Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Crockett & Crockett
  • Protective cap for arthroscopic instruments
    Patent number: 7553278
    Abstract: A protective cap for use on arthroscopic instruments and sheaths disposed over arthroscopic instruments. The cap protects the distal end of the instrument from accidental damage caused by other instruments used during a surgical procedure. The portion of the cap that covers a view port on an arthroscope is transparent in order to allow a user to see through the instrument and through the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Cannuflow, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore R. Kucklick
  • Robot calibration system and method
    Patent number: 7551979
    Abstract: A robot calibration system and method for robots in semiconductor wafer processing systems is disclosed. The calibration system comprises a calibration array, a dummy wafer and a control system programmed with a calibration routine. The calibration array has an plurality of inductive proximity sensors to determine parallelism of the robot relative to a station and a center locating sensor to determine the center of the station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Strasbaugh
    Inventor: Daniel P. Saraliev
  • Methods for optical endpoint detection during semiconductor wafer polishing
    Patent number: 7549909
    Abstract: A method of measuring a change in thickness of a layer of material disposed on a wafer while polishing the layer. Light is directed at the surface of the wafer from an optical sensor disposed within the polishing pad. The intensity of the reflected light is measured by a light detector also disposed in the polishing pad. The intensity of the reflected light varies sinusoidally with the change in layer thickness as the layer is removed. By measuring the absolute thickness of the layer at two or more points along the sinusoidal curve, the sinusoidal curve is calibrated so that a portion of the wavelength of the curve corresponds to a change in thickness of the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Strasbaugh
    Inventors: Alice Madrone Dalrymple, Robert J. Horrell
  • Ultra wideband receiver architecture using high order Gaussian pulses and method of operation
    Patent number: 7551665
    Abstract: An ultra wideband (UWB) receiver system operable to process a high order Gaussian pulse includes an integrator group, a correlator circuit and a comparator circuit. The integrator group includes an input coupled to receive the high order Gaussian pulse and an output coupled to the correlator circuit, the integrator group having two or more successively coupled integration stages, each integration stage operable to integrate, over a predefined time period, the signal received thereby, the integrator group operable to output, in response, a lower order Gaussian pulse. The correlator circuit is coupled to receive the lower order Gaussian pulse, and is operable to output a correlated output signal corresponding to the correlation between the lower order Gaussian pulse and a predefined reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventor: Tong Tian
  • Device and method to slow or stop the heart temporarily
    Patent number: 7547301
    Abstract: Implantable cardiac drug delivery systems. The systems are installed endocardially into a chamber in the heart, and are variously capable of delivering anti-arrhythmia agents into the heart wall, and into the epicardial space outside the heart, and into other chambers in the heart through the septa of the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Biocardia, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Altman, John D. Altman
  • LCoS display system with software/firmware correction enabling use of imperfect LCoS chips
    Patent number: 7547103
    Abstract: A LCoS projection display system using two LCoS chips and a variable color filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Fakespace Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian E. McDowall, Mark T. Bolas
  • High flow air filtration system for Dodge truck
    Patent number: 7537645
    Abstract: An air filtration system for a vehicle includes a filter housing comprising a first wall, a second wall, and a center wall disposed between the first and second walls. An intermediate tube is disposed within an outlet port in the center wall. An air intake tube is coupled between the intermediate tube and the inlet of a stock turbocharger for a turbo-diesel L6 5.9 Liter engine. Methods for providing filtered air to a turbo-diesel internal combustion engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Flow Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Saul Daniel Zambrano, Shahriar Nick Niakan, Eric Charles Bajza, Stuart T. Miyagishima
  • Method and a device for processing bit symbols generated by a data source; a computer readable medium; a computer program element
    Patent number: 7532763
    Abstract: A method for processing bit symbols generated by a data source, in particular a video, still image or audio source, comprising the following steps of constructing a plurality of bit-planes from the data source, each bit-plane comprising a plurality of bit-plane symbols; scanning the bit-plane symbols of each bit-plane to generate a binary string of bit-plane symbols; and encoding the binary string of the bit-plane symbols using a statistical model, wherein the statistical model is based on statistical properties of a Laplacian probability distribution function which characterizes the data source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Rongshan Yu, Susanto Rahardja, Xiao Lin
  • Automated chest compression apparatus with a bladder between the belt and the patient
    Patent number: 7517325
    Abstract: A system applies cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a recipient. An automated controller is provided together with a compression device which periodically applies a force to a recipient's thorax under control of the automated controller. A band is adapted to be placed around a portion of the torso of the recipient corresponding to the recipient's thorax. A driver mechanism shortens and lengthens the circumference of the band. By shortening the circumference of the band, radial forces are created acting on at least lateral and anterior portions of the thorax. A translating mechanism may be a bladder provided for translating the radial forces to increase the concentration of anterior radial forces acting on the anterior portion of the thorax. The driver mechanism may comprise a tension device for applying a circumference tensile force to the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: Henry R. Halperin
  • Resuscitation device including a belt cartridge
    Patent number: 7517326
    Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of victim's chest using a compression belt which exerts force evenly over the entire thoracic cavity. The belt is constricted and relaxed through a motorized spool assembly which repeatedly tightens the belt and relaxes the belt to provide repeated and rapid chest compression. An assembly includes various resuscitation devices including chest compression devices, defibrillation devices, and airway management devices, along with communications devices and senses with initiate communications with emergency medical personnel automatically upon use of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Darren R. Sherman, Steven R. Bystrom, Cameron Miner
