Patents Examined by Patricia M. Bianco
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Patent number: 7984716Abstract: A self-conforming sound attenuation earplug, including: a stem, at least one support joined with the stem and extending radially outward from the stem, and a shell engaging the support and encircling the stem to form a space between the shell and the stem. At least one of the support material and the shell material is a deformable-resilient material.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2007Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc.Inventors: Ricky Wayne Purcell, Steven Craig Gehling, Waihong Leong, Anne Clare Moser, Sean S. Corbin, Scott Madison Belliveau
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Patent number: 7984715Abstract: Support devices and pods for the head and neck region of patients undergoing radiation therapy are provided herein. The pod generally includes a support shell shaped to generally conform to the shape of the head and neck region of the patient, a foam insert that conforms to the head and neck region of the patient, and an immobilization facemask attached directly to the shell, thereby facilitating close placement of the radiation beam delivery device to the patient and reducing any attenuation and perturbation of radiation doses directed at the patient. The components of the pod are made from materials having properties that reduce any attenuation and perturbation of prescribed radiation doses.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Loma Linda University Medical CenterInventor: Michael F. Moyers
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Patent number: 7980249Abstract: This invention relates to a protective mouthguard for use by athletes that incorporates a color customizable feature, allowing users to customize the visible color of the mouthguard. The invented protective mouthguard has a u-shaped base that will fit inside of a user's mouth. The front surface of the mouthguard can be visible when the mouthguard is worn by the user inside of his mouth. A colorable strip is placed inside a cavity in the front wall of the mouthguard and is visible through holes that are placed in the front wall.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: XO Athletic, Co.Inventors: James Landi, Michael Landi
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Patent number: 7980248Abstract: Methods and tools are disclosed for inserting an implant device that treats snoring and apnea of a patient by altering the position of a soft palate. Methods and tools can make an incision in patient's soft and hard palate to create a cavity that can house the implant. The tools can have visually observable markings that can be aligned with the incision, thus controlling the depth of the cavity. A needle having an incision edge can be used to make an incision in patient's soft palate. The needle can be bent into a suitable longitudinal shape to allow easier access and visualization of the process. A blade that makes the cavity in the tissue can be housed inside a channel in the needle. The tools may have stoppers to prevent excessive extension and retraction of the blade thus preventing an excessive cavity depth. Some tools may also house the implant device, which may be implanted after the cavity is formed.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Inventors: Anant V. Hegde, Kasey Kai-Chi Li, Phil Houle, Casidy Hallsten, Chris D. Owen
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Patent number: 7981068Abstract: An orthopedic device in the form of a cervical collar having height and circumferential adjustment includes an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The anterior portion includes a main support piece having depending projections configured to engage a height adjustment mechanism. Each of the anterior and posterior portions also includes a proximal support portion having a three-dimensional anatomically configured shape to support, immobilize, and stabilize an anatomical portion of a wearer. The anterior and/or posterior portion includes circumferential adjustment mechanisms to accommodate different sizes or differing degrees of swelling of anatomical portions.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Ossur HFInventors: Thora Thorgilsdottir, Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Palmi Einarsson
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Patent number: 7980243Abstract: A cartridge for propellant-free administration of a liquid pharmaceutical composition by inhalation includes: an elongate displacing device including an upper end and a lower end, the lower end for at least partial insertion into a container; a cartridge chamber disposed at the lower end of the displacing device and operable store a pharmaceutical formulation, the cartridge chamber including at least one pierceably sealed opening; and a cannula guide extending from the upper end of the displacing device to the cartridge chamber, wherein insertion of a cannula through the guide pierces the sealed opening and releases the pharmaceutical formulation into a liquid solvent in the container to form the liquid pharmaceutical composition.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Dieter Hochrainer
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Patent number: 7975700Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices are also disclosed for manipulating other soft tissue structures, including the soft palate and pharyngeal airway.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Andrew Frazier, Mark Hirotsuka, Chad C. Roue, Jasper Jackson, Erik van der Burg, Michael Dineen
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Patent number: 7975699Abstract: The present disclosure relates to condoms that are configured to facilitate release of nitric oxide.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 7975701Abstract: An appliance, a system and a method correct habits of an oral cavity of a patient. The appliance is preformed or is custom-made in an open position or in a closed position. The appliance prevents the patient from breathing through an oral cavity of the patient and encourages the patient to breathe through a nose of the patient. The appliance corrects abnormal swallowing patterns, finger sucking habits, thumb sucking habits, abnormal tongue posturing, abnormal lip posturing and/or speech problems. A slot is formed on a top portion of the appliance to receive teeth of the patient for wearing the appliance. A shelf is formed on a bottom portion of the appliance to move a tongue of the patient to a correct position within the oral cavity during swallowing movements and/or during resting periods between the swallowing movements since there is more room above the shelf from a hollow area above of the shelf which is more comfortable for the patient.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Ortho-Tain, IncInventor: Earl O. Bergersen
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Patent number: 7975697Abstract: Systems and methods of visibly marking a reproductive tract, e.g., at least one ostium of the Fallopian tubes accessed transvaginally and transcervically, to indicate delivery of an occlusion device into the corresponding at least one Fallopian tube to effect contraception are disclosed. Marking is effected by delivery of a dye that stains the ostium and/or extension of the marking member from the delivered occlusion device into view in the uterine cavity or ostium. A catheter (or catheters) preferably introduced through a hysteroscope that illuminates and provides visualization of the uterine cavity and the ostia of the Fallopian tubes is employed to insert each contracted, stent-like, occluding device into each Fallopian tube and to mechanically expand or release to self-expand the occluding device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey P. Callister, William S. Tremulis
