Patents Examined by Ryan Carter
  • Patent number: 6741877
    Abstract: Devices and methods for determining analyte levels are described. The devices and methods allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices, such as glucose monitoring devices, that result in the delivery of a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device. The devices comprise a unique microarchitectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6530889
    Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter system adapted for pressure sensing. It comprises a transmitter/receiver for polarized light and an optical fiber to be connected to said transmitter/receiver, said fiber at its distal end being provided with a cylindrical body of transparent plastic material, and said body having a hollow central inner lumen provided around its longitudinal axis, and said cylindrical body is provided with a mirror at its side facing away from said fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Centrum RRN Academisch Ziekenhuis Utrecht
    Inventors: Maurits Karel Konings, Lambertus Wilhelmus Bartels
  • Patent number: 6488633
    Abstract: A device for application to a body part of a patient to determine the physiological condition of the patient. The device includes a housing, in the form of a hollow socket closed at its distal end and open at its proximal end, for receiving the body part, a pressurizing device for applying a pressure field around the body part when received in the housing, and a sensor for sensing changes in the body part related to changes in pulsatile blood volume therein. The housing includes at least three contiguous but separate sections including a distal end section at its distal tip, a proximal end section at its opposite end, and at least one middle section between the end sections. The pressurizing device applies a pressure field to the portions of the body part received within at least the distal end section and the middle section of the housing. The distal end section is configured to apply pressure to all of the distal portion of the body part including its distal most tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Itamar Medical (C.M.) Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert P. Schnall
  • Patent number: 6394952
    Abstract: Systems and methods for medical diagnosis or risk assessment for a patient are provided. These systems and methods are designed to be employed at the point of care, such as in emergency rooms and operating rooms, or in any situation in which a rapid and accurate result is desired. The systems and methods process patient data, particularly data from point of care diagnostic tests or assays, including immunoassays, electrocardiograms, X-rays and other such tests, and provide an indication of a medical condition or risk or absence thereof. The systems include an instrument for reading or evaluating the test data and software for converting the data into diagnostic or risk assessment information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Adeza Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: Emory V. Anderson, Jerome Lapointe, Ricardo Martinez, Gail Marzolf, Ronald Pong, Lynn Jones, Robert O. Hussa, Edward Nemec, Andrew E. Senyei, Duane DeSieno
  • Patent number: 6379310
    Abstract: A sphygmomanometer includes a body 10 and a cuff 20 which is integrally attached to the body 10 and wrapped around the wrist. The body 10 is attached to the cuff 20 such that the body is located on the thumb side of the arm L when the sphygmomanometer is fitted on the wrist. Consequently, a precise blood pressure measurement and precise blood pressure fluctuation can be obtained without restriction on the location where the blood pressure measurement is conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Mori, Takahide Tanaka, Akira Nakagawa, Iwao Kojima
  • Patent number: 6379308
    Abstract: A device measures pressures in animals and humans and includes a pressure transmission catheter (PTC) filled with a pressure transmitting medium and implantable in an area in having a physiological pressure. A transducer communicates with the pressure transmitting medium to provide a pressure signal representing variations in the physiologic pressure on electrical wires. A connecting catheter carries the electrical wires to signal processing and telemetry circuitry, which transmits a telemetry signal representing the pressure signal to a receiver external to the animal or human. A housing holds the signal processing and telemetry circuitry, but the transducer is remote from the housing. The device is particularly useful in measuring venous pressure, pulmonary pressure, bladder pressure, or intracranial pressure without significant head pressure artifact and with a sufficient dynamic response. One embodiment of the PTC includes a multi-durometer stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Data Sciences International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Brockway, Perry Alton Mills, Mel Murray Moench
  • Patent number: 6371937
    Abstract: A manometer for measuring the hydrodynamic pressure of fluids parenterally administered to a patient is disclosed. The manometer includes a transparent housing that has a passage that accommodates continuous flow of fluid. A pressure-measuring chamber is formed in the housing with one end in fluid communication with the passage. The other end of the chamber communicates with an enclosed air space. The fluid flowing through the passage enters the pressure-measuring chamber and rises to a level which is dependent upon the pressure of the fluid flowing through the passage. A space-saving chamber is provided, which is in air communication with the pressure-measuring chamber, and which allows the housing to be reduced in size. Markings are provided on the housing which indicate the relative flow state of fluid flowing through the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 6371920
    Abstract: A pulse wave monitor having a structure capable of automatically performing optimal positioning of a pulse wave probe with respect to a user's body. A plurality of transmitting piezoelectric vibrators for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to an artery are provided along with a plurality of receiving piezoelectric vibrators for receiving an ultrasonic wave from the artery. An optimal combination of a transmitting piezoelectric vibrator and a receiving piezoelectric vibrator for use in pulse wave measurement is determined based on the intensity of a received ultrasonic wave signal. Ultrasonic wave transmission and reception are made by the optimal combination so that accurate pulse wave detection measurement is made possible by automatic positioning of the pulse wave probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Kamimoto, Masataka Shinogi, Hiroshi Odagiri, Kazumi Sakumoto, Keisuke Tsubata, Chiaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6354999
