Patents Examined by Todd Manahan
  • Patent number: 9060806
    Abstract: A device and method for opening blood vessel blockages, such as chronic total occlusions, is disclosed. The device has a main body and motor unit. The main body has an inner tubular member disposed inside an outer tubular member. The inner tubular member is reinforced with hydrophilic polymer coated wires, which are drawn out into two pairs of loops at the distal end of the device. The motor unit also has an inner tubular member disposed within an outer tubular member. The motor unit is used to create torque to rotate the main body having the pairs of loops. When torque transmitted to main body, the device spins. As the device is advanced through a blood vessel, the rotating loops penetrate and break down the occlusion, and recanalizes the blood vessel. Then device is then exchanged over a guidewire and further therapeutic interventions can be performed to improve blood flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventor: Mallik Thatipelli
  • Patent number: 9060593
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush having a head area comprising cleaning elements, a grip area, and a neck area, which connects the head and the grip areas to each other, wherein the toothbrush is configured having a first component made of plastic, and at least one further second component made of plastic, wherein the first component has a relief structure that is covered by the second component. The relief structure comprises high regions having the shortest distance to the outer surface of the second component, and low regions having the greatest distance to the outer surface of the second component, and the relief structure has intermediate regions adjacent to the high and low regions, the distance to the outer surface of the second component of the intermediate regions being between that of the high and low regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: BRAUN GMBH
    Inventors: Kathi Ballmaier, Sören Wasow, Tilmann Winkler
  • Patent number: 9055936
    Abstract: A device, system and method for dilating a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure is disclosed. A surgical dilation system includes a dilator having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member sized to be movably received within an inside diameter of the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a vertical slot running through a side of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has an upper portion and a lower portion. The retractor has a proximal end including at least one mounting member protruding outwardly from a side surface of the retractor and a distal end including at least one fanned blade protruding outwardly from the side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Mire, Kelli N. Sebastian, Paul F. Wheeler, John A. Elliot
  • Patent number: 9050245
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for a teething device for an article of clothing configured to cover a foot with toes. The teething device includes a teether that is coupled to an outer surface of the article of clothing and extends in a direction parallel to the toes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Donna Marie Beavers
  • Patent number: 9050244
    Abstract: A consumable pacifier for an infant is provided herein. The invention provides a consumable gelatinous nipple where the gelatinous nipple may also contain a nutrient. The base of the gelatinous body is trapped between a seat and retainer. A variety of flavors and nutrients may be infused in the consumable gelatinous nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Bobbie DeLaurier
  • Patent number: 9044237
    Abstract: A securement structure is positioned inside a channel of a first medical device to facilitate securement of the first medical device to a second medical device. The first medical device may be a ligation banding cap, and the second medical device may be an endoscope. The securement structure is adapted to be compressed between the second medical device and the first medical device to secure them together. This allows parts of different sizes to fit together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Brad M. Isaacson, Oscar R. Carrillo, Jr., Jason Romano
  • Patent number: 9044241
    Abstract: A medical device includes (a) a capsule including a lumen extending therethrough, a proximal end of the capsule including at least one window extending therethrough; (b) a bushing including a channel extending therethrough, a distal end including at least one arm extending distally therefrom such that a corresponding one of the arms is releasably engagable with a corresponding one of the windows; and (c) a core member including a locking portion and at least one engaging element. The locking portion is sized and shaped to be received within the channel of the bushing to apply a pressure to the arm such that the arm engages the windows. The engaging element extends laterally outward from a portion of the core member such that the engaging element engages a corresponding one of the arms to deform the arms radially inward and out of engagement with the windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Barner, Laura Firstenberg, Craig McGreevy
  • Patent number: 9039718
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating ocular disorders such as blepharitis, meibomitis, and dry eye syndrome. The method includes using an electromechanical device to move a swab relative to the eye to create cyclical movement that impacts debris present at the eyelid margin and effectively removes the debris from the eye to encourage healing and prevent further digression of the health of the eye. The apparatus is an electromechanical device that includes a mechanical drive unit operatively connected to a swab to create a precise relative movement of the swab to the eye to remove debris present therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Blephex, LLC
    Inventor: James M. Rynerson
  • Patent number: 9039740
    Abstract: A device for deploying a tissue fixation apparatus of the type including first and second tissue anchors coupled together by an adjustable suture assembly. The device comprises a handle mechanism and a needle cartridge assembly releasably coupled to the handle mechanism. The needle cartridge assembly includes a needle cannula with a side opening through which a tissue anchor can be loaded into an internal chamber of the needle cannula. A push rod is disposed in the needle cannula and is operable between an extended position in which the push rod prevents the tissue anchor from entering the chamber through the side opening, and a retracted configuration in which the tissue anchor can be pushed into the chamber under the action of a resilient band positioned over the side opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Wales, Ishmael Bentley
  • Patent number: 9039771
    Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC
    Inventors: Chad Glerum, Sean Suh, Mark Weiman
  • Patent number: 9028535
    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: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Globus Medical Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Harper
  • Patent number: 9023054
    Abstract: A surgical resection guide comprising: a housing (36); a stylus arm (38) extending through the housing (36) arranged such that when the housing (36) is coupled to the side of a bone, a tip of the stylus arm (38) is arranged to contact an end of a bone; and a linear adjustment mechanism. The linear adjustment mechanism comprises: a shaft (30) at least partially received within a bore extending through the housing (36) such that the shaft (30) can slide along its longitudinal axis relative to the housing (36), the shaft (30) incorporating a shaft tooth or groove (50); and a dial (44) rotatably coupled to the housing (36) and incorporating a helical dial groove or rib (48) defining a longitudinal axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Depuy (Ireland)
    Inventors: Dean Cowan, Duncan Young
  • Patent number: 9017359
    Abstract: A device for reducing pressure within a lumen includes a reservoir structured for holding a fluid therein, an injection port in fluid communication with the reservoir, a compliant body structured to expand and contract upon changes in pressure, and a conduit extending between and fluidly coupling the reservoir and the compliant body. The fluid may be a compressible or a noncompressible fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Aria CV, Inc.
