Patents Examined by P. Zuttarelli
  • Patent number: 5507825
    Abstract: A kit for implanting a socket joint implant has an outer cup (1), an inner cup (2) and fasteners (3, 3a) which are fitted to radially project from the outer cup (1). Each fastener includes a bearer plate (17) arranged on a shaft-like supporting part (18) which is able to bear in an anchoring bore (6) in the bone tissue (5), and a head part (20) which is connected detachably to the supporting part (18) and can be screwed tight from the inside of the outer cup (1) into a guide bore (11) of the cup. The supporting part (18) has a diameter (A) which is less than the diameter (d1) of the guide bore (11). The kit is pre-assembled outside the region of implantation and positioned in the region of implantation while the fasteners (3, 3a) are pulled in towards the center of the outer cup (1). The fasteners (3, 3a) are then pushed into the anchoring bores ( 6) and screwed tight to the outer cup (1) with head parts (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Sulzer Medizinaltechnik AG
    Inventor: Heribert Frei
  • Patent number: 5505721
    Abstract: An apparatus for withdrawing blood from a vein and simultaneously filling multiple collection tubes. The apparatus includes a movable sheath which protects the technician from inadvertently contacting the withdrawn needle after use and a laminar flow transition chamber between the blood withdrawal needle and the multiple collection tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventors: Gregory L. Leach, Albert C. Phelps, Mark L. Krebs
  • Patent number: 5505720
    Abstract: Improved pads for application to the body to absorb body fluids are disclosed. Menstrual pads having a plurality of projections which are most preferably filled with a superabsorbent material are disclosed, as well as methods for making same. The present invention discloses the use of novel melt-blown technology to form a surface having hollow projections which are then filled with superabsorbent. The present invention is directed to menstrual pads, as well as other pads which may be placed against the body, such as bandages. In the latter, medicinal compounds replace superabsorbents as the preferred material within the projections. In certain embodiments, a wicking layer, preferably comprised of peat moss based absorbent product is disposed between a cover layer and the projections containing superabsorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Bronwen L. Walters, David Hujber
  • Patent number: 5500018
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a shank (5) of a prosthesis into a bone cavity is disclosed. A strap 1 having an loop portion 2 and an end portion 3 is wrapped around the shank. The end portion of the strap is then clamped by a clamping device 4 to secure the strap around the shank. The bone cavity is filled with bone cement and the lower end of the shank is introduced into the bone cavity thereby forming a gap between the shank and the outer wall of the bone cavity. A strap substantially seals this gap to minimize leakage of bone cement from the bone cavity. The clamping device 4 allows the end portion of the strap to slip relative to the clamping device when a threshold force is applied against the clamping device. In this manner, the strap will conform to the increasing cross-sectional area of the elongate body of the shank as the shank is introduced into the bone cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignees: Protek AG, Sulzer Medizinaltechnik AG
    Inventors: Lorenzo Spotorno, Willi Fick, Roland Willi
  • Patent number: 5499978
    Abstract: Absorbent article such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and the like, that have a unique elastic waist feature that improves the dynamic fit of the elasticized waistband as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. The elastic waist feature preferably comprises an interconnecting panel zone, a first flexural hinge zone joining the interconnecting panel zone with the containment assembly, an elasticized waistband, and a second flexural hinge zone joining the elasticized waistband with the interconnecting panel zone. The elasticized waistband comprises a shaping panel zone; a waistline panel zone; and a predisposed, resilient, waistband flexural hinge zone joining the shaping panel zone and the waistline panel zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Buell, Sandra H. Clear, Danielia T. Falcone
  • Patent number: 5498253
    Abstract: An improved adaptor and protector for same which is removably sealing an opening of the adaptor located at an end of a tubular member. The adaptor has a longitudinal passageway for receiving a cannula. An upper end of the adaptor has an interior diameter defining a first end of the passageway for receiving the cannula. A lower end of the adaptor has an interior diameter defining a second end of the passageway adapted for receiving an injection site wherein the diameter of the first end is larger than the diameter at the second end. A middle portion intermediate the first end and the second end has a tapering interior diameter for directing the cannula to the injection site and further having an exterior surface with gripping surfaces. The tapering interior diameter of the middle portion of the adaptor includes guiding members to direct the cannula or other injection devices. The adaptor may also be provided with a protector removably sealing an opening located at an end of the adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Aswad, Dale Severs, Joyce Silvestri, Hugh M. Forman, Lecon Woo, Thomas D. Hiller, Lisa S. Walsh, Sandra Wade, Eddie Chan, Patrick Balteau, Franco Peluso, Eric Henaut
  • Patent number: 5496369