  • Optical waveguide sheath
    Patent number: 7510524
    Abstract: The illumination system is a cannula comprising a transparent or semitransparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating a surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise by used for optics and or surgical tools. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at any appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location. Thus, the sheath provides structure-guided illumination resulting in the illumination of the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Invuity, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Vayser, Kenneth Trauner, Jon Gasson, Tom Grey
  • Telescopic rail and carriage assembly for suspending a patient lift
    Patent number: 7506589
    Abstract: A telescopic rail and carriage assembly for suspending a patient lift. The carriage has a downward projection to which the patient lift is to be connected. The telescopic rail has an inner rail section and an outer rail section. The outer rail section is provided with first longitudinally extending interior support surfaces for supporting a lower set of wheels of the carriage. The inner rail section is provided with second longitudinally extending interior support surfaces for guiding and supporting an upper set of wheels of the carriage. In the extended state, the carriage is guided by the either the first or the second longitudinally extending support surfaces except where the first and second rail sections overlap. In the overlap, the wheels of the carriage are supported by both the first and second longitudinally extending interior support surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ergolet A/S
    Inventor: Mogens Hjort
  • Bamboo core hybrid skateboard deck
    Patent number: 7506880
    Abstract: A hybrid skateboard deck combines at least one layer of bamboo with one or more layers of any suitable wood to form a multi-ply deck. A hybrid skateboard deck combines at least one layer of bamboo sandwiched between at least two layers of conventional hardwood such as maple. The addition of a bamboo layer in the core of the laminated deck provides superior strength relative to conventional plywood decks. The bamboo core laminate also provides superior feedback to a rider as well as uniform stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Scott Burwell
  • Anti-extravasation sheath and method
    Patent number: 7503893
    Abstract: The methods shown provide for the minimization of extravasation during arthroscopic surgery. Use of an anti-extravasation sheath having at least one drainage aperture allows a surgeon to drain excess fluids from the tissue surrounding the surgical field during an arthroscopic surgical procedures when the drainage aperture is disposed within the tissue surrounding an arthroscopic surgical field outside of the joint capsule. The method of performing arthroscopic surgery may further include providing fluid inflow and outflow to the joint capsule through inflow/outflow holes in the anti-extravasation sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cannuflow, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore R. Kucklick
  • Catheter drug delivery system and method for use
    Patent number: 7500970
    Abstract: A catheter system for injecting therapeutic agents including large molecules into the body. The catheter includes a distensible penetrating element with a distally locating expansion coil and a distally located chamber for holding a therapeutic agent which is to be injected into the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: BioCardia, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter A. Altman
  • Atraumatic arthroscopic instrument sheath
    Patent number: 7500947
    Abstract: An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while providing fluid management during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of ribs or webs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope thereby creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Cannonflow, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore R. Kucklick, Martin Trieb
  • Chest compression device with electro-stimulation
    Patent number: 7497837
    Abstract: A device for performing chest compressions for CPR in coordination with applying electro-stimulus for additional resuscitative actions such as electro-ventilation, electro-counterpulsion, and defibrillation. The device includes a chest compression mechanism, electrodes and power supply for electro-stimulus, and a control system for applying electro-stimulus in coordination with the action of the chest compression mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren R. Sherman, Steven R. Bystrom
  • Method and apparatus for removal of gas bubbles from blood
    Patent number: 7488448
    Abstract: A system for removing gas bubbles from blood during circulatory assist procedures. An active filter apparatus forces the bubbles to the center of the system where they are removed from the blood before the blood exits the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Indian Wells Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Wieting, Jay A. Lenker
  • Celestial object identification device
    Patent number: 7477367
    Abstract: A celestial object locating device according to the present disclosure enables a user to unambiguously identify one or more stars or other celestial objects. The celestial object locating device may also direct a user to a desired celestial object or objects. The device may be useful for locating or identifying stars, constellations, and deep sky objects without knowing a users location or time of day. The celestial object locating device determines the angle between selected visible stars and compares these angles to angles between known stars to determine the location of all other stars. The device includes a 3-axis magnetic field sensor and a 3-axis gravitational field sensor that operate with a processor and an electronic database to perform the required calculations. The device's database may be updated using any suitable method such as flash drives, network connections or other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Yamcon, Inc.
    Inventors: John Subbiondo, K. David Crockett
  • System for estimating the actual ECG of a patient during CPR
    Patent number: 7476206
    Abstract: A method of processing a raw acceleration signal, measured by an accelerometer-based compression monitor, to produce an accurate and precise estimated actual depth of chest compressions. The raw acceleration signal is filtered during integration and then a moving average of past starting points estimates the actual current starting point. An estimated actual peak of the compression is then determined in a similar fashion. The estimated actual starting point is subtracted from the estimated actual peak to calculate the estimated actual depth of chest compressions. In addition, one or more reference sensors (such as an ECG noise sensor) may be used to help establish the starting points of compressions. The reference sensors may be used, either alone or in combination with other signal processing techniques, to enhance the accuracy and precision of the estimated actual depth of compressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Zoll Circulation, Inc.
    Inventors: James Adam Palazzolo, Ronald D. Berger, Henry R. Halperin, Darren R. Sherman