Patents Examined by Brian Szmal
  • Patent number: 9072874
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include a core wire having a distal portion. A tubular member may be disposed over the distal portion. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein. The tubular member may have a distal section with a heat transfer region and a heat sink region. A solder tip member may be attached to the tubular member. The solder tip member may include a portion extending through the heat transfer region of the tubular member to the heat sink region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Clay Northrop, Ted Layman
  • Patent number: 9066708
    Abstract: Methods to generate luminal organ profiles using impedance. One embodiment of such a method comprises the steps of introducing an impedance device having at least two detection electrodes positioned in between at least two excitation electrodes into a treatment site of a luminal organ at a first position, measuring a first treatment site conductance at the first position using the impedance device and at least two injections of solutions having different conductivities, moving the impedance device to a second position in the luminal organ, measuring a second treatment site conductance at the second position using the impedance device and the at least two injections of solutions having different conductivities, calculating a first position cross-sectional area using the first treatment site conductance and a second position cross-sectional area using the second treatment site conductance, and constructing a profile of the treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: 3DT Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Ghassan S. Kassab
  • Patent number: 9066715
    Abstract: A surgical device for excising a tissue sample from a patient. The device includes a pair of articulable plates having blades mounted thereon. A collar is axially moveable along a rotatable actuating member such that the collar induces axial movement of the plates. Cam surfaces cause the plates to move radially inward toward one another, thereby bringing the blades toward one another so as to cut the tissue sample from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: Hadi A. Piraka
  • Patent number: 9066672
    Abstract: Single injection methods for obtaining conductance measurements within luminal organs using impedance devices. In at least one method embodiment, the method is performed by introducing at least part of an impedance device into a mammalian luminal organ, the impedance device comprising an elongated body and a detector positioned along the elongated body, obtaining conductance measurements indicative of a fluid native to the mammalian luminal organ and indicative of a fluid injection while the detector is present within and outside of the lumen of the outer sheath, and calculating a size parameter of the mammalian luminal organ based in part upon some of the obtained conductance measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: 3DT Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Ghassan S. Kassab, Mark Svendsen, John Browder
  • Patent number: 9061088
    Abstract: Guide wire devices and methods for their manufacture. Guide wire devices include an elongate guide wire member that includes at least one section fabricated from a substantially titanium-free Co—Ni—Cr—Mo alloy. The substantially titanium-free Co—Ni—Cr—Mo alloy exhibits superior stiffness (i.e., greater Young's and shear moduli) as compared to stainless steel (e.g., 304V stainless steel) and nickel-titanium (Ni—Ti) and a greater yield strength as compared to stainless steel. Increasing the Young's and shear moduli can significantly improve torque transmission and steerability of the guide wire device and increasing the yield strength can significantly improve the kink resistance of the guide wire device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: John A. Simpson
  • Patent number: 9060727
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an integrated device for sampling and testing an analyte. The device generally comprises a housing, a lancing device for sampling an analyte, a test strip for substantially capturing at least a portion of the analyte, and a display unit for displaying a result corresponding to the captured portion of the analyte. The invention is further directed to methods for sampling and testing. For example, one method comprises performing a single operation to sample an analyte, to capture the sampled analyte, to perform testing on the sampled analyte, and to display a result corresponding to the performed test. A method such as this can be carried out using an integrated sampling and testing device of the invention, for example, by placing the device the device on a test site of a subject, such as a patient, and performing the single operation to obtain a test result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Saikley, Paul R. Hamerton-Kelly, Sophia Sia, Daniel F. Kennedy, Matthew W. Peterson, Sammy Cheuksang Tsang, W. Mark Lortz, Joseph A. Vivolo
  • Patent number: 9060735
    Abstract: A sleep monitoring method and device classify segments of an acoustic physiological signal captured during sleep as snore and apnea segments. The method and device employ a phase-locked loop array to rapidly detect snore segments for widely variant snoring rhythms exhibited by different people or the same person over time. The phase-locked loop array integrates seamlessly with an apnea timer-thresholding mechanism that detects apnea segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Te-Chung Isaac Yang, Yungkai Kyle Lai
  • Patent number: 9060747