    Abstract: A neural prosthetic device for a primary auditory cortex of a patient includes a speech processor for receiving and processing audio information and for outputting processed electrical signals and a support arranged in said primary auditory cortex having a plurality of electrical contacts. The support is arranged in the patient's primary auditory cortex and each of the plurality of electrical contacts independently outputs electrical discharges in accordance with the processed electrical signals. The plurality of electrical contacts are arranged to approximately tonotopically match the primary auditory cortex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventor: Matthew A. Howard, III
  • Patent number: 5496301
    Abstract: A method and device for sampling biological fluids during collection without opening the functionally closed collection system, thereby compromising the sterility of the collected fluid. A sample bag connected to a fluid line or collection reservoir is filled coincident with fluid collection, then hermetically sealed and physically separated from the collection system using a radio frequency tubing sealer. A vacuum tube collection device is attached to the sample bag to minimize exposure to the fluid during sample handling and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: COBE Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Hlavinka, Robert L. White, Todd C. Green
  • Patent number: 5490846
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fibrous nonwoven web which is particularly well-suited for use as a surge layer in personal care absorbent articles including, but not limited to, diapers, training pants, incontinence garments, sanitary napkins, bandages and the like. The fibrous nonwoven web is made from a plurality of fibers heat bonded to one another to form a nonwoven web having a basis weight of at least 20 grams per square meter, a void volume of between about 40 and about 60 centimeters per gram of web while under a pressure of 689 dynes per square centimeter, a permeability of about 5,000 to about 8,000 darcy, a porosity of about 97.2 percent to about 98.8 percent and a surface area per void of about 24 to about 49 square centimeters per cubic centimeter. The fibrous nonwoven web will have a saturation capacity of between about 30 and about 50 grams of 0.9 percent saline solution per gram of web and a compression resilience in both the wet and dry state of at least about 60 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford J. Ellis, Rob D. Everett
  • Patent number: 5489282
    Abstract: A growth adjustable diaper for newborn babies is adjustable in length by use of a foldable absorbent panel at the front edge of the diaper and is adjustable about the waist of the baby by means of ear members that can overlap and attach to each other or not overlap and attach to the front section of the diaper. Cushion barriers are provided at the crotch section and back waist edge to protect the newborn's sensitive, tender skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Georgia L. Zehner, Paulette M. Rosch, Thomas W. Odorzynski, Bruce M. Siebers, Timothy J. Blenke
  • Patent number: 5489281
    Abstract: A process for delivering a biocide to a container comprising admitting a biocide delivery device through an exit port of a urine container where the device is sized for passage through the exit port is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Tyler Watanabe, Su I. Yum, Eun S. Lee, Ivan W. Chin
  • Patent number: 5487736
    Abstract: An absorbent structure having both osmotic and capillary absorbing capabilities. The substrate has a topography comprising two different elevations. The osmotic absorbent structure may include superabsorbents and is preferentially applied to the high elevation regions of the substrate. This arrangement provides for better acquisition of liquids without gel blocking. The absorbent structure is suitable for use in the cores of disposable absorbent articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Dean Van Phan
  • Patent number: 5487760
    Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis containing electronic circuitry for monitoring valve performance provides information to an implanted transceiver arranged to transmit digital or analog data transcutaneously to an external transceiver. The implanted electronics may be integrally contained within the heart valve prosthesis, or alternatively, may be separately housed in a moisture-proof container within the patient's body but external to the heart. By coupling the implanted transceiver to a pulse generator and electrode combination, electrical stimulating pulses can be applied to the heart upon command from an externally located monitor/transceiver combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: ATS Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Manuel A. Villafana
  • Patent number: 5486167
    Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinence device which has absorbent components comprised of blends of different types of fibers is provided. The absorbent components are arranged in structures that provide improved core integrity and liquid processing. The absorbent article preferably comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition layer overlying the absorbent core. The absorbent core comprises a blend of cellulosic fibers, absorbent gelling material, and fibers such as crimped synthetic fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The acquisition layer also comprises at least some fibers that form liquid stable bonds with adjacent layers. The fibers that form liquid stable bonds in the absorbent core and the acquisition layer are bonded to liquid stable components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jerry L. Dragoo, Michael S. Bogdanski, Nicholas A. Ahr, John R. Noel
