Anatomical Patents (Class 33/511)
  • Patent number: 11589789
    Abstract: The present invention concerns the field of medical technology and relates to a device for the measurement, diagnosis, and/or therapy of the strength of the human finger, hand, arm, and/or shoulder, as can for example be used to measure bending strength. The object of the invention is to specify a device with which a multi-functional measurement, diagnosis, and/or therapy of the strength of the human finger, hand, arm, and/or shoulder is possible on one device. The object is attained by a device composed at least of a base plate and force-measuring sensors, of which at least one sensor comprises a puller bolt passing therethrough and this force-measuring sensor is positioned in a stationary manner on one side of the base plate and is connected to an actuation part in a force-fit via the puller bolt, furthermore in the region of the base plate a guide for additional force-measuring sensors is present and movable auxiliary devices can also be present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventors: Constanze Anna Maria Weber, Cornelius Adrian Maria Weber
  • Patent number: 11519862
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for assessing the quality of a meat product. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of assessing quality of a meat product, the method comprising receiving data representative of light emitted from the meat product upon application of incident light to the meat product, analysing the data to determine one or more parameters indicative of quality of the meat product, and assessing the quality of the meat product on the basis of the one or more parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: MEQ PROBE PTY LTD
    Inventors: Andrew Grant, Remo Carbone, Mark Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 11422634
    Abstract: An electronic device has an input which, in operation, receives an input stream of accelerometer data samples indicative of acceleration values along at least one axis. The devices includes circuitry, coupled to the input. The circuitry, in operation, executes an automatic-learning algorithm on blocks of samples of the input stream of accelerometer data samples to identify, for each block, a corresponding condition-of-user-movement from among a plurality of determined conditions-of-user-movement. The circuitry generates a plurality of streams of samples based on the input stream of accelerometer data samples, and for each condition of movement identified, selects a corresponding stream of samples of the plurality of streams of samples. The circuitry executes a wrist-tilt gesture detection algorithm using samples of the selected stream of the plurality of streams of samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.
    Inventors: Federico Rizzardini, Lorenzo Bracco, Stefano Paolo Rivolta
  • Patent number: 11033456
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning acupressure tools are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a template. A portion of the template is sized and shaped to be partially disposed about a curvature of a preselected portion of a body. The template defines a set of apertures. Each aperture from the set of apertures is configured to be disposed overlying a unique preselected acupoint of the body from a set of preselected acupoints of the body when the portion of the template is partially disposed about the curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Barbara Ellen Schwartz
  • Patent number: 11020245
    Abstract: A hip joint navigation system is provided that includes a base having at least one channel disposed therethrough for receiving a pin for mounting the base to the pelvis. A mount feature is disposed on a top surface. A registration jig is configured to couple with the base and to engage anatomical landmarks. In some aspects, a patient specific jig system for hip replacement is provided including an engagement surface formed to closely mate to acetabular bone contours of a specific patient and a registration feature configured to be in a pre-determined orientation relative to an acetabulum the patient when the jig is coupled with acetabular bone contours of the specific patient. In other aspects, methods of using the systems are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: OrthAlign, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas van der Walt, Jonathan Nielsen
  • Patent number: 10928175
    Abstract: A length measuring device includes a hook (380) to which a ring of the tape tip is hooked and retained, and the hook (380) includes a first hook (380-1) and a second hook (380-2) provided on both sides of an outlet perpendicularly to each other, in which, when the ring at a leading end of the tape tip is hooked with the first hook or the second hook, a surface of the first hook or the second hook is brought into contact with a rectangular inner peripheral surface of the fastening hole (305), such that the tape tip is retained perpendicularly to the first hook or the second hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: BAGEL LABS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung Hoon Hwang, Sung Seek Ham, Myung Jong Kim, Jun Young Park
  • Patent number: 9808326
    Abstract: A reference standard or reference system for dental feature location and orientation can include evaluating the facial appearance of one or more subjects based on aesthetic criteria and selecting a subset of subjects. The reference standard further includes constructing 3D representations, (e.g., a 3D virtual model), of the facial and dental features of the subset of subjects, from photographs of the face and mouth of each subject and determining the location and/or orientation of one or more dental features for each subject. The location and/or orientation values for each subject can be used to produce an average value and a standard deviation that forms the basis for a reference standard as part of reference system for evaluating patients. The method and system further includes constructing 3D representations (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventor: Mohamed I. Masoud
  • Patent number: 9554745
    Abstract: The disclosed device for verifying a hip-knee-ankle angle includes a mounting base having a planar abutting surface adapted for direct abutting against a resected surface on a distal femur, and a first inertial sensor in communication with a computer assisted surgery (CAS) system to determine an orientation of the mounting base and to digitize a mechanical axis of the femur. A visual alignment guide element is pivotably mounted to the mounting base such that the angular position of the visual alignment guide element is adjustable so as to be visually aligned with a mechanical axis of a tibia. A difference between orientations of the mounting base and the visual alignment guide is calculated by the computer assisted surgery system to determine the hip-knee-ankle angle. The visual alignment guide may include a second inertial sensor and/or a laser emitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ORTHOSOFT INC.
