Patents Examined by Thomas J. Sweet
  • Patent number: 9987150
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to prosthetic device for attaching a mechanical limb to a user. The prosthetic device includes a liner, a prosthetic socket worn over the liner and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism includes a belt that is guided over rollers coupled to the outside of the socket. A portion of the belt passes from the outer surface of the socket to the inner surface of the prosthetic socket to contact and matingly engage the liner, thereby fixing the position of the prosthetic socket with respect to the liner and the users limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Suspension Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Arthur M. Bremer
  • Patent number: 9980835
    Abstract: Expandable scaffolds or stents include circumferential elements having a corrugated pattern, which can include a plurality of linear or nonlinear segments. The corrugated pattern distributes stress more uniformly along the circumferential elements, improves radial strength of the scaffolds, reduces acute recoil after deployment, and reduces creep. The scaffolds can be made from a bioabsorbable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ORBUSNEICH MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: John Pazienza, Robert J Cottone, Jennifer Ippolito, Mohamad Ike Juman, Dennis Liong
  • Patent number: 9980837
    Abstract: An delivery device including an inner tube having an inner tube proximal end region and an inner tube distal end region, the inner tube distal end region comprising a first retaining mechanism; a middle tube having a middle tube distal end region and a middle tube proximal end region and defining a middle tube lumen, the inner tube disposed within the middle tube lumen; and an outer tube having an outer tube proximal end region and an outer tube distal end region and defining an outer tube lumen, the middle tube disposed within the outer tube lumen, the outer tube distal end region comprising a second retaining mechanism; wherein the inner tube is structured and arranged to displace proximally and distally relative to the middle tube, and wherein the outer tube is structured and arranged to displace proximally and distally relative to the middle tube. A method of deploying an endoprosthesis is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Claude O. Clerc
  • Patent number: 9980819
    Abstract: An osteoconductive vascularized porous metal implant device and method for implanting the vascularized device are described herein. The vascularized implant device comprises an implant which is porous titanium, tantalum or other metal which is biocompatible with the mammalian body and at least one vascular conduit which connects the porous implant to an animal vasculature, such as a human vascular system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Robert R. Gray
  • Patent number: 9974667
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is an innovative, cost-efficient driving mechanism for the prosthetic hand industry that makes the use of only one motor to individually control each digit on a prosthetic hand separately. The use of the novel magnetic actuation system, locking mechanism, and spline nut and shaft configuration coupled with the single motor greatly reduces the weight, size and power usage of the prosthetic, increases functionality, minimizes noise, increases and speeds and forces, and orients the parts of the device in a manner that creates an aesthetically appealing design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Blain Joseph Cazenave
  • Patent number: 9974537
    Abstract: Surgical repair systems and techniques for plantar plate repairs. The surgical repair systems and methods reconstruct the plantar plate through a dorsal incision. The surgical repair system embodies a variety of instruments that provide visualization and access to the plantar plate using suture to complete the repair. The repair system may include some or all of the following instruments: a metatarsal head pusher employed in open surgical space, to move the “capital fragment” in a controlled manner; a suture retriever instrument and a suture retriever funnel (sleeve); a suture passer such as a Mini Scorpion DX and accompanying needle, or a variety of shaped Micro Suture Lassos; a measuring guide; and a small joint distractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: ARTHREX, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Coughlin, Lowell F. Weil, Jr., Paul S. Shurnas, Jesse G. Moore, William Michael Karnes
  • Patent number: 9974650
    Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve can comprise an annular frame comprising an inflow end and an outflow end and being radially collapsible and expandable between a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration, the frame defining an axial direction extending from the inflow end to the outflow end, a leaflet structure positioned within the frame and secured thereto, and an annular outer skirt positioned around an outer surface of the frame, wherein the outer skirt comprises an inflow edge secured to the frame at a first location, an outflow edge comprising a plurality of alternating projections and notches, wherein the projections are secured to the frame at a second location, and the notches are not directly secured to the frame, an intermediate portion between the inflow edge and the outflow edge that comprises a plurality of openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Diana Nguyen-Thien-Nhon, Timothy A. Geiser, Larry L. Wood, Dinesh L. Sirimanne, Son Nguyen, Tamir S. Levi, Nikolay Gurovich, Michael Bukin
