Patents Examined by Matthew F DeSanto
  • Patent number: 8814830
    Abstract: A syringe plunger driver system capable of capturing syringes of widely varying sizes comprises a pair of asymmetric plunger retainer arms pivotally mounted to a plunger driver. The system includes a low profile driver having a length that exceeds its width so that it may be mounted adjacent control modules and other operational modules. The arms are biased toward each other and one arm is longer than the other with a notch on an inside edge to receive the tip of the shorter arm when capturing small syringe flanges. A rotation knob mounted to the front surface of the low profile driver forces the arms apart when rotated to a first rotation position. A force sensor is mounted in the driver to detect occlusions in the fluid line. A processor monitors the force sensed by the force sensor and provides an alarm if the force exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Carefusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Morris, Donald F. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8808245
    Abstract: A powered irrigator for use in rinsing nasal cavities including a main body having a handle and fluid reservoir detachably coupled to one another, an outlet nozzle extending from a top end of the handle, a pump mechanism operably coupled to a power source, and a switch operably coupled to the power source for turning the pump mechanism on and off, and when the switch turns on the pump mechanism, fluid flows from the fluid reservoir into a first fluid coupling between the reservoir and the pump mechanism and into a second fluid coupling between the pump mechanism to the outlet nozzle. The reservoir includes a generally centrically body defining a cavity and at least two tabs connected to the cylindrical body and extending inwards therefrom. The at least two tabs operably connect the reservoir to the handle portion to releasably secure the reservoir to the handle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt M. Taylor, Gary L. Sokol, Kenneth A. Hair, Harold A. Luettgen
  • Patent number: 8808254
    Abstract: An improved luer lock receiving septum having a configuration which provides rapid and tight resealing and yet allows penetration of the septum by the luer tip with a low penetration force. The elongated septum includes an upper portion of enlarged diameter having a target surface, a central slit, and a central, lower septum extension projecting about the slit below the upper portion and into a housing so that following luer insertion there is provided sufficient room for both the laterally displaced extension of the septum, the luer taper, and the housing to be received into a conventional luer lock connector. The septum is further preferably configured to minimize or eliminate the negative pressure deflection normally associated with the withdrawal of the large diameter luer cannula from an enclosed fluid filled lumen or chamber, by substantially isolating the lumen or chamber from the septum material displacement resultant from luer insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Lynn
  • Patent number: 8801667
    Abstract: A powered irrigator for use in rinsing nasal cavities provides a main body having a handle and fluid reservoir detachably coupled to one another, an outlet nozzle extending from a top end of the handle, a pump mechanism operably coupled to a power source, and a switch operably coupled to the power source for turning the pump mechanism on and off, and when the switch turns on the pump mechanism, fluid flows from the fluid reservoir into a first fluid coupling between the reservoir and the pump mechanism and into a second fluid coupling between the pump mechanism to the outlet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt M. Taylor, Gary L. Sokol, Kenneth A. Hair, Harold A. Luettgen
  • Patent number: 8795299
    Abstract: The present invention, the ASD, is a mechanical device for anchoring hollow tube-like structures in the human body, such as blood vessels and ureters. It facilates positioning needles or catheters in blood vessels and it prevents those from dropping out of the vessel or from “wandering off” in the vessel. The ASD can be used in every interventional medical situation for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The ASD is very easy to fix onto the vessel wall. Screwing is a fast technique saving operating time and requiring only basic microsurgical skills. The manufacturing is easy. It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and nor limiting, and that modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Erwin De Winter
  • Patent number: 8784380
    Abstract: A method for providing a substantially painless injection of medication into a patient, including inserting an injection needle having an outside diameter greater than 0.20 mm and less than about 0.38 mm, and injecting a medicament through the needle and into the patient at a substantially constant volumetric flow rate of about 0.05 ?L/s to about 50 ?L/s that provides a painless injection. The method does not require the use of an anesthetic or that the medical personnel to spend a substantial amount of time performing the injection procedure, is relatively simple and inexpensive to perform and operate, and provides a relatively high degree of safety for both the medical personnel and for the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Children's Hospital Medical Center
    Inventor: Eric James Wall
  • Patent number: 8777901