  • Patent number: 5486166
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lofty fibrous nonwoven web which is particularly well-suited for use as a surge layer in personal care absorbent articles including, but not limited to, diapers, training pants, incontinence garments, sanitary napkins, bandages and the like. The fibrous nonwoven web is made from a plurality of fibers heat bonded to one another to form a lofty nonwoven web having a basis weight of at least 20 grams per square meter, a void volume of between about 80 and about 117 centimeters per gram of web while under a pressure of 689 dynes per square centimeter, a permeability of about 8,000 to about 15,000 darcy, a porosity of about 98.6 percent to about 99.4 percent and a surface area per void of about 10 to about 25 square centimeters per cubic centimeter. The fibrous nonwoven web will have a saturation capacity of between about 55 and about 80 grams of 0.9 percent saline solution per gram of web and a compression resilience in both the wet and dry state of at least about 60 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: David F. Bishop, Clifford J. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5484410
    Abstract: An apparatus for separately storing a first component, such as a drug and for mixing this first component with a second component, such as a sterilized diluent, to form a beneficial agent which can be delivered to a patient from the container containing the second component. The device includes novel means for interconnecting a container, such as a glass vial containing a first component, such as a drug, with a second container such as a flexible bag containing the second component such as a parenteral liquid, and then for controllably ejecting the first component from the glass vial so that it will fall by force of gravity into the second container whereby the first and second components will thoroughly mix under sterile conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Science Incorporated
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Thomas N. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5478337
    Abstract: An outer tube having a double-ended needle accommodated therein upwardly and downwardly slidably is hermetically, removably but fixedly joined to an opening seal portion of a dissolving liquid container. An inner tube having a medicine-containing vial accommodated therein in an inverted state is joined to an upper end of the outer tube so as to be movable from a joined position of shallow fit to a joined position of deep fit. The joint between the outer and inner tubes is provided with a seal ring for holding the interior of the tubes airtight and a restraining mechanism for holding the inner tube in the joined position of shallow fit. The medicine container thus constructed is excellent in impact resistance and shakeproofness for transport and storage, usable by a facilitated mixing procedure for preparing a medicinal solution, simple in overall structure and disposable as separated into components after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignees: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc., Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideshi Okamoto, Yoshiki Maesaki, Hidekatsu Shoji, Isamu Tateishi, Takayuki Hagiwara, Tetsuya Hatono
  • Patent number: 5476458
    Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a three-dimensional pant body defining a waist opening, two leg openings, and a crotch region. A containment trough formed of liquid,impermeable material has a base portion bonded to the crotch region and integral retaining walls positioned transversely outward from the base portion. The retaining walls are freestanding from the pant body and include elastic members so as to define freestanding, elasticized flaps. An absorbent structure and liner are disposed between the elasticized flaps. To retard liquid movement away from the absorbent structure, the liner is wrapped around the side edges and partly beneath the absorbent structure. Further, an inwardly-directed face of each flap has a first Wicking Value while the liner has a second Wicking Value that is at least 2 times greater than the first Wicking Value on a gram per gram basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Frank S. Glaug, David A. Kuen, Robert L. Popp
  • Patent number: 5476456
    Abstract: A disposable cover for a patient support surface which allows absorption of body fluids from the patient and prevents contamination of the support surface. The ends of the cover are provided with pockets to contain the cover in a rolled up condition prior to use and after-use for disposal. The pockets are reverse folded to contain the ends of the support surface when the pad is in its use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventors: Paul Rankin, Jack R. VonEwegen
  • Patent number: 5472443
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for use in performing electrosurgery, wherein a power supply supplies an electrosurgical instrument with a low voltage power signal having a substantially constant peak-to-peak voltage that is independent of the load impedance and which has a crest factor near unity. A power supply is provided to supply a voltage waveform in accordance with the methods of the invention. A clipping circuit is also provided to permit practice of the methods using conventional electrosurgcial generators and previously known electrosurgical instruments, wherein the voltage amplitude and waveform is modified to the desired regime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Hemostatic Surgery Corporation
    Inventors: Jack C. Cordis, Dennis J. Denen, Philip E. Eggers, John J. Knittle, Raymond C. Ramsey, Robert F. Shaw