Patents Examined by Nicholas Meghri
  • Patent number: 9526828
    Abstract: Among other things, a flow-controlling catheter hub configured to connect with and adjust fluid flow to a catheter is shown. The hub includes a main body, a valve, and a luer fitting adapter. The main body, valve, and luer fitting adapter each have an interior passageway to receive and conduct fluid flow when the parts are assembled together. The valve is configured to engage the interior passageway of the main body to block fluid flow when the valve is in a closed position. When the valve is in an open position the valve is moved away from the interior passageway of the main body and fluid flows through the interior passageway of the main body. The luer fitting adapter freely rotates in the valve while the valve is adjusted relative to the main body. Adjustment of fluid flow to the catheter is possible without disturbing connections between parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Cleve Koehler
  • Patent number: 9498183
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal pulmonary veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's pulmonary veins are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Joe E. Brown, Marja Pauliina Margolis, Mary L. Gaddis
  • Patent number: 9358039
    Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes a needle assembly including an outer cannula including a tubular sidewall disposed around a lumen. At least a portion of the sidewall includes an exterior including a polymeric material configured to inhibit skiving of an interior of a dilator with movement of the outer cannula within the dilator. An inner cannula is disposed within the lumen and is selectively slidable with respect to the outer cannula. A handle is disposed at a proximal portion of the needle assembly. The handle includes a first handle portion coupled to and movable with the outer cannula. A second handle portion is coupled to and movable with the inner cannula, wherein the first handle portion is selectively movable with respect to the second handle portion to extend a distal end of the inner cannula from within the lumen of the outer cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott Kimmel, Rodolphe Katra, Kevin Pietsch, Brian Loushine, Jeffrey Zweber, Ed Goff, Blane Larson, Jordon Honeck, Grant Scheibe
  • Patent number: 9339639
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen, Matthew William Yavorsky
  • Patent number: 9289563
    Abstract: The invention relates to a syringe (20) comprising a syringe barrel (15), an ejector unit (25) arranged at the distal end of the syringe barrel (15) with a plunger rod (17), a coupling part (37) and a plunger (16) and a syringe head (21) arranged at the proximal end of the syringe barrel (15) with a needle unit (12) which is arranged in a guide sleeve (5) and is slidable therein with a cannula (3) and a cannula holder (4) and a pinion (2), by means of which the needle unit (12) is axially movable, relative to a syringe barrel (15) from a rest position to an actuation position. At the distal end of the guide sleeve (5) a sealing element (7) is arranged. The pinion (2) has at least one guide knob (1), which can be brought into engagement optionally with one of two slide tracks (10) provided in the guide sleeve (5), wherein the slide tracks (10) are inclined in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Pharma Consult Ges.m.b.H.
    Inventors: Ewald Pickhard, Andreas Schwirtz
  • Patent number: 9272125
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen, Matthew William Yavorsky
  • Patent number: 9242072
    Abstract: A hub assembly is provided for accommodating a medical professional to grip and manipulate two components of a catheter hub and move one component longitudinally relative to the other, then removably engaging the two components of the catheter hub to restrict movement there between. The two catheter hub components include a proximal hub and a distal hub. The proximal hub and the distal hub are configured to removably engage with one another. The proximal hub is affixed to a first catheter member, such as a multi-lumen catheter, while the distal hub is affixed to a second catheter member, such as a sheath. The first catheter member and the second catheter member are cooperatively engaged and concentric with one another. Relative movement of the proximal and distal hubs translates into relative movement of the first and second catheter members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: BIO2 MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Morgan, Jeffrey N. Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 9242071
    Abstract: A hub assembly is provided for accommodating a medical professional to grip and manipulate two components of a catheter hub and move one component longitudinally relative to the other, then removably engaging the two components of the catheter hub to restrict movement there between. The two catheter hub components include a proximal hub and a distal hub. The proximal hub and the distal hub are configured to removably engage with one another. The proximal hub is affixed to a first catheter member, such as a multi-lumen catheter, while the distal hub is affixed to a second catheter member, such as a sheath. The first catheter member and the second catheter member are cooperatively engaged and concentric with one another. Relative movement of the proximal and distal hubs translates into relative movement of the first and second catheter members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: BIO2 MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Morgan, Jeffrey N. Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 9242047