    Inventors: Trong Tin Nguyen, Pierre Couture
  • Patent number: 9475549
    Abstract: An inflatable shallow draft fishing boat having a removable, inflatable paddleboard floor that provides stable flotation for at least two standing adults, the boat also including an adjustable, detachable rowing frame. The boat can be maneuvered and propelled by oars, a push pole or a small motor. A detachable rowing frame allows the rower to switch his rowing position from facing the stern (for best speed) or face the bow (for better visibility when searching for fish). The paddleboard floor may be held in place by frictional engagement when the boat and the paddleboard are inflated; alternatively, the paddleboard may be removed and function independently as a stand-up paddleboard that can be used for fishing, swimming, or similar recreational water sports. The transom may be shortened for navigating rocky rivers, and measurement markings may be included on the outer side for measuring fish while the fish remain in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Richard L. Swan
  • Patent number: 9364346
    Abstract: A sizing caliper for facilitating the selection of a femoral component of a knee prosthesis includes a caliper body, two drill guide bodies, a stylus tower configured to be slidably linked to each other wherein as the caliper body and the stylus tower are linearly displaced at an equal rate relative to the drill guide body portions and the drill guide holes remain located at the midpoint of an anterior/posterior dimension defined by the distance between the tip of the stylus and the base portion. The caliper body comprises a base portion configured to couple and decouple from the caliper body using a sliding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: MicroPort Orthopedics Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Green, II, Brian Robert Harris
  • Patent number: 9186469
    Abstract: A template for locating a proper place for inserting a needle. The template has two reference indicators that are placed on a person's body and an elongated body, with incremental markings on each side of the elongated body, that moves relative to the two reference indicators. The incremental markings on each side of the elongated body can be scaled differently. One reference indicator is placed over the clavicle and the other is placed over the nipple on the same lateral side. The elongated body is moved until the reference indicators are each lined up with equivalent incremental markings on each half of the elongated body. When the reference indicators are lined up with matching incremental markings, a fixed target, positioned between the two sets of incremental markings, will indicate a proper location for inserting a pneumothorax relief needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: COMBAT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Murphy, Corey Russ
  • Patent number: 9114248
    Abstract: An electrode constituted of: a fixture arranged for connection to a frame; and a probe exhibiting a closed face and a generally conically shaped protrusion extending longitudinally from the closed face towards an apex, the probe in communication with the fixture, wherein the fixture is arranged to allow the probe to travel in a generally unrestricted manner exclusively along a longitudinal axis of the probe, wherein the generally conically shaped protrusion is arranged such that when the closed face is in contact with a skin surface, the generally conically shaped protrusion penetrates an outer layer of the skin surface responsive to the weight of the probe and is in electrical contact with an inner portion of the penetrated skin surface, and wherein a portion of the closed face, surrounding the generally conically shaped protrusion, is arranged to be in electrical contact with the outer skin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Nervomatrix Ltd.
    Inventors: Hector Rotstein, Michael Naroditsky, David Arlinsky, Ori Kanner
  • Patent number: 8939917
    Abstract: A method for measuring cartilage defects within a subject includes surgically exposing a joint or cartilage surface. The exposed joint or cartilage surface having at least one defect, and the method may generating a cast of the at least one defect. The method may also include measuring a parameter of the cast, thereby estimating a characteristic of the defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: ImaTx, Inc.
