Means Forceably Introducing Or Removing Material From Body Orifice Or Wound Patents (Class 604/73)
  • Patent number: 11766516
    Abstract: Devices used to drain fluid are disclosed. The devices may be configured to drain fluid from a body cavity using a vacuum pressure. The devices include a reservoir and a vacuum generating member configured to expand the reservoir and generate a vacuum pressure within the reservoir. The devices can be configured to be shipped in a collapsed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Arlin D. Nelson, Joanne Hislop, Christopher Cindrich, Andrew Hansen, Nicholas Accisano, III, Kenneth Sykes, Gregory R. McArthur, Michael Dean Haslam
  • Patent number: 11517651
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for evacuating a collection container, comprising a pump, the pump being suitable for being in connection with the collection container with its inlet, a pressure tank and a directional control valve, the pump transporting a medium out of the collection container and the pressure tank into the atmosphere when the pressure tank is connected to its inlet, wherein the directional control valve is configured to switch the pressure tank from the inlet to the outlet of the pump when a predefined criterion is fulfilled. The present invention further relates to a breast pump device comprising an apparatus for evacuating a collection container and a receiving funnel for receiving a beast of a woman.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Arnold Aalders
  • Patent number: 11229447
    Abstract: An instrument system for treating a sinus of a subject includes an instrument including a base configured to be gripped by an operator, and an elongate probe including a probe proximal end coupled with the base and extending to a probe distal end. The probe includes an aspiration lumen terminating at an inlet port proximate the probe distal end, and a delivery lumen terminating at an outlet port proximate the probe distal end. The instrument also includes a waveguide on the probe and having a light emitting end proximate the probe distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: EXCELENT LLC
    Inventors: Kashif Mazhar, Arlynn Celeste Baker, Sean Christopher Biette, Tiffany Mae Branch, Tyler Daniel Zaroff, Martin Lyn Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10888332
    Abstract: An intranasal occlusion device having an inflatable balloon within a sponge that is used to prevent drainage of fluid, such as blood and other fluids into the airway during sinus and nasal minor procedures or surgeries, and methods of using the device to occlude an intranasal cavity of a patient. The device provides for suction to remove the fluid and may facilitate office-based minor procedures or surgeries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: John D. Cramer, Bruce Kuang-Huay Tan
  • Patent number: 10828407
    Abstract: Embodiments of a breast pump kit are disclosed herein. The breast pump kit can include one or more of a breast pump shield and a breast pump milk bag. According to various embodiments, the breast pump shield can include a body portion that has a breast engagement portion that can receive at least a portion of a breast of a user. The breast pump shield also can include a suction chamber located in proximity to the breast engagement portion. Milk can pass into the suction chamber and into the breast pump milk bag. A one-way valve can prevent reverse flow of fluids from the breast pump milk bag into the breast pump shield. The breast pump kit also can include a cover that can seal the breast pump shield, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventor: Sherri Levine
  • Patent number: 10806623
    Abstract: An external urine collection system for collecting urine excreted by a female user through the female user's external urethral orifice includes a urinary assembly having a sleeve and a cup that define a collection chamber. The sleeve can be attached to an area around the female user's external urethral orifice by an adhesive. The cup can be coupled to the sleeve through a male connector and female connector that form a liquid tight seal between the sleeve and the cup. An outlet is defined by at least one of the sleeve and the cup for draining urine excreted by the user into the urinary assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignees: Spectrum Health Innovation, LLC, Grand Valley State University
    Inventors: Eric Jon VanMiddendorp, Taylor S. Sims, Abby A. Merritt, Phillip N. Keshavarzi, Matthew S. Dykstra, Tyler D. Kramer, Amanda E. Stark, Chelsea M. Edge, Brandon D. Johnson, Jill M. Morris, John Farris, Andrew T. Heuerman, Kevin T. Weaver, Md Maruf Hossain
  • Patent number: 10624778
    Abstract: The undergarment having urine-collection system is an external catheter apparatus. The undergarment having urine-collection system is adapted for use with a patient. The undergarment having urine-collection system is an undergarment that is formed with an elastic sheeting. The elastic sheeting is a water impermeable sheeting that collects urine as it is excreted and routes the collected urine to a catheter bag. The undergarment having urine-collection system is worn in the same manner as loin wear would be worn. The undergarment having urine-collection system comprises an undergarment, a tube, and a catheter bag. The tube provides a fluidic connection between the undergarment and the catheter bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Annet Kasirye
  • Patent number: 10426876
