Means For Ejecting Solid From Holder Patents (Class 604/59)
  • Patent number: 6755779
    Abstract: A cardiac constraint jacket is formed of flexible material defining a volume between an open upper end and a lower end. The jacket is dimensioned for an apex of a patient's heart to be inserted into the volume through the open upper end and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket includes a receiving member along its upper end for engagement to a delivery apparatus, the apparatus used in positioning the jacket on the heart. The delivery apparatus includes a handle and a band. The band is generally hoop shaped having a first end and a second end attached to the handle, the first end fixedly attached to the handle and the second end releasably attached to the handle. Alternatively, the first end can be attached to a releasable end cap of the handle. In use, the second end of the band is released from the handle and inserted into the jacket receiving member. The jacket is threaded onto the band and the band end re-attached to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Vanden Hoek, Beverly J. Johnson, Jody Rivers, John David Dockter
  • Publication number: 20040116895
    Abstract: The invention relates to a needle-type body embodied in the form of a rigid implant (1) having a tip (2) and provided with a guide surface (4) disposed thereon and/or a shank (3) which is joined to the tip and provided with a guide surface (5) and/or the implant has a cylindrical or spherical body. The aim of the invention is to insert said body into living tissue so that the implant is fully surrounded by tissue, whereby the point of insertion can thus heal. In order to insert the implant (1) into the tissue, a cartridge and tube combination is used, consisting of a tube (6) which has a continuous borehole (7) into which the implant can be inserted and through which the implant (1) is guided, in addition to a plunger (8) which is displaceably arranged in the bore hole (7) and whose length is greater than the depth of the tube (6). The tube (6) is embodied in the form of a truncated cone or a truncated pyramid on the end where the implant (1) can be expelled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Ulrich Werth, Karl-Otto Launicke
  • Publication number: 20040111053
    Abstract: A veterinary pill/capsule delivery device comprised of a dispensing head for holding a pill or capsule, the dispensing head being attached to the end of a syringe component for ejecting the pill or capsule out from the dispensing head into the animal's mouth while at the same time injecting a quantity of water into the mouth. The syringe component includes a push-rod that protrudes into dispensing head for ejecting the pill/capsule therefrom, plus water release holes near the dispensing head for simultaneously jetting water out of the syringe component into the animal's mouth, thereby compelling the animal to swallow the pill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Jon R. Nicolette
  • Publication number: 20040064082
    Abstract: There is provided a tampon applicator having a plunger and a barrel with a tapered insertion, which provides enhanced insertion comfort to a user. The taper of the insertion tip is defined by a ratio of the length of the taper projection along a longitudinal axis of the barrel to the length of the taper projection along a radius of the barrel at a base region of the insertion tip. The insertion end of the barrel preferably has two or more petals for enhanced user comfort. Preferably, the petals have a substantially uniform thickness. The barrel may also have a fingergrip for ease of use of the applicator during insertion, expulsion of the pledget, and removal from the vagina.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica E. LeMay, Kathryn G. Bennett, Keith Edgett, Dane R. Jackson, Jamshid Rejai
  • Patent number: 6679255
    Abstract: An inhaler capable of administering powdered medicaments contained in a capsule is formed by a compartment housing the capsule, inside the cover or the body of the inhaler, and a cutting element, inside the same cover or the body. The element cuts or perforates the capsule, releasing the substance it contained. The powder falls into a grid reservoir below that holds the pieces of the case end lets only the powder pass through. Once the capsule is inserted into the compartment, it will be sufficient to activate the cutting device, then place the mouthpiece into the mouth and breathe in, so that the powdered substance dispersed into the chamber can reach the lungs. The inhaler may be equipped with disposable accessories to be placed into the mouth, otherwise it may be used with specific accessories for inhaling the substances also by the nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Ivo E. Pera
  • Publication number: 20030195461
    Abstract: A method and solution for perioperatively inhibiting tumor cell adhesion and a variety of pain and inflammation processes at wounds from general surgical procedures including oral/dental procedures. The solution preferably includes at least one anti-tumor cell adhesion agent and multiple pain and inflammation inhibitory agents at dilute concentration in a physiologic carrier, such as saline or lactated Ringer's solution. The solution is applied by continuous irrigation of a wound during a surgical procedure for preemptive inhibition of pain and while avoiding undesirable side effects associated with oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous or intravenous application of larger doses of the agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Omeros Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Demopulos, Pamela Pierce-Palmer, Jeffrey M. Herz, Darrell L. Tanelian
