Patents Examined by Melanie Hand
  • Patent number: 9138356
    Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for absorbing a liquid, the absorbent article including a chassis including a liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent structure positioned between the liner and the outer cover, the chassis including a front region and a back region, the front region and the back region defining a waist region therebetween. The absorbent article also includes a wetness indicator positioned adjacent the liner or the outer cover, the wetness indicator including a hydrophanous tissue layer having an absorbent-structure-facing side and being in liquid communication with the absorbent structure or the liner, and an indicator material disposed between the absorbent-facing side of the tissue layer and the absorbent structure. The absorbent article can also include a film layer disposed adjacent the tissue layer, and the indicator material can include an active constituent adapted to wick along the tissue layer when the absorbent article is insulted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Long, Shirlee Ann Weber, Jessica Sara Van Handel, Brooke Ashley Berg, Davis Dang Hoang Nhan, Darold Dean Tippey
  • Patent number: 9132220
    Abstract: A multichamber container and a method of preparing medical fluids having concentrates which make a contribution toward the electrical conductivity of the solution and are additionally prepared from concentrates which do not make a contribution toward the electrical conductivity of the solution. The multichamber container is configured by dividing solution components into multiple chambers, so that following the dissolving due to breaking open of the first chamber border of a solution component, which makes a contribution toward the electrical conductivity of the medicinal solution, another chamber border of another solution component which does not make any contribution toward the electrical conductivity of the solution is broken open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Franz Kugelmann, Joern Hoermann
  • Patent number: 9132255
    Abstract: A patient interface includes a cushioning structure including at least one hollow chamber filled with first and second discrete and/or layered filling materials and a seal forming structure formed in one piece with the cushioning structure. The seal forming structure includes a thin membrane flap that is structured to provide a seal to the patient's face. The chamber extends only around a portion of the perimeter of the cushioning structure such that the chamber with first and second filling materials is provided in cheek and lip regions of the cushioning structure and a solid silicone portion is provided in a nasal bridge region of the cushioning structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Skipper, Matthew David Spruell, Joshua Adam Gudiksen, Fiona Catherine Carroll, Johannes Nickol, Johann Sebastian Burz, Achim Biener, Bernd Christoph Lang, Teresa Wang
  • Patent number: 9132040
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent, absorbent device for the dressing of wounds and insertion sites of percutaneous and drug delivery devices. The device provides 360 degree or complete circumferential protection of a wound or insertion site of a percutaneous or drug delivery device and comprises a hydrogel center and at least one absorbent material. The hydrogel center can optionally comprise a bioactive agent(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Van Holten, Xintian Ming, Jerome Riebman
  • Patent number: 9125980
    Abstract: A medical device, particularly for mixing medical fluids, includes two tubular bodies made of materials of different elasticity having respective open ends to be joined together. The end of the second body is inserted axially by friction within the end of the first body and is then blocked via radial projections, which are obtained by plastic deformation of the wall of the end of the first body and are engaged against the end of the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: INDUSTRIE BORLA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Gianni Guala
  • Patent number: 9125758
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid absorbing sheet including a bottom- or under-layer of water- or fluid-tight material, a middle layer of super absorbent polymer (SAP) and an upper layer of diffusing material The fluid absorbing sheet may further include at least one water- or fluid-tight bag for collecting and/or disposing of body fluids and/or other body wastes. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a sheet as well as its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: ASAP-NORWAY AS
    Inventor: Astrid Skreosen
  • Patent number: 9125686
    Abstract: An embodiment of a uterine hemorrhage controlling system comprises a suction module including a suction end coupleable to a pump by a connecting tube, and a sealing module coupled to the suction module. The system may further comprise the pump and a filter coupled to the suction module. A uterine hemorrhage controlling method comprises: shielding a suction module that has been delivered into a uterus; sealing an entrance into the uterus while the suction module is situated within the uterus; applying a negative pressure within the uterus upon activation of a pump; and maintaining the negative pressure within the uterus to induce uterine contraction. The method may further comprise delivering the suction module into the uterus; transmitting bodily fluids, out of the uterus through the suction module, and filtering the bodily fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Inpress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander James Norred, Davis Reed Carlin, George Cochran Harper, David Lagrew
  • Patent number: 9125998