    Inventor: Rene Vargas-Voracek
  • Patent number: 8926532
    Abstract: A goniometer comprises a first arm (2), a second arm (4) and a connecting portion (6) pivotally connecting the first arm (2) to the second arm (4) about a pivot axis (7). An instrument connector (8) is coupled to the first arm (2) arranged to couple to a surgical instrument (10). A method of aligning a surgical instrument (10) using the goniometer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Depuy International Limited
    Inventors: Philip Barrett, Alec Birkbeck, James Brooks, Andrew Burton, Marcellino Maheson
  • Patent number: 8915868
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is an instrument for measuring posture in a patient. The instrument comprises a measuring instrument, further comprising a perpendicular member mechanically coupled to a fixed marker and a sliding marker. The fixed marker and the sliding marker can mark a poster instrument. The poster instrument is mechanically coupled to right side banner track which is mechanically coupled to three track screws, a left side banner track which is mechanically coupled three track screws and an upper banner track, which is mechanically coupled to an upper track screw. An examiner can utilize the measuring instrument to mark the poster instrument and maneuver the track screws to determine difference in measurements at head, shoulders, iliac crests, and vertical head measurement in a repeatable and consistent manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Kendall Duane Anderson
  • Patent number: 8858469
    Abstract: A method of determining the offset of the head part of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis stem component, relative to the neck of the stem part on which the head part can be fitted, involves obtaining a first and second images of the patient's joint on a non-coincident first and second planes. Template parts are fitted to the first and second images of the bone, which have markings on them which can be placed relative to the head part and the stem part respectively of the patient's bone, and scales for measuring first and second displacements which are the distances between the axis of the head part and the axis of the neck of the patient's bone measured in the first and second planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Depuy International Limited
    Inventors: James Brooks, Andrew Burton
  • Patent number: 8793888
    Abstract: A device for measuring anatomical dimensions of animals, and particularly the angle of inclination between the occlusal plane of an animal, defined by the contact surface between its upper and lower dental arches, and the alternative reference planes passing either through the anterior sagittal point and the temporomandibular joints, or through the anterior sagittal point and the eyes of the animal includes an element of contact with the animal, at least one first movable member attached revolvingly to the contact element around a first axis of rotation, and at least one graduated scale situated on the contact element, or on the first movable element to enable the measurement of their relative rotation. The contact element also includes a locator plate sized to fit inside the animal's mouth between its upper and lower dental arches, and to be aligned with the occlusal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Matteo Pellachin
  • Patent number: 8695226
    Abstract: A device for three-dimensional representation of horsebacks through measurement points, comprising: plural vertically telescoping and column shaped segments which are connected with a frame and which include flexible transversal elements at their upper end which flexible transversal elements are bent like an umbrella and have flexible curvatures, wherein the vertical segments are configured to be variably offset from one another in the frame and configured fixable in a temporary manner and the curvature of the transversal elements that are bent in the shape of an umbrella is adjustable and fixable in a temporary manner, wherein the transversal elements include measuring points which are configured variably arrangeable in a vertical plane through devices for adjusting the curvature of the transversal elements, and wherein the measuring points of the transversal elements are arranged in the surface of the three-dimensional contour of the horseback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Buettner
  • Publication number: 20140066792
    Abstract: A flexible measuring element for use with plural blood pressure measuring cuffs is provided. The flexible measuring element includes a flexible body, an identification block distribution region, and an indicating part. The identification block distribution region is disposed on the flexible body. The identification block distribution region includes at least two different identification blocks matching corresponding identification signs of the plural blood pressure measuring cuffs. When the flexible body is wrapped around an animal limb by a user, the indicating part lies within a specified identification block of the at least two identification blocks for prompting the user to select a specified blood pressure measuring cuff corresponding to the specified identification block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: BioCare Corporation
    Inventors: Kun-I Lin, Pei-Yuan Tsai
  • Patent number: 8663131
    Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the tongue strength of a subject during a sucking event includes an insert positioned within a nipple element to provide an output in response to deformation of the nipple element during a sucking event. The output is at least one of resistive force exerted against the subject's tongue and movement measurement of deformation force exerted on the nipple element during the sucking event. The apparatus is configurable to evaluate nutritive sucking (NS) or non-nutritive sucking (NNS) capabilities of the subject. The insert may be a sensing device, a compliance element, an intermediate device or a combination of these. A coupling device is configured to position the insert relative to the nipple element and/or to receive output from the insert. A method includes evaluating tongue strength of a subject during NS or NNS and using inserts providing increasing levels of resistive force to exercise the subject's tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: CCB Research Group LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Cunningham, Gilson J. Capilouto, Timothy A. Butterfield