    Abstract: The invention relates to a breast pump kit comprising a breast pump collection system which is to be replaceable and detachable connected to an electrical driving unit during use. The breast pump collection system comprises a breast shield for placing on a breast of a user, a pump unit, and tubing connecting the breast shield to the pump unit. The pump unit comprises a compartment of a variable volume in fluid connection to the exterior only via the tubing. The pump unit is configured to be detachable combined to the driving unit such that a driving motion of the driving unit acts to alternatingly expand and contract the compartment of the pump unit. In this way the pump unit creates alternating suction and pressure in the breast shield and at the breast of the user when in use. The invention further relates to a breast pump collection system for use in such breast pump kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Vesucta ApS
    Inventor: Jan Erik Vest Hansen
  • Patent number: 9525220
    Abstract: A coaxial connector having an axially moveable shell in opposition to a separate and distinct body component wherein the moveable shell contains a gripping member capable of having the front portion displaced radially inwardly by the body so that the gripping member is positioned within the connector body and between the connector body and the coaxial cable and secures the cable to the connector and environmentally seals the junction while at the same time the shell contains a structure to move a rear portion of the gripping member radially outwardly upon compression. In some embodiments disclosed herein the shell contains a structure to prevent a rear portion of the gripping member from moving radially inwardly upon compression. Other connector shell embodiments may be made from a one-piece stamping instead of a machined component and thereby deliver a manufacturing cost savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventor: Donald Andrew Burris
  • Patent number: 9233020
    Abstract: The conventional vacuum suction type urine collector may not be able to perform normal and automatic vacuum suction when contamination occurs between the electrodes acting as a sensor, and some users feel uneasy about the use of the urine collector as the case may be. In the controller for a vacuum suction type urine collector of this invention, the resistance between paired electrodes installed on the side of a urine receiver on a vacuum sucked-urine path extending from the urine receiver via a urine transport tube to a urine tank is measured by a controller to automatically detect urine, for actuating a vacuum suction device, wherein a detection resistor is connected in series to the abovementioned electrodes; and a manual operation switch is connected in parallel to the series circuit consisting of the electrodes and the detection resistor, to constitute a state detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: PARAMOUNT BED CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Rika Matsumiya
  • Patent number: 9229368
    Abstract: A developer supply container includes a developer accommodating portion configured to accommodate a developer, a discharge opening configured and positioned to permit discharging of the developer from the developer accommodating portion, and a driving force receiving portion configured and positioned to receive a driving force. In addition, a pump portion is capable of being driven by the driving force to alternately change an internal pressure of the developer accommodating portion between a pressure lower than an ambient pressure and a pressure higher than the ambient pressure to discharge the developer through the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ayatomo Okino, Toshiaki Nagashima, Katsuya Murakami, Fumio Tazawa, Yusuke Yamada
  • Patent number: 9012714
    Abstract: A wound treatment device comprises a wound surface contacting plug and a cover for covering the wound surface and the plug, wherein said plug consists of a flat textile isolating material comprising at least one first surface layer, one second surface layer and one intermediate space arranged between said surface layers. At least the first surface layer is provided with a biocompatible surface and a structure which enables a liquid to pass and prevents a wound tissue from growing in said structure. The intermediate space is provided with isolating threads elastically holding the first surface layer and the second surface layer at a certain distance from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Wilhelm Fleischmann
  • Patent number: 8961454
    Abstract: A milk expressing device capable of simulating a baby's suckling includes first and second vacuum sources, a throttle hole, a solenoid relief valve, first and second tubes, a breast shield, and a control circuit board. The first tube connecting the first vacuum source and the breast shield is provided with the throttle hole to communicate with the atmosphere. When the first vacuum source is turned off, negative pressure in the first tube and the breast shield disappears slowly through the throttle hole. The second tube connecting the second vacuum source and the breast shield is provided with the solenoid relief valve to communicate with the atmosphere. When the solenoid relief valve is activated, negative pressure in the second tube and in the breast shield is rapidly removed. The control circuit board controls the first and second vacuum sources and the solenoid relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Chean-Shui Chen
  • Patent number: 8945046
