Patents Examined by Aarti B Berdichevsky
  • Auto lock for catheter handle
    Patent number: 9694159
    Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end 18 in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Clint Schneider, Joshua L. Dudney, Richard E. Stehr, Troy T. Tegg, Michael C. Bednarek, Guy P. Vanney, James A. Jensen, Michael W. Stine
  • Volleyball practice assembly
    Patent number: 9694268
    Abstract: A volleyball practice assembly includes a target unit that may be mounted to a support thereby facilitating the target unit to have a ball launched toward the target unit. The target unit registers when the ball strikes the target unit thereby facilitating the target unit to aid in accuracy training with respect to the ball. A control circuit is coupled to the target unit and the control circuit detects when the ball strikes the target unit. A remote unit is provided. The remote unit is in communication with the target unit such that the remote unit controls operational parameters of the target unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Jacob Vincent
  • Dosing device for an infusion system and method thereof
    Patent number: 9687604
    Abstract: A dosing device for an infusion system comprises a dosing unit having a variable volume and at least one opening in fluid connection with the variable volume, through which opening the variable volume can be filled with a substance or the substance can be dispensed from the variable volume. The dosing device is operable in a first state for filling the substance from a supply conduit, in a second state for preventing filling and dispensing, or in a third state for dispensing through a dispensing conduit. No direct fluid connection exists between the supply conduit and the dispensing conduit at any time. Methods for dosing a substance with the dosing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Haueter, Florian Kuehni
  • Combination device and system for cooling items and playing bag toss game, and method of assembly and use thereof
    Patent number: 9687708
    Abstract: A bean bag or other item toss device, system, and method that includes a housing having an angled top surface with an opening in the top surface, as well as a method of construction thereof. In some versions, at least a portion of the top surface may be opened or removed to allow access to a cooling area therebeneath. The opening in the top surface may include a passage or conduit so as to allow items tossed thereinto to pass through the cooling area to an open space beneath the device, allowing retrieval of the tossed item, without the tossed item having contacted the interior of the cooling area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Bennett
  • Method and system for shape-memory alloy wire control
    Patent number: 9687602
    Abstract: A method for controlling a device using a shape-memory alloy wire is disclosed. The method includes determining an ontime for the shape-memory alloy wire based on a target volume to be pumped by a pump plunger, determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire and adjusting the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Colin H. Murphy, Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray
  • Interactive children's table dishes
    Patent number: 9681765
    Abstract: An apparatus for encouraging children to eat meals through the use of interactive lights and audio is provided. In one embodiment is a bowl with lights embedded on its outer surface, capable of being illuminated by a controller in various lighting sequences. Also included is an audio speaker capable of reproducing audio stored in an internal controller. In other embodiments are a tray and dishes that use light and audio adapted for their specific application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: Pamela Ann Cignarella
  • Drug delivery systems and methods
    Patent number: 9682193
    Abstract: Drug delivery systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a drug delivery system can be configured to deliver a drug to a patient in coordination with a physiological parameter of the patient (e.g., the patient's natural cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsation or the patient's heart or respiration rate). In some embodiments, a drug delivery system can be configured to use a combination of infusion and aspiration to control delivery of a drug to a patient. Catheters, controllers, and other components for use in the above systems are also disclosed, as are various methods of using such systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Alcyone Lifesciences, Inc.
    Inventors: PJ Anand, Morgan Brophy, Deep Arjun Singh, Greg Eberl
  • Mobile device which simulates player motion
    Patent number: 9682301
    Abstract: A mobile device and system which simulates human motion. The device includes a base with a drive system for providing motion to the device. A receiver is provided which controls the drive system the receiver receives wireless control signals. Pads and a self-stabilizing component are provided on the device. The device accurately mimics the unpredictable motion of a human motion to provide a safer alternative to live interaction to increase participant safety and decrease the incidence of injuries during practice or drill sessions. The system includes at least one mobile device. The mobile device includes: a base having a drive system for providing motion to the device; a receiver which controls the drive system the receiver receives wireless control signals; and self-stabilizing component provided on the device. The system also includes a transmitter for transmitting the control signals to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Mobile Virtual Player LLC
    Inventors: Quinn Reid Connell, Elliot James Kastner, Noah James Glennon, Andrew Smist, Eugene F. Teevens, John H. Currier
  • Access port identification systems and methods
    Patent number: 9682186
    Abstract: An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly B. Powers, Jason R. Stats, Eddie K. Burnside
  • Protective device for an injection needle
    Patent number: 9682187
    Abstract: A protective device for an injection or infusion needle is provided comprising a needle hub at the proximal end of the needle, on whose shaft a protective member for the needle tip is displaceable, the protective member having an engaging section which engages with the needle shaft to prevent the protective member from being displaced beyond the needle tip, wherein the protective member is surrounded by a tube whose diameter is locally reduced or deformed such that the protective member is confined in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: B. Braun Melsungen AG
    Inventor: Kevin Woehr
  • Card recognition system, card handling device, and method for tuning a card handling device
    Patent number: 9679603
    Abstract: A card recognition system comprises an imaging device configured to capture a raw image of at least a portion of a card, and a processor operably coupled with the imaging device. The processor is configured to perform an image processing analysis of the raw image to identify measurements of at least one of a rank area around a rank of the card, and a suit area around a suit of the card, and automatically generate a calibration file based, at least in part, on the image processing analysis. A card handling device comprises a card infeed, a card output, and a card recognition system. A method for tuning a card handling device comprises capturing a plurality of images from a deck of cards, storing the images in memory, analyzing the plurality of images for card identification information, and generating a calibration file including parameters associated with the card identification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James V. Kelly, Vladislav Zvercov, Brian Miller