  • Publication number: 20140000121
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a section of a creature, the apparatus having a caliper with a slot, a band for anchoring the caliper, and a tether to connect the caliper and the band. The tether may have a first and second loop to connect to the caliper and band. The slot width is configurable respective to a desired length of the section of the creature measured. The apparatus is constructed using corrosion resistant substances. A method is provided for using the same to measure a section of a creature. In one example, a lobster gauge is provided to measure a carapace for determining compliance with governmental regulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Diana Reed
  • Patent number: 8595949
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an eye alignment training device that may be used to train and improve an individual's ability to align their vision. In using this device, a base piece of the device is held by the user, a connector may extend from the base piece while another end of the connector may be secured, for example, to a wall. Between each end, sliding markers slideably positioned on the connector may have various visual characteristics. For example, each marker may be of a different color. The markers may be moved to different locations on the connector, and the subject may move his focus between the various markers. When not in use, the connector may be stored in a cavity within the base piece, such as by being wound around a groove in the base piece, retained within a gap in the base piece, or retained within a cavity enclosed within the base piece. The device may have a retraction mechanism which retracts the connector into the cavity of the base piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Herb Yoo
  • Patent number: 8523875
    Abstract: A graft caliper provides for a first member having a first pick at its distal end and its proximal end attached to a handle. A second member of the graft caliper is disposed above the first member and has a second pick at its distal end that extends beyond the first pick. The proximal end of the second member is attached to an adjuster which causes the second member to move from a first position to a second position in order to change a distance the second pick extends beyond the first pick. The graft caliper provides for an indication of at least one metric for describing the distance the second pick extends beyond the first pick and places an identifier on a surface of bone representing the location of a tunnel to be formed through a femur, tibia or any other anatomical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Henry Brown, Jr., Michael Charles Ferragamo, William Richard Davis
  • Patent number: 8512261
    Abstract: A Perineal elasticity meter having a circular central stem marked with millimeter markings and a sleeve portion surrounding the circular stem. Hinges connect the sleeve to expanders that extend from the circular stem. The perineal elasticity meter is configured to be inserted into the vagina of a patient in order to measure the elasticity of the perineal area. The sleeve includes an opening that shows a circumferential measurement achieved by the expansion of the expanders, as the sleeve moves along the central stem. Another perineal elasticity meter includes two stems connected via a hinge at a proximal portion of the stems. The proximal portions of the stems are configured to be inserted into the vagina of a patient and a measurement is taken of a distance between the expanded distal portion of the stems, thereby measuring the elasticity of the perineal area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventors: Miriam R. Diniz Zanetti, Mary Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8505209
    Abstract: A diagnostic tool including a first arm and a second arm, a top surface of the first arm comprising a graphical ranking guide comprising a plurality of images that graphically illustrate at least a portion of rank classifier indicia for a classification system comprising a plurality of ranks, each of the images corresponding to at least one of the ranks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: N.E. Solutionz, LLC
    Inventor: Nancy A. Estocado
  • Patent number: 8431838
    Abstract: A combination fishing net and weight scale with length measuring ruler. The weight scale components are incorporated at a distal end of the handle of the fishing net opposite the end incorporating the net basket. A fish may be retained in the net basket and the distal end of the handle is held up to allow the major portion of the handle and the fishing net basket to extend downward under gravity. The weight of the fish is shown on an indicator positioned in the end (movable) component of the handle that shows through an aligned aperture on the main (fixed) handle component. An internally fixed spring extends between the movable component and the fixed component of the handle. Alternately, a solid state electronic scale may be used in the same position. A length measuring device may be positioned along the length of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Jared Bond, Kirk Bond
  • Patent number: 8425434
