Patents Examined by Samuel G. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7713187
    Abstract: Medical implant delivery devices and systems are disclosed. In general, an exemplary delivery device comprises a shaft and a handle. An exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in trans-obturator approaches are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. H. Chu, Alfred P. Intoccia, Jr., Tim Moore
  • Patent number: 7704203
    Abstract: A method for treating a gastrointestinal tract in a body of a mammal. At least one nonaqueous solution is introduced into the wall. A nonbiodegradable solid is formed in the wall from the at least one nonaqueous solution to treat the wall. A kit for use in the procedure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Silverman, Alan Stein
  • Patent number: 7699060
    Abstract: Implantable medical device telemetry is provided between an implantable medical device and an external communication device. The implantable medical device includes a device transmitter and/or a device receiver. The external communication device includes a moveable communication head including an antenna therein connected to at least one of an external transmitter and/or an external receiver for communication with the device transmitter and/or the device receiver of the implantable medical device. A user moves the moveable head apparatus relative to the implantable medical device. Tactile feedback is provided to the user via the moveable head apparatus upon movement of the moveable head apparatus to a position where valid telemetry can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Behm
  • Patent number: 7697981
    Abstract: An electromagnetic field is applied to transplanted cells during their transplantation culturing to achieve confluence and alignment of transplanted cells into damaged tissue and organs, therefore improving the synchronization of electrical and mechanical tissue or organ functions. The electromagnetic field may be applied by catheter based devices to a selected portion of tissue or to the entire surface of a hollow body cavity or organ, such as a heart chamber. The electromagnetic field is provided by an expansible net or array from a catheter or on an inflatable balloon or stent. The electromagnetic field is also provided by an implantable net or array of electrodes which may either be hardwired to a pulse generator or coupled by means of wireless or inductive transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Luyi Sen, Guanggen Cui, Hillel Laks
  • Patent number: 7686756
    Abstract: A low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy device having a spatiotemporal radiation profile includes an elongated body having a radioactive material in a spatial pattern to provide a spatial radiation profile with a radiation intensity that varies along a length of the elongated body. The radioactive material includes at least first and second radioisotopes having at least first and second respective decay profiles that together provide a temporal radiation profile that is different from the first and second decay profiles. The spatial radiation profile and the temporal radiation profile form a net spatiotemporal radiation profile configured to provide a radiotherapy plan for a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Ciratech Oncology
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Jeffrey C. Leung
  • Patent number: 7678042
    Abstract: A closed ringed structure having an arch segment embedded within is demonstrated for promoting and/or enhancing erectile function. It is for external placement on the shaft of a user's penis, including a closed, hollow tube of relatively elastic material forming a ring, the hollow tube completely encircles the shaft of a user's penis when placed on the user's penis, or completely encircles the shaft of the user's penis and the user's scrotum and testicles; and contains a filled arch segment within the hollow tube, for providing compression of the dorsal vein of the user's penis, where the outer diameter of the arch segment is of a smaller diameter than an outer diameter of the hollow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Jackson
  • Patent number: 7670280
    Abstract: A female stimulation device and method for enhancing female sexual stimulation. The device includes a body having a tip portion, a flange, and an intermediate side wall portion. The intermediate side wall portion extending from the tip portion to the flange. The vacuum produced by the device can be controlled, and additional structures and elements may be added to enhance clitoral blood flow and stimulation without causing injury when the device is applied to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: David Gloth
  • Patent number: 7670279
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for implantation into the walls of an organ such as the stomach. Deformable or inflatable anchors with a connector between are used to pull the walls of the organ together, or to implant devices in the wall of the organ. Also disclosed are surgical instruments useful in practicing the disclosed methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Gertner
  • Patent number: 7666130
    Abstract: Methods and devices are for providing the delivery of radioactive therapeutics to a cervix using a split ring applicator. The split ring applicator includes a central tandem and a plurality of adjustable split ring tubes that are adjustable laterally in relation to a cervical axis. A radiation dosage is deliverable to a cervical wall by at least one of the plurality of adjustable split ring tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Mick Radio-Nuclear Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Felix W. Mick
  • Patent number: 7666132
    Abstract: A anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus and method include and use an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the colon or engaging the rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or the rectum. A source of energy external to the patient's body and a control device for releasing wireless energy from the source of energy from outside the patient's body are provided. The released wireless energy is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device, to enlarge or contract the restricted fecal passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Obtech Medical AG
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 7662088
    Abstract: An adult sexual novelty device for those physically challenged which comprises a handle. A first stimulating component is provided. A mechanism is for attaching the first stimulating component at a right angle and in an adjustable manner near to a first end of the handle for insertion into an orifice of a person. A second stimulating component is also provided. Another mechanism is for attaching the second stimulating component at a right angle and in an adjustable manner near to a second end of said handle for insertion into an orifice of a person. The first stimulating component and the second stimulating component are in a parallel relationship to each other, to be used as prescribed by a physician, therapist and persons having special expert professional knowledge in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas J. McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 7658706
    Abstract: The present technology is related to the field of sterilization and decellularization of allografts or xenografts, specifically to processes that achieve effective removal of the cells contained within a vascular tissue matrix and an effective reduction in potential harmful organisms to create grafts suitable for human implantation. In some embodiments, vascular grafts, vascular tissue and/or blood vessels are contacted with cleaning solution under conditions suitable conditions to reduce immune reaction in patients. More specifically, the present technology is directed to sterilization and decellularization of vascular grafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: RTI Biologics, Inc.