  • Surgical apparatus with expandable structure and electrode for treating body tissue
    Patent number: 9675409
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for positioning and stabilizing an external instrument during insertion of the instrument through the oral cavity (e.g., insertion of a catheter through the oral cavity and into the esophagus or cardia for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)). The systems and methods provide a gripping tool for association with a bite block, capable of selectively moving between an open position in which the instrument may be inserted or removed, and a closed position in which the external instrument is held in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Mederi Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott West, David S. Utley, John W. Gaiser
  • Iron-type golf club head
    Patent number: 9675852
    Abstract: A golf club head having a thin topline and improved sound is disclosed herein. The golf club head, which preferably is a three-piece iron-type head, comprises a body with truss supports linking a lower body portion of the iron with a top portion. This configuration creates an iron with the sound and feel of a closed cavity back iron and the performance and mass properties of an open cavity back iron. The golf club head also includes a partial face cup comprising a striking face and a lower flange and a dampening element filling at least a portion of a cavity between the body and the face cup. The dampening element comprises a portion that is compressed within the cavity and another portion that is adhered to the rear surface of the striking face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Joshua D. Westrum
  • Medical delivery systems and apparatus
    Patent number: 9669189
    Abstract: A catheter proximal section is preferably formed from a relatively soft part and a relatively rigid part, and includes a proximal terminal end that defines a perimeter of an opening into a lumen of the catheter. The proximal section may further include a feature for interlocking engagement with an accessory tool. An inner surface of each of the relatively soft and rigid parts may be located opposite one another, on either side of the catheter lumen. The relatively soft and rigid parts may be included in a sealing assembly that further includes an attachment feature for removable connection of the assembly to the proximal section catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Drake, Stanten C. Spear, Lester O. Stener, Gary R. Fiedler, Scott W. Hayden, Kendra Lange
  • Selectively positionable catheter cuff
    Patent number: 9669190
    Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a catheter with the body of a patient are generally disclosed. In particular, selectively positionable cuffs and methods for attaching selectively positionable cuffs to long-term tunneled catheters are disclosed. In one embodiment, a slidable, selectively-positionable cuff comprises an adhesive on a foldable tab. In another embodiment, a slidable, selectively positionable cuff comprises an activatable adhesive that is convertible from a nonadherent state to an adherent state beneath the skin of the patient. Additionally, the present disclosure teaches a wrappable sheet comprising a harvested extracellular matrix with an adhesive positioned on a side thereon and arranged to be adhered to the surface of a catheter so as to form a cuff. Methods of securing and/or positioning a cuff on a catheter, kits, and other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Olivia J. Ryan, Melissa R. Taylor, Steven Hough, Clark Leiter, Creasy Clauser, Katherine Dostal
  • Neurosurgical device and method
    Patent number: 9662484
    Abstract: A skull mountable, implantable percutaneous fluid delivery device is described for use in delivering fluids to target sites in the brain. The device includes a subcutaneous base portion including one or more ports for supplying fluid to one or more implanted catheter devices. A percutaneous portion of the device includes an extracorporeal surface, the one or more ports of the subcutaneous base portion being accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the percutaneous portion. The subcutaneous base portion is at least partially insertable into a complementary recess formed in a bone and includes one or more anchoring features including at least one radially protruding wing for directly anchoring the subcutaneous base portion to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Maxwell Woolley, Trefor Lewis
  • Golf swing training device
    Patent number: 9662559
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for providing training and visual feedback of a preferred swing. The apparatus includes arm bands that are secured to the arms of a user and an alignment member that is attached to the arm bands. In use, the ends of the alignment member are visible to the user throughout an entire swing of a sport equipment without requiring head movement of the user. By observing the position of the ends of the alignment member relative to the body of the user, the user or trainer is able to determine whether a preferred swing is being executed by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Allan M. Strand
  • Infusion pump pressure plate
    Patent number: 9662437
    Abstract: A pressure plate is configured to be coupled to a control module of an infusion pump. First and second securing hooks may extend away from a major surface of the pressure plate proximally to a first end. Each of the securing hooks may be structured to reversibly and hingedly couple to a hinge pin of the control module. An arch may extend away from the major surface proximally to a second transverse end and be structured to be received by a latch receptacle of the control module. The pressure plate may be secured to the control module by the securing hooks and arch. Each of the securing hooks may include a bearing surface configured to bear against a hinge pin when the pressure plate is secured to the control module, each bearing surface being parallel along the longitudinal axis with respect to the first major surface to within five degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventor: Shiva Moosai
  • Table game system
    Patent number: 9662562
    Abstract: A table game system comprises a predetermined number of decks of game cards (100s) which are shuffled in a random order and individually packaged as one package (406), an unique ID code (404) is attached to the package (406) of shuffled game cards (100s), an ID code reader (R) for obtaining the ID code (404) of the packages (406) at the game table (411) to identify the package (406) which will be used for the next game, a card storage unit (402) that stores the predetermined number of decks of game cards plucked out from the package (406). The system determines whether the quantity of the cards stored in the card storage unit (402) is a predetermined quantity, and outputs the determination with the ID code (404) of the package (406) in which the plurality of cards stored in the card storage unit (402).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
  • Whistle/bottle-opener system
    Patent number: 9659554
    Abstract: An upper plate and a similarly configured lower plate each have a serpentine forward edge, a linear rearward edge, a left edge, a right edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The upper and lower plates each have a whistle section and a laterally spaced bottle-opener section. A C-shaped bend couples the upper and lower plates. An upper hole extends through the upper plate in the whistle section. An axially aligned lower hole extends through the lower plate in the whistle section. A J-shaped notch extends through the upper plate and the lower plate and the C-shaped bend at the rearward edge in the bottle-opener section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas W. Determan