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the condition of animals provides for current height and weight measurements taken from an animal in order to automatically derive a height-to-weight ratio. The height-to-weight ratio thus obtained may be used to determine whether or not an animal's overall physical condition lies inside tolerance limits in relation to its predetermined expected development. An apparatus for implementing the method of the invention may include a control system configured to determine the height-to-weight ratio and may within a control system of an animal installation. The supply of feed to an animal may be adjusted in response to a deviation of its measured height weight ratio from a target or benchmark value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: DeLaval Holding AB
    Inventor: Ron Mulder
  • Patent number: 8388627
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for aligning two or more longitudinally space parts of a body, such as leg bones, prior to and/or during a surgical procedure using a laser light guide assembly are described. The apparatus may have a saddle for attachment to a specific body part, and comprises a first horizontally rotatable structural member pivotably secured to the saddle or other support means, and a second rotatable structural member aligned vertically and perpendicular to the first structural member. A laser light guide which includes a laser is attached to the second structural member, the laser capable of generating a laser light beam of sufficient strength and intensity to allow for alignment of the body parts prior to and during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: Vinod K. Panchbhavi
  • Patent number: 8357145
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for implanting medical devices. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a flexible base member that can be flexed manually to conform to a contour of an anatomy, the base member including a radioscopic indicium that has a characteristic such that, under radioscopic imaging, passage of a skin-penetrating electromagnetic radiation is hindered to an extent that is distinguishable from a hindrance of the electromagnetic radiation by another portion of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Schleicher, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 8342045
    Abstract: A method of recording data relating to the posture of a subject and assessing the data so as to categorize said data into activities, including sitting, walking and standing. The method comprises sensing the movement of the thigh by use of a single sensor; recording the movement of the thigh; and processing the data so as to classify the data into discrete ones of said activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: University of Strathclyde
    Inventors: Douglas James Maxwell, Malcolm Howard Granat, Joseph Cyril Barbenel
  • Patent number: 8326411
    Abstract: A trunk width measuring unit including a first contact portion attached movably in the vertical direction relative to a unit main body, the first contact portion to be brought into contact with an upper surface of a trunk of a subject, second and third contact portions attached movably in the horizontal direction relative to the unit main body, a vertical width detection encoder for detecting a lowering distance of the first contact portion from an original position on the upper side of the trunk of the user to a contact point with the upper surface of the trunk, and a horizontal width detection encoder attached movably in the horizontal direction relative to the unit main body by the same distance as a moving distance of the second contact portion, the horizontal width detection encoder detecting a moving distance of the third contact portion relative to the second contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromichi Karo, Takehiro Hamaguchi, Tomoya Ijiri, Yasuaki Murakawa, Shojiro Oku
  • Patent number: 8317522
    Abstract: A hand held device (10) for measuring automatically the Hormonal Quotient and correlated hormonal status of an individual, providing a measure of index finger for ring finger. The device (10) includes a base (30) upon which a concentrically arranged disc (40) is rotatable mounted by a central fastener (11). The base (30) carries a ruler face (32), a first finger-length logarithm scale (36), a Hormonal Quotient logarithm scale (38) and an arrow indicator of the gonadal hormone exposure index (39). The disc (40) carries a second finger-length logarithm scale (42) and the Hormonal Quotient arrow (44). When scales (42) and (36) are properly aligned the Hormonal Quotient arrow (44) inserts automatically into the resulting Hormonal Quotient in the Hormonal Quotient scale (38) and the correlated gonadal hormone exposure (39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Diana Derval, Johan Bremer
  • Publication number: 20120246954
    Abstract: A device for measuring anatomical dimensions of animals, and particularly the angle of inclination between the occlusal plane of an animal, defined by the contact surface between its upper and lower dental arches, and the alternative reference planes passing either through the anterior sagittal point and the temporomandibular joints, or through the anterior sagittal point and the eyes of the animal includes an element of contact with the animal, at least one first movable member attached revolvingly to the contact element around a first axis of rotation, and at least one graduated scale situated on the contact element, or on the first movable element to enable the measurement of their relative rotation. The contact element also includes a locator plate sized to fit inside the animal's mouth between its upper and lower dental arches, and to be aligned with the occlusal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Matteo Pellachin
  • Patent number: 8276287
    Abstract: An L-shaped diagnostic tool is preferably made from paper with a backing having a contact adhesive. Each arm has a ruler, with origins co-aligned at the internal corner of the intersection of the arms. One arm has representative color images of afflictions for each of the various ranks within a classification system. The other arm contains textual descriptions of the salient features of afflictions in each rank. A photograph of the L-shaped tool placed around the affliction may be taken for diagnostic and monitoring purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: N.E. Solutionz, LLC