    Abstract: An inhaler for producing an inhalable aerosol of powdered medicament is disclosed. The inhaler includes an aerosolizing device having a chamber of substantially circular cross-section, inlet and outlet ports at opposite ends of the chamber for the flow of drug laden air through the chamber between said ports and, a bypass air inlet for the flow of clean air into the chamber. The bypass air inlet is configured so that air entering the chamber through said inlet forms a cyclone in the chamber that interacts with the drug laden air flowing between the inlet and outlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Vectura Delivery Devices Limited
    Inventors: Quentin John Harmer, Ivan Milivojevic, Matthew Neil Sarkar
  • Patent number: 9125965
    Abstract: The present invention relates to superabsorbent polymer particles with improved cross-linking and their use in absorbent articles. Superabsorbent polymers of the invention comprise polymer chain segments, wherein at least a part of these polymer chain segments are cross-linked to each other through direct covalent bonds. Moreover, the invention relates to processes for making these superabsorbent polymer particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Andreas Flohr
  • Patent number: 9113928
    Abstract: The present invention provides surgical apparatus for liposuction in which microwave energy is delivered from a probe into a treatment region to perform a fat liquefying function or a haemostasis function. The apparatus is arranged such that an output microwave field automatically adopts a configuration suitable for the fat liquefying function or haemostasis function depending on the type of tissue encountered by the probe in the treatment region. In particular, by suitable selection of the frequency of the microwave energy, the difference in skin depth of the microwave energy in fat and blood may enable the microwave field to automatically switch its configuration between one suitable for fat liquefying and one suitable for haemostasis without any change required to the amount of microwave power or the energy profile delivered to the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: CREO MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Christopher Paul Hancock
  • Patent number: 9114043
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a disposable garment having a front region, a back region, and a crotch region extending between the front region and the back region. The disposable garment comprises a chassis in the front region, the back region, and the crotch region. The chassis comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The disposable garment comprises a pair of ear panels extending laterally outward from the chassis in the front region or the back region, a seam panel extending laterally outward from at least one of the ear panels, and a tab formed with the seam panel and extending laterally outward from the seam panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Barclay Buell, Gregory Ashton, Craig Andrew Hawkins, William Robert Vinnage
  • Patent number: 9113855
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides improved medical devices, systems, and methods. Some embodiments of the present invention apply cooling with at least one small, tissue-penetrating probe, the probe often comprising a needle having a size suitable for inserting through an exposed surface of the skin of a patient without leaving a visible scar. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments make use of replaceable needle probes supported by a probe body handle, with small needle probes often being replaced during treatment of a single patient. Careful control over the control of cryogenic cooling fluid into a needle probe can allow the length of the active cooling to be controlled through depletion of liquid from an evaporating cryogenic cooling flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: MyoScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Burger, Lisa Elkins, Ronald Williams
  • Patent number: 9107990
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and dressings for treating a linear wound, such as an incision, on a patient are presented. The systems, dressings, and methods include a sealing ring that helps form a fluid seal around the linear wound. In one instance, a sealing material is extruded around the linear wound to help form a seal. In another instance, a sealing ring is coupled to a lower portion of a dressing bolster to form a seal. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Simmons, Colin John Hall, Timothy Mark Robinson
  • Patent number: 9107985
    Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of wounds. In particular, the invention relates to systems, devices, and methods enabling treatment (e.g., debridement) of wounds with liquid, gas, or particles in a non-controlled setting while providing containment of contaminated liquid, gas or particles, thereby preventing exposure of individuals and surfaces in proximity to the patient to infectious materials. In certain embodiments, the systems and devices are conformable to the contours of a non-planar surface, such as the human body (e.g., to seal or partially seal the device or system to a portion of a human body).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Elliot M. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 9101513
