Patents Represented by Attorney Jeffrey R. Ramberg
  • Patent number: 8267871
    Abstract: An apparatus for modulating the pressure of a fluid such as a gas within the expandable portion of a guide wire catheter. A preferred embodiment apparatus features a mechanism for controllably gripping and releasing the open, proximal end of a tubular guide wire, a mechanism for introducing a fluid to a desired pressure and volume into the expandable portion of the tubular guide wire through the open end, and, while maintaining the pressure and volume of fluid in the tubular guide wire, a mechanism for introducing a sealing member into the open end of the tubular guide wire to seal the fluid in the tubular guide wire. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the apparatus also features a deflation tool for piercing the seal and letting the fluid out. Using this apparatus, the tubular guide wire can be re-sealed and re-opened as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Eberhardt, William T. Fisher, John E. Nash, Dennis M. Sauro
  • Patent number: 8251978
    Abstract: An intra-luminal device for the extraction of occlusive or partially occlusive material is disclosed. The device includes a novel catheter extension which minimizes cavitation of extracted fluids and also allows the better navigation of tortuous lumens or vasculature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nash, Gregory Walters
  • Patent number: 8226673
    Abstract: A system and method for opening a lumen in an occluded blood vessel, e.g., a coronary bypass graft, of a living being. The system comprises an atherectomy catheter having a working head, e.g., a rotary impacting impeller, and a debris extraction sub\-system. The atherectomy catheter is located within a guide catheter. The working head is arranged to operate on, e.g., impact, the occlusive material in the occluded vessel to open a lumen therein, whereupon some debris may be produced. The debris extraction sub\-system introduces an infusate liquid at a first flow rate adjacent the working head and withdraws that liquid and some blood at a second and higher flow rate, through the guide catheter to create a differential flow adjacent the working head, whereupon the debris is withdrawn in the infusate liquid and blood for collection outside the being's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nash, William T. Fisher, Charles W. Dodson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8212442
    Abstract: The Harmonic Accumulation and Relative Transference of Kinetic Energy method does not transmit, but rather, transfers torque/energy from a power source to a driven system of higher rotational speed through the use of an oscillating flywheel and a potential energy storage device, for example, a torsion spring The power source adds energy to the oscillating flywheel by applying an impulse torque to the flywheel just as the flywheel begins to start rotating, and then transfers that energy to the driven system when the flywheel's speed (which may be its highest rotational speed) matches that of the driven system's rotational speed and direction. Thus, the energy is transferred when the flywheel and the driven system are at 0 rpm “relative” to each other. Accordingly, the impulse torques may be applied using principles of electric motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne Paul Bishop
  • Patent number: 8188229
    Abstract: This invention includes malleable, biodegradable, fibrous compositions for application to a tissue site in order to promote or facilitate new tissue growth. One aspect of this invention is a fibrous component that provides unique mechanical and physical properties. The invention may be created by providing a vessel containing a slurry, said slurry comprising a plurality of natural or synthetic polymer fibers and at least one suspension fluid, wherein the polymer fibers are substantially evenly dispersed and randomly oriented throughout the volume of the suspension fluid; applying a force, e.g., centrifugal, to said vessel containing said slurry, whereupon said force serves to cause said polymer fibers to migrate through the suspension fluid and amass at a furthest extent of the vessel, forming a polymer material, with said polymer material comprising polymer fibers of sufficient length and sufficiently viscous, interlaced, or interlocked to retard dissociation of said polymer fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Kensey Nash BVF Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Ringeisen, William Christian Wattengel
  • Patent number: 8163032
    Abstract: An implant for deployment in select locations or select tissue for regeneration of tissue is disclosed. The implant includes collagen and or other bio-resorbable materials, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may include, or have blended in, an additive, such as an osteoinductive factor, for example biocompatible ceramics and glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kensey Nash BVF Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas G Evans, Scott M. Goldman, Russell T. Kronengold
  • Patent number: 8157787