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detent mechanism for controlling translation between two components in a longitudinal direction, the detent mechanism comprising a resilient beam on one of the components and a rhomboid ramp member on the other component, the resilient beam being essentially straight when relaxed and having a first beam head and arranged to interact in a ramped engagement with respectively one of two ramps, each ramp on one longitudinal side of the rhomboid ramp member in such a manner that application of a translative force between the components in one longitudinal direction with the first beam head engaged to one of the ramps in a first state deflects the resilient beam in one transversal direction when a predetermined value of the translative force, at least depending on the resilience of the resilient beam, is overcome so as to allow the first beam head to travel along one transversal side of the rhomboid ramp member on continued relative translation of the components, wherein the resilient bea
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Simon Francis Brereton, Thomas Kemp, Rosie Burnell, Matthew Ekman
  • Patent number: 9192437
    Abstract: An electromagnetic surgical ablation probe having a coaxial feedline and cooling chamber is disclosed. The disclosed probe includes a dipole antenna arrangement having a radiating section, a distal tip coupled to a distal end of the radiating section, and a ring-like balun short, or choke, which may control a radiation pattern of the probe. A conductive tube disposed coaxially around the balun short includes at least one fluid conduit which provides coolant, such as dionized water, to a cooling chamber defined within the probe. A radiofrequency transparent catheter forms an outer surface of the probe and may include a lubricious coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Kenlyn S. Bonn
  • Patent number: 9192716
    Abstract: The drive mechanism is suitable for a permanent delivery of a drug from a compact drug delivery device, which may be carried on the body. The drive mechanism comprises a flexible advance cable bearing a coupling feature of longitudinal extension. The advance cable is guided by a guide means. A drive means engages the coupling feature and thus enables an advancement of the advance cable according to the guide means. An end piece is provided to push a plug or bung of a cartridge containing a drug, and the end piece is driven by the advance cable. The drive means is permanently engaged with the coupling feature. This allows a permanent advancement of the plug or bung by means of the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Jugl, Torsten Kraft
  • Patent number: 9162030
    Abstract: A safety pen needle assembly is provided herein which includes a hub and a needle fixed to the hub. Further, a first shield is provided, along with a second shield which has a biasing element disposed to urge the second shield proximally towards a proximal end of the needle. The assembly further includes a releasable retaining assembly for releasably retaining the second shield in an initial position against the force of the biasing element. A predetermined extent of movement of the first shield causes the retaining assembly to release the second shield. With the second shield being released, the second shield is urged proximally by the biasing element to a second position where the second shield covers the proximal end of the needle. Advantageously, an assembly is provided which allows for passive activation of a shield on a non-patient end of a pen needle assembly by a patient-end shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Tieming Ruan, Stephen Richards, Eliot Zaiken, Craig Newman, Vadim Goykhman, Joseph Alu, Michael Vincent Quinn
  • Patent number: 9125685
    Abstract: A trocar device includes a main part that has a first and a second end. A shaft tube is connected to the second end of the main part. A through-opening for receiving an instrument extends from the first end of the main part to the end of the shaft tube that faces away from the main part. A sealing unit is disposed in the main part and has an elastic sealing element having a hollow-cylindrical wall, which divides the through-opening into a first region that runs from the sealing unit as far as the first end of the main body, and into a second region that runs from the sealing unit as far as the end of the shaft tube that faces away from the main part. When the instrument has been properly inserted in the through-opening, the sealing element seals off the two regions from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Henke-Sass, Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Sabine Pauli, Norbert Haeckl, Michael Fuchs
  • Patent number: 9101725