    Abstract: Ambulatory infusion pumps, pump assemblies, cartridges, baseplates, cannulas, insertion tools, and related components as well as combinations thereof and related methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: perQflo, LLC
    Inventors: Roger E. Smith, James Causey
  • Patent number: 8771239
    Abstract: The present invention relates to drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices, in particular pen-type injectors, wherein a number of pre-set doses of medicinal product can be administered. In particular, the present invention relates to such drug delivery devices where a user may activate the drug delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Malcolm Boyd, Richard Letham, David Plumptre, Robert Veasey, James May
  • Patent number: 8771227
    Abstract: A wearable, self-contained drug infusion device is disclosed that is capable of achieving the precise flow rate control needed for dose-critical drugs such as insulin. In preferred embodiments of the device, at least two flow channels are utilized in conjunction with a series of valves for providing a user with selectable, constant flow rate control. The device can be made with small dimensions so that it can be worn by the user with a minimum of discomfort and inconvenience. In addition, the simple mechanical nature of the device provides the user with close control over the flow rate, which is required for safe and effective delivery of insulin and other drugs. Also, the absence of electronic components allows the device to be manufactured inexpensively. The device is provided with a first channel that is long and narrow, functioning as a flow restrictor. The first channel is preferably provided in a serpentine pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Robert I. Connelly, Kenneth G. Powell
  • Patent number: 8764766
    Abstract: There is provided an insertion device allowing a doctor to alone perform an operation to insert a medical linear body. The insertion device, operated to insert a delivery wire (104) into a human body (131) through a blood vessel (132), includes a foot switch (41, 46) generating and outputting a signal to control starting/stopping a drive device (1) moving the delivery wire (104) in its longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the insertion device includes an insertion force sensor (60) operative to measure longitudinally compressive force exerted to the delivery wire (104), and a speaker (92) and a display (93) informing an operator of the compressive force measured by the insertion force sensor (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: National University Corporation Nagoya Institute of Technology, National University Corporation Nagoya University, NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Fujimoto, Shigeru Miyachi, Tomotaka Ohshima, Yoshitaka Nagano
  • Patent number: 8758324
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described herein for controlling the level of one or more target cell types in the blood fluid and/or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject. Devices, systems, and methods are provided that include a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one controllable flow barrier to the at least one lumen; one or more sensor configured to detect one or more target cell types in blood fluid or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject; at least one treatment region disposed within the at least one lumen; at least one reactive component disposed in the at least one treatment region; and at least one controller in communication with the one or more sensor and in communication with the at least one controllable flow barrier to the at least one lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8758330
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described herein for controlling the level of one or more target cell types in the blood fluid and/or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject. Devices and systems are provided that include a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one controllable flow barrier to the at least one lumen; one or more sensor configured to detect one or more target cell types in blood fluid or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject; at least one treatment region disposed within the at least one lumen; at least one reactive component disposed in the at least one treatment region; and at least one controller in communication with the one or more sensor and in communication with the at least one controllable flow barrier to the at least one lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8747355
    Abstract: A single-use needle cover configured to obscure, protect, or hide at least a portion of a needle from view before, during, and/or after an injection and/or aspiration procedure is disclosed. In some embodiments, the cover includes a housing at least partially containing the needle and configured to couple to a syringe, wherein the housing includes an axis and a guide member. In some embodiments, a sleeve has a plurality of tracks configured to slidingly receive the guide member, wherein the sleeve is configured to retract, extend, and rotate with respect to the housing. In some embodiments, after the sleeve has been retracted and extended one time, a first locking member inhibits further retraction of the sleeve and a second locking member inhibits rotation of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Sta-Med, LLC
    Inventors: Sergio Rubinstein, Samuel Rosenberg, Theodore Mosler, Tianhong Ouyang, David Foshee, Mark W. Godfrey