    Abstract: A pumping system for use in medical applications where liquids must be infused and aspirated from a mammalian patient, and whose economics are such that it is cost effective to simply dispose of it after a single use. The system features positive displacement pump(s) such as reciprocating pump(s) containing a damping mechanism to dampen out the peaks and valleys in the fluid pressure that is pumped, which is important for preventing cavitation. The system furthermore features a shut-off valve on the extraction side so that certain injected fluids such as contrast medium, are not immediately pumped out of the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the system also features means for independently controlling the fluid pressure/volume on the infusion and extraction sides, self-priming capability, a continuous fluid path, and visual air bubble detection, with viewports located at important points in the fluid path, such as at pumps and valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nash, Gregory Walters, Stephen Heiman, Jim Barnitz, Pete Fatone
  • Patent number: 8133500
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention may be made by the following steps: providing a mixture comprising a plurality of fibers, a lubricant, and a suspension fluid, with the suspension fluid filling a void space between said fibers and subjecting said mixture to at least one compressive force. The compressive force causes the migration and alignment of said fibers; and may remove substantially all of the suspension fluid from said mixture. The mixture may further comprise a biologically active agent, or a reinforcing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Kensey Nash BVF Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Ringeisen, W. Christian Wattengel
  • Patent number: 8133127
    Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, sports training devices that are beneficial for training in activities requiring swinging motions (e.g., the game of golf). The device may be used without hindering any portions of a natural swing. The invention also contemplates continuous tactile feedback to the user, and is both foldable and transportable, while also being economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Terrance W. Synder
  • Patent number: 8128861
    Abstract: Current top performing SAPI systems are B4C-containing (hot pressed B4C or reaction bonded B4C). These systems will not function well versus future WC/Co threats due to the inability of B4C to withstand high pressure impacts. New approaches will be needed for next generation SAPI ceramics. Three related concepts are disclosed herein, each of which will lead to improved reaction bonded ceramics for next generation SAPI applications. The first concept aims to reactively heat treat reaction bonded B4C, causing. SiC and SiB6 to form at the expense of B4C. The second approach will add Ti to the system, thus allowing TiC and TiB2 to form at the expense of B4C. Finally, the third concept will evaluate the use of finer particle sizes, thus improving the static properties of the ceramics (with the aim of enhancing multi-hit performance). In all cases, preliminary work has been conducted to demonstrate the viability of the concepts. This will lead to a new family of advanced armor ceramics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: M Cubed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Aghajanian, Allyn L. McCormick
  • Patent number: 8114161
    Abstract: A system for repairing a vertebral disc defect, such as hernia or bulge, a full or partial tear in the annulus, or a weakened annulus wall as a result of an excision procedure. The system introduces a treatment device arranged to repair the defect, and may prevent the leakage of fluid from the nucleus. The components of the device may be resorbable materials, and may induce the ingrowth of cellular material into the components. The system may feature a locating device to ensure proper placement of the treatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas G. Evans, Jeffrey C. Kelly, Gino Bradica, Michael K. Carouge, Brian Oeffinger
  • Patent number: 7998107
    Abstract: A pumping system for use in medical applications where liquids must be infused and aspirated from a mammalian patient, and whose economics are such that it is cost effective to simply dispose of it after a single use. The system features positive displacement pump(s) such as reciprocating pump(s) containing a damping mechanism to dampen out the peaks and valleys in the fluid pressure that is pumped, which is important for preventing cavitation. The system furthermore features a shut-off valve on the extraction side so that certain injected fluids such as contrast medium, are not immediately pumped out of the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the system also features means for independently controlling the fluid pressure/volume on the infusion and extraction sides, self-priming capability, a continuous fluid path, and visual air bubble detection, with viewports located at important points in the fluid path, such as at pumps and valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nash, Gregory Walters, Stephen Heiman, Jim Barnitz, Pete Fatone
  • Patent number: 7972294
    Abstract: An intra-luminal device for the extraction of occlusive or partially occlusive material is disclosed. The device includes a novel catheter extension which minimizes cavitation of extracted fluids and also allows the better navigation of tortuous lumens or vasculature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nash, Gregory Walters