  • Patent number: 9974668
    Abstract: A prosthetic device includes first and second regions divided by a longitudinal line extending between the first and second ends of the device. The device has a continuously knit elasticized fabric layer including a first set of yarns located about a circumference of the device through the first and second regions. The fabric layer has different knit structures in the first and second regions to obtain different elasticity while sharing the first set of yarns so that the first region has a first elasticity, and the second region has a second elasticity greater than the elasticity of the first region. An elastomeric layer secures an interior surface of the fabric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Olafur Freyr Halldorsson, Knud Fjeldsted Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 9974657
    Abstract: A femoral head resurfacing implant is described comprising an external articulating surface and an internal fixation surface. A stem projects from the center of the internal fixation surface. The internal fixation surface comprises a top surface, surrounding and substantially orthogonal to a long axis of the stem, a chamfer surface extending downwardly and outwardly from the top surface and a side surface extending substantially parallel to the long axis of the stem. At least one projection is arranged on the internal fixation surface to provide a predetermined gap between the top surface and/or chamfer surface and a resected head onto which the implant is to be fitted. Furthermore, the side surface constitutes or comprises a cement containment feature configured to restrict or eliminate outflow of cement from the predetermined gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Derek James Wallace McMinn
  • Patent number: 9974669
    Abstract: A percutaneous heart valve for deployment within a body cavity is described. The percutaneous heart valve includes an expandable frame having a plurality of cells adapted for allowing the frame to expand and collapse. A one-way valve is positioned within the expandable frame. The frame includes a proximal anchoring portion and a distal anchoring portion. The distal anchoring portion includes a plurality of distal anchors, each distal anchor having at least a portion positioned radially outwardly from the frame and extending in a direction that is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis. The distal anchors preferably bend radially outwardly before bending to extend toward the proximal anchoring portion. Radial expansion of the frame causes the proximal and distal anchoring portions to move closer together for capturing body tissue therebetween, thereby anchoring the percutaneous heart valve to the body tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventor: Arshad Quadri
  • Patent number: 9968437
    Abstract: A method of reproducing a biological object includes 3D-imaging the object and generating a mold using a 3D printer; obtaining cells from a donor site on the object; preparing a live cell suspension using the cells from the donor site; forming a scaffold in the mold with collagen and seeding the scaffold with live cells, growing the cells in the mold and curing the collagen; and surgically implanting the object into a living subject, where the cells continue to live in the living subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Bao Tran
  • Patent number: 9968466
    Abstract: A programmable prosthetic foot includes a heel member simulating a heel portion of a human foot. The heel member has an elongated heel member shaft extending in a vertical direction. The foot also includes a forefoot member simulating a forefoot portion of a human foot. The forefoot member has an elongated forefoot member shaft extending in the vertical direction. A sensor on the foot detects compressive force on the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft during a step. An actuator on the foot imparts vertical translation to the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft. An electronic controller in operable communication with the actuator includes program instructions for operating the actuator by imparting the vertical translation to the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft as a function of the compressive force detected by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Tai Lore Made, LLC
    Inventors: Leslie D. Kramer, William Stanley Patterson
  • Patent number: 9968469
    Abstract: A prosthesis liner for placing on a stump includes an elastic main body which has a proximal opening for inserting the stump into a receiving space, and a distal end. At least one suction cup is arranged on the outside of the prosthesis liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Andre Muller, Martin Hillmann
  • Patent number: 9968455
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are implants and methods for filling voids in a cranium of a patient. A craniofacial implant that may be used for filling such voids may include at least first and second components each having outer and inner surfaces, the outer and inner surfaces being curved in an inferior to posterior direction and a medial to lateral direction. The first component includes a flange extending outwardly from a medial side surface thereof and the second component includes a recessed portion extending inwardly from a medial side surface thereof. The first and second components are preferably engageable to one another such that the medial side surfaces of the first and second components are adjacent one another and the flange of the first component is housed within the recessed portion of the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: James J. Rudnick, Christopher Michael Bennett, Anthony Wolverton, Jason Wainwright