  • Patent number: 6616594
    Abstract: A cartridge is configured to be inserted into a medical instrument for treating patients with radioactive seeds. The cartridge includes a rotating internal barrel that is loaded with a plurality of seeds, where the internal barrel has a plurality of conduits for accepting the seeds. As the internal barrel rotates, a seed from one of the conduits is deposited into a shuttle, and then the shuttle is fully extended so as to provide the seed to the medical instrument. The shuttle is then retracted, and the barrel is rotated to the next conduit, so as to receive a seed from that next conduit. The cartridge includes a first shield and a second shield, each having slots where the slots of the first and second shields are aligned in a first verification or calibration mode, and where the slots are not aligned in a normal, seed depositing mode. The second shield also includes a plurality of numeric indicators that indicate a current number of seeds remaining in the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Integrated Implant Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Diego Y. Fontayne, Daniel E. Ueda, Edward J. Kaplan, Steven S. Ravins, Ernest A. Elgin, III
  • Patent number: 6616664
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for an external fixation system includes a first clamp member receiving a first elongated and a second clamp member receiving a second elongated member. The first clamp member includes a first fastener rotatably in a first direction to lock the first elongated member relative to the first clamp member. A second fastener connects the first and second clamp members. The second fastener is rotatable in the first direction to independently lock the second elongated member relative to the second clamp member. The first fastener is hollow and the second fastener passes through the first fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: EBI L.P.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Walulik, Kirk J. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20030135153
    Abstract: A device for delivering a drug implant to an implant site comprises a needle having a lateral opening in which the drug implant is releasably held. Once at the implant site, the drug implant is released directly form the opening. The invention obviates the need for a cannula through which a drug implant is delivered, and therefore obviates the many problems associated with a cannula-type delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Hagemeier
  • Patent number: 6582441
    Abstract: A tool is provided for facilitating determining a proper location for an implantable device or medication, and for then delivering the implant to the precise location determined with the tool. To determine the target location, the tool may include a component for testing target locations, such as a stimulating probe for simulating a miniature implantable stimulator. In one embodiment, the tool is used to test a miniature implantable stimulator prior to depositing the implant precisely at the target location. The components of the tool are configured to maintain the implant at the target location while the tool is withdrawn. In one embodiment, a push rod assembly of the tool keeps the implant in position while it retracts the implant holder from around the implant. The ergonomic and light-weight tool leads to reduced surgical time, number and size of incisions, risk of infection, and likelihood of error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Xiaohai He, James P. McGivern, Todd K. Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 6567689
    Abstract: Detectable markers that may be introduced into a cavity created by removal of a biopsy specimen to mark the location of the biopsy site so that it may be located in a subsequent medical/surgical procedure. The markers remain present in sufficient quantity to permit detection and location of the biopsy site at a first time point (e.g., 2 weeks) after introduction but clear from the biopsy site or otherwise not interfere with imaging of tissues adjacent the biopsy site at a second time point (e.g., 5-7 months) after introduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: SenoRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred H. Burbank, Paul Lubock, Michael L. Jones, Nancy Forcier
  • Publication number: 20030089368
    Abstract: An actuator for a metered dose inhaler containing a liquefied propellant and a medicament. The actuator comprises a nozzle block having a fluid flow path extending therethrough, the fluid flow path defined by an internal chamber having an inlet and an outlet; the outlet being defined in a portion of said nozzle block and comprising an exit channel extending therethrough. The exit channel has a narrow portion wherein the diameter of the channel is 0.3 mm or less, the narrow portion being 0.5 mm or less in length; and the narrow portion optionally including a constriction having a diameter of less than 0.3 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Junguo Zhao
  • Patent number: 6514238
    Abstract: A method of transplanting a graft in the subretinal area of a host eye comprises preparing the graft by harvesting from the donor tissue a population of cells in a manner that maintains the population of cells in the same organization and cellular polarity as is present in normal tissue of that type. The population of cells are of a sheet-like form and are assembled with a relatively thin flexible pliable carrier composed of a non-toxic flexible composition which substantially dissolves at body temperature to form a graft. The graft is sufficiently flexible and pliable to be coiled to form a volute without disturbing the organization and polarity of the cells. The method further comprises coiling the graft to form a volute with the convolutions of the volute free of one another for subsequent uncoiling of the graft substantially to its original sheet-like form. An incision is made in the host eye for insertion of the volute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Photogenesis, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20030004491