  • Patent number: 7963997
    Abstract: An implantable device for facilitating the healing of voids in bone, cartilage and soft tissue is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes a cartilage region comprising a polyelectrolytic complex joined with a subchondral bone region. The cartilage region, of this embodiment, enhances the environment for chondrocytes to grow articular cartilage; while the subchondral bone region enhances the environment for cells which migrate into that region's macrostructure and which differentiate into osteoblasts. A hydrophobic barrier exists between the regions, of this embodiment. In one embodiment, the polyelectrolytic complex transforms to hydrogel, following the implant procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Brekke, Gino Bradica, Scott M. Goldman
  • Patent number: 7954973
    Abstract: A stair lighting system that features: means for sending electrical power from one end to the other end of a stair case down a main line, means for distributing electrical power from the main line to each individual step or tread, and an electrical load in the form of a light source, preferably featuring a light emitting diode (LED), and means for controlling a supply of electrical power to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignees: Stairlighting System, LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Holland, Joseph F. Witt
  • Patent number: 7931695
    Abstract: A bendable polymer tissue fixation device suitable to be implanted into a living body, comprising a highly porous body, the porous body comprising a polymer, the porous body comprising a plurality of pores, the porous body being capable of being smoothly bent, wherein the bending collapses a portion of the pores to form a radius curve, the polymer fixation device being rigid enough to protect a tissue from shifting. In a preferred embodiment the polymer fixation device may be capable of being gradually resorbed by said living body. In one embodiment, the polymer fixation device comprises a plurality of layers distinguishable by various characteristics, such as structural or chemical properties. In another embodiment, the polymer fixation device may comprise additional materials; the additional materials serving to reinforce or otherwise alter the structure or physical characteristics of the device, or alternatively as a method of delivering therapy or other agents to the system of a living being.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy A. Ringeisen
  • Patent number: 7910690
    Abstract: This invention includes malleable, biodegradable, fibrous compositions for application to a tissue site in order to promote or facilitate new tissue growth. One aspect of this invention is a fibrous component that provides unique mechanical and physical properties. The invention may be created by providing a vessel containing a slurry, said slurry comprising a plurality of natural or synthetic polymer fibers and at least one suspension fluid, wherein the polymer fibers are substantially evenly dispersed and randomly oriented throughout the volume of the suspension fluid; applying a force, e.g., centrifugal, to said vessel containing said slurry, whereupon said force serves to cause said polymer fibers to migrate through the suspension fluid and amass at a furthest extent of the vessel, forming a polymer material, with said polymer material comprising polymer fibers of sufficient length and sufficiently viscous, interlaced, or interlocked to retard dissociation of said polymer fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kensey Nash BVF Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Ringeisen, William Christian Wattengel
  • Patent number: 7892291
    Abstract: An implant for deployment in select locations or select tissue for regeneration of tissue is disclosed. The implant includes collagen and or other bio-resorbable materials, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may include, or have blended in, an additive, such as an osteoinductive factor, for example biocompatible ceramics and glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kensey Nash BVF Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas G Evans, Scott M. Goldman, Russell T. Kronengold
  • Patent number: 7887598
    Abstract: An implant for deployment in select locations or select tissue for regeneration of tissue is disclosed. The implant includes collagen and or other bio-resorbable materials, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may be “matched” to provide the implant with similar physical and/or chemical properties as the host tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kensey Nash BVF Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas G Evans, Scott M. Goldman, Russell T. Kronengold
  • Patent number: 7833278
    Abstract: An implant for deployment in select locations or select tissue for regeneration of tissue is disclosed. The implant includes collagen and or other bio-resorbable materials, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kensey Nash BVF Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas G Evans, Scott M. Goldman, Russell T. Kronengold