Patents Examined by Charles Marmor, II
  • Treatment of thalamocortical dysrhythmia
    Patent number: 8974365
    Abstract: A method for treating conditions associated with thalamocortical dysrhythmia. The method includes applying transcranial low voltage electrical stimulation (TLVES) therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy to a patient in need thereof, and administering to the patient a dissociative anesthetic during the TLVES therapy or the TMS therapy. A number of conditions including tinnitus, depression and pain can be treated with TLVES or TMS in combination with the dissociative anesthetic, such as an NMADR inhibitor, including ketamine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Richard Devore Best
  • Apparatus for completing implantation of gastric band
    Patent number: 8968180
    Abstract: An instrument comprises a handle, an articulating shaft, an end effector, and a translatable hook member. The shaft defines a side aperture, proximal to an articulating section of the shaft, through which the hook member protrudes when the hook member is translated distally. The end effector is used to form a retrogastric tunnel through blunt dissection in tissue near a patient's gastro-esophageal junction; and then to pull a gastric band through the tunnel to position the gastric band about the gastro-esophageal junction. The end effector is then used to hold a first portion of the gastric band in place while the hook member is extended distally to engage a second portion of the gastric band. The hook member may then be retracted proximally to couple the second portion of the gastric band with the first portion of the gastric band, thereby latching the gastric band in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Woodruff, John B. Schulte
  • Handheld cell excitation terminal capable of dynamic optimization of therapeutic effect and remote therapeutic system
    Patent number: 8968172
    Abstract: A cell excitation terminal and a therapeutic system using customized electromagnetic (EM) waves varying dynamically with time for excitation include one or more EM wave generators, each of the EM wave generators is connected to a central processing unit (CPU), and the CPU controls, according to a signal detected by a human body status detection device, the EM wave generator to send EM waves corresponding to a detected subject. The therapeutic system can perform remote management. A remote server optimizes and updates therapeutic waveforms of a patient constantly according to a therapeutic effect of the patient, thereby improving the therapeutic effect constantly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Biomobie Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Wang, Edmond Ku
  • Implantable mesh combining biodegradable and non-biodegradable fibers
    Patent number: 8968182
    Abstract: Disclosed are mesh materials adapted for use in an implantable sling. The mesh materials include biodegradable and non-degradable components that may be adapted to facilitate scar-tissue ingrowth as the biodegradable components degrade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Min-Shyan Sheu, Jamie Li
  • Transobturator surgical articles and methods
    Patent number: 8968178
    Abstract: Described are surgical articles, implants, and components suitable for surgical implant procedures including transobturator surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Anderson, Kevin R. Arnal
  • Surgical needle and anchor system with retractable features
    Patent number: 8944990
    Abstract: Various surgical introducer needle and anchor systems are provided. The systems can include an introducer needle and a tissue support implant or sling device. The implant device can include one or more anchoring devices. The introducer needle device can include a handle assembly and a needle assembly. The needle assembly can include a generally hollow needle, and a wire traversable therein. The wire can include a distal tip adapted to selectively retract or withdraw from the engaged anchoring device upon deployment of the anchor and/or implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Kory P. Hamel, Jason W. Ogdahl, John Jason Buysman, James A. Alexander, James R. Mujwid, John F. Otte
  • Implantable support with dilator attached to arm
    Patent number: 8944992
    Abstract: A pelvic organ prolapse treatment device includes an implantable support configured to treat a prolapsed area of a patient such as urethrocele prolapse, cystocele prolapse, vault prolapse, uterine prolapse, enterocele prolapse, or rectocele prolapse. The support includes a body portion and an arm connected to the body portion, a knot connecting a suture to an end portion of the arm, and a tubular dilator disposed over and connected to the knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventor: Mark A. Moschel
  • Inter-organ spacer for use in endoscopic surgery
    Patent number: 8944991
    Abstract: The invention provides a surgical device for endoscopic surgery having the function of temporarily storing liquid (a first function), the function of keeping a physical space for surgery and a sufficient endoscopic field (a second function), and the function of protecting organs (a third function), and an insertion device for inserting the surgical device into a body. [Solving Means] The surgical device for endoscopic surgery is an inter-organ spacer (10) including liquid holding means (1) formed of a porous soft material having the ability to temporarily store liquid and the ability to retain its shape. The insertion device for inserting the inter-organ spacer into a body includes a tubular holder capable of holding the inter-organ spacer for endoscopic surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Nippon Medical School Foundation, Hogy Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Nakamura, Satoshi Matsumoto, Toshiki Inoue
  • Deep brain stimulation implant with microcoil array
    Patent number: 8944985
    Abstract: An implant for deep brain stimulation (DBS) has an array of electromagnetic microcoils dispersed over the length of the implant. The microcoils produce magnetic fields that are directed into, and induce current in, the adjacent brain tissue. The microcoils may be selectively operated to direct and focus electrical stimulation to targeted areas of the brain. The implant is useful in studying or treating neurophysiological conditions associated with the deep regions of the brain such as Parkinson's disease, drug addiction, and depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Giorgio Bonmassar, Matti S. Hamalainen, Bruce Rosen
  • Methods and systems for signal processing of neural data
    Patent number: 8938291
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an electrical-line-noise canceller includes a phase detector, a phase lock loop, a zero-crossing detector, and an adaptive filter. The phase detector is configured to receive a composite input signal including an input neural signal combined with electrical line noise and to detect a phase of the electrical line noise. The phase lock loop is coupled to the phase detector and is configured to lock to the phase of the electrical line noise. The zero-crossing detector is coupled to the phase lock loop and is configured to detect zero crossings of an output of the phase lock loop. The adaptive filter is coupled to the zero-crossing detector and is configured to remove the electrical line noise from the composite input signal and output a filtered neural signal that is substantially similar to the input neural signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Blackrock Microsystems, LLC