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefillable drug delivery device having a housing receiving a needle hub which is movable with respect to said needle hub between a retracted position and a protection position. The device also includes a tubular barrel intended to receive a drug that is pre-mountable on said housing so that said needle hub closes its distal end. The device further includes a sealing member actionable once said tubular barrel is pre-assembled on said housing, capable of transitioning from an inactive state where no sealing contact is present between said needle hub and said tubular barrel, to an active state, in which sealing contact is performed. In the active state of said sealing member, said tubular barrel is movable in translation with respect to said needle hub between a proximal position and a distal position, for realizing delivery of the drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France
    Inventors: Adrien Plouvier, Frederic Perot, Romain Lanier
  • Patent number: 9095654
    Abstract: A device is provided for introducing into a patient a combination of adipose tissue and an additive, for example, a hydrogel additive. The device includes a fat cartridge, an additive cartridge containing an additive, and a housing configured to receive, in a side-by-side manner, the fat cartridge and additive cartridge. A mixing tip may be included for causing mixing of the cartridge components prior to extrusion from a needle or cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Schwab, Edwin Kayda
  • Patent number: 9089655
    Abstract: An intradermal injection assembly for injecting a medicament into skin could form an intradermal needle with an adapter, an intradermal syringe with an adapter or an adapter for a merger with a syringe with a cannula. The intradermal adapter in these devices has a body having a longitudinal axis, a central portion having a cannula channel and a distal protrusion extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The distal protrusion of the adapter has a first skin contacting surface extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the distal protrusion is generally transparent such that the portion of the cannula that extends distally relative to a demarcation plane can be viewed through the distal protrusion during insertion of the cannula into a patient's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: SID Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Izrail Tsals
  • Patent number: 9079007
    Abstract: In an apparatus having at least one first hollow element for conducting a fluid having a connection element, to enable and facilitate a simple and reliable connection to a second hollow element, a snap-in element of the connection element having a latching surface which contacts an abutment surface in a connection state with the second hollow element is made as a radially widenable snap-in ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Berlin Heart GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Goellner, Johannes Mueller
  • Patent number: 9072841
    Abstract: A medicated module for an injection system to co-deliver at least two medicaments is disclosed where a primary delivery device containing a primary medicament accepts a medicated module containing a single dose of a secondary medicament and where both medicaments are delivered through a hollow needle. The medicated module does not require the user to manually engage a reservoir containing the secondary medicament. Instead, a biasing member automatically activates the reservoir when the needle guard is retracted. The needle guard prevents accidental needle sticks before and after an injection, and locks after dose delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Urs Thueer, David Richard Mercer, Garen Kouyoumjian, Malcolm Stanley Boyd
  • Patent number: 9072839
    Abstract: The present patent application relates to delivery devices, methods, and systems of delivering at least one medicament from a reservoir using an automatic delivery device. Such an automatic delivery device system may comprise a dose injecting mechanism and a dispense interface, such as a needle module. The dose injecting mechanism comprises a triggering mechanism. An activating member, such as a needle guard of the needle module, can be used to initiate the triggering mechanism to enable the device to administer the set dose. The single dispense interface may comprise a medicated module containing at least one dose of a secondary medicament. The dose injecting mechanism may comprise a dose setting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Garen Kouyoumjian, Malcolm Stanley Boyd, Daniel Thomas De Sausmarez Lintell
  • Patent number: 9039664
    Abstract: In a prefilled syringe including an elastic seal member to be pierced with a needle for use to eject a protein pharmaceutical preparation therefrom, the elastic seal member ensures smooth and reliable piercing thereof with the needle while reliably preventing an active substance of the protein pharmaceutical preparation from being adsorbed thereon. When a protective film (3) is laminated to a top surface of a seal body (2) of an elastic material, the protective film (3) is stretched to a greater extent by a recess (4) provided in the top surface. Further, the piercing portion to be pierced with the needle is provided in a bottom of the recess (4). Thus, the protective film (3) is formed as locally having a smaller thickness in the piercing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Taisei Kako Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Ogawa, Yasuyuki Shiraishi, Taiji Horita, Ichiro Suzuki