    Abstract: A programmable device adaptable for wearing on an affected limb of a subject afflicted with hemiplegia and/or hemispatial neglect includes a sensor for measuring movement values of the affected limb, a sensory stimulator for providing sensory stimulation at a particular interval, duration, frequency, intensity and/or pattern, a microprocessor for storing and administering the one or more interval values and the one or more duration values of the sensory stimulation, and a computer interface for transferring and receiving data between the microprocessor and a separate data processor. The programmable device provides cues to a subject according to preset parameters or when it has been determined that the affected limb is not being used. A method for monitoring and treating a subject afflicted with hemiplegia and/or hemispatial neglect is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignees: The Johns Hopkins University, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Cynthia Salorio
  • Patent number: 9055916
    Abstract: In a first embodiment, a portable, battery-operated, minimally invasive small fiber neuropathy testing and diagnostic device, microcontrolled and interfacing with wireless powering to a wireless communications device is being disclosed. Said device is constructed out of an intra-epidermal thermal stimulus consisting of an electronically heated temperature-controlled polymer covered semiconductor material 101 lowered inside the skin through a probe 108 configured with three miniaturized electrodes 109 while a nerve impulse response measurement system records and identifies nerve action potential pulses through a proprietary algorithm. The invention also discloses a detection and characterization method of action potential pulses from neuron cells with respect to their timing such as pulse repetition statistics and rates from a single-point of measurement as diagnostically relevant for determining neuropathies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: BioSignostix Inc.
    Inventors: Carmen-Gabriela Stefanita, Christopher Jonathan Zarowski
  • Patent number: 9055893
    Abstract: For measuring hardness of an object, a measurement apparatus is pushed against the object and a degree of hardness calculation system calculates hardness based on information from the measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus includes an acceleration sensor which outputs first information of acceleration of a contact area of the measurement apparatus, and a second sensor, such as a magnetic sensor or a pressure sensor, which outputs second information based on pressure applied to the contact area. The degree of hardness calculation system generates a second-derivative waveform by twice differentiating a waveform based on the output of the second sensor, compares the second-derivative waveform and the information of acceleration from the acceleration sensor, and calculates hardness of the object based on the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Kandori, Kuniomi Ogata, Ryuzo Kawabata, Yuko Sano, Takako Mizoguchi
  • Patent number: 9050438
    Abstract: One preferred embodiment includes a guidewire manipulation device for manipulating a guidewire during a procedure. Preferably, the guidewire manipulation device includes a powered motor that drives a tandem roller assembly. The guidewire is passed through a hole positioned lengthwise through the device where the roller assembly engages the guidewire's outer surface. The interface of the manipulation device includes a power button that directs the internal roller assembly to roll the guidewire in a desired rotational direction. Additional interface controls are also preferable to provide a different roll patterns, depending upon surgeon preference and guidewire placement efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: VESATEK, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Rollins, Tor Alden
  • Patent number: 9050071
    Abstract: An instrument for taking a tissue sample includes a tissue receiving element with a distal end and a proximal end and at least partly has a spiral or helix that has an outer surface and a central longitudinal axis (X-X?). The spiral or helix has at least has one zone where the distance (dd) from the outer surface to the central longitudinal axis (X-X?) is smaller than at a more proximally located part of the spiral or helix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Phillibert Jacques Janssens
  • Patent number: 9044297
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method for estrus detection includes storing location information associated with a dairy livestock. The stored location information includes a coordinate location of the dairy livestock within a free stall pen at each of a plurality of times during a time period. The method further includes determining, based on at least a portion of the stored location information, one or more movement parameters associated with the dairy livestock. The method further includes determining, based on one or more movement parameters associated with the dairy livestock, whether the dairy livestock is likely to be in estrus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Parimal G. Rajkondawar, Roger K. Erdman, David A. Johnson, William S. Nelson, Paul D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9044180
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualifying and quantifying excitation-dependent physiological information extracted from wearable sensors in the midst of interference from unwanted sources are provided. An organism is interrogated with at least one excitation energy, energy response signals from two or more distinct physiological regions are sensed, and these signals are processed to generate an extracted signal. The extracted signal is compared with a physiological model to qualify and/or quantify a physiological property. Additionally, important physiological information can be qualified and quantified by comparing the excitation wavelength-dependent response, measured via wearable sensors, with a physiological model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Valencell, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Francis LeBoeuf, Jesse Berkley Tucker, Michael Edward Aumer
  • Patent number: 9044215