    Inventor: Nancy Ann Estocado
  • Patent number: 8151478
    Abstract: This Invention provides for a color-coded infant measuring apparatus (10) that includes a linear head panel (14), an antimicrobial flexible mat (12) having its top end connected to the linear head panel (14), and a linear foot panel (16) connected to the bottom end of the flexible mat (12). The flexible mat (12) includes a system of linear measurement comprising a plurality of line segments of different lengths representing integer measurement increments and fractional measurement increments, wherein line segments having the same length are assigned the same respective color. A plurality of different nonlinear two-dimensional symbols represents different fraction measurement increments, wherein the same two-dimensional symbols are assigned the same respective color and different two-dimensional symbols are assigned different colors. The flexible mat (12) includes a linear measuring scale on the central vertical line (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hopkins Uniform Company
    Inventor: Philip Michael Kenney
  • Patent number: 8146261
    Abstract: A girth measurer includes a generally tubular elongated body with interior and exterior ends. The girth measurer includes a handle at the interior end. The girth measurer also includes a generally triangular guide at the exterior end. The guide has two upper slots and two lower slots. A slider is reciprocally mounted for movement within the body. A strap is fabricated of a flexible, inextensible material. The strap has first and second ends passing downwardly through the slots and attached to the slider. The strap is in two parallel sections between the triangular guide and the handle. The strap is in a closed loop between the two upper slots. The loop is of varying circumferences as a function of the position of the handle along the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Charles L. Perry
  • Patent number: 8141262
    Abstract: A fish measuring device includes a flat, flexible base and an elongate, flexible tape measure secured to the base. A fish is positioned atop the base and the base is wrapped around the fish to inhibit its movement. Releasable fasteners maintain the base in the wrapped configuration during the measurement. The tape measure is extended into parallel, overlying relation to the fish so that the length of the fish may be measured. At least one stiffener is disposed in sliding engagement to the tape measure and is held in a vertical plane near the head of the fish. The tape measure is held taut from an exit point of the stiffener in parallel relation to the fish so that the measurement can be made. At least one suction cup is formed in a reverse side of the base so that the base is releasably secured to a flat support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: San Fu Lee
  • Publication number: 20120017547
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device (1) for determining a surface contour (42) of a human or animal body (41), wherein the measuring device (1) comprises a main chain (43) having several main-chain links (44, 44?, 44?, 44??, 44lv, 44v), which are connected to each other by a swivel joint (45), characterized in that the swivel joint (45) has a scale (13, 23, 74?) or sensors, by means of which the angle between the at least two main-chain links (44, 44?, 44?, 44??, 44lv, 44v) can be read or detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Christoph Rieser
  • Patent number: 7998093
    Abstract: Methods of sizing a nasal airway by using certain measurements of digits may include (a) pressing a distal portion of a digit of a hand against a resilient, flat surface, such that flesh of the distal portion of the digit spreads laterally on the surface; (b) measuring the digit's width at a digit measuring level, the measuring level being the widest part of the digit distal to a distal-most interphalangeal joint of the digit; and (c) identifying a nasal airway size as that size which correlates most closely to the digit's width as measured at the digit measuring level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Sanostec, Corp.
    Inventor: Louise S. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7892240
    Abstract: A femoral head center locating mechanism and method for using same. The femoral head center locating mechanism may include a frame and a plurality of lasers which emit laser beams which intersect to identify a reference point relative to a center of a femoral head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody L. Claypool, Sudip Hui, James S. Collins, Donald M. Patmore, Dale E. Walriven
  • Patent number: 7871405
    Abstract: Medical devices can be positioned within a patient by use of apparatus and methods according to the invention. The apparatus and methods permit insertion of the medical devices into various locations of the patient's body without requiring removal and reinsertion of already-inserted medical devices. The apparatus and methods are typically used to place medical devices into a male patient's urinary system to treat a disease or condition. The medical devices can be cryoablation probes that are inserted into the prostate gland to treat prostate cancer, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Nowlin, Arthur R. Madenjian, Richard Tah, Weenna Bucay-Couto
  • Patent number: 7857851
    Abstract: Surgical instruments for use in sizing tissue defects and selecting an appropriate implant for the defect include sizing templates. The sizing templates are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the implants. The sizing templates may be retractable into a tube for use in arthroscopic surgery. The retractable sizing templates are resilient to allow them to be retracted into a small diameter tube, and to expand on release from the tube to the desired size and shape. The method of using the instrument set is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Depuy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Zannis, Herbert E. Schwartz, Danny E. McAdams, Brian A. Magee, Andrew M. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7814673