    Inventors: John Scandurra, Karl Vollmers
  • Patent number: 9017410
    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: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Hansell, Edward Dwyer, Jeff Bennett
  • Patent number: 9017332
    Abstract: A surgical milling cutter includes a milling cutter holder, a locking device, a locking seat, and a main machine. The milling cutter holder includes a fixing seat with a through hole. A finger guider with an L-type holder on a top end thereof is arranged at an upper part of the fixing seat. A distal end of a short side of the L-type holder is disposed with a downward projection, and a lowest point of the projection is lower than that of a cylindrical head when the milling cutter works normally. A bolt with a central through hole is fixed in a cavity of the finger guider. A pressing disk is arranged at the upper part of the fixing seat, and a nut is connected to the bolt through a hole in the pressing disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Chongqing Runze Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lei Ye, Jian Zhou, Hua Feng, Fei Li, Hengyang Zhu, Congxiao Li
  • Patent number: 9017339
    Abstract: A protractor for use with an external fixation frame is provided. The protractor may include a face having angle designations thereon and a set of opposed and extending flanges projecting from said face. The flanges may connect to a portion of an external fixation frame, such as a ring (or other component) of the frame. The face may also include a post member to which a rotatable dial is mounted. An elongate member may be pivotally connected to a portion of the post member and may include a clamp. The clamp may be used to connect to an alternate portion of an external fixation frame, such as a strut of the frame. Thus, the protractor may be connected to two points on an external fixation frame so as to measure the angle between such points. Related methods of using the aforementioned protractor are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma GmbH
    Inventors: Adam John Edelhauser, Jan Heinsohn
  • Patent number: 9011481
    Abstract: An occlusion device and a method of occluding a body vessel with the occlusion device are provided. The occlusion device has a sleeve that extends from a first end to a second end. The sleeve has an interior that extends to an opening at the first end. The occlusion device has tentacles that are attached to the first end and extend away from the sleeve. The tentacles reverse direction and extend into the interior to occlude the interior in response to fluid flowing toward the opening. A frame is attached to the first end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steen Aggerholm, Tue Thuren Bodewadt
  • Patent number: 8997759
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetics applicator having a handle section, an applicator element and a shaft section connecting the applicator element and the handle section, wherein the applicator element includes a core element of a first material and a bristle element which at least partially envelops the core element and includes a second material preferably different from the first material with regard to its hardness and/or flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: GEKA GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Wolfsgruber
  • Patent number: 8998970
    Abstract: A delivery device includes a guidewire catheter and a delivery assembly extending about the guidewire catheter. The delivery assembly includes a locking mechanism that selectively engages a proximal handle of the delivery assembly with a push rod to which a vascular prosthesis is directly or indirectly attached. When an actuator selectively disengages the proximal handle from the handle body, rotation of the proximal handle is independent of longitudinal movement of the vascular prosthesis relative to the handle body, whereby the proximal handle can be moved along the handle body with rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Bolton Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Arbefeuille, Fletcher Christian, John C. Canning
  • Patent number: 8992595
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate in part to endovascular prostheses and methods of deploying same. Embodiments may be directed more specifically to stent grafts and methods of making and deploying same within the body of a patient. Stent embodiments may include tapered struts for an even distribution of strain. Stent embodiments may also include portions which are enlarged in a circumferential direction which may be configured to stabilize the stent in a constrained state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: TriVascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Parsons, Christopher Staudenmayer, James Watson