    Abstract: A system for injecting controlled release medicinal implants has a syringe-like injector body with a lumen and plunger. A needle is attached to the injector body and receives therein an injectable implant with an internal hollow. The implant is retained in the needle by friction, which is overcome by the plunger upon dispensing. As the plunger moves from the retracted position to the deployed position, it forces a medicament previously loaded into the injector body into the implant hollow and then pushes the implant out of the needle into the creature into which the needle has been inserted. The implant may contain a filler to absorb flowable medicaments to aid in their retention within the implant. As in known implants, the medicament is released gradually depending upon the dissolution rate of the implant body which is formed from a biodegradable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevor S. Tenhuisen, Joel Rosenblatt, John McAllen
  • Publication number: 20030004457
    Abstract: A hypodermic implant device, comprising a barrel; an upper piston segment engaged with an inner wall of the barrel; an axially aligned needle extendably distally out of the barrel for insertion into an object when the upper piston segment is moved distally within the body; a lower piston segment push rod in alignment with the needle, so that upon distal movement of the lower piston segment, the push rod moves distally through the needle expelling a releasable implant housed in the needle; and a means for retraction of the needle into a needle receptacle in the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Stig O. Andersson
  • Patent number: 6485453
    Abstract: A cassette for storing and insertion of a solid medicine peg appears as a unit having a first bore (2) which accommodates the medicine peg (3) and has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of this peg (3), a second bore (4) in coaxial extension of the first bore (2) and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the first bore (2), an inserter having a shaft (5) fitting into the first bore (2) and a guiding head (6) in coaxial extension of the shaft (5) fitting into the second bore. The inserter shaft (5) has one end adjacent to the peg (3) and the other connected to the guiding head (6) which projects from the cassette. The head (6) fits into the second bore with a fitting providing a diffusion tight sealing and the distal end of the unit is closed by a membrane diffusion tightly sealing this distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Thomas Buch-Rasmussen, Søren Aasmul, James M. Flink, Philip Hansen, Claus Juul-Mortensen, Jens Ulrik Poulsen
  • Patent number: 6468264
    Abstract: The invention provides a means of closed exchange of implanted medical device components. An exchanger is brought into contact with the implanted medical device in situ. The component is withdrawn from the implanted device and brought into a closed chamber of the exchanger. Without breaking the contact between implanted device and exchanger, the replacement component is then moved from its position in the exchanger, and inserted into the correct position in the implanted device. The surfaces of the implanted device are not brought into contact with the outside environment, thereby minimizing the possibility of introducing contaminants into the body during the exchange process. The invention is particularly useful for devices that are difficult to position and re-position, thus making it advantageous to exchange only an expended component, rather than the entire device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Durect Corporation
    Inventors: Edward M. Gillis, Timothy Scott Nelson
  • Patent number: 6461322
    Abstract: The nasal dispenser (1) consists of but two integral housing bodies (4, 5) for accommodating a medium blister (6). Bodies (4, 5) are interlocked by withdrawal prevention means against separation and by releasable blocking means (49) against actuation. The medium reservoir (7) is located freely in an innermost housing space (62) of the first housing body (4). Thus the dispenser (1) is highly compact, simple in configuration and permits facilitated handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Ritsche
  • Patent number: 6436068
    Abstract: An implantation instrument for implanting a sensor or substantially solid material, including solid medication or drugs, in a subcutaneous location and method thereof are described. An incising shaft includes a beveled tip with a cutting edge along a distal end thereof. A syringe body is affixed to a proximal end of the incising shaft. The syringe body and the incising shaft each define a substantially non-circular hollow bore extending continuously along a shared longitudinal axis. The incising shaft bore does not exceed the syringe body bore in girth. Both the incising shaft bore and the syringe body bore are sized to receive the solid material. A plunger is conformably shaped to the syringe body bore and has an end piece facilitating deployment of the plunger assembly. The plunger slidably fits within the syringe body bore and advances the solid material through the syringe body bore and the incising shaft bore into the subcutaneous location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Gust H. Bardy
  • Patent number: 6432035