    Abstract: A vest sizing device including a shell member having associated therewith a plurality of rule scales and rule index members that cooperate with one another to provide a plurality of girth dimensions for a four-legged animal by longitudinal position. The shell member when configured for use defines a plurality of openings including a neck opening, an abdominal or rear opening, at least one leg opening, and an access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Eagle Industries Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Elias L. Gonzalez, Tyler A. Cigard
  • Patent number: 7805852
    Abstract: A device for the determination of a plane containing the mechanical axis of the femur includes a mechanical member of articulated and or/sliding elements for the determination and memorization of two positions in space (F1 and F2) of the same point (F) of the knee, freely selected, when the knee is in position P1 and P2, relative to a referential system. These positions are obtained by rotation of the inferior limb from position P1 to position P2, about the centre of the femoral head. The orientation of an omega plan perpendicular to the frontal or sagittal plane containing the centre of the femoral head and the centre of the knee can be materialized by a rod contained in this plane, which rod is fixed perpendicularly and in the middle of the arm having at the ends two localization elements for points F1 and F2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Michel Collette
  • Publication number: 20100199507
    Abstract: A vest sizing device including a shell member having associated therewith a plurality of rule scales and rule index members that cooperate with one another to provide a plurality of girth dimensions for a four-legged animal by longitudinal position. The shell member when configured for use defines a plurality of openings including a neck opening, an abdominal or rear opening, at least one leg opening, and an access opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC.
    Inventors: Elias L. GONZALEZ, Tyler A. CIGARD
  • Patent number: 7716843
    Abstract: A flat transparent overlay for measurement of equine foot x-rays employs a flat lower edge for alignment with a ground surface and an anterior edge angled to approximate a hoof distal wall. A first sight ring positions the tool over a tip of an image of a third phalanx. Six interrelated scales are provided for measurement of the palmar cortex, distal sole thickness, break-over distance and coronet band to extensor process distance, and in conjunction with a second site ring, center of rotation and palmar sole thickness. A first protractor element is centered posterior on the first sight ring for measurement of the palmar angle. A dual scale extends from the angled anterior edge portion with a measurement line for measurement of the hoof-lamella zone. A second protractor element is posterior to and centered on the second sight ring for measurement of a pastern angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Pete Healey
  • Patent number: 7699607
    Abstract: This present invention concerns a locating and measuring device of facial anatomical parameters of a human face. It includes in particular a frame intended to be positioned in front of a face, and a bite yoke mounted on a cross member of the frame, intended to be inserted into the mouth and bitten onto by a patient. In a manner that is characteristic, the invention also includes materialization and positioning for an incisive line, materialization and positioning for a bi-pupillary line, and materialization and positioning for a Camper's plane on at least one profile of the face. The device of the invention finds a particular application in the fields of dental and periodontal reconstruction and repair in accordance with the aesthetic harmony of the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Patrice Margossian
  • Patent number: 7665220
    Abstract: The present invention is a towel or absorbent cloth adapted for use by a fisherman for grasping a freshly caught fish with measurement means visible on a surface of the towel or absorbent cloth. In a preferred embodiment, attaching means provide for attachment of the towel to a belt or pants top of a user so that it can be easily reached upon catching a fish. In another embodiment, a grasping part of the towel or cloth is adapted to minimize absorbency to preserve the protective slime coat of a freshly caught fish so that it can be safely released after measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick Gee
  • Patent number: 7628215
    Abstract: A hoof pick measure tool that includes a hoof pick and a measuring body. The hoof pick may be used to remove foreign material from a horse's hoof. Additionally, the hoof pick measure tool further includes the measuring body. The measuring body includes at least one set of indicia linear measurement lines that allows a user to evaluate changes in dimensions of areas in the horse's hoof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Sarah J. Nickle
  • Patent number: 7617615
    Abstract: A band-like exercise result measurement article with selectable display aspect includes a planar strip of a flexible material having first and second ends, an elastic inner surface and an outer surface of a loop material, the outer surface having, along its length, at least one linear scale imprinted upon it. The article also includes a buckle, a first segment of a hook material affixed to the inner surface near the second end and a second segment of a hook material affixed to the outer surface of the strip near its second end. When the first hook segment is fastened to the outer surface through the buckle, the article displays a measurement of scale. When the second hook segment is fastened to the outer surface through the buckle, the measurement is precluded from display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventors: Jonathan Martorell, Silvina Marcela Gauna