Patents Examined by Brian Szmal
  • Variable stiffness wire guide
    Patent number: 8241230
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wire guide having a variable stiffness region that may be selectively adjusted to vary the stiffness along a portion of the wire guide. The wire guide generally comprises an outer core member and an inner core member, wherein the inner core member is disposed for longitudinal movement with respect to the outer core member. The outer core member is attached to a proximal end of a coiled member, while the inner core member is attached to the coiled member at an attachment region between proximal and distal ends of the coiled member. In operation, distal advancement of the outer core member with respect to the inner core member causes the coiled member to compress at a location between the proximal end of the coiled member and the attachment region, thereby selectively increasing the stiffness along a portion of the length of the wire guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: John A Brumleve, Brian L Bates
  • Drill device and method for forming microconduits
    Patent number: 8241229
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for formation of microconduits in tissue, particularly using an impedance sensing drill to form microconduits. One embodiment of the invention is an impedance sensing drill comprising a drilling assembly, a control module, mechanically connected to the drilling assembly for controlling the depth of drilling by the drilling assembly; and a sensor, electrically connected to the drilling assembly and control module for detecting a change in an electrical impedance of a material being drilled. Another embodiment is a method of forming a microconduit in a material, which comprises the steps of drilling into the material, monitoring an electrical impedance of the material, and stopping the drilling into the material when a change in the impedance is detected, thereby forming microconduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: Path Scientific, LLC, Galderma Pharma S.A.
    Inventor: Terry O. Herndon
  • Biopsy device with rotatable tissue sample holder
    Patent number: 8241226
    Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member and at least one removable member secured about the exterior of the rotatable member. The at least one removable member defines a plurality of tissue sample compartments. Each tissue sample compartment is configured to receive one or more tissue samples captured by the cutter. In some versions, the at least one removable member comprises a belt and a plurality of vials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Trevor W. V. Speeg, Bennie Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols, Wells D. Haberstich, Gavin M. Monson, Robert F. Weikel, Jr.
  • Biopsy device with translating valve member
    Patent number: 8235913
    Abstract: A biopsy device includes a needle extending distally from a body. The needle includes a transverse aperture, a first lumen, and a second lumen. A cutter is movable within the first lumen to sever tissue protruding through the transverse aperture. A valve assembly is operable to change the pneumatic state of the second lumen. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a translating member slidably disposed in a bore of the valve body. The valve body includes a first port and a second port. The first port is in fluid communication with the second lumen of the needle. The second port is in fluid communication with atmospheric air. The translating member selectively couples the first port with the second port based on the longitudinal position of the translating member within the bore. The translating member translates relative to the valve body based on the position of the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Andrew T. Beckman, Lee Reichel, Chris W. Cicenas, Luke C. Stonis
  • Blood sensor and blood examining instrument including same
    Patent number: 8221336
    Abstract: A blood sensor comprises a substrate, a spacer attached to the top of the substrate, a cover attached to the top of the spacer. A blood reservoir defined by a substrate hole formed in the substrate. A part of a spacer hole in the spacer and connected to the substrate hole, and a cover hole formed in the cover is connected to the spacer hole. A supply passage is defined by another part of the spacer hole that communicates with the blood reservoir portion, and detection electrodes are formed in the supply passage. The cover projects from the supply passage toward the inside of the blood reservoir portion farther than the substrate and the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Fujiwara, Toshihiro Akiyama, Kenichi Hamanaka
  • Providing haptic feedback to the handle of a tool
    Patent number: 8216212
    Abstract: Tools, such as surgical tools, are normally designed to interact with an object, such as a patient. As disclosed herein, one particular tool is implemented such that it comprises a handle having a feedback portion configured to contact one or more digits of a user's hand. The tool also includes a sensor positioned near or in contact with an object. The sensor is configured to measure a property of the object. Also, the tool includes a haptic output mechanism supported by the feedback portion of the handle. The haptic output mechanism is configured to communicate the measured property of the object to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, Christopher J. Ullrich, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Christophe Ramstein
  • Tetherless biopsy device with reusable portion
    Patent number: 8206316
    Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, and a cutter actuation mechanism. The needle extends distally from the body. The cutter actuation mechanism rotates and translates the cutter relative to the body and relative to the needle. The cutter has an overmold presenting a lead screw and a hex portion. The cutter actuation mechanism comprises a first gear disposed about the hex portion of the overmold and a second gear engaged with the lead screw of the overmold by a nut that is integral with the second gear. The cutter actuation mechanism is operable to simultaneously rotate the first gear relative to the body at a first rotational speed and the second gear relative to the body at a second rotational speed. With the lead screw and the nut rotating at different rotational speeds, the lead screw rotates relative to the nut at a third rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Patrick A. Mescher, Edward A. Rhad
