Patents by Inventor Warren D. Sheffield

Warren D. Sheffield 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).

  • Systems and methods for facilitating and/or effectuating development, rehabilitation, restoration, and/or recovery of visual function through neural stimulation
    Patent number: 6990377
    Abstract: System and methods for effectuating and/or facilitating visual function in a patient. One embodiment of a system comprises a neural stimulation system and a visual training system. The neural stimulation system can include a pulse generator and a stimulus delivery device coupled to the pulse generator. The stimulus delivery device is configured to deliver a stimulus to the brain of the patient. The visual training system can include a computer and a display coupled to the computer. The computer has a computer operable medium containing instructions to provide a visual output to the patient via the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford E. Gliner, Warren D. Sheffield
  • Prosthetic with collagen for tissue repair
    Patent number: 6004333
    Abstract: A prosthetic for placement over a defect in tissue includes at least one collagen pad for placement on tissue surrounding the defect. A patch is placeable over the defect and the collagen pad wherein the collagen pad, the patch and the tissue are adhereable to each other upon an application of pressure and energy. Alternatively, the prosthetic can consist of a patch with at least one collagen pad integrally formed with the patch. Another alternative prosthetic includes a patch made of collagen throughout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren D. Sheffield, Scott Wampler, Jesse Kuhns, Jeffrey J. Vaitekunas
  • Method for using an electrosurgical device on lung tissue
    Patent number: 6003517
    Abstract: A method of resecting a portion of lung using an electrosurgical instrument is disclosed. The electrosurgical device clamps upon lung tissue and applies RF energy to create a cauterized zone within the clamped portion of the lung. At least one staple is placed within the cauterized tissue zone. The cauterized zone is cut adjacent to the at least one staple and the cut portion of the lung is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren D. Sheffield, Jesse Kuhns, David C. Yates, Steven H. Mersch
  • Energy-base method applied to prosthetics for repairing tissue defects
    Patent number: 5972007
    Abstract: A method for repairing a defect in tissue includes the steps of placing at least one collagen pad on the tissue surrounding a tissue defect. A prosthetic is then placed over the defect and the collagen pad. Pressure and energy are then applied to the prosthetic at the collagen pad until the tissue and the collagen pad adhere to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren D. Sheffield, Scott Wampler, Jesse Kuhns, Jeffrey J. Vaitekunas
  • Method for preventing tissue damage after an ischemic episode
    Patent number: 5057494
    Abstract: A method is provided for preventing tissue damage in a patient after the tissue has been deprived of blood supply resulting in ischemia. The method involves administering to the patient a polypeptide having epidermal growth factor activity or fibroblast growth factor activity prior to or after the ischemic event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Warren D. Sheffield
  • Method for inhibiting post-surgical adhesion formation by the topical administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
    Patent number: 4937254
    Abstract: Postsurgical adhesion formation is inhibited by the topical administration to the site of surgical trauma of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, preferably ibuprofen, suprofen, or tolmetin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren D. Sheffield, Douglas B. Johns, Shalaby W. Shalaby, Gere S. diZerega, LeRoy L. Richer
  • Method for inhibiting post-surgical adhesion formation by the topical administration of tissue plasminogen activator
    Patent number: 4889722
    Abstract: Postsurgical adhesion formation is inhibited by the topical administration to the site of surgical trauma of a composition comprising tissue plasminogen activator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren D. Sheffield, Gere S. diZerega