Patents Assigned to Estech
  • Publication number: 20100092356
    Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus, system, waste treatment facility and method of autoclave loading and treatment that involves (a) receiving solid waste at a solid waste treatment facility; (b) compressing the waste into a plurality of compressed bales, the compressed bales bound by a binding material adapted to melt at a temperature at which an autoclave operates or otherwise break upon the operation of the autoclave; (c) loading the compressed bales into an autoclave; and (d) operating the autoclave so as to melt or break the binding material to allow the compressed bales of solid waste to be decompressed and treated in the autoclave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Estech, LLC
    Inventors: Jan K. Michalek, Theodore J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7674258
    Abstract: An electrophysiology electrode having multiple power connections and electrophysiology devices including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Endoscopic Technologies, Inc. (ESTECH, Inc.)
    Inventor: David K. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20100036195
    Abstract: Methods for performing minimally invasive heart surgery include accessing a heart of a patient through a first incision on the left thorax of the patient, contacting the heart through the incision with a heart stabilizing device and/or a heart positioning device, introducing at least one coupling device through a second incision on the patient located apart from the first incision, coupling the coupling device with the heart stabilizing device or the heart positioning device, and performing a surgical procedure on the heart. Systems may include a retractor device, a heart stabilizing device, and a coupling device, for enhancing cardiac surgery. Any suitable heart surgery may be performed using methods, devices or systems of the present invention. In one embodiment, a CABG procedure is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: ESTECH, Inc. (Endoscopic Technologies, Inc.)
    Inventors: Art Bertolero, Steve Geyster
  • Publication number: 20090281541
    Abstract: Tissue treatment systems for cardiac surgical procedures can include an ablation and monitoring assembly having a first ablation element, a second ablation element, and a monitoring mechanism. Treatment methods may involve placing an ablation and monitoring assembly of the tissue treatment system at a patient tissue treatment site, applying a first ablative energy to a first tissue location via the first ablation element and a second ablative energy to a second tissue location via the second ablation element, monitoring a condition of the first tissue location with the monitoring mechanism, and modulating application of the first ablative energy to the first tissue location in response to the condition of the first tissue location while maintaining application of the second ablative energy to the second tissue location. Embodiments also include techniques for assessing a conduction delay across a lesion that involve evaluating local activation rates on various sides of a lesion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: ESTECH, Inc.
    Inventors: Tamer Ibrahim, David K. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20090257568
    Abstract: An information handling system comprises a IP network connecting a hub to a multimedia server and the hub to a data server, and the hub to an IP telephony device that is then coupled to a network device. When a telephone in one local area network within a wide area network has a change in its status, such as going off-hook, a status message will be sent to an associated extension within another local area network connected to the wide area network to thereby cause a status indicator to notify the user at the remote extension that the telephone the first local area network has had a status change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Estech Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Suder, Harold E. A. Hansen, II
  • Publication number: 20090250535
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for processing solid waste products, the apparatus comprising: (a) a rotatably mounted cylindrical vessel having a first end and a second end, a hatch at both the first end and the second end that may be opened to allow access to the interior of the vessel to a respective first and second environmental space outside the interior of the vessel, and sealably closed to allow pressurization of the vessel; (b) a steam inlet for injecting steam into at least one of the ends; and (c) an environmental barrier for at least partially separating the environments of the first and second environmental space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Estech, LLC
    Inventor: Jan K. Michalek
  • Patent number: 7584911
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for processing solid waste products. The apparatus comprises a rotatably mounted cylindrical vessel having a first end, a second end and an interior surface, at least one end terminating in a hatch that may be opened to allow access to the interior of the vessel and sealably closed to allow pressurization of the vessel; a steam inlet for injecting stem disposed at one or both ends; a plurality of substantially straight blades protruding from the interior surface of the vessel, and each the blade extending substantially the entire length of the vessel, so as to be capable of transporting waste material from the bottom of the vessel toward the top of the vessel, and releasing the waste material to fall to the bottom of the vessel. The apparatus also includes one or more actuators for moving the vessel between a position wherein the first end is higher than the second end and a position wherein the second end is higher than the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Estech, LLC
    Inventors: Jan K. Michalek, Ufuk Bozkaya
  • Publication number: 20090163768
    Abstract: Systems and methods for placing a treatment device within a patient involve advancing a magnetic first introducer into the patient, advancing a magnetic second introducer into the patient, coupling the first introducer with the second introducer via magnetic force, and using the introducer devices to place a treatment device at a desired location within the patient. Optionally, such techniques involve visualization of the introducers or treatment devices during the procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: ESTECH, Inc.
