Patents Examined by Todd Manahan
  • Patent number: 9173469
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a person's hair, having a comb with a spine, a handle that extends axially from the spine and a plurality of teeth that extends transversely from the spine, and at least one finger that extends transversely from the spine substantially perpendicularly to the plurality of teeth, the at least one finger terminating in a lobe that is shaped to comfortably follow a surface of the person's head and shaped to gently scoop and lift hair away from the person's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Xiao Jing Zhang
  • Patent number: 9174032
    Abstract: A subintimal recanalization catheter system for recanalizing a blood vessel. The system includes a support catheter and a balloon catheter configured to extend through the support catheter. The support catheter includes a tubular portion and an extension segment extending distal of the distal opening of the tubular portion. The balloon catheter, having a balloon secured to a distal portion thereof, is positionable through the tubular portion of the support catheter to position the balloon alongside the extension segment. The system is configured to be advanced into a subintimal space between a first tissue layer and a second tissue layer of a blood vessel wall where the balloon may be inflated against the extension segment to cause a distal portion of the catheter shaft of the balloon catheter to deflect toward the vessel lumen within the subintimal space to facilitate reentry into the vessel lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Pu Zhou, Huisun Wang, Daniel Quillin
  • Patent number: 9173652
    Abstract: An inserter for simultaneously creating a bone tunnel and delivering an all-suture anchor. The inserter is capable of inserting into the bone tunnel a soft, non-rigid suture anchor by forming a bone tunnel (to serve as an anchor receiving area) and simultaneously, in one motion, delivering the soft suture anchor to the anchor receiving area. The soft suture anchor is made entirely of non-rigid materials including, but not limited to, filaments of soft, malleable materials such as those commonly used to make sutures. The inserter is able to not only carry or deliver the all-suture anchor into a bony substrate, but is able to do so without having to preform a hole in the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Linvatec Corporation
    Inventors: Giuseppe Lombardo, Peter C. Miller, Steven E. Fitts
  • Patent number: 9168067
    Abstract: An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL INC.
    Inventor: Michael Harper
  • Patent number: 9161775
    Abstract: A tunneling tool for implanting a medical device into body tissue is described. The tunneling tool comprises a first leg and a second leg. An intermediate portion of the second leg is shaped to nest a medical device therein. A hub connects the first and second distal leg ends together. A sheath providing a lumen extends from the hub to an open end distal of the first and second legs. The first and second legs are manipulatable to separate the hub and the sheath into two portions, a first split portion connected to the first leg and a second split portion connected to the second leg. When a medical device is nested in the tunneling tool, breaking the tunneling tool apart enables the first and second split portions to be removed from body tissue, leaving the implanted medical device behind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodolphe Katra, Walter J. Dobrovolny, Scott Kimmel
  • Patent number: 9161761
    Abstract: An instrument set and related method for preparing a proximal tibia during a bi-cruciate retaining procedure are disclosed. The instrument set can include a tibial resection block, a cut guide, and a locking arm. The tibial resection block can be configured to be fixed to an anterior portion of the proximal tibia. The tibial resection block can define a slot that extends in a medial-lateral direction when the tibial resection block is fixed to the proximal tibia. The cut guide can have a body, a medial arm, and a lateral arm. A medial cut slot can be defined between the body and the medial arm. A lateral cut slot can be defined between the body and the lateral arm. The cut guide can further comprise a tongue extending therefrom. The tongue can be configured to be received by and slidably translate along the slot of the tibial resection block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Nathan Belcher, Audra C. Watson, Bradley Durcholz, Joshua Catanzarite
  • Patent number: 9149270
    Abstract: An endoscopic tissue apposition device that includes a vacuum chamber configured to securely hold a portion of tissue therein, the vacuum chamber being defined by a proximal wall and a distal wall opposite to the proximal wall. Working and vacuum channels are provided in communication with the vacuum chamber. A portion of tissue may be held in the vacuum chamber when vacuum is applied in the vacuum chamber through the vacuum channel. A carrier needle is disposed on a proximal side of the vacuum chamber and is longitudinally advanceable into and across the vacuum chamber, while a punch needle is disposed on a distal side of the vacuum chamber and is configured to receive the carrier needle therein. A hold and release mechanism holds and releases the punch needle to facilitate joining portions of tissue together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Davol, Inc. (a C.R. Bard Company)
    Inventor: Roberto Fogel
  • Patent number: 9149285
    Abstract: A guide apparatus having a body having a central axis defined therethrough and a first channel and a second channel formed therethrough, a handle coupled to the body, the handle having a locking mechanism configured to prevent movement of the body relative to the handle in a first direction along the central axis of the body, and an arm coupled to the handle, the arm configured to engage at least a portion of a bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Bernard Joseph Bourque, William Richard Davis, Michael Charles Ferragamo
  • Patent number: 9149286
    Abstract: Devices and methods for orthopedic support are disclosed. The device can have a first rigid section hingedly attached to a second rigid section. A tunnel through the bone near the implantation target site can be created. The device can be inserted into and pass through and out of the tunnel to the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Flexmedex, LLC
    Inventors: E. Skott Greenhalgh, John-Paul Romano, Robert A. Kiefer
  • Patent number: 9149221
    Abstract: A lancing device has a charging mechanism that operates to convert an external push action by a user to an internal pull action that retracts and charges a lancet for use in a lancing stroke. In some embodiments, the charging mechanism includes a user-actuated charging push-button, a reverse charging member coupled to a lancet carrier, and a reverse-motion conversion member coupled therebetween. Depressing the user-actuated member in a first longitudinal direction causes transverse movement of the conversion member, which in turn causes longitudinal retraction of the reverse charging member and the lancet carrier coupled thereto in a second longitudinal direction opposite the first direction, thereby charging a drive mechanism of the lancing device. In other embodiments, a rack-and-pinion gear mechanism provides the same push-to-pull functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: FACET TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Gil Kan