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and device for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a target site within a patient. The device includes a probe component with an elongated tubular section, a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture in the distal end of the tubular section proximal to the distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is slidably disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture by applying a vacuum to the inner lumen of the tissue cutting member. The device also has a driver component to which the probe component is releasably secured. The driver has a drive member for adjusting the orientation of the tubular section and thus the aperture therein and one or more drive members for moving the tissue cutting member within the tubular section to sever a tissue specimen from tissue extending into the interior of the tubular section through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: SenoRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin V. Shabaz, Richard L. Quick, Frank R. Louw, Paul Lubock, Jason H. Safabash
  • Patent number: 9044201
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method of measuring a physiological variable in a body. A basic idea of the present invention is to measure a physiological variable in a body by means of employing a sensor (314) which is arranged to be disposed in the body for measuring the physiological variable. The sensor must be provided with a supply voltage in order to be operable. Therefore, a control unit (322) disposed outside the body provides this supply voltage to the sensor. The control unit also receives, from the sensor, via a wired connection (311), signals that represent the physiological variables that are measured. The control unit is arranged with a communication interface (401, 701) and a modulator (301) for wireless spread spectrum communication of the measured physiological variables for presentation purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL COORDINATION CENTER BVBA
    Inventors: Magnus Samuelsson, Sauli Tulkki
  • Patent number: 9042977
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for determining a condition of a selected region of epithelial and stromal tissue in the human breast. A plurality of measuring electrodes are used to measure the tissue and transepithelial electropotential of breast tissue. Surface electropotential and impedance are also measured at one or more locations. An agent may be introduced into the region of tissue to enhance electrophysiological characteristics. The condition of the tissue is determined based on the electropotential and impedance profile at different depths of the epithelium, stroma, tissue, or organ, together with an estimate of the functional changes in the epithelium due to altered ion transport and electrophysiological properties of the tissue. Devices for practicing the disclosed methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Epi-Sci, LLC
    Inventor: Richard J. Davies
  • Patent number: 9039635
    Abstract: A surgical biopsy system is provided for removing at least one tissue sample from a surgical patient. The surgical biopsy system comprises an elongated, hollow piercer and a cutter rotatably and axially positionable relative to the piercer. The piercer has a lateral port for receiving the tissue sample into the piercer. The surgical biopsy system further comprises a power transmission source operatively connected to the cutter for rotating and translating the cutter, a control unit, and a display mounted in a display frame for showing an operator a plurality of operational modes of the surgical biopsy system. The surgical biopsy system further comprises at least one control button operatively connected to the control unit by a circuit and remotely located from the control unit. The operator may actuate the control button(s) to select any one of the operational modes and the selected operational mode is visually identifiable on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Burdorff, John A. Hibner, Dan F. Dlugos, Jon D. Buzzard
  • Patent number: 9033902
    Abstract: An instrument and method for determining the location of the anatomical epicondylar axis between the condyles of a femur is provided. The instrument includes first and second gauges each for measuring a radius of a femoral condyle and a frame. At least one of the gauges is movably connected to the frame. The method includes positioning the measuring end of each gauge against a separate condyle of a femur, actuating a pivoting member of each gauge to determine the radius of each condyle, measuring the distance between the condyles, and determining the location of the anatomical epicondylar axis of the femur. A measurement can be taken from a measuring scale provided on the gauge and from another scale provided on the frame. Determining the location of the axis can further include performing a calculation utilizing the radii of the condyles and the distance between the condyles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventor: Carlos E. Collazo
  • Patent number: 9033903
    Abstract: A goniometer has three potentiometers with axes of rotation that intersect at a point for measuring angular range of motion of an anatomy, such as of the spine or jointed appendages. The intersecting axes facilitate calculation of angle based on potentiometer output and allow the rotations on each of the three axes to be measured independently and simultaneously without mechanical or electrical cross talk. The angular measurements may be recorded on a computer for analysis and playback and may be continuously captured over a range of motion. The captured data may be compared to samples from the same person or others to aid in assessment of function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of the Stevens Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Justyna Zielinska, Samantha Music, Kerri Killen, Antonio Valdevit, Colin Harris