  • Patent number: 9968704
    Abstract: A method for regenerating alveolar bone in which bone tissue is regenerated in the gap between an implant or dental root and alveolar bone, which comprises a procedure consisting of making an incision in the gingiva surrounding an implant or dental root embedded in alveolar bone, blowing a first air into the gap between the implant or dental root and the alveolar bone to remove a portion of infected granulation tissue present in the gap, and irradiating the gap with laser light to degenerate the infected granulation tissue remaining in the gap, followed by blowing a second air containing microparticles having calcium as a constituent thereof and water into the gap to remove the degenerated infected granulation tissue and fill in the gap with the wet microparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: BIO MAP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoko Kajimoto, Kyousuke Kajimoto, Tadamori Kajimoto
  • Patent number: 9968441
    Abstract: A deformable intraocular has a haptic that supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. The haptic may include a cap on one or both surfaces of the lens. The lens may include a force transfer member-that couples forces from the haptic to the cap, so that a radial force on the haptic changes the curvature of the cap. The cap may be made of the haptic material, which is stiffer than the optic material, and can influence the deformation of the lens during accommodation. A cap on the anterior surface may produce an axial movement of the lens in an anterior direction during accommodation. The cap may also protect the surfaces of the optic during handling and installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy R. Bumbalough
  • Patent number: 9968449
    Abstract: A heart valve includes a valve body made of a flexible material such as pericardium. The valve body is made of two layers of material, an outer layer, and an inner layer that defines a plurality of leaflets. The leaflets of the inner layer are attached to the outer layer. In some embodiments the valve body is made by cutting a single piece of flat source tissue, folding the cut tissue and forming it into a tubular pattern having the inner and outer layers. The multi-layer valve body can be mounted on a stent for delivery within a patient's heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz
  • Patent number: 9962200
    Abstract: A prosthetic joint is secured to the bones forming the original joint by utilizing strictly mechanical fasteners, for example, a threaded rod engaging a tapped intramedullary canal. Cross locking members may be provided. The need for bone cement is avoided. The prosthetic joint may be used to replace one end of one bone forming the joint, utilizing the naturally occurring end of the other bone. Alternatively, both bone ends may be replaced with prosthetic joint portions. The decision to replace one or both bone ends may be made mid-surgery. The prosthetic joint portions are secured together utilizing ligament reconstruction members made from portions of the patient's tendons or allograft tendons. A bearing forming the interface between the two joint portions is designed to wear in order to protect the remaining components from wear, and to be easily replaced in relatively simple future surgeries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: Robert A. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 9962273
    Abstract: An adjustable socket system includes a distal portion and proximal portion. An axis extends between the distal and proximal portions. A plurality of struts are connected to the distal portion and distributed circumferentially about the axis. The struts at least in part define a receiving volume adapted to receive a residual limb and are movable between an expanded configuration in which at least some of the struts are moved radially outward relative to the axis to loosen the fit of the adjustable system, and a closed configuration in which at least some of the struts are moved radially inward relative to the expanded configuration to tighten the fit of the adjustable socket system. A tightening system is operatively connected to the struts and arranged to tighten and loosen the fit of the adjustable socket system on one or more areas of the residual limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: OSSUR ICELAND EHF
    Inventors: Andrew Bache, Egill Sveinbjorn Egilsson, Linda Ros Birgisdottir, Dana Stewart Marlin
  • Patent number: 9962205
    Abstract: Bone fixation system, including methods, apparatus, and kits, and comprising a bone plate and at least one instrument that attaches to the bone plate and provides at least one radiopaque region to facilitate positioning the bone plate on bone visualized by radiographic imaging. The instrument may be a handle assembly and/or a targeting guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Acumed LLC
    Inventors: Randall J. Huebner, Joshua P. Federspiel, Carol-Lynn E. Connors, James C. Ritter