    Abstract: A method for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Integrated Implant Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven S. Ravins, Edward Kaplan, Ernest A. Elgin, III
  • Patent number: 6428463
    Abstract: A method for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Integrated Implant Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven S. Ravins, Edward Kaplan, Ernest A. Elgin, III
  • Patent number: 6412490
    Abstract: A minimally invasive implant, means for insertion, and description of how to most efficiently use it are described n several embodiments. This implant preferably has a segmented looping memory for storing triggered physiologic events. Preferred events for setting autotriggers to record physiologic signals occurring during events include arrhythmias and syncopal events. Preferably the device can function without a microprocessor. An outside device or other patient activated manual trigger is included. Auto triggers and manually set triggers may be of different sizes. The preferred physiologic events are ECG signals. Electrode spacing can be critical. Additional sensors may be provided to the device. Preferred communications with the device is through telemetry such as is used for pacemakers and other implanted devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian B. Lee
  • Patent number: 6368300
    Abstract: An apparatus and method apply a hemostatic agent onto a tissue. The apparatus includes a tube having a first end and a second end. A lumen of the tube is tapered from the first end to the second end. A hemostatic agent source is within the tube. A plunger is included for directing the hemostatic agent from the tapered tube through an opening at the second end. The hemostatic agent can be directed from the tube through the opening of the second end onto the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fallon, John G. Maresh, James A. Wilkie
  • Patent number: 6366206
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching one or more transponders to medical and non-medical products to tag respective ones of the products with identifying data contained in a memory of the transponders. The one or more transponders each include a memory containing the corresponding identifying data which is emitted by the respective transponder in response to an electromagnetic signal emitted externally of the transponder. The identifying data corresponds to at least one of the respective one or more transponders and a respective product for tagging. The one or more transponders are attached to respective ones of the products to tag the products with the corresponding identifying data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Ball Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Ishikawa, Nabuo Takeda, Suzanne I. Ahn, Steven R. Hays
  • Patent number: 6306125
    Abstract: System for delivering an implant to tissue to be treated which includes a housing, a delivery head which carries the implant and is movable between extended and retracted positions relative to the housing, an actuator mounted in the housing and connected to the delivery head for moving the delivery head from the retracted position to the extended position and back to the retracted position, and a depth gauge mounted to the housing for determining how far the implant is inserted into the tissue when the delivery head is moved to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Neovasys, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore L. Parker, Danforth Joslyn, Serjan D. Nikolic
  • Patent number: 6290980
    Abstract: A method and packaging for vaccinating or medicating an animal by implanting a solid dose medicament in an animal. The solid dose medicament, or plurality of such medicaments, are each color-coded to identify a particular active ingredient, then packaged in a pellet magazine through which the doses are visible, and thereafter the pellets are implanted, usually subcutaneously, into the base of the ear or in the neck of an animal. The same system can be used for colored ballistic implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Solidose, LLC
    Inventor: Richard D. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6200288
    Abstract: An everting toroid for use in delivering a powdered, fluid, or aerosolized pharmaceutical composition, or other composition, to an internal body cavity, such as the urethra, or other cavity, is contained within a tubular housing and may be extended therefrom and retracted back into the tubular housing. The composition may be distributed on the surface of the everting toroid when made from an impermeable membrane, contained within the toroid when made from a permeable membrane, or may be injected through the lumen thereof via an aerosol wand which releases the composition as the toroid and/or wand are withdrawn from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Jeremy P. W. Heaton, Michael A. Adams, James D. Banting
  • Patent number: 6159218
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and instrument for implanting retinal tissue into the subretinal space of the eye comprising the steps of inducting a fragment of retinal tissue into a tubular nozzle of an instrument by retracting a mandrel telescoped internally of the nozzle, incising the pars plana region of the eye, incising the retina of the eye to expose a subretinal target area, inserting the nozzle of the instrument through the incisions in the pars plana and retina of the eye, orientating an open end of the nozzle over the target area of the retina, and retracting the nozzle relative to the mandrel of the instrument to deposit the tissue in the target area of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventors: Robert B. Aramant, Magdalene J. Seiler