    Inventors: Ehsan Azarnasab, Erik Alfonso Nilsen
  • Systems and methods for nanomagnetic actuation of molecular cell signaling
    Patent number: 8931490
    Abstract: The present invention relates to signaling mechanisms that transduce magnetic inputs into physiological cellular outputs. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for non-invasively controlling cellular signaling functions and behaviors by harnessing receptor-mediated and intracellular molecular-mediated signal transduction using nanomagnetic cellular switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Children's Medical Center Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Ingber, Robert J. Mannix, Sanjay Kumar
  • Pessary device
    Patent number: 8926493
    Abstract: A non-expandable pessary device, the pessary device having a top, a base, a length, a longitudinal axis, a maximum diameter, and a minimum diameter that is less than the maximum diameter. The pessary device has a pressure region adapted to extend between an anterior vaginal wall and a posterior vaginal wall of a user to provide pressure on the user's urethra through the vaginal wall. The pressure region includes the maximum diameter, and the maximum diameter is less than 25 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Nancy Karapasha
  • Vertically oriented band for stomach
    Patent number: 8920305
    Abstract: An adjustable band or clamp or non-adjustable clamp is placed about the greater curvature of the stomach in a vertical orientation. The band or clamp completely compartmentalizes the stomach between a small vertical pouch and the fundus and body of the stomach. The fundus and body of the stomach are excluded from nutrients and are separated from a long narrow channel where the food travels. A small passage at the level of the antrum allows gastric juices to empty from the fundus and body of the stomach. The clamp may be applied during open surgery in laproscopic surgery or using a single port technique, or through any natural orifice in NOTES (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic surgery) or using a hybrid surgical technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Bariatric Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Moises Jacobs, Moises Jacobs, III
  • Devices and methods for delivering a pelvic implant
    Patent number: 8920306
    Abstract: An apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes an elongate body having a distal end configured to releasably couple the elongate body to a delivery device. A lock tube is movably disposable within a lumen of the elongate body. A connector is disposed at a proximal end of the elongate body and is configured to releasably couple a pelvic implant to the elongate body. The lock tube is configured to be slidably moved to a position adjacent the pelvic implant to secure the pelvic implant to the elongate body. A method according to an embodiment of the invention includes placing a portion of an implant through an opening defined by a dilator. A first elongate body of the dilator is moved relative to a second elongate body of the dilator to secure the implant to the dilator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. H. Chu
  • Apparatus and method for pulsed electrical field treatment
    Patent number: 8911342
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus and a method for stimulating brain tissue with pulsed electromagnetic fields weaker than the limit for elicitation of the action potentials of the cells of the tissue to be stimulated, the apparatus comprising: at least one electrically conducting coil positioned at a bitemporal position such that hippocampus is stimulated by at least one magnetic field upon supplying a pulse to said coil as well as a coil positioned at a occipital and parietal position; and a pulse generation means operationally connected to said at least one coil for supplying a series of current pulses for conduction, allowing generation of pulsed electromagnetic fields sufficiently strong to cause protein activation, and weaker than the limit for elicitation of the action potentials of the cells of the tissue to be stimulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Re5 ApS
    Inventors: Steen Dissing, Mogens Unden
  • Vaginal insert device having perpendicular segments
    Patent number: 8911344
    Abstract: A vaginal insert device includes a support segment having a distal end and a proximal end, the support segment defining a support segment plane; and a stabilizing segment extending from the distal end of the support segment, the stabilizing segment defining a stabilizing segment plane, wherein the stabilizing segment plane is generally perpendicular to the support segment plane when the vaginal insert device is in an in-use configuration. A vaginal insert device system including the vaginal insert device can also include an applicator coupled to the vaginal insert device when the vaginal insert device is in an insertion configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Amanda Rae Altan, MaryAnn Zunker, Sarah Anne Olson, Christine Marie Cowell, Jennifer Leigh Skabroud Misek, Chadwick Irvin Romzek, Matthew Edward Gerstle
  • Analyte sensor
    Patent number: 8911367
    Abstract: Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Dexcom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Brister, Mark Shults, Sean Saint, James R. Petisce, David K. Wong, Kum Ming Woo
  • Gastric band device and method
    Patent number: 8905914
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a gastric restriction includes an implantable band and at least one tab. In some versions, the at least one tab may serve to stabilize the apparatus as it forms a gastric restriction. In some versions, an opening may be formed in the tabs such that sutures may be used. In some versions, a tissue scaffold and/or matrix may be used on the implantable band and/or the tabs to facilitate long term support for the implantable band, such as by substantially preventing the implantable band from sliding along an axis defined by an anatomical structure about which the implantable band is wrapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Scott A. Woodruff
  • Multi-axis charged particle cancer therapy method and apparatus
    Patent number: 8901509
    Abstract: The invention comprises a multi-axis charged particle irradiation method and apparatus. The multi-axis controls includes separate or independent control of one or more of horizontal position, vertical position, energy control, and intensity control of the charged particle irradiation beam. Optionally, the charged particle beam is additionally controlled in terms of timing. Timing is coordinated with patient respiration and/or patient rotational positioning. Combined, the system allows multi-axis and multi-field charged particle irradiation of tumors yielding precise and accurate irradiation dosages to a tumor with distribution of harmful proximal distal energy about the tumor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Vladimir Yegorovich Balakin
  • EyeLid plaque
    Patent number: 8882650
    Abstract: An eyelid plaque and a method of using the plaque to treat eye cancers. The eyelid plaque is placed on the eyelid such that it defines an enclosure within which the radiation source resides. The enclosure defines a radiation shield that reduces radiation entering other organs and structures proximate the cancer being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Paul T. Finger