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and devices for detection, localization and characterization of occlusions, aneurysms, wall characteristics and vascular bed. The invention is based on introducing an artificial pressure or flow excitation signal (a single signal or more) into the blood vessel (or in other tubular flowing fluid conduits), measurement and analysis of the pressure and or flow. The invention discloses a method and devices for detection and characterization of partial or total occlusion or aneurysm in blood vessels or in other tubular flowing fluid conduits within a body, such as urine flow in the urethra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Florence Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Elhanan Dgany, Simon Henri Noskowicz, Evgeny Shalman, Alexander Tyomkin, Chen Barak
  • Patent number: 6353754
    Abstract: An epileptiform activity patient template creation system is provided which permits the user to efficiently develop an optimized set of patient specific parameters for epileptiform activity detection algorithms. The epileptiform activity patient template creation system is primarily directed to a computer software package which operates within a computer workstation having a processor, disk storage and display for storing, processing and displaying patient EEG signals. The computer processor in conjunction with the software package allows for the marking of the initiation/termination of electrographic seizures within the patient's displayed EEG signals. Epileptiform activity segments are extracted from at least one of the EEG signals with the activity segments including a marked initiation of a seizure. Subsequently, a seizure data set simultaneously displaying a number of the epileptiform activity segments is shown on the display monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: NeuroPace, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Fischell, Jonathan P. Harwood
  • Patent number: 6352550
    Abstract: Flexible multijoint thermal therapy pads which are dimensioned and structured to promote effective thermal therapy by promoting increased flexibility, comfort, convenience and heat transfer when applied to a range of joints in the body. Pads according to the present invention feature distinct members each of which corresponds to and may be applied to conform to a limb or body part surrounding the knee, shoulder and other joints. The pads connect these members using at least one conduit that is not substantially centered on the kneecap or top of the shoulder when they are applied for thermal therapy on the knee or shoulder, respectively. The pads thus do not blindly adhere to traditional multijoint notions of symmetry, but instead opt for increased flexibility, prevention of undesired blockage or occlusion during joint flexure and restriction of range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: DJ Orthopedics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Earle Gildersleeve, David Winer
  • Patent number: 6347634
    Abstract: A method of increasing the probability that a woman will conceive either a male child or a female child, comprising the steps of determining an infrared body temperature of the father, determining an infrared body temperature of the mother, categorizing the determined infrared body temperatures of the mother and the father as either “high” or “low” according to a predetermined categorization criteria, and correlating the stress level of the mother and the father according to a correlation where in the case of high temperature for both the mother and the father, the probability of a male child is greater than the probability of a female child; in the case of high temperature for one of the mother or the father and low temperature for the other of the mother or the father, the probability of a male child is greater than the probability of a female child; and in the case of low temperature for both the mother and the father, the probability of a male child is less than the probability of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hand-up Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Francis J. Jancik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6346082
    Abstract: There are provided a casing (21), a valve element (23) that effects opening/closure of an evacuation port (22), and means for driving (24) that effect opening/closure drive of this valve element. Fine irregularities (23b) are formed on valve element (23). The means for driving comprise: a cylindrical yoke (25); a core (26) provided with a cylindrical part (26a) arranged within the yoke and a flange (26b) that is abutted by one end of the yoke; a magnet (27) arranged within the yoke and that forms magnetic flux in the radial direction; a movable element (28) arranged through the cylindrical part of the core with the valve element mounted at one end; a coil (29) arranged in the gap between the magnet and yoke and fixed at one end of the movable element; and holding members (30) that hold both ends of the movable element and that hold the movable element and coil in non-contacting condition with respect to the core and yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Nihon Seimitsu Sokki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sigeto Negishi
  • Patent number: 6346083
    Abstract: A blood-pressure measuring apparatus including a cuff having an inflatable bag, a first pulse-wave sensor which detects a first pulse wave propagated to the bag, a second pulse-wave sensor which detects a second pulse wave propagated to a downstream-side portion of the cuff wound around a body portion of a subject in a direction of flow of blood in an artery of the body portion, an amplitude correcting device for correcting a first group of respective amplitudes of heartbeat-synchronous pulses of the first pulse wave and/or a second group of respective amplitudes of heartbeat-synchronous pulses of the second pulse wave, so that one or more amplitudes of the first group that correspond to one or more pulses of the first pulse wave that are detected while the flow of blood is stopped by the inflated bag is equal to one or more amplitudes of the second group that correspond to one or more pulses of the second pulse wave that are detected while the flow of blood is stopped by the bag, an amplitude-difference dete