    Abstract: In a pants-type disposable diaper, an outer covering sheet formed of a nonwoven fabric has front and back parts to be positioned on front and back sides of a wearer, and a middle part between the front and back sides. An absorbent body is attached on the outer covering sheet from the front part to the back part, to absorb excrement from the wearer. Sheet members are bonded on the front and back parts, and end portions of the absorbent body are positioned and fixed between the sheet members and the outer covering sheet. In the disposable diaper, since the sheet member is a laminated sheet of plastic film and nonwoven fabric, stretching of the sheet member is suppressed and it is possible to bring the absorbent body in close contact with the crotch region of the wearer when putting the disposable diaper on the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: LIVEDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuki Takahashi, Emi Amano, Kenji Nakaoka
  • Patent number: 9101511
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable pants-type wearing article improved to prevent panels joined to one another from being peeled off from each other. A disposable pants-type wearing article includes a front panel 7, a rear panel 8 and a intermediate panel 6 joined to respective outer surfaces of these two panels 7, 8. Opposite lateral portions 34 of the intermediate panel 6 are formed by joining a pair of sheets together with a second hot melt adhesive 62. Zones coated with the second hot melt adhesive 62 include high density coated zones 72 formed by relatively large application quantity per 1 m2 and low density coated zones 71 formed by relatively small application quantity per 1 m2. Opposite end regions 36, 37 of the intermediate panel 6 joined to the front panel 7 and the rear panel 8 are at least partially formed with the high density coated zones 72.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Ichikawa, Kenichi Sasayama, Hiroki Yamamoto, Kazuo Ukegawa, Akihide Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 9095473
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a package of folded absorbent articles is disclosed. In one embodiment, the process includes providing a plurality of absorbent cores, and embossing at least one fold line into each core, each fold line defining a fold region. The process further includes folding each core along the fold region of each fold line to create a plurality of folded absorbent garments, and placing the plurality of folded absorbent garments into a container. In particular embodiments, each core can include two transversely opposed absorbent ears. The process can include folding each core along the fold region of each fold line to move each ear closer to a longitudinal centerline of the core to create a plurality of folded absorbent garments. A package of folded absorbent articles is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Gerstle, Russell P. George, David J. Krysiak, Katie A. Boland, Adrienne R. Loyd, Ruth A. McVettie, Steven J. Shimon, Brian L. Alberts
  • Patent number: 9095644
    Abstract: A fluid collector has a container, a T-tube, a first screw unit and a second screw unit. The T-tube is connected to the container and has a main pipe and a branch pipe. The first screw unit is mounted in an outlet end of the main pipe. The second screw unit is mounted in a connecting end of the branch pipe, which is connected to the main pipe. The branch pipe has a detecting opening far from the connecting end and connects to a detecting device. By changing the length of the first and second screw units, different detecting values of the pressure are adjusted according to containers with different capacities. Moreover, with the flowing resistance resulting from the first and second screw units, different pressure variations are performed when liquid or air passes through the T-tube. Therefore, massive hemorrhage is clearly identified to keep the patient safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: APEX MEDICAL CORP.
    Inventors: Nan-Kuang Yao, Jhy-Wen Wu, Luo-Hwa Miau, Jen-Chien Chien, Shi-Fu Chen, Li-Ling Li
  • Patent number: 9089454
    Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed having extended waistbands. More particularly, the absorbent articles include a back waistband and/or a front waistband that encircle a portion of the circumference of the waist opening. The absorbent article includes a front portion attached to a back portion by a pair of stretchable side areas. Each of the side areas are made from at least two panels that are connected together along a vertical attachment area. In accordance with the present disclosure, a waistband is incorporated into the article that extends over the entire front portion or the entire back portion and terminates at opposite ends on opposing side areas. Each end of the waistband, however, terminates prior to the vertical attachment areas leaving a gap in between. The presence of the gap has been found to provide various benefits and advantages including improved stretch properties for donning the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Andrew Mattingly, Sherry A. VanDyke, Michael Donald Sperl, Lisa L. Bushman, Robert Lee Popp, Valerie V. Finch, Thomas E. Williamson
  • Patent number: 9084864
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a universal breathing tube adaptor that can accept or otherwise accommodate a metered dose canister (MDC) having a variety of shapes, structures, sizes, and/or configurations. The present breathing tube adaptor includes a sidewall which defines a chamber. A conduit extends from the chamber through a floor of the device for discharging aerosolized medicament from the MDC. The sidewall includes opposing exposed edges which define a channel. The sidewall supports the MDC when it is invertingly inserted into the chamber. The channel permits structure of an MDC to extend radially outward through the channel and outside the chamber thereby enabling the valve stem of the MDC to engage the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Barthel LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schroeder, Timothy Patrick Barry, Evan James Joyce, Ryan Ross Childs, Ozair Iqbal Chaudhry