    Inventor: Donna Squillace
  • Patent number: 7658707
    Abstract: The invention relates to medical engineering, in particular to exiting and attaining a woman orgasm. The invention consists of a stimulating element in the form of a strip having a relief surface, a connecting ring wearable on a coronal sulcus of a glans penis, a tension device and a method for stimulating erogenic zones of a woman during a coition. One end of the stimulating element is fixed to the coronal sulcus of a glans penis and the other end is connected to the tension device. During frictions, the stimulating element envelops a woman's pubic bone, reciprocatively moves and continuously touches the woman erogenic zones in the clitoris area, thereby exiting and additionally stimulating the clitoris. The aim of said invention is to amplify the sex sensation of a woman and to facilitate the orgasm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Sergei E. Topolev
  • Patent number: 7654948
    Abstract: Automated behavioral methods and systems for treating insomnia that use passive means for determining wake/sleep states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Consolidate Research of Richmond, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kaplan, Kenneth A. Loparo
  • Patent number: 7651461
    Abstract: A jacket of biological compatible material has an internal volume dimensioned for an apex of the heart to be inserted into the volume and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket has a longitudinal dimension between upper and lower ends sufficient for the jacket to surround a lower portion of the heart with the jacket surrounding a valvular annulus of the heart and further surrounding the lower portion to cover at least the ventricular lower extremities of the heart. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart with the jacket surrounding at least the valvular annulus and the ventricular lower extremities. The jacket is adjustable on the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume for the jacket to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton A. Alferness, Jai Shankar Raman, John Melmouth Power
  • Patent number: 7651458
    Abstract: The invention is a novel adaptive CT-friendly brachytherapy applicator with remotely-controlled radial and longitudinal motion radioactive source lumen shields that can be manipulated by the radiation oncologist to optimize the dose distribution to the target and normal tissue structures for brachytherapy procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Board of Regents The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Firas Mourtada, John Horton, Patricia Eifel, Anuja Jhingran, Ira Spool
  • Patent number: 7648454
    Abstract: A magnetic therapy device has been disclosed. In one embodiment of the magnetic therapy device, the device is disk-shaped, four inches in diameter, and ¾inches thick. A disk with ten neodymium magnets mounted on the disk is mounted on a motor. The motor spins the disk, creating a dynamic magnetic field that may be useful for healing human tissue. The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery, which in turn is recharged via an inductive coil. The inductive recharging system allows the device to be completely sealed with no electrical contacts, making it safe to use near water. This embodiment also has a sequential controller which causes the device to become active for thirty minutes and then become inactive, and uses a tri-state LED to indicate the status of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: George Sotiriou
  • Patent number: 7648455
    Abstract: A urinary incontinence treatment apparatus comprises a restriction device (56) implantable in a patient, for engaging the urethra or urine bladder to form a restricted urine passageway in the urethra or urine bladder. The restriction device is operable by an implantable operation device (60) to change the restriction of the urine passageway. A control device (62 and 64) is provided for controlling a source of energy, which may or may not be implanted, from outside the patient's body, to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device, i.e. to power the operation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Obtech Medical AG
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 7648453
    Abstract: A catheter needle, for irradiating tumors, formed by an elongated plastic tube with parts partly unfoldable outwards which can lock themselves in the tissue, and a closed end. The closed end has a reinforced sharp pointed shape with which tissue can be punctured. In the improved version, therefore, a point from a harder material is provided which is provided in or around the plastic so that the catheter needle has sufficient sharpness like a conventional metal needle. Thus, the catheter needle can puncture the skin and harder, deeper-lying tissues directly without pre-puncturing or other aids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Isodose Control Intellectual Property B.V.
    Inventor: Eric van't Hooft
  • Patent number: 7648456
    Abstract: An adapter for holding a rear tip extender onto the cylinder of a penile prosthesis or onto another rear tip extender is described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventor: Martin T. Steele, Sr.