Patents Examined by Bradley Thomas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8419683
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to access bone marrow at various target areas. Such apparatus may include an intraosseous device operable to penetrate bone at a selected target area and a depth limiter operable to control depth of penetration of the intraosseous device into bone and associated bone marrow. A manual driver and a guide may be included to optimize optimum insertion of the intraosseous device at a selected insertion site on a sternum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: VidaCare Corporation
    Inventors: Larry J. Miller, Robert W. Titkemeyer, David S. Bolleter, Ruben Trevino, Matthew T. Harmon, Christopher Kilcoin
  • Patent number: 8376998
    Abstract: An automatic injection device including a housing element, at least one resilient element arranged to be located within the housing element, a syringe including at least one syringe piston, a needle guard adapted for selectable positioning with respect to the housing element and a selectable driving element adapted, when actuated, to be driven by the at least one resilient element for initially displacing the syringe relative to the housing element from a non-penetration position to a penetration position and thereafter displacing the at least one syringe piston in the syringe to effect drug delivery and displacing the needle guard into a needle guarding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Elcam Medical Agricultural Cooperative Association Ltd.
    Inventors: David Daily, Lior Raday
  • Patent number: 8372057
    Abstract: An adapter for a medical receptacle having a skirt with an outside diameter and a threaded inside diameter, and a tapered post within the skirt, the adapter includes a proximal end portion having a threaded surface including at least one thread configured to threadingly engage the threaded inside diameter of the skirt, a distal end portion having a surface portion and a cylindrical recess, a conduit positioned between the tapered recess and the cylindrical recess such that the conduit is in fluid communication with both the tapered recess and the cylindrical recess; and a longitudinal axis. The proximal end portion includes a tapered recess defined by a wall, a chamfer, and a seat and the surface portion includes a means for gripping, which in one embodiment may be at least two wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Coeur, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Cude, Raymond Jozwik
  • Patent number: 8343100
    Abstract: A surgical system having a console that receives a cassette with a rigid fluid channel formed into a rigid plastic component or housing. The housing serves as a substrate for an elastomeric acoustic coupling that can be formed on the housing outside of the fluid channel. The acoustic transducer is elastically mounted within the console, such as on a spring, so as to provide a relatively constant force between the transducer and the acoustic coupling when the cassette is installed in the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Nicolei R. King, David L. Williams
  • Patent number: 8333754
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying medical or veterinary utility modules comprising a first module operable in a digestive or respiratory tract to engage a second module, optionally by a magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, systems may be operable to remain in situ and also operable to permit a therapeutic material dispensation. In some contexts, for example, systems or methods may dispense a therapeutic material via a subject's throat or elsewhere in the digestive or respiratory tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8333736
    Abstract: A universal securing device for holding catheters of various shapes and sizes and the like in place includes a base and cover. The cover may be connected to the base by a hinge which allows the cover to be lifted open or pushed down into a closed position, over a catheter fitting. The base may have locating elements configured and arranged to fit around catheter fittings of various sizes, and the locating elements prevent substantial movement of a catheter fitting and catheter in various dimensions. The cover may include capture elements which act to grip and compress the catheter fitting when the securing device is in a closed position, thus preventing substantial movement of a catheter fitting and catheter in various dimensions. The base may be attached to a patient with an adhesive pad attached to the bottom surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Venetec International, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford A. Wright, Robert F. Eisele, Thomas R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8267915
    Abstract: A port for implantation within a body, comprises a housing having proximal and distal surfaces and a side surface wherein, the proximal surface faces outward toward the skin, the distal surface faces inward away from the skin and the side surface extends between the proximal and distal surfaces. A first well formed within the housing includes a first opening in the proximal surface and a second well formed in the housing adjacent to the first well has a second opening formed in the proximal surface. First and second outlet openings formed on the side surface of the port are in fluid communication with the first and second wells, respectively, and are separated from one another by a distance substantially equal to a distance separating lumens of a dual lumen catheter to which the port is to be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Navilyst Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Katie Daly, Kristian DiMatteo, Eric Houde
  • Patent number: 8257325
    Abstract: A venous access port assembly having a housing base with a discharge port, a septum and a cap. An interior reservoir is defined by a well in the housing base and a bottom of the septum, and a passageway extends from the reservoir through the discharge port. The housing base includes a base flange having integrally molded therein indicia identifying an attribute of the assembly. The indicia could be formed of base flange material, or could be formed by voids in the base flange material. If of plastic material, the molded indicia could be applied with a radiopaque agent, thereby allowing the indicia (“CT”) to appear on an X-ray of the patient in a manner informing a practitioner of a particular attribute of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Medical Components, Inc., Innovative Medical Devices, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy M. Schweikert, Raymond R. Bizup, Kevin E. Sanford, Kenneth M. Zinn
  • Patent number: 8246576
    Abstract: Described herein is a medical device that has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration wherein one or more polymeric network layers are applied to the substrate and microparticles embedded in the polymeric network. The polymeric network layer or layers is/are configured to retain the microparticles when the device is in a collapsed configuration and to release the microparticles when the device is in an expanded configuration. Methods for delivering a therapeutic agent using the device and making the device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: SurModics, Inc.