    Abstract: A hands-free breast pump system is disclosed. A breast shield having an adhesive inner surface for adhering to a woman's breast is disclosed. The breast shield may be connected to an adapter for transferring a vacuum generated by a pump to the breast. The adapter also allows milk expressed from the breast to drain from the adapter to a container. In the alternative, the breast shield may form part of a breast shield adapter system which is connected to a conventional breast shield by a drain line so that a conventional breast pump system is used to supply a vacuum and to collect the milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Lyndon Brittner
  • Patent number: 8852143
    Abstract: Sinusitis, mucocysts, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, choanal atresia, fractures and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, Eustachian tubes, Lachrymal ducts and other ear, nose, throat and mouth structures are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies and endoscopic studies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: John Y. Chang, Joshua Makower, Julia D. Vrany, Theodore C. Lamson, Amrish Jayprakash Walke
  • Publication number: 20140288466
    Abstract: A device for expression and collection of breast milk includes an actuatable assembly, a breast interface, and a tube. The breast interface is sized to receive a breast and form a fluid tight seal against the breast. The breast interface includes a deformable member disposed within at least a portion of the breast interface. The deformable member deforms in response to actuation of the actuatable assembly and applies vacuum pressure against the breast to express milk. The tube operatively couples the actuatable assembly to the breast interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Naia Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Janica B. Alvarez, Jan Rydfors
  • Publication number: 20140276630
    Abstract: This invention encompasses products and methods for preventing teat infections in cows resulting from a variety of causes. More specifically, this invention relates to products and methods for blocking a cow's teat and teat canal to prevent infection during a non-lactating period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Aurora Pharmaceutical, LLC
    Inventors: James L. Pokorney, Mark G. Werner, Michael A. Strobel
  • Patent number: 8801495
    Abstract: The bra with breast pumping apparatus integrated therein includes a breast-shaped cup that a breast milk pump adjacent a nipple of an end user. The bra is adapted to be worn while simultaneously pumping breast milk from the nipple of the end user, and which transfers said breast milk into a fill bag that is held in place against the breast-shaped cup via a pocket. Once the fill bag is filled, the end user can remove the fill bag from the bra without requiring removal of the bra altogether. A powering member is integrated elsewhere on said bra, and provides the power necessary to run the breast milk pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Desirae A. Guindon
  • Patent number: 8801667
    Abstract: A powered irrigator for use in rinsing nasal cavities provides a main body having a handle and fluid reservoir detachably coupled to one another, an outlet nozzle extending from a top end of the handle, a pump mechanism operably coupled to a power source, and a switch operably coupled to the power source for turning the pump mechanism on and off, and when the switch turns on the pump mechanism, fluid flows from the fluid reservoir into a first fluid coupling between the reservoir and the pump mechanism and into a second fluid coupling between the pump mechanism to the outlet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt M. Taylor, Gary L. Sokol, Kenneth A. Hair, Harold A. Luettgen
  • Patent number: 8747376
    Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system is provided that includes a canister that is fluidly connected to a tissue site and is configured to receive fluid drawn from the tissue site under the influence of a reduced pressure. A reduced pressure source provides the reduced pressure and is fluidly connected to the tissue site by a fluid communication path, which may include a source conduit, the canister, and a target conduit. A sensing device communicates with the source conduit and is configured to sense a pressure in the source conduit. A valve communicates with the source conduit and is configured to vent the reduced pressure. A processing unit communicates with the sensing device and the valve and is configured to open the valve for a selected amount of time, determine a decay of reduced pressure, and determine a fill status of the canister based on the decay of reduced pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, David Robson Blandford
  • Patent number: 8734385
    Abstract: A manual breast pump, including a housing; a funnel connected to the housing and forming a passage for breast milk; a cup for receiving a breast; a lid connected to an upper portion of the housing; a handle assembly connected to the lid; a substantially semi-circular finger grip connected to the housing; a piston movably connected to the handle assembly and reciprocally movable within the housing to create a negative pressure for the expression of breast milk from the breast; a flexible insert sealably secured to the cup and forming an isolated air volume between the cup and the flexible insert. A valve is removably connected to a lower portion of the housing; and a receptacle for receiving the breast milk, the receptacle being removably attached to a lower portion of the housing. The isolated air volume expands and contracts as the piston moves reciprocally within the housing, causing the flexible insert to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Adriana B. Kliegman, Diana Sierra