  • Test media cassette for bodily fluid testing device
    Patent number: 8192372
    Abstract: A bodily fluid sampling device includes a piercing device and a sensor enclosed in a housing. A cassette, which contains test media, is positioned proximal to the sensor so that the sensor is able to analyze a bodily fluid sample collected on the test media. The cassette includes a supply portion from which unused test media is supplied and a storage portion in which contaminated test media is stored after exposure to the bodily fluid. The cassette is adapted to collect a series of bodily fluid samples without requiring disposal of the test media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Roe, Steven N. Roe
  • Methods for assessment of pelvic organ conditions affecting the vagina
    Patent number: 8187208
    Abstract: Methods for assessment of pelvic floor conditions based on tactile imaging are described. The vaginal wall is deformed using a transvaginal probe equipped with tactile pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. The vaginal wall coordinates and pressure patterns are obtained during the examination and used to build 3-D tactile image of the vagina and to calculate elasticity modulus profiles and spacing profiles along selected lines inside 3-D tactile image. The profile values at specified locations are then compared with thresholds or profiles for normal conditions of vagina and its support structures. Methods of the invention are disclosed to be used in assessing a risk of pelvic organ prolapse development, estimating an extent of pelvic floor organ traumatic damage after childbirth and estimating an improvement after an interventional procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Artann Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Egorov, Heather van Raalte, Armen P. Sarvazyan
  • Systems and methods for determining phasic cardiac cycle measurements
    Patent number: 8185194
    Abstract: The disclosure of the present application provides for systems and methods for determining a phasic change in a vessel and vessel compliance. In at least one exemplary method for determining a phasic change in a vessel, the method comprises the steps of introducing a device into a site within a vessel, operating the device in connection with two or more fluid injections in the vessel to obtain two or more conductance values, calculating a parallel conductance value and a total conductance value, and calculating a phasic change in at least one vessel parameter based in part upon the calculated parallel conductance value and the calculated total conductance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: DTherapeutics, LLC
    Inventor: Ghassan S. Kassab
  • Method of tetherless biopsy device operation
    Patent number: 8177729
    Abstract: A method of biopsy device operation comprises rotating a first rotating member at a first rotational speed to rotate a cutter. A second rotating member is rotated at a second rotational speed to translate the cutter. The first and second members are rotated simultaneously and in the same direction. The first rotating member rotates with the cutter, while the second rotating member rotates about the first rotating member. The difference between the first and second rotational speeds, as well as threaded engagement between the first and second rotating members, provides the translation of the cutter. A method of biopsy device operation also comprises moving a shuttle valve slider to selectively vent or seal the second lumen of a needle. The shuttle valve slider is responsive to translation of the cutter, though some degree of lost motion is provided between the shuttle valve slider and the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Patrick A. Mescher, Edward A. Rhad
  • Valve mechanism for tetherless biopsy device
    Patent number: 8177728
    Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, a cutter, and a shuttle valve slider. The needle has a first lumen and a second lumen. The cutter translates relative to the needle. The shuttle valve slider translates in response to translation of the cutter. The shuttle valve slider vents the second lumen when the shuttle valve slider is in a first longitudinal position and substantially seals the second lumen relative to atmospheric air when the shuttle valve slider is in a second longitudinal position. A degree of lost motion is provided between the cutter and the shuttle valve slider, such that the cutter moves the shuttle valve slider only when the cutter moves through a first part of the cutter's range of motion; and such that the cutter does not move the shuttle valve slider when the cutter moves through a second part of the cutter's range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Patrick A. Mescher, Edward A. Rhad
  • Rapid screening, threshold, and diagnostic tests for evaluation of hearing
    Patent number: 8177726
    Abstract: A rapid screening, threshold, and diagnostic tests for evaluation of hearing includes techniques that are particularly suited for rapid objective hearing screening and evaluation of newborns or other patients who are unable or unwilling to provide reliable subjective responses. The hearing tests may be frequency specific or may evaluate overall hearing ability without special focus on frequency-specific loss. The tests involve the use of novel stimuli, signal processing, signal analysis, and statistical techniques, including the use of ramped stimuli and evaluating the changes that these stimuli evoke in the individual's brain activity at different moments in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Sasha John
  • Apparatus and method for monitoring strain and/or load applied to a mammal
    Patent number: 8167799