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Colin Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Nishibayashi, Tomohiro Nunome
  • Patent number: 6343225
    Abstract: The sensitivity of enzyme-based polarographic electrodes to oxygen concentration can be significantly reduced or eliminated by providing an oxygen-reservoir in intimate contact with the oxidative enzyme. This is achieved by making a stabilized emulsion between the enzyme and a compound in which oxygen is extremely soluble. An aqueous glucose oxidase solution is emulsified with a perfluorocarbon liquid, and the resulting emulsion is stabilized by chemically crosslinking the mixture to form a gel. Thin layers of the emulsion are fabricated by spreading a layer of the liquid emulsion before gelation occurs. Additional carrier proteins such as albumin may be added to the enzyne prior to crosslinking to protect enzymatic activity and enhance gel strength. Additional electron transport compounds may be added to further reduce sensitivity to oxygen concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Implanted Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Leland C. Clark, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6338715
    Abstract: A more reliable and precise method of determining the olfactory threshold is provided by a digitally operated apparatus that dispenses controlled amounts of a volatile test fluid from a digital jetting device of the type used for ink jet printing. A precise number and size of micro droplets are dispensed onto a heater which vaporizes the fluid at a test location where a patient can sniff and report whether the odor is sensed. Incremental adjustments are made to determine the approximate threshold of olfactory perception of the odor. Sensors are included to verify dispensing and to coordinate dispensing with breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: MicroFab Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Hayes, Ioan Achiriloaie, David W. Taylor, Norman Comparini, David B. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6338718
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a superior-and-inferior-limb blood-pressure index of a living subject, including a first blood-pressure measuring device which measures a first blood pressure of an inferior limb of the subject, a second blood-pressure measuring device which measures a second blood pressure of a superior limb of the subject, an index determining device for determining the superior-and-inferior-limb blood-pressure index, based on the first blood pressure measured by the first blood-pressure measuring device and the second blood pressure measured by the second blood-pressure measuring device, a time-information storing device which stores first time information representing a first time when the first blood pressure is measured by the first blood-pressure measuring device, and second time information representing a second time when the second blood pressure is measured by the second blood-pressure measuring device, and a time-information displaying device which displays, in a graph having at least a t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Colin Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ogura
  • Patent number: 6334074
    Abstract: A hand held applicator for delivery of microwave energy to skin surfaces is provided that is compact, easily manipulated, precisely positionable and secure against malfunction. Microwave energy of a chosen frequency is supplied for a given duration at a predetermined energy level, via one or more waveguides having a distal end section that is dielectrically loaded and matched to skin impedance. Positioning indicia may be disposed on a single use end cap adjacent the emitter end of the applicator to permit easy visualization by the surgeon or technician. Coolant, such as a pressurized gas refrigerant, is supplied in a burst to the skin surface via an interior solenoid controlled valve. The microwave energy pulse is initiated by control circuits after the effective delivery of coolant is sensed. The initiation of the cycle can be effected by actuation of a switch, movement of the applicator against the skin, or by tracking the movement of the applicator from one position to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Microwave Medical Corp.
    Inventor: Robert B. Spertell
  • Patent number: 6331163
    Abstract: A device and method for fixation of a sensor in a bodily lumen, in which a sensor support is coupled to a fixation device, which is inserted into a bodily lumen. The fixation device is then secured within the bodily lumen, for example, by expansion or by suturing to the bodily lumen. The fixation device may be a stent or a dedicated anchoring ring having a sensor support coupled thereto. The fixation device may be inserted during an intervention procedure or during a special insertion procedure. The sensor may be remotely interrogated exterior to the bodily lumen periodically or continuously. Furthermore, the sensor may be provided with permanent and/or temporary protective coatings to protect it from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Microsense Cardiovascular Systems (1196) Ltd.
    Inventor: Shay Kaplan
  • Patent number: RE37651
    Abstract: An apparatus for effecting hyperthermia in a narrow body cavity or duct including: a disposable first part (1) having an elongate distal section (5) intended to be inserted into the cavity or duct having a centrally located, heat-releasing element (22), which is either surrounded by an elongate housing (24) or is itself constituted by an elongate housing, and a flexible and/or elastic enclosure (23) surrounding the housing in a liquid-tight manner, further including a device for supplying energy to the heat-releasing element (22) and an axially operating first inlet (135) at the proximal part of the housing, an outlet (133) from the housing being arranged for the supply of heat-transmitting medium under pressure for expansion of the flexible enclosure (23) to accommodate and to exert a controlled pressure on surrounding walls of the cavity or duct, a second inlet (131) to the housing (24), and medium-actuating device (13, 19) for the expansion of the flexible enclosure (23) and for internal circulation of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Wallsten Medical S.A.
    Inventors: Hans I. Wallstén, Jérome Duc