  • Patent number: 8715225
    Abstract: When milk is expressed using a breast pump, milk residue is left on a surface of a breast pump funnel (13). The present invention relates to a breast pump with a vibrating means (30) which is configured to induce the breast pump to vibrate to promote the flow of residual milk on a surface of the funnel (13) to flow to a milk collecting vessel (14). The invention also relates to a method of collecting milk residue on a surface of a funnel for a breast pump by vibrating the breast pump after milk has been expressed from a user's breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Marnix Hegen
  • Patent number: 8684961
    Abstract: An insert for a breast-receiving funnel of a breast pump includes an elongate inflatable bladder which defines a pressure chamber. The elongate inflatable bladder is configured to fit in a teat receiving space of the breast receiving funnel so that the bladder extends from an inner end of the funnel towards an outer end of the funnel. The bladder lies between a user's teat and the funnel when a breast is inserted in the funnel, such that the elongate inflatable bladder is configured to deform towards a user's teat located in the teat receiving space in a predetermined manner when a pressure difference is applied between the teat receiving space and the pressure chamber such that a peristaltic action is applied to the user's teat, to aid the expression of milk therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Bart Gottenbos, Rachel Estelle Thilwind, Jozef Johannes Maria Janssen, Marjolein Irene Van Lieshout
  • Patent number: 8617100
    Abstract: A device for delivery of a foamable composition to a body cavity includes a pressurized composition reservoir; a hollow body having a longitudinally extending wall and having at least one aperture provided through a wall of said body, the proximal end in fluid communication with the reservoir for receiving a foamable composition from said composition reservoir; and an actuator operatively connected to the composition reservoir for effecting release of a foamable composition from said composition reservoir into a body cavity through said hollow body; wherein said body has a length less than about 125 mm and internal diameter in the range of about 1.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, wherein said length and internal diameter are selected to provide a delivery of at least about 70% of the foamable composition during operation. The foam delivery device can have multiple apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Foamix Ltd.
    Inventors: Meir Eini, David Schuz, Helen Shifrin, Yohan Hazot, Dov Tamarkin
  • Publication number: 20130261541
    Abstract: A device for treatment of wounds using reduced pressure is provided. The device includes a pump, a reservoir connected to the pump for collecting exudate from a wound, an inlet to the reservoir for connecting the reservoir with the wound so as to allow the pump to expose the wound to the reduced pressure, a wound pad to be arranged in the wound cavity, and a sealing covering the wound and the wound pad. The wound pad consists of an open-cell polyurethane foam which is fully impregnated with a soft hydrophobic silicone gel. The foam has a hardness of 1.0-6.0 kPa measured according to ISO 3386-1 at 40% compression. Also provided is a wound pad to be used with an absorbent member. In addition, provided is a method for manufacturing the wound pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: MĂ–LNLYCKE HEALTH CARE AB
    Inventors: Ulf Johannison, Sofia Frantzich
  • Patent number: 8529501
    Abstract: A breastpump assembly is disclosed. The breastpump assembly includes a breast shield within which a woman's breast is received, a conduit structure communicating with the breast shield, a container for collecting milk, and a valve mechanism closing the breastpump assembly from ambient air when initially provided to a user, the valve mechanism being opened to allow ambient air to pass into the breastpump assembly through removal of the container, so as to substantially disable the breastpump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Joseph Wach, Paul Avanzino, Ryan Bauer
  • Patent number: 8529546
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cannula guide tube; and a kit with the cannula guide tube, a flexible transparent cannula or a transparent catheter with an inflatable balloon at the catheter end, and an exploratory device. The kit is for irrigation, suction and washing out purulent or liquid discharges from bacteria infected sinuses. First, the exploratory device is used to find the entrance orifice to a sinus; second, the cannula guide tube is positioned in the sinus orifice entrance; and third, the flexible transparent cannula or the transparent catheter is inserted through the cannula guide tube into the sinus. The flexible transparent cannula or transparent catheter is used to suction the purulent or liquid discharge and to irrigate and wash out the sinus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: William De Jesus Alvarez
  • Patent number: 8506525
    Abstract: A wound sealing fluid delivery apparatus and method includes a surface seal. A catheter with a first end and a second end is provided such that the catheter passes through the surface seal. An infusion port is connected with the first end of the catheter and an expandable internal seal is connected with the catheter at the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: University of South Alabama
