Patents Assigned to LipoSonix, Inc.
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Patent number: 8142200Abstract: An interchangeable transducer for use with an ultrasound medical system having a keyless adaptor and capable of operating in a wet environment. The interchangeable transducer has an adaptor for engaging a medical system, an ultrasound transducer and additional electronics to provide a self-contained insert for easy replacement and usage in a variety of medical applications. A slip ring spacer is also disclosed, the slip ring spacer for use with a pancake slip ring having a base and flange configuration to form one or more channels around each contact ring of the pancake slip ring. The channels provide fluid isolation around each connector to help reduce electronic cross talk and contact corrosion between the connector pads of the slip ring while the slip ring is immersed in a wet environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Liposonix, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Robert Crunkilton, Craig Robert Bockenstedt
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Publication number: 20090248578Abstract: A method of providing a consumer or user with an investment recovery from a pay-per-use device. The investment recovery system involves a computer implemented method of determining the residual number of uses on a product, and crediting a user with the residual number. Also described are apparatus and systems for use with the method of providing medical device investment recovery.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Cameron Pollock, Tanar Ulric, Jonathan Slobodzian
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Publication number: 20090240146Abstract: An interchangeable transducer for use with an ultrasound medical system having a keyless adaptor and capable of operating in a wet environment. The interchangeable transducer has an adaptor for engaging a medical system, an ultrasound transducer and additional electronics to provide a self-contained insert for easy replacement and usage in a variety of medical applications. A slip ring spacer is also disclosed, the slip ring spacer for use with a pancake slip ring having a base and flange configuration to form one or more channels around each contact ring of the pancake slip ring. The channels provide fluid isolation around each connector to help reduce electronic cross talk and contact corrosion between the connector pads of the slip ring while the slip ring is immersed in a wet environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Craig Robert Bockenstedt, Roland Horth
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Publication number: 20090171252Abstract: Therapy heads and related medical systems having an actuation assembly for controlling the position/orientation of a directional energy applicator in at least two planes are disclosed. A therapy head includes an enclosure, a partition separating a lower compartment from an upper compartment, an aperture in the partition, a control arm extending through the aperture, an actuation assembly positioned within the upper compartment, and a directional energy applicator positioned in the lower compartment for transmitting energy through a window. The control arm includes an upper end disposed within the upper compartment and a lower end disposed within the lower compartment. The actuation assembly is coupled with the upper end of the control arm such that the control arm is movable by the actuation assembly in at least two planes. The directional energy applicator is coupled with the lower end of the control arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Craig Robert Bockenstedt, Blake Little, Ethan Albright
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Patent number: 7532201Abstract: A position tracking device is disclosed combining one or more optical sensors in a housing with a medical device. The medical device may be an insertion device or one that produces radiant energy. The device may utilize an on-board processor or an external processor to track position data generated by the optical sensors and correlate the treatment regime of the medical device. Alternative embodiments and methods of use are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Jens U. Quistgaard, Charles S. Desilets, Tim Etchells, Gregory Paul Darlington
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Publication number: 20080243003Abstract: An interchangeable transducer for use with an ultrasound medical system having a keyless adaptor and capable of operating in a wet environment. The interchangeable transducer has an adaptor for engaging a medical system, an ultrasound transducer and additional electronics to provide a self-contained insert for easy replacement and usage in a variety of medical applications. A slip ring spacer is also disclosed, the slip ring spacer for use with a pancake slip ring having a base and flange configuration to form one or more channels around each contact ring of the pancake slip ring. The channels provide fluid isolation around each connector to help reduce electronic cross talk and contact corrosion between the connector pads of the slip ring while the slip ring is immersed in a wet environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Robert Crunkilton, Craig Robert Bockenstedt
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Publication number: 20080243035Abstract: An interchangeable transducer for use with an ultrasound medical system having a keyless adaptor and capable of operating in a wet environment. The interchangeable transducer has an adaptor for engaging a medical system, an ultrasound transducer and additional electronics to provide a self-contained insert for easy replacement and usage in a variety of medical applications. A slip ring spacer is also disclosed, the slip ring spacer for use with a pancake slip ring having a base and flange configuration to form one or more channels around each contact ring of the pancake slip ring. The channels provide fluid isolation around each connector to help reduce electronic cross talk and contact corrosion between the connector pads of the slip ring while the slip ring is immersed in a wet environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventor: JEFFREY ROBERT CRUNKILTON
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Publication number: 20080200813Abstract: An ultrasound transducer having multiple focal zones is described. In one embodiment there is an ultrasound transducer manufactured as a single piece but having two or more focal zones. In a second embodiment there is a transducer assembly combining a high frequency and low frequency transducer. In a third embodiment there is an interchangeable assembly allowing for different ultrasound transducers to be used based on procedural needs. Variations of each embodiment are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventor: Jens U. Quistgaard
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Publication number: 20080097216Abstract: A physical shield placed on the face of a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer for medical applications is described. The shield may be shaped or angled to match a particular pattern of mechanical or acoustic energy that may damage the transducer during operation. The shield may be ablative, replaceable or modified as needed. Methods of manufacturing a transducer with a shield are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey R. Crunkilton, Charles S. Desilets, Greg P. Darlington, Jens U. Quistgaard
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Publication number: 20080064961Abstract: A transducer seal designed to seal an open aperture of a transducer housing for a therapeutic ultrasound procedure. The seal has a membrane, a retainer and a mating device for locking in place with the transducer housing. The membrane is essentially transparent to ultrasound energy while being stretched taut about the retainer. The transducer seal may be made in a disposable or re-usable form.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2007Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Charles Desilets, George Barrett, Jens Quistgaard, Gregory Darlington
