invention provides a method of using an apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising providing an apparatus having manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka, Michael Buhler, Philippe Poncet, Karl Van Dyk, James Jervis
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Patent number: 7169160Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for anchoring a tubular element, preferably in the form of a catheter, within a passageway formed in a mammalian body, such as in a vessel, artery, duct, channel, or the like. The apparatus comprises a tubular element having a flexible, elongated, hollow tubular outer lumen with a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the outer lumen having a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus further comprises deployment means positioned within the outer lumen and slidable with respect to the outer lumen. The deployment means has a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of resilient anchoring members preferably formed of a pseudoelastic material. The anchoring members are coupled to the distal end of the deployment means and extend longitudinally beyond the distal end of the deployment means. Each anchoring member is reversibly movable by the deployment means between a first position and a second position.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka
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Patent number: 6986774Abstract: The invention provides a method of using an apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising providing an apparatus having manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka, Michael Buhler, Philippe Poncet, Karl Van Dyk, James E. Jervis
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Publication number: 20030009177Abstract: The invention provides a method of using an apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising providing an apparatus having manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka, Michael Buhler, Philippe Poncet, Karl Van Dyk, James E. Jervis
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Patent number: 6447523Abstract: The present invention accordingly provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1997Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka, Michael Buhler, Philippe Poncet, Karl Van Dyke, James E. Jervis
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Patent number: 6004330Abstract: The present invention accordingly provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1995Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka, Michael Buhler, Philippe Poncet, Karl Van Dyk, James E. Jervis
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Patent number: 5904690Abstract: The present invention provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate metallic members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the metallic member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the metallic member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the metallic member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the metallic member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka, Michael Buhler, Philippe Poncet, Karl Van Dyk, James E. Jervis, Reza Zadno
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Patent number: 5820628Abstract: A device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprises a manipulator at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate metallic members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the metallic member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and an actuator for extending the metallic member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the space and for withdrawing the metallic member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the metallic member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka, Michael Buhler, Philippe Poncet, Karl Van Dyk, James E. Jervis, Reza Zadno
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Patent number: 5749879Abstract: The present invention provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate metallic members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the metallic member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the metallic member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the metallic member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the metallic member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1993Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka, Michael Buhler, Philippe Poncet, Karl van Dyk, James E. Jervis, Reza Zadno
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Patent number: 5720754Abstract: The present invention accordingly provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1995Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka, Michael Buhler, Philippe Poncet, Karl Van Dyk, James E. Jervis
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Patent number: 5632746Abstract: The present invention provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1992Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka, Michael Buhler, Philippe Poncet, Karl van Dyk, James E. Jervis, Reza Zadno
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Patent number: 5601572Abstract: The present invention provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate metallic members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the metallic member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the metallic member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the metallic member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the metallic member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Assignee: Raychem CorporationInventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka, Michael Buhler, Philippe Poncet, Karl Van Dyk, James E. Jervis, Reza Zadno
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Patent number: 5509923Abstract: A device for dissecting, grasping and/or cutting an object has at least two elongate elements at least a portion of at least one of the elements is formed from a pseudoelastic material, preferably a pseudoelastic shape memory alloy. End portions of the elements can be moved away from one another and then toward one another to dissect, grasp and/or cut an object with the elements. In certain embodiments, the device further comprises an actuating means and at least a portion of the elements and/or the actuating means is formed from a pseudoelastic material. The device is particularly useful in dissecting, grasping and/or cutting objects located in difficult to reach areas, for example within the body during surgery.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1990Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Raychem CorporationInventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka
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Patent number: 5486183Abstract: The present invention accordingly provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1991Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Assignee: Raychem CorporationInventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka, Michael Buhler, Philippe Poncet, Karl Van Dyk, James E. Jervis
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Patent number: 5345937Abstract: A device suitable for insertion into a mammalian body comprises an elongated tube or cannula, an elastic member for bending the cannula, and a straightener preventing the elastic member from bending the cannula. The straightener and elastic member are capable of relative axial movement, so that the elastic straightener can be positioned to prevent or allow the elastic from bending the cannula. Preferably the elastic member is formed from a superelastic shape-memory alloy. Other versions of the device without a straightener are described.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: Raychem CorporationInventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka
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Patent number: 5231989Abstract: A device suitable for insertion into a mammalian body comprises an elongated tube or cannula, an elastic member for bending the cannula, and a straightener preventing the elastic member from bending the cannula. The straightener and elastic member are capable of relative axial movement, so that the straightener can be positioned to prevent or allow the elastic from bending the cannula. Preferably the elastic member is formed from a superelastic shape-memory alloy. Other versions of the device without a straightener are described.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1991Date of Patent: August 3, 1993Assignee: Raychem CorporationInventors: Lee M. Middleman, Walter R. Pyka
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Patent number: 5002563Abstract: A suture and a suturing method are set forth for suturing a wound in the tissue of a patient and defined by tissue edges. The suture comprises an alloy member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a first undeformed shape. It is deformable into a second deformed shape. The member has the property of recovering from its second shape towards its first shape upon the second shape being subjected to specified conditions. The first shape is a suturing loop adapted to draw and hold the tissue edges defining the wound together. The second shape is adapted to allow the member to be drawn through the tissue in position for the loop to form. The method comprises inserting such a member while it is in its second shape into position for it to assume its first suturing loop shape and subjecting it to conditions which cause it to recover towards its first shape.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1990Date of Patent: March 26, 1991Assignee: Raychem CorporationInventors: Walter R. Pyka, Hank C. K. Wuh, Lee M. Middleman