    Inventor: Patrick L. Bosarge
  • Patent number: 8486029
    Abstract: A vessel for use in rinsing a user's nasal cavities includes a main body, a spout extending from the main body, a nozzle attached to the spout, and a handle forming an aperture in communication with the main body. The aperture is sealable by a user to control a flow of a fluid held in the main body out of the nozzle. The nozzle defines an outer skirt deflectable upon engagement with the walls of the user's nasal cavity. A lid is removably engageable with the main body, provides fluid ingress when removed, and creates a watertight seal between the lid and the main body when engaged with the main body. An annular raised periphery may surround the aperture for facilitating sealing of the aperture with the user's finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Cacka, Kurt M. Taylor, Kenneth A. Hair, Brian R. Williams
  • Patent number: 8465450
    Abstract: A vertically hand palm pressing suction device for a piston breast pump includes a casing and a piston suction member. The device is provided with a pressing handle, which goes through the casing and is fixedly connected with a gear shaft mounted on a base. A piston of the piston suction member is connected to a toothed rack. The pressing handle and the toothed rack are operatively connected through a gear member, wherein the connection converts up-and-down movement of the pressing handle into forth-and-back movement of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Shenzhen Siyong Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Wen Guo
  • Patent number: 8398577
    Abstract: A device for removing fluid from a first bodily cavity and for directing that fluid into a second bodily cavity while avoiding risks of infection and, in one embodiment, excessive dehydration of the first bodily cavity. The device includes an uptake tube having a proximal end in fluid communication with the first bodily cavity and a distal end in fluid communication with a pump, and an outflow tube having a proximal end in fluid communication with the pump and a distal end in fluid communication with the second bodily cavity. The distal end of the uptake tube may be coupled to a reservoir configured to expand upon ingression of fluid into the reservoir and to contract upon removal of fluid due to a negative pressure provided by the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sequana Medical AG
    Inventor: Daniel R. Burnett
  • Patent number: 8398583
    Abstract: The present invention relate to a method and corresponding apparatus for extraction of a sample from a sample source. A fluid is injected into the sample source and the sample source is vibrated. A sample is withdrawn from the vibrated sample source and the sample source is evaluated by measuring one or more identifying parameters in the withdrawn sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ian W. Hunter, Andrew J. Taberner, N. Catherine Hogan
  • Patent number: 8357115
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cleansing solution and system for administering the cleansing solution to decontaminate a wound surface. A method and kit for decontaminating a wound surface is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward F. Arscott, II, Irina Ganopolsky, George L. Grobe, Mark A. Heldreth, Joseph J. LiBrizzi, Hugo A. Pedrozo
  • Patent number: 8323236
    Abstract: The animal breast pump device provides an extraction mechanism having a cylindrical horizontal T section having a first end spaced apart from a second end with a bottom male thread disposed downwardly on the T section, a cylindrical plunger pump disposed on T section first end, a cylindrical union removably disposed on the T section male thread, a suction funnel removably and threadably disposed on the union, a flexible retainer disposed centrally within the suction funnel, and a bottle having an upwardly disposed female thread, the female thread removably fitted to the T section bottom male thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Katherine L. Siminak, Jinae K. Siminak
  • Patent number: 8313954
    Abstract: A separation device including a first buoy, a second buoy, a first valve, and a second valve. The first buoy is mounted to a buoy guide post and slidably mounted within a separation chamber. The second buoy is slidably mounted to the guide post and movable between a first position and a second position. The second buoy closes the first valve and opens the second valve when in the first position. The second buoy opens the first valve and closes the second valve when in the second position. The second buoy has a density such that after spinning the device for a suitable period of time a first component of the composition is isolated between the first buoy and the second buoy and a second component of the composition is isolated between the second buoy and the end of the separation chamber that is opposite to a port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jason Chavarria
  • Patent number: 8307463
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a bra or tank that has three layers on the chest that allow the wearer to comfortably breast feed or pump milk hands-free. Specifically, the tank or bra has three detachable layers over the breast where the outer layer is a solid layer, the inner layer has two openings over the nipple that are equipped to receive the funnels of a breast pumping apparatus and hold them to the breast without the wearer holding them, and an inner layer that has a large opening for the breast so that the wearer may breast feed an infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Jennifer Ritchie