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Publication number: 20080015435Abstract: A system for the destruction of adipose tissue utilizing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) within a patient's body. The system comprises a controller for data storage and the operation and control of a plurality of elements. One elements is a means for mapping a human body to establish three dimensional coordinate position data for existing adipose tissue. The controller is able to identify the plurality of adipose tissue locations on said human body and establish a protocol for the destruction of the adipose tissue. A HIFU transducer assembly having one or more piezoelectric element(s) is used along with at least one sensor wherein the sensor provides feed back information to the controller for the safe operation of the piezoelectric element(s). The sensor is electronically coupled to the controller, and the controller provides essential treatment command information to one or more piezoelectric element(s) based on positioning information obtained from the three dimensional coordinate position data.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2007Publication date: January 17, 2008Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Robert Cribbs, Carl Hennige, Rick Hillstead
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Patent number: 7311679Abstract: A transducer seal designed to seal an open aperture of a transducer housing for a therapeutic ultrasound procedure. The seal has a membrane, a retainer and a mating device for locking in place with the transducer housing. The membrane is essentially transparent to ultrasound energy while being stretched taut about the retainer. The transducer seal may be made in a disposable or re-usable form.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Desilets, George Barrett, Jens U. Quistgaard, Gregory Paul Darlington
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Publication number: 20070238994Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for coupling a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer to a skin surface using water as a coupling agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2006Publication date: October 11, 2007Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Kathryn Stecco, Gregory Darlington, Jody Johnson, Howard Holman, Jens Quistgaard
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Patent number: 7273459Abstract: A mechanically formed vortex transducer is described. The transducer has a plurality of piezoelectric elements suspended in an epoxy and heat molded into a desired shape. An irregularity in the transducer shape provides for a mechanically induced vortex focal field without the need for electronic steering or lens focusing. A system and methods of making the same are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Desilets, Jens U. Quistgaard
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Patent number: 7258674Abstract: A system for the destruction of adipose tissue utilizing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) within a patient's body. The system comprises a controller for data storage and the operation and control of a plurality of elements. One elements is a means for mapping a human body to establish three dimensional coordinate position data for existing adipose tissue. The controller is able to identify the plurality of adipose tissue locations on said human body and establish a protocol for the destruction of the adipose tissue. A HIFU transducer assembly having one or more piezoelectric element(s) is used along with at least one sensor wherein the sensor provides feed back information to the controller for the safe operation of the piezoelectric element(s). The sensor is electronically coupled to the controller, and the controller provides essential treatment command information to one or more piezoelectric element(s) based on positioning information obtained from the three dimensional coordinate position data.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Robert Cribbs, Carl Hennige, Rick Hillstead
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Publication number: 20070055156Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for modifying unwanted tissue for cosmetic reasons. The methods provide a non-invasive manner to perform body contouring by destroying adipose tissue while simultaneously causing collagen contraction in a single procedure so that as destroyed tissue is removed from a treatment volume, the volume shrinks gradually to maintain the skin tone of the treatment area.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2006Publication date: March 8, 2007Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Charles Desilets, Cameron Pollock
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Publication number: 20070035201Abstract: A mechanically formed transducer capable of producing a non-ideal focal region is described. The transducer has a plurality of piezoelectric elements suspended in an epoxy and heat molded into a desired shape. One or more shaped irregularities in the transducer provides for a mechanically induced non-ideal focal field without the need for electronic steering or lens focusing. Systems and methods of making the same are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2006Publication date: February 15, 2007Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Charles Desilets, Jens Quistgaard
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Publication number: 20060122509Abstract: Methods and systems for the destruction of adipose tissue are disclosed. A method is provided for creating a surface map corresponding to a volume of adipose tissue for noninvasive treatment, and additional methods are provided for the treatment of the adipose tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2005Publication date: June 8, 2006Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventor: Charles Desilets
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Publication number: 20050193451Abstract: An apparatus for precise positioning of a medical device is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base, an articulating arm, a position sensor and a means for load balancing. The apparatus may also include a robotic driver and an additional rhythmic motion sensor. The apparatus is used to carry a therapy head for a medical procedure requiring precise positioning of a therapy head, precise movement of a therapy head, or use of a therapy head over a patient body for an extended period of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2003Publication date: September 1, 2005Applicant: LIPOSONIX, INC.Inventors: Jens Quistgaard, Tim Etchells, Gregory Darlington, Charles Desilets
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Publication number: 20050187495Abstract: A therapy head for use in HIFU procedures is described. The therapy head has an enclosure with a window, an energy applicator and a means of moving the energy applicator within the enclosure. The therapy head uses motors and actuators to move the energy applicator, usually an ultrasound transducer, inside the enclosure. A controller is provided either internally or externally that allows the therapy head to identify and distinguish locations where the therapy head should be to radiate energy into a patient. The controller uses the motors and actuators to move the energy applicator into the desired locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2004Publication date: August 25, 2005Applicant: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Jens Quistgaard, Tim Etchells, Gregory Darlington, Charles Desilets