  • Patent number: 8740871
    Abstract: A one-time use device to deliver preservative-free follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) solution is disclosed. The device includes a needle covered by a sliding needle shield, which covers the needle in all modes of the device. The device can be placed into a ready-to-use position in four or fewer user steps. The device has a knob for setting a desired dose of FSH. The knob includes longitudinally spaced elements respectively corresponding to the lock position and the seven or fewer discrete dosing positions. The device locks after one use and cannot be reused thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: Carebay Holding Ltd., Itero Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: V. Bryan Lawlis, Kirk J. Hayenga, Darlene P. Horton, Lucio Giambattista, David Desalvo, Antonio Bendek
  • Patent number: 8721618
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described herein for controlling the level of one or more target cell types in the blood fluid and/or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject. Devices, systems, and methods are provided that include a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one controllable flow barrier to the at least one lumen; one or more sensor configured to detect one or more target cell types in blood fluid or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject; at least one treatment region disposed within the at least one lumen; at least one reactive component disposed in the at least one treatment region; and at least one controller in communication with the one or more sensor and in communication with the at least one controllable flow barrier to the at least one lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8715329
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reusable pain relieving treatment device, such as a belt, and a disposable thermal device having one or more thermally conductive components that extend from a surface of the device and are capable of transferring heat, cold or vibrations from disposable or reusable devices to targeted sections of the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronni L. Robinson, Harry S. Sowden, Leo B. Kriksunov
  • Patent number: 8702644
    Abstract: A tissue treatment device comprises a housing having a chamber that receives a treatment fluid mixture of tissue morsels and a scaffold material. A debriding shaft including a plurality of cutters is coupled with the housing. The debriding shaft extends proximally within the chamber and extends distally from the end of the housing. The debriding shaft is inserted within a treatment site such as a fistula tract and is rotated and reciprocated such that the debriding shaft removes tissue cells along the site. The site is flushed with saline or other irrigating fluid followed by application of the treatment fluid mixture. The chamber of the housing comprises agitators positioned adjacent the debriding shaft. The treatment fluid mixture passes through the chamber of the housing along and between the outer surface of the debriding shaft and the agitators for thorough mixing before exiting the device at the treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Hall, John A. Hibner, Julia J. Hwang, Yolanda F. Carter
  • Patent number: 8702653
    Abstract: A barrel adapter mountable to a syringe barrel includes a barrel tip, a biasing member, a locking mechanism, and a needle assembly. A safety syringe includes a barrel, a plunger assembly, and a barrel adapter. The needle assembly includes a needle, a needle hub, and a needle seal. The needle is configured to pass-through the needle assembly, locking mechanism, biasing member, and barrel tip such that, at one end the needle is within the barrel and at another end the needle passes through an aperture in the barrel tip. The barrel may be substantially cylindrical, having along its longitudinal axis a distal end for drug injection, a proximal end for injection control, and at least a portion of the barrel interior for drug containment. The barrel adapter provides needle retraction mechanisms to the barrel to form a safety syringe. Methods of assembling, manufacturing, and using such syringes are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Unitract Syringe Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Masoud Samandi, Christian P. Brandt, Paul D. Goebel
  • Patent number: 8685016
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Roberth H. Wham, Rebecca Coulson, Kari L. Riegner, David A. Schechter, Nicole McKenna, Barbara R. Bastian, Jennifer S. Harper
  • Patent number: 8679056
    Abstract: A syringe including a tube, a first plunger, a second plunger and a plunger rod assembly is disclosed. The tube has one end serving as an injection end and the other end coupled with a cap. The first plunger is disposed in the tube. A filled portion extends through the first plunger. A first chamber is formed between the first plunger and the injection end. The second plunger is disposed in the tube and has a fixing hole. A second chamber is formed between the first and second plungers. The plunger rod assembly comprises a rod and a blocker. The rod has a neck portion and at least one engaging portion. The blocker is arranged on one side of the neck portion and is capable of being inserted into the filled portion. The blocker is capable of being removed from the first plunger and being received in the fixing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Kuo Cheng Wu