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Patent number: 7975698Abstract: An implant suitable for treatment of treatment of vaginal and/or uterine prolapse and/or pelvic floor reconstruction. The implant comprises a vaginal support member substantially sized or shaped to the portion of the vaginal wall to be supported and at least two extension portions projecting from the support member, wherein at least one extension portion has fixation means for anchoring the extension portion into pelvic paravaginal fibro-fatty issue without being faxed into defined structural tissues. A method of treating treatment of vaginal and/or uterine prolapse and/or pelvic floor reconstruction using the implant is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Coloplast A/SInventor: James Browning
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Patent number: 7975690Abstract: The present invention relates to a nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering a substance, in particular one of a liquid, as a suspension or solution, or a powder containing a medicament, especially systemic or topical pharmaceuticals, or a vaccine to the nasal airway of a subject.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: OptiNose ASInventor: Per Gisle Djupesland
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Patent number: 7971591Abstract: A custom-fitted dental appliance having a base member with a generally U-shaped horizontal portion with opposing posterior sections and an anterior section disposed between the posterior sections. The base member has a vertical portion connected to a forward edge of the horizontal portion. The vertical portion has an arcuate curvature substantially following the curvature of the anterior section. The appliance includes over-molded molar pads that are bonded to the upper surfaces of the posterior sections of the base member. An over-molded anterior flange is bonded to the vertical portion of the base member. The molar pads and the anterior flange are formed from a thermoplastic material having a Vicat softening temperature below that of the base member. After heating the appliance to above the softening temperature of the over-molded portions, the molar pads and anterior flange may be custom fitted to the upper teeth and gums of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Dentek Oral Care, Inc.Inventor: John M. Jansheski
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Patent number: 7967767Abstract: The invention is a three-contact-point dynamic scoliosis orthosis (DSO) brace to aid physicians treating scoliosis. A pelvic mold and two pads, one positioned above the apex of the spine curvature, the other positioned orthogonal to the apex of the spine curvature provide the anchor points on opposite sides of the curve. The pad orthogonal to the curve's apex is adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventor: James W. Ogilvie
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Patent number: 7967015Abstract: An earplug has a single very long main flange with a maximum diameter that is at least 80% of the length of the main flange, and at least 55% of the entire length of the earplug except for the stem. This allows the outside of the long flange to extend at a very small angle to the axial direction, and apply a constant force against the walls of the ear canal, for good and comfortable sealing to the ear canal.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Sperian Hearing Protection, LLCInventor: John Allen Jenkins, Jr.
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Patent number: 7967013Abstract: Mask system includes frame, cushion, cushion clip, swivel elbow, headgear and/or headgear clips configured for use in a clinical or hospital environment. One or more components of the mask system configured to promote single patient use, for example, by providing an age indicator and/or preventing disassembly and/or cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Anthony Michael Ging, David John Worboys, Gregory Scott Smart, Muditha Pradeep Dantanarayana, John Michael Snow, Philip Thomas Stallard
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Patent number: 7963285Abstract: Means of easy manufacture and deployment of condoms are provided. A practical and inexpensive adhesive condom is achieved to augment user satisfaction, provide increased barrier protection and contraceptive efficacy. Compression to the penis is reduced, thereby facilitating the ease of attaining and maintaining erection, improving barrier protection and preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as increasing utilization rates by enhancing sensation.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Inventor: Mady Attila
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Patent number: 7963933Abstract: An osteoarthritis knee brace includes at least one vertical strut with upper and lower portions, at least one pivoting hinge intermediately disposed there between, a shin cuff attached to the vertical strut lower portion and positioned below the hinge and a thigh cuff attached to the vertical strut upper portion and positioned above the hinge. The brace further includes at least one inflatable bladder system for applying a corrective and therapeutic force to the osteoarthritis damaged knee joint and the surrounding areas thereof, and which is removeably positionable thereabout. Still further, the brace includes at least one insert enclosed within the inflatable bladder system for equally distributing the corrective and therapeutic force at each point at which the inflatable bladder system applies a corrective and therapeutic force.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Inventor: Richard A. Nace
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Patent number: 7963286Abstract: A combination bite block, tongue depressor/retractor and airway for establishing and maintaining an open airway while preventing emergence clenching and the resulting dental and soft tissue damage associated with emergence clenching in procedures where anesthesia and/or sedation are used, or when the patient is not in control of their own airway, regardless of the cause. The inventive subject matter includes a tongue depressor/retractor component in both right and left conformations; and a bite block component. The bite block component is a wedge shaped, compressible component that is inserted between the upper and lower molars on either the right or left side of the mouth. The tongue depressor component is comprised by a flat portion of that is inserted into the side of the bite block, and an optional curved portion that retracts the tongue off of the posterior pharynx when in place.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: InfoHealthNetwork, Inc.Inventor: Theodore James Burdumy
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Patent number: 7964766Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds, in which wound exudate is removed from a wound bed and selectively cleansed and returned to the wound. The cleansing means removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The associated wound dressing and cleansing means are conformable to the wound, and may have irrigant fluid circulated from a reservoir by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLCInventors: Patrick Lewis Blott, Bryan Greener, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Derek Nicolini, Tina Michelle, Julian Lee-Webb