    Inventors: Tamer Ibrahim, Mike J. Banchieri, Dwight P. Morejohn
  • Publication number: 20090076537
    Abstract: Devices for enhancing minimally invasive cardiac surgery include a visualization device including an inflatable balloon at or near the distal end. Some visualization devices also include one or more lumens for allowing the introduction of one or more devices to a surgical site through the visualization device. Systems of the invention involve a visualization device which has at least one lumen for allowing introduction of an ablation device and/or other devices. A visualization device with an inflatable balloon may be positioned to create a space between a heart and pericardium when the balloon is inflated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: ESTECH, Inc. (Endoscopic Technologies, Inc. )
    Inventor: Arthur A. Bertolero
  • Publication number: 20090076501
    Abstract: Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: ESTECH, Inc. (Endoscopic Technologies, Inc.)
    Inventors: Art Bertolero, Tamer Ibrahim, Daniel J. Conley
  • Publication number: 20090048591
    Abstract: Cardiac ablation systems and methods of their use and manufacture involve an ablation mechanism, a stabilizer mechanism, and a cinching mechanism that urges the ablation mechanism toward a patient tissue. Embodiments encompass methods for administering epicardial and endocardial lesions, including box lesions and connecting lesions, to patient tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: ESTECH, Inc.
    Inventors: Tamer Ibrahim, Mike J. Banchieri, Dwight P. Morejohn
  • Publication number: 20080317235
    Abstract: A telephone and voice mail (voice processing) system is implemented using only a single processing means for controlling operations of both the telephone system and the voice mail system. The single processing means communicates with a hard disk, which stores programs for running the various operations of the system, voice prompts and all voice mail messages. The single processing means is coupled to signal processing circuitry, which emulates analog electronics that would be used for filters, tone decoder, generators, etc. The single processing means and signal processing circuitry are coupled to central office lines and station lines by a digital cross-point matrix, which can connect any voice path to another voice path. The system integrates call processing and voice processing into one system controlled by one set of software and a single processing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Estech System, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold E.A. Hansen, II, Eric G. Suder
  • Publication number: 20080294154
    Abstract: Cardiac ablation systems and methods of their use and manufacture involve an ablation mechanism, a stabilizer mechanism, and a cinching mechanism that urges the ablation mechanism toward a patient tissue. Embodiments encompass methods for administering epicardial and endocardial lesions, including box lesions and connecting lesions, to patient tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: ESTECH, Inc.