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring strain and/or load applied to the body of a vertebral mammal. The apparatus includes means (10, 11) for measuring position of the body relative to an inertial frame of reference and for providing first data indicative of the position, wherein the means for measuring position includes at least one inertial sensor such as an accelerometer. The apparatus includes means (12, 15-19) for measuring muscle activity and for providing second data indicative of the muscle activity. The apparatus also includes means for storing the data and means for processing the data to provide a measure of strain and/or load to the body. The strain and/or load is typically applied to the back of the mammal. A method of monitoring strain and/or load applied to the body of the vertebral mammal is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew J Ronchi, Daniel M Ronchi
  • Biopsy needle with integrated guide pin
    Patent number: 8167819
    Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly for use in a biopsy gun includes coaxially slidably engaged outer needle and inner needles. The inner needle defines a cavity adjacent its distal end for receiving a tissue sample. A first hub is attached to the proximal end of the inner needle, and a second hub is attached to the proximal end of the outer needle. An elongated pin having a first end and a second end is fixedly attached to the first hub at the first end of the pin. The second end is in sliding contact with the second hub so that the second hub and the pin are slidable relative to each other. A stop engagement is provided between the second end of the pin and the second hub and is configured to prevent disengagement of the outer and inner needles and to maintain a specific physical relationship between the hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Promex Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Miller, Daniel C. Ireland
  • Posture assessment and feedback instrument
    Patent number: 8157752
    Abstract: A posture assessment and feedback instrument (FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) all contained within a single housing (1). The output of a capacitive sensor (4) within the housing (1) varies in response to the distance between the sensor and the body of a user. The housing (1) is strapped to the body of a user (FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5B) with a belt (2). The application area is chosen such that the distance between the sensor (4) and the body varies in response to a defined posture change (FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B). Thus the sensor output will vary in response to the defined posture change. The output is compared to a stored threshold value and triggers a feedback signal when the threshold is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Fischer
  • Method of and apparatus for monitoring of muscle activity
    Patent number: 8160689
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring muscle activity, apparatus comprising means for providing signals indicative of muscle activity, for example EMG-signals, means for processing of signals in order to detect a particular activity and means for providing a feedback signal, wherein device is designed in order to be individually adaptable in a set-up mode. The apparatus can be used for detecting and prevention of undesired activities such as bruxism, movements that are damaging or unwanted etc. The detection can be performed with great certainty since the individual parameters of the user are utilized for laying down reference values, threshold values, criteria for triggering of feedback signals, etc., which may take place at a set-up procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Medotech A/S
    Inventor: Faramarz Jadidi
  • Tissue sample flushing system for biopsy device
    Patent number: 8157744
    Abstract: A biopsy device for harvesting at least one tissue sample from a human or animal body, e.g. in percutaneous aspiration biopsy, includes a hollow needle with a distal end portion adapted to be introduced into the body. A sample-receiving device with a cavity is movable in the hollow needle between a first extended and a second retracted position. A liquid supply unit comprising a flushing liquid, such as saline, is provided for ejecting the sample from the cavity, when the sample-receiving device is in the second retracted position. The liquid is conveyed form the liquid supply unit to a flushing chamber by an appropriate pump, such as a peristaltic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Bondo Jørgensen, Karsten Videbæk
  • Device for cutting out tissue specimens
    Patent number: 8157746
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating a tissue part from brain material, the device comprising a circular blade which continues as the wall of a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical hollow body, at the end of which a grid is arranged perpendicular to the cylinder axis. The invention further relates to the use of the device in a method for separating a tissue part from brain material and to a kit containing one or more devices according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Eberle, Peter Hloch, Christoph Hundt, Alois Rainer
  • Adjustable dual-brush cervical cytology collection device
    Patent number: 8152739
    Abstract: A method and cytology device for manually adjusting the depth of endocervical sampling, and simultaneously sampling the endocervical canal and outer cervix using a dual-brush system. The device (38) comprises a primary cone-shaped endocervical sampling brush (40) adjacent to a secondary donut-shaped cervical sampling brush (42). The primary brush handle (52) is joined to the secondary brush handle (54) by means of a slidable rail (78), allowing adjustability of the primary brush length. The desired length and depth are visible by means of aligning incremental markings or measurements on the primary brush handle (80) with the positioning mark on the secondary brush handle (82). The brush handles are fixed in position and stabilized by means of a securing sheath (58), which has a pinch-release option to release or restore the friction existing between the sheath and the brush handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Christine Adrienne McCully