  • Patent number: 6142972
    Abstract: The invention features an implantable device for the automatic delivery of an active ingredient according to an adjustable delivery profile. The device includes a housing; a reservoir operatively connected to the housing and arranged to store a solid composition including the active ingredient; an actuator arranged within the housing to move the solid composition from the reservoir to a transit area, wherein the solid composition exits the housing at the transit area; a controller that acts on the actuator to adjust movement of the solid composition out of the housing according to the adjustable delivery profile; and a power source arranged to provide energy to the actuator and the controller. The solid composition can be an elongate, solid composition comprising a drug, and up to 90% of a carrier, wherein the composition has a cross-section of less than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Delab
    Inventor: Roland Cherif Cheikh
  • Patent number: 6105823
    Abstract: A product dispenser includes a housing defining an inner space for a product; a piston member movably disposed in the inner space for dispensing product from the inner space; a ram slidably associated with the housing for driving the piston in the inner space, and movable relative to the housing between an active position wherein the ram is aligned with the piston for dispensing product, and a neutral position wherein the ram is not aligned with the piston whereby the ram in the neutral position is slidable relative to the housing without dispensing product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: The Plastek Group
    Inventors: Richard H. Seager, Peter Piscopo
  • Patent number: 6102844
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting seeds in or about a target area, such as a tumor, within a patient. The implantation device includes an implantation needle having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end of the needle, the needle bore being adapted to permit at least one seed to pass therethrough. An elongated plunger extends longitudinally through the implantation device in aligned relation to the needle bore and is selectively movable in the longitudinal direction relative the needle from a retracted position spaced apart from the needle to an extended position wherein the plunger is advanced through the needle bore to eject at least one of the seeds through the bore, out of the distal end of needle and into the target area. An optical device is carried by and operatively connected to the plunger to provide visual assistance to an operator of the implantation device to guide and verify implantation of the ejected seed into the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Kerisma Medical Products, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven S. Ravins, Edward Kaplan, Ernest A. Elgin, III
  • Patent number: 6095967
    Abstract: An isotope seeding system that controls the release of radioactive seeds for treatment of cancerous cells during cancer treatment procedures. The isotope seeding system comprises at least one seed that is chargeable with radioactive isotopes. At least one dissolvable web netting may alternatively be positioned about the at least one seed, and a seed deployment assembly is utilized for delivering the at least one seed, with or without the dissolvable web netting, into an organism's tissue, to surround cancerous cells. The seed deployment assembly includes an elongated cannula, a hub assembly and an obturator. The hub assembly includes an initial inner diameter at its proximal end and an operable length between the proximal end of the hub assembly and the proximal end of the cannula, the ratio of the initial inner diameter relative to the operable length being in the range of 0.075 to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Manan Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne J. Black, Manfred Mittermeier
  • Patent number: 6074360
    Abstract: Featured is a method for injection of a payload into the tissues of an organism or a body, including the steps of generating forces by electromagnetic repulsion and accelerating the payload to be injected, using the generated electromagnetic forces. The payload is thereby accelerated to a velocity sufficient for the payload to pass through the skin of the organism and be disposed in the subcutaneous tissues. The method further includes providing an electromagnetic force generating device that generates forces electromagnetically in a predetermined direction responsive to an electric current flowing through the device, wherein the step of generating includes passing an electric current through the electromagnetic force generating device to generate the electromagnetic repulsive forces used for accelerating the payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Boehringer Mannheim GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Haar, George B. Kirby Meacham, Manfred Beuttenmueller, Gerhard Winter, Markus Mattern
  • Patent number: 6033427
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for percutaneously sealing of an internal puncture site comprising a tissue portion having a puncture formed therethrough. A locating device is mounted for longitudinal movement relative to a guide wire towards and away from the puncture site. Delivery structure has a distal end portion and is mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the guide wire. A tubular puncture site engaging member has a distal end portion and is mounted exteriorly of the delivery structure for longitudinal movement relative to the guide wire. A supply of fluid thrombogenic material which will be capable of promoting clotting when delivered to the puncture site is provided. The delivery structure has a fluid passageway open to the distal end portion thereof and communicated to the supply of fluid thrombogenic material. The locating device and the puncture site engaging member are positioned with respect to one another such that they can be moved together towards the puncture site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Benjamin I. Lee