    Inventors: Tamer Ibrahim, Mike J. Banchieri, Dwight P. Morejohn
  • Publication number: 20080253946
    Abstract: A waste treatment apparatus having an autoclave that includes a pressure vessel (11) having a first mouth part (20) to receive waste material and a second mouth part (19) to discharge treated material, with the autoclave being rotatable at a longitudinal axis to agitate the waste material during treatment and to discharge waste material from the autoclave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Estech Europe Limited
    Inventor: Paul Burrows
  • Patent number: 7421066
    Abstract: A telephone and voice mail (voice processing) system is implemented using only a single processing means for controlling operations of both the telephone system and the voice mail system. The single processing means communicates with a hard disk, which stores programs for running the various operations of the system, voice prompts and all voice mail messages. The single processing means is coupled to signal processing circuitry, which emulates analog electronics that would be used for filters, tone decoder, generators, etc. The single processing means and signal processing circuitry are coupled to central office lines and station lines by a digital cross-point matrix, which can connect any voice path to another voice path. The system integrates call processing and voice processing into one system controlled by one set of software and a single processing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Estech Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold E. A. Hansen, II, Eric G. Suder
  • Patent number: 7347391
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for processing solid waste products. The apparatus comprises a rotatably mounted cylindrical vessel having a first end, a second end and an interior surface, at least one end terminating in a hatch that may be opened to allow access to the interior of the vessel and sealably closed to allow pressurization of the vessel; a steam inlet for injecting stem disposed at one or both ends; a plurality of substantially straight blades protruding from the interior surface of the vessel, and each the blade extending substantially the entire length of the vessel, so as to be capable of transporting waste material from the bottom of the vessel toward the top of the vessel, and releasing the waste material to fall to the bottom of the vessel. The apparatus also includes one or more actuators for moving the vessel between a position wherein the first end is higher than the second end and a position wherein the second end is higher than the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Estech, LLC
    Inventors: Jan K. Michalek, Ufuk Bozkaya
  • Publication number: 20080051486
    Abstract: A one step system for hoof repair material that cures upon exposure to light. Found is a urethane solution that contains polymerization initiators so that exposure to visible light induces the cure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: ESTECH, INC.
    Inventor: Allen Johnston
  • Publication number: 20070233226
    Abstract: Tissue stabilization and ablation devices and methods provide techniques for stabilizing and ablating body tissues during surgical ablation procedures. In many embodiments, for example, devices may be used in minimally invasive techniques for ablating epicardial tissue adjacent one or more pulmonary veins to treat atrial fibrillation. Tissue stabilization and ablation devices generally include a rigidifying bladder coupled with an ablation member. The devices may additionally include a tissue stabilizing bladder or means within the rigidifying bladder for enhancing tissue stabilization. The rigidifying bladder conforms to a tissue surface and then stiffens to help the device hold its shape and position and to stabilize the tissue. The ablation member is then used to ablate an area of tissue. Such cardiac stabilization and ablation devices and methods may be used to ablate one or more patterns on the epicardial surface of a heart to treat atrial fibrillation and/or other cardiac arrhythmias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: ESTECH
    Inventors: Gary Kochamba, Suzanne Kochamba, Art Bertolero
  • Patent number: 7237555
    Abstract: Tissue stabilization and ablation devices and methods provide techniques for stabilizing and ablating body tissues during surgical ablation procedures. In many embodiments, for example, devices may be used in minimally invasive techniques for ablating epicardial tissue adjacent one or more pulmonary veins to treat atrial fibrillation. Tissue stabilization and ablation devices generally include a rigidifying bladder coupled with an ablation member. The devices may additionally include a tissue stabilizing bladder or means within the rigidifying bladder for enhancing tissue stabilization. The rigidifying bladder conforms to a tissue surface and then stiffens to help the device hold its shape and position and to stabilize the tissue. The ablation member is then used to ablate an area of tissue. Such cardiac stabilization and ablation devices and methods may be used to ablate one or more patterns on the epicardial surface of a heart to treat atrial fibrillation and/or other cardiac arrhythmias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Estech
    Inventors: Gary S. Kochamba, Suzanne E. Kochamba, Arthur A. Bertolero
  • Patent number: RE39722
    Abstract: A telephone and voice mail (voice processing) system is implemented using only a single processing means for controlling operations of both the telephone system and the voice mail system. The single processing means communicates with a hard disk, which stores programs for running the various operations of the system, voice prompts and all voice mail messages. The single processing means is coupled to signal processing circuitry, which emulates analog electronics that would be used for filters, tone decoder, generators, etc. The single processing means and signal processing circuitry are coupled to central office lines and station lines by a digital cross-point matrix, which can connect any voice path to another voice path. The system integrates call processing and voice processing into one system controlled by one set of software and a single processing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Estech Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold E. A. Hansen, II, Eric G. Suder