  • Patent number: 8235939
    Abstract: A reduced pressure delivery system for applying a reduced pressure to a tissue site is provided. The system includes a manifold having a plurality of flow channels. The manifold is configured to be placed adjacent the tissue site. A first conduit is in fluid communication with the flow channels of the manifold to deliver a reduced pressure to the flow channels. A second conduit is in fluid communication with the flow channels of the manifold and is operably connected to a valve. The valve selectively purges the second conduit with ambient air when the valve is positioned in an open position, and a controller is operably connected to the valve to place the valve in the open position for a selected amount of time at a selected interval during delivery of reduced pressure through the first conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Royce W. Johnson, Jonathan Paul Jaeb, Larry D. Swain, Douglas A. Cornet, Michael Manwaring, Jonathan Kagan, Keith Patrick Heaton, Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson
  • Patent number: 8216178
    Abstract: A breast pump set for expressing human breastmilk comprises a breastshield (1) to be placed on the female breast with a coupling part (12) for connection to a milk collection container (2), and an electrically driven suction pump (4, 4?). The breastshield (1) is provided with an actuator (5) for actuating the suction pump. The inventive breast pump seat allows easy handling of the suction pump and eliminates the need for the mother to have a hand free for handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventor: Daniel Thommen
  • Patent number: 8187219
    Abstract: A massaging manual breast pump comprising a pumping assembly, a receptacle, a lid, a handle, and a cushion is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Yat San Chiang
  • Patent number: 8105335
    Abstract: A manually manipulatable tool for removing a fecal impaction, the tool is adapted for insertion into a patient's rectum to engage and penetrate the impaction. The tool is fitted with flexible, arcuately configured elements collapsible at least partially during insertion into the rectum and penetration of the fecal impaction, withdrawal of the tool deploying the elements to exert traction on the impaction thus facilitating withdrawal of at least portions of the impaction. A body member of the tool is preferably elongated and can optionally be provided with a longitudinally extending lumen for introduction of an enema solution concurrently with or independently of impaction removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Burton Bentley
  • Patent number: 8083712
    Abstract: A flat-hose assembly has a proximal end and a distal end adapted for use with a negative pressure wound drainage system. The flat-hose assembly comprises a top layer, a bottom layer, and a filter layer. The bottom layer forms an opening at the distal end of the flat-hose assembly to allow exudates of a wound to flow into the flat-hose assembly. The filter layer is disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer. The top and bottom layer form a seal area along a periphery of the top layer and the bottom layer to seal the filter layer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Neogen Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lydia B. Biggie, John A. Dawson
  • Patent number: 8075516
    Abstract: A portable breast pump has a suction unit and a collecting unit which is connected to this suction unit via a flexible suction line. The collecting unit comprises a breast shield, a milk-receiving container and a coupling element which connects the breast shield to the milk-receiving container. The suction unit has a housing with an operating means for operating the pump and a fastening means for fastening the housing on a carrying means, which can be fastened on the mother's body. This breast pump is easy to operate, allows the milk to be expressed even in confined areas with no set-down surfaces and, in addition, does not hinder the mother's mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Erich Pfenniger, Richard Röllin, Beda Weber, Markus Kerschdorfer
  • Publication number: 20110301569
    Abstract: The present invention provides an indirect method and accompanying apparatus for supplying a high concentration of medicaments, particularly antibiotics, to the nasal sinuses by first loading the medicament into the cerebrospinal venous system (CVCS) via a Valsalva manuever. Because the CVCS is a valveless, three-dimensional closed system, traditional physiological dogma such as veins always draining tissues does not always apply. Instead, because in its closed-system blood can flow in any direction, the blood of the CVCS and any medicaments that it contains will be drawn to any portion of it where there is increased outflow, such as the copious venous-derived sinus fluid drainage present during nasal allergy or nasal infection. Thus, the very nasal congestion that impedes the effectiveness of direct medicament application, such as seen with nasal inhalers or systemic antibiotics, aids in applying the medicament indirectly to the nasal sinuses via the CVCS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Gordon Wayne Dyer
  • Patent number: 8070716