  • Patent number: 6027471
    Abstract: An apparatus and method apply a hemostatic agent onto a tissue. The apparatus includes a tube having a first end and a second end. A lumen of the tube is tapered from the first end to the second end. A hemostatic agent source is within the tube. A plunger is included for directing the hemostatic agent from the tapered tube through an opening at the second end. The hemostatic agent can be directed from the tube through the opening of the second end onto the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fallon, John G. Maresh, James A. Wilkie
  • Patent number: 6007474
    Abstract: An instrument for implanting radioactive and/or thermal seeds in body tissue for radiation and/or heat therapy comprises a tubular hypodermic needle barrel affixed to a pistol-grip shaped handle incorporates a reciprocally movable push rod for stripping one such seed from a cartridge containing a plurality of seeds and advancing it to the end of the barrel. Actuation of a trigger in the pistol grip handle causes the barrel to retract relative to the push rod, causing the seed to be deposited in the channel in the body tissue created by the original puncturing thereof by the instrument's barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Ablation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Rydell
  • Patent number: 6004286
    Abstract: A needleless syringe, in which particles of a therapeutic agent are entrained in a high pressure gas flow, has a nozzle surrounded by a shroud silencer through which gas reflected from the target surface may be vented to atmosphere while retaining any particles reflected in the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: PowderJect Research Limited
    Inventors: Brian John Bellhouse, Charles David Ogilvy Potter, John Christopher Greenford
  • Patent number: 5989214
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for injecting the body of humans or animals with a pharmaceutical preparation, wherein the preparation is arranged in a rigid carrier, wherein the apparatus comprises: a chamber into which the carrier can be transported; and a channel connecting onto the chamber for transporting the carrier into the body comprising fixation means for fixing the end of the channel relative to the skin of the body for injecting in order to prevent a movement of the channel in the direction perpendicularly of the axis of the barrel. According to one embodiment the fixation means are formed by chamfered protrusions formed on the part adapted for contact with the skin of the body and extending substantially in the direction of the axis of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Gijsbertus G. P. van de Wijdeven
  • Patent number: 5979708
    Abstract: A product dispenser includes a housing defining an inner space for a product; a piston movably disposed in the inner space for dispensing product from the inner space; a ram slidably mounted to the housing for driving the piston in the inner space, and rotatable relative to the housing between an active position wherein the ram is aligned with the piston for dispensing product, and a neutral position wherein the ram is not aligned with the piston whereby the ram in the neutral position is slidable relative to the housing without dispensing product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Plastek Group
    Inventors: Richard H. Seager, Peter Piscopo
  • Patent number: 5954688
    Abstract: An everting toroid for use in delivering a powdered or liquid or aerosolized drug to an internal body cavity, such as the urethra, is described. The drug may be distributed on the surface of the everting toroid or may be injected through the lumen thereof via an aerosol wand which is designed to release the drug as the toroid and/or wand are withdrawn from the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Michael A. Adams, Jeremy P. W. Heaton, James D. Banting
  • Patent number: 5860946
    Abstract: In an instrument for inserting a suppository, which instrument comprises a tubular housing (31) with a first end adapted to receive said suppository between two tongues (30) and a second end through which a plunger (22) is inserted in the tube, which plunger has a first end having a circular cross section and two axially spaced circumferential flanges (26, 27) and a second end projecting from the second end of the tube (31). The first end of the tube has an inwardly extending shoulder (25) which engage between said flanges (26, 27) and the first end of the piston is by radial slots divided into an uneven number of sectors (29). The plunger (22) has between its first end and a press button (24) at its second end angular spaced radial walls (21) abutting the inner wall of the tube (31) and axial spaced disc shaped walls are provided having a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the tube (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventor: Thibaud Hofstatter
  • Patent number: 5817075
    Abstract: A method for transplanting planar implants, devices, etc., is provided. Method is particularly adapted for transplanting planar sheets of retinal cells to the subretinal region of an eye. A method of preparing the retinal cell sheet and the associated surgical instrument is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Photogenesis, Inc.