  • Patent number: 9144504
    Abstract: A four-component artificial intervertebral disc may provide six degrees of movement: flexion, extension, lateral bending, axial rotation, axial deflection, and anterior/posterior translation. The disc may include a superior endplate, a superior core, an inferior core, and an inferior endplate. The superior endplate may include a concave mating surface, and the inferior endplate may include a spherical mating surface. The superior endplate may roll across the superior core to provide flexion, extension, and lateral bending. The superior endplate may twist or rotate atop the superior core to provide axial rotation, and the superior endplate may slide over the superior core to provide anterior/posterior translation. The superior core may be connected to the inferior core, and the inferior core may be connected to the inferior endplate. The inferior core may be made from a flexible material that may enable the artificial disc to expand or compress vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Hansell, Edward Dwyer, Jeff Bennett
  • Patent number: 9138234
    Abstract: A clip apparatus for ligature of living tissue is provided. The clip apparatus includes a clip that can be opened and closed multiple times prior to locking in a closed position on the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: ANREI MEDICAL (HZ) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Changqing Li, Baiming Shi
  • Patent number: 9138038
    Abstract: A hair styling apparatus includes a hair-heating device for applying heat to hair. The hair-heating device has a moisture-temperature setting and a dry-temperature setting less than moisture-temperature setting. A moisture sensor detects a moisture-indicating parameter of the hair, and generates a moisture-indicating signal indicative of whether the hair is at or below a predetermined moisture threshold level. A control circuit adjusts the temperature of the hair-heating device from the moisture-temperature setting to the dry-temperature setting in response to the moisture sensor generating a moisture-indicating signal indicative of the hair being at or below the predetermined moisture threshold level. The hair-heating device is active in the dry-temperature setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John deGrood, Gary Lee McMurray
  • Patent number: 9138235
    Abstract: A disposable tourniquet and its method of use is disclosed. The tourniquet is in the form of a band formed of a thin flexible, non-stretchable material and has releasable securable means, e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive. The tourniquet is arranged to be wrapped around the patient's limb, tightened and locked in place to reduce circulation. The tourniquet has means for controlling the amount of tension applied to the band when it is tightened about the limb of the patient, means for indicating the amount of tension applied. Means for indicating the ambient temperature at the patient's limb on which the tourniquet is used may be included in the tourniquet. The tourniquet may also include means to enable it to be folded into a compact configuration. Plural tourniquets can be provided in the form of a stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Eikman, Adam D. Eikman, E. Allan Eikman
  • Patent number: 9138274
    Abstract: A fastening device having a bellows made of a material that changes shape when activated by a catalyst, and having a pleated structure that contracts from an extended state to a contracted state upon activation. The shape changing material may be a shape memory metal alloy, shape memory polymer or elastic memory composite. A method of using this fastener provides apposition and compression of abutment surfaces to join together two pieces of material, and is suitable for joining apposing bone surfaces together to heal fractures via the use of orthopedic hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Xtraverse, LLC
    Inventors: David P. Biesinger, James A. Biesinger
  • Patent number: 9132025
    Abstract: An endovascular delivery system includes a bifurcated and inflatable prosthesis including a main tubular body having an open end and opposed ipsilateral and contralateral legs defining a graft wall therein between. A tether is disposed securably disposed to the contralateral leg, and the contralateral leg is releasably restrained towards the ipsilateral leg tether to prevent undesirable movement of the contralateral leg. A release wire within the endovascular delivery system releasably retains the tether near the ipsilateral leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: TRIVASCULAR, INC.
    Inventors: Diego Aristizabal, Michael V. Chobotov
  • Patent number: 9125660
    Abstract: An assembly including an obstruction device including a proximal obstruction balloon and a distal obstruction balloon mounted on a shaft, the balloons being inflatable via an inflation lumen, and a delivery system that includes an insertion tool and an injection site assembly assembled with one of the balloons, the insertion tool including a connector which is connectable to the injection site assembly and which permits passing tools and injection fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: EasyNotes Ltd.
    Inventors: Izhak Fabian, Nir Altman, Steven Haas, Yoav Hirsch, Ran Mendelewicz
  • Patent number: 9125474
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator comprising: an elongate core that extends along a longitudinal axis; and at least two rows of teeth that are connected to respective and different longitudinal faces of the core, each row of the at least two rows comprising: a first set of first teeth that are connected to the corresponding longitudinal face of the core and that form a first angle with the normal; and a second set of second teeth that are connected to the corresponding longitudinal face of the core and that form a second angle with the normal, the core being observed along its longitudinal axis; the second angle being greater than the first angle; and/or at least one first tooth of the first set and at least one second tooth of the second set having free ends that are situated at different distances from the longitudinal axis of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 9125741
    Abstract: A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The heart valve may include a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A system and method for deployment includes an integrated handle shaft and balloon catheter. A safety member disposed between the balloon catheter and handle shaft prevents premature catheter advancement prior to heart valve placement at the annulus, and also may prevent premature balloon inflation prior to full catheter advancement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Phung, August R. Yambao, Faisal Kalam, William C. Brunnett, Rafael Pintor, Michael J. Scott
  • Patent number: 9125469
    Abstract: A hair decorating system that includes a string covered in wax in a first configuration, coiled around an interior segment in a second configuration where end segments are attached, and a third configuration where the coil has been extended to form a crisscrossed pattern around a strand of hair. The crisscrossed pattern is both attractive and decorative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignees: Kennedy-Matsumoto Design LLC., Longoria Design LLC.
    Inventors: Jose Longoria, Melvin R Kennedy