    Abstract: A breastpump, manual or motorized, that includes a mechanism to regulate pressure change, e.g., vacuum, within a breastshield chamber, including in some cases to a maintained minimum pressure that is less than ambient (atmosphere). The pressure regulator provides control for varying negative pressure between a minimum value and a maximum value (and values in between), or to achieve a specific actually measured negative pressure value within a breastshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Thomas A. Sutrina, Michael Dettling, Mark A. Luzbetak, Brian H. Silver, Carr Lane Quackenbush, Leon R. Mitoulas, Peter E. Hartmann, Donna T. Geddes, Jacqueline C. Kent
  • Patent number: 8066662
    Abstract: A programmable injection device, comprising: a nozzle comprising a nozzle head with a fluid input hole and a distinct injection hole, the nozzle head accepts a dose of fluid from the fluid input hole to be injected into the skin of a patient through the injection hole, without use of a needle, a fluid capsule that is connected to said nozzle head and is adapted to provide the nozzle head with multiple doses of fluid for successive injections, without replacing the fluid capsule, an injection head that is adapted to have said fluid capsule and said nozzle head mounted onto it, comprising a first mechanism adapted to forcefully push a dose of a programmable amount of fluid from said fluid capsule to said nozzle head and a second mechanism for injecting by an programmable pressure said dose of fluid from said nozzle head into the skin of a patient in at least one of a programmable velocity or a programmable pressure applied to the skin surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventors: Zion Azar, Eyal Baror, Amikam Gershonovitz, Pini Shalev, Gad Lev Konya, Yigal Ringart
  • Patent number: 8048023
    Abstract: Systems and methods for nasal irrigation are provided in which a nasal irrigation device includes a source of saline solution, an effluent receptacle, a nasal interface, a vacuum source, a fluid passageway to communicate the source of saline solution with the effluent receptacle through the nasal interface and a nasal cavity of the user, and a switch and valve assembly for selectively controlling the vacuum source and flow of the saline solution through the fluid passageway. The saline solution source is disposed relative to the device to provide gravitational inducement of saline solution to the nasal interface in engagement to the device user's nostrils. A combination of the gravitational inducement and the relative vacuum from the effluent receptacle generates a fluid flow for irrigating, cleansing and massaging the nasal cavity and ostia of a user. The entire device is assembled as a hand-held device for convenient lifting and disposal against the user's nostrils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: RhinoSystems Inc.
    Inventors: Martin R. Hoke, Paul R. Metcalfe
  • Patent number: 8029498
    Abstract: A reduced pressure delivery system for applying a reduced pressure to a tissue site includes a manifold delivery tube having at least two lumens and a manifold having a plurality of flow channels. The manifold is disposed within a first of the lumens of the manifold delivery tube. A balloon having an inner space and being capable of assuming collapsed and expanded positions is provided. The inner space of the balloon is fluidly connected to a second of the lumens of the manifold delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: KCI Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Royce W. Johnson, Larry D. Swain, Douglas A. Cornet, Michael Manwaring, Jonathan Kagan
  • Publication number: 20110184344
    Abstract: A size-adjustable, breastfeeding band that helps to lessen the likelihood of infant suffocation during breastfeeding, comprising a primary band, comprised of elastic (or stretchable material) that securely and comfortably extends around the entire middle portion of the breast and fastens via button, snap, drawstring, Velcro, or any other related material or adhesive that can securely hold band in place; and an adjustable strap attachment co-operable with the primary band by attaching into it and preventing slippage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Charla BAKER-JACKSON
  • Publication number: 20110137114
    Abstract: Drug delivery systems, apparatus and methods to treat erectile dysfunction via an implanted drug infusion pump. The drug delivery system incorporates a passively pressurized drug infusion pump, one or more catheters, one or more microfluidic valves, a microcontroller, and one or more patient input mechanisms to deliver therapeutic solutions to the erectile tissues of a patient. The system in operation is entirely implanted and provides for moderated patient control over dosage via subcutaneously implanted input mechanisms, including in certain embodiments, neural control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew Zane Schwartz, Robert Matthew Douglas
  • Patent number: 7950980
    Abstract: A breast shield support is provided which in one embodiment includes a central harness body adapted to hold a breast shield. The central harness body may include three spaced straps connected to or extending from the central harness body. Each of the harness straps includes a clip, for example, for attaching a respective strap to a portion of a nursing brassiere and at least one strap includes a plurality of protrusions or grooves formed along the length of the strap for engaging a respective clip and permitting the clip to be easily adjusted and held in a desired position along the length of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Jill Solberg, Mark Luzbetak, Erich Pfenniger