    Inventor: John Giungo
  • Patent number: 5810769
    Abstract: A cannula for deposition of an object in the body of a living organism, comprising a cannula holder having a first handle and a sleeve with a second handle surrounding said cannula holder at least in part and being axially movable in relation thereto, and having a mandrin extending inside the cannula, said object such as a medical long-term preparation, identification carrier or capsule containing a radioactive substance being depositable by a relative movement between the mandrin and the cannula receiving the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Suddeutsche Feinmechanik GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Schlegel, Herbert Feit
  • Patent number: 5788664
    Abstract: The present invention provides a suppository applicator for use in the application of a suppository. A suppository applicator consists of a cylinder formed with a longitudinal bore, a plunger slidingly disposed in the longitudinal bore such that the relative axial movement of the plunger in the bore causes a suppository to exit the bore. A first flange is disposed on the cylinder for providing a grip for assisting in the handling of the applicator. A second flange is disposed on the cylinder for limiting the depth of insertion of the applicator cylinder into a body cavity. A second flange is slidingly disposed on the cylinder in one embodiment. A second flange optionally consists of a first end tappered inward toward a second end. Optionally, rotation of said second flange causes translational movement of the flange along the cylinder. A means for releasably locking the second flange is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Gaspare Scalise
  • Patent number: 5725497
    Abstract: An implant dart has a head of solid material and a tubular body that contains one or more drug-delivery implant packages. The head has a blade at its front end with a chisel type point with a beveled end and a scooped face extending rearwardly to the body. The body is formed as a helical coil that makes the body tubular and permits the coil turns to be compressed and engage to make the body relatively rigid when the dart is injected into the subject. A passage from the head to the interior of the body provides fluid communication between the subject's body fluids and the implant packages. Wings extend from the head to guide entry of the dart into the subject and to lock it against withdrawal. The complete system comprises at least one dart and an injection mechanism which retains a subject's body part on a platen and feeds darts into the body part and generally parallel to the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: American Cyanamid Company
    Inventors: Keith F. Woodruff, David Alan Peterson, Kendra Beth Eager
  • Patent number: 5584807
    Abstract: A gas driven apparatus for accelerating particles coated with a genetic material into a target comprises a reservoir for releasably retaining a gas at a sufficiently high pressure to detach the particles from the surface of a sample cartridge and to carry the particles through the apparatus toward the target. When leaving the apparatus, the particles entrained in the gas stream pass through a substantially conical exit nozzle which causes the pattern of distribution of the particles to greatly expand. Methods for using the apparatus and for preparing the sample cartridges are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Agracetus, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. McCabe
  • Patent number: 5542920
    Abstract: A needle-less device for the parenteral administration of a medicament is disclosed. The medicament has the shape of one end of a toothpick. It is placed in the bore of a barrel with the barrel having the shape of a nosecone at one end. A plunger is inserted into the other end of the bore. The plunger forces the medicament through the skin and into the subcutaneous layer of the patient without the need for penetration of the skin by a needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Delab
    Inventor: Roland Cherif Cheikh
  • Patent number: 5507807
    Abstract: An applicator is disclosed for injecting or releasing a fluidic or solid substance into a cavity or tissue of a patient. The applicator is used to release a contained substance along the length of the applicator when the applicator has been inserted and positioned in the patient. Thus, if required, the substance to be released can easily be dispensed along a particular path such that a proper amount of the substance is dispensed along the path. In particular, the applicator of the present invention is useful in placing absorptive foam pads within a nasal cavity and in inserting implants into a breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald D. Shippert
  • Patent number: 5484403
    Abstract: The hypodermic syringe for implanting objects in the bodies of birds, fish, animals, and humans consists of a barrel, a canula attached to one end of the barrel, and a plunger that can be moved back and forth within the barrel. A user implants an object by placing the object inside the canula, making an incision with the canula, and then pushing on the plunger thereby causing the object to move from the canula through the incision and into the body. The canula is designed to securely hold an implant object in a fixed position within the canula from the moment of insertion into the canula until the moment of implantation. The canula is also provided with a window that permits a user to observe the presence of an object and, in the case of objects that are electronic identification tags, to read the data stored in a tag with electromagnetic readers. The plunger is intended to provide the user with the same "feel" as a conventional fluid-injection-type hypodermic syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Avid Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay F. Yoakum, Sammy E. Wooldridge
  • Patent number: 5405324
    Abstract: The invention relates to an implantation device with which a medicinal implant can be introduced subcutaneously in humans or animals. The device comprises a hollow needle and a mandrel having a chamfered distal end, which precisely coincides with the plane of the chamfered distal end of the hollow needle. The invention also relates to a method for introducing an implant into subcutaneous tissue of humans or animals using the implantation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Akzo N.V.
    Inventor: Maarten A. H. M. Wiegerinck