    Inventor: Joram Slager
  • Patent number: 8235971
    Abstract: A catheter connection system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a catheter connection system may include at least two components and a deformable sealing element positioned between the at least two components configured to allow, upon deformation, fluid flow through the at least two components. In another embodiment, the catheter connection system may include a sealing element positioned between at least two components, wherein the components are coupled to one another by a locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, William R. Barron
  • Patent number: 8235951
    Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment for a syringe or cartridge having a cannula, wherein the attachment comprises a sealing element, which is molded onto the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Arzneimittel GmbH Apotheker Vetter & Co. Ravensburg
    Inventors: Petra Hund, Joachim Glocker, Walter Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8221383
    Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having a catheter and one or more expandable constricting/occluding members. The catheter has a lumen communicating with a port at its distal end. The lumen and port are adapted for introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter and an atherectomy catheter, into a vertebral or basilar artery. The constrictor/occluder is mounted proximal to the port of the catheter. Manometers may be mounted distal to one or more constrictors for measuring pressure distal to the constrictor(s). Methods of using the devices for preventing distal embolization during vertebral and/or basilar procedures by reversing blood flow in the vertebral artery toward the subclavian artery are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: CoAxia, Inc.
    Inventor: Denise R. Barbut
  • Patent number: 8221385
    Abstract: Some embodiments an infusion pump system can be used to determine a user's total insulin load (TIL) that provides an accurate indication of the insulin previously delivered to the user's body which has not yet acted. In particular embodiments, the TIL can account for both the bolus deliveries and the basal deliveries that have occurred over a period of time. Such information may be useful, for example, when the infusion pump is operated in conjunction with a continuous glucose monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Asante Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark C. Estes
  • Patent number: 8216498
    Abstract: A catheter shaft including an elongate tubular member including a first polymeric layer and a second polymeric layer bonded to the first polymeric layer. The first polymeric layer is formed of a polymer generally not bondable to fluoropolymers, and the second polymeric layer is formed of a fluoropolymer bonded to the polymer of the first polymeric layer. The fluoropolymer of the second polymeric layer is a functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride which has a bonding affinity to the polymer of the first polymeric layer. The functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride includes reactive functional groups chemically bonded to a polymer chain of a polyvinylidene fluoride which readily bond to the polymer chain of the polymer of the first polymeric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Quillin
  • Patent number: 8211067
    Abstract: When consumable part such as pressure-resistant cover (300) is installed on a chemical solution injector (100), consumption degree data is read from storage means such as an RFID chip of the consumable part and temporarily held. If the consumption degree updated according to the use of the consumable part exceeds the consumption criteria, a replacement preliminary warning is outputted and the updated consumption degree data is written in the consumption storage means (310) of the consumable part. Since the consumption degree of a consumable part installed on a mechanical device is automatically detected and a replacement preliminary warning is issue to the user at an adequate timing, continuous use of a totally consumed part, unnecessary replacement of a non-totally consumed part is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Nemoto
  • Patent number: 8211061
    Abstract: An intelligent remote-controlled portable intravenous injection and transfusion system includes a fluid storage unit (A), a transfusion needle (B), a transfusion tube (C) and a fluid supply driving unit (D). The fluid storage unit (A) is formed by a portable bag (A1) and a fluid storage bag (A2) therein. The fluid supply driving unit (D) includes a peristaltic pump (2), which is provided in a portable flip-shell formed by a lower case (5), an upper cover (6) and a rotational axis (7), and its drive device (1), a power (13), a controller having MSF module and the second wireless signal transmitter/receiver unit. The second wireless signal transmitter/receiver unit is connected to the I/O of the controller. The first wireless signal transmitter/receiver unit is provided in a healthcare monitor room, and connected to the I/O of a computer installed with a controlling software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sun Medical-Scientific (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Luyi Sen
  • Patent number: 8211063
    Abstract: An anchoring system includes a device which permits a portion of a catheter or similar medical article to be easily anchored to a patient, desirably without the use of tape or needles and suture. The anchoring system comprises an anchor pad and a retainer mounted upon the anchor pad. The retainer includes at least one clip forming at least a portion of a central channel and that moves generally in a lateral direction to capture the medical article to be retained. In certain embodiments, the clip moves in lateral and transverse directions between closed and open positions. The medical article is secured within the central channel. The channel may have a straight or tapering shape depending on the medical article to be retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Venetec International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Bierman, Richard A. Pluth
  • Patent number: 8202247
    Abstract: A capsule medical apparatus includes a living tissue drawing portion in which a space for drawing the living tissue into a body of the capsule medical apparatus is formed; a movable unit that includes an engaging unit, which can be engaged with the living tissue of the subject, and that moves on a surface of the body of the capsule medical apparatus and in the living tissue drawing portion; an injection needle that has an ejection port for a drug and that protrudes such that the ejection port is positioned in the living tissue drawing portion; and an injection needle driver that drives the injection needle such that the injection needle protrudes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Tanaka, Hironao Kawano, Hironobu Takizawa, Miho Katayama, Keita Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8202253
    Abstract: A catheter insertion apparatus with visual indication of needle penetration of a blood vessel and placement of the catheter cannula within the blood vessel, using blood vessel pressure to indicate needle penetration by the presence of blood within a transparent chamber within the apparatus and the displacement of a plunger to create a negative pressure on the cannula and thus allowing blood to be visible within the catheter hub thereby indicating the introduction of the cannula into the blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Toby J. Wexler
  • Patent number: 8192391
    Abstract: An ultrasound catheter system and a method for operating an ultrasonic catheter at a treatment site within a patient's vasculature or tissue are disclosed. The method of operating an ultrasonic catheter comprises advancing a catheter with at least one ultrasonic element to a treatment site in a patient's vascular system or tissue, driving the at least one ultrasonic element to generate ultrasonic energy, delivering a therapeutic compound to the treatment site through the catheter, and varying a power parameter and a physiological parameter of the ultrasonic element by ramping the power parameter and the physiological parameter between two set of minimum and maximum values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ekos Corporation
    Inventors: Azita Soltani, Kim R. Volz