Patents by Inventor Alex Lim
Alex Lim has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Publication number: 20240032951Abstract: Kidney stone removal system is disclosed having components including a handle mechanism, a nozzle tip, and a guiding device. The handle mechanism employs a trigger that enables control of irrigation and vacuum/suction. Depression of a trigger in the trigger mechanism conveys status of vacuum/suction and irrigation to a user by providing increased resistance at different points of depression. When the trigger is in a home (undepressed) position, irrigation and vacuum/suction are turned off. When the trigger is in a fully depressed position, irrigation and vacuum/suction are turned on. When the trigger is in an intermediate position, irrigation may be turned on, while vacuum/suction remains turned off. The nozzle includes one or more irrigation ports positioned at a distal end of the nozzle and having an irrigation port departure angle of 30 to 60 degrees for directing irrigation fluid forward and laterally from the distal end of the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Ling TONG, Calvin LAM, Kejin WANG, Joseph CATANESE, III, Jee SHIN, Alex LIM, Brian Y. TACHIBANA, Matthew YUREK, Caralin Riva ADAIR, Andrew J. HUDSON, Andrew JOHNSTON, Eddie GONZALEZ
-
Patent number: 7918778Abstract: A vaginal brachytherapy applicator is versatile to different anatomies and more comfortable to the patient than prior applicators. An inflatable balloon on a shaft may be inelastic or elastic. In one embodiment the shaft is rotatable relative to the balloon for enabling a ring or band of dose delivery, for versatility in radiation placement. Alternatively, the source can be rotated and pulled back within a stationary shaft. An adjustment is provided for reducing the length of balloon that inflates, to accommodate different anatomies and positions. Although isotope radiation sources can be used in the applicator, an electronic source is preferred, and the system and method include procedures for using the applicator with an electronic source.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Xoft, Inc.Inventors: Alex Lim, Paul A. Lovoi, Heike Hausen, Daren L. Stewart
-
Patent number: 7885382Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for irradiating living tissue via a cavity or lumen, using an inflatable balloon applicator. In a preferred embodiment the applicator balloon has a balloon skin with x-ray contrast material in relatively low concentration, so that an outline of the balloon will appear sharply when imaged externally. In another preferred embodiment the balloon catheter has a drain for withdrawing liquids from the cavity, which may include channels or texture on the exterior of the balloon. Methods are described for using a switchable miniature x-ray tube, variable as to voltage and current, to achieve accuracy in an isodose profile.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Xoft, Inc.Inventors: Daren L. Stewart, Paul A. Lovoi, Thomas W. Rusch, Alex Lim, Darius Francescatti
-
Patent number: 7783006Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for irradiating living tissue via a cavity or lumen, using an inflatable balloon applicator. In a preferred embodiment the applicator balloon has a balloon skin with x-ray contrast material in relatively low concentration, so that an outline of the balloon will appear sharply when imaged externally. In another preferred embodiment the balloon catheter has a drain for withdrawing liquids from the cavity, which may include channels or texture on the exterior of the balloon. Methods are described for using a switchable miniature x-ray tube, variable as to voltage and current, to achieve accuracy in an isodose profile.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Xoft, Inc.Inventors: Daren L. Stewart, Paul A. Lovoi, Thomas W. Rusch, Alex Lim, Darius Francescatti
-
Publication number: 20080167514Abstract: A vaginal brachytherapy applicator is versatile to different anatomies and more comfortable to the patient than prior applicators. An inflatable balloon on a shaft may be inelastic or elastic. In one embodiment the shaft is rotatable relative to the balloon for enabling a ring or band of dose delivery, for versatility in radiation placement. Alternatively, the source can be rotated and pulled back within a stationary shaft. An adjustment is provided for reducing the length of balloon that inflates, to accommodate different anatomies and positions. Although isotope radiation sources can be used in the applicator, an electronic source is preferred, and the system and method include procedures for using the applicator with an electronic source.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventors: Alex Lim, Paul A. Lovoi, Heike Hausen, Daren L. Stewart
-
Patent number: 7338430Abstract: A vaginal brachytherapy applicator is versatile to different anatomies and more comfortable to the patient than prior applicators. An inflatable balloon on a shaft may be inelastic or elastic. In one embodiment the shaft is rotatable relative to the balloon for enabling a ring or band of dose delivery, for versatility in radiation placement. Alternatively, the source can be rotated and pulled back within a stationary shaft. An adjustment is provided for reducing the length of balloon that inflates, to accommodate different anatomies and positions. Although isotope radiation sources can be used in the applicator, an electronic source is preferred, and the system and method include procedures for using the applicator with an electronic source.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Xoft, Inc.Inventors: Alex Lim, Paul A. Lovoi, Heike Hausen, Daren L. Stewart
-
Publication number: 20080004479Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for irradiating living tissue via a cavity or lumen, using an inflatable balloon applicator. In a preferred embodiment the applicator balloon has a balloon skin with x-ray contrast material in relatively low concentration, so that an outline of the balloon will appear sharply when imaged externally. In another preferred embodiment the balloon catheter has a drain for withdrawing liquids from the cavity, which may include channels or texture on the exterior of the balloon. Methods are described for using a switchable miniature x-ray tube, variable as to voltage and current, to achieve accuracy in an isodose profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2007Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Daren Stewart, Paul Lovoi, Thomas Rusch, Alex Lim, Darius Francescatti
-
Patent number: 7127033Abstract: A miniature x-ray tube is cooled using a catheter preferably having multiple small lumens for inflow and outflow of coolant. Inflow may be through an outer lumen(s) in a concentric-extrusion catheter, the liquid turning back at the distal end of the catheter to a proximal flow over the anode end of the x-ray tube and through an inner lumen within which the x-ray tube is positioned. A coolant distribution head may engage with the anode end of the x-ray tube, with small orifices so as to distribute coolant essentially evenly over the anode surface. Temperature and flow rate of the inflowing coolant liquid are balanced so as to optimize heat transfer while efficiently carrying coolant through small lumens without the need for high pressures. Some embodiments use the inflation liquid in an applicator balloon as the coolant, with the liquid actively flowing or, in a simplified system, with the liquid static.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Xoft, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Lovoi, John Rieke, Alex Lim, Peter C. Smith, Thomas W. Rusch
-
Publication number: 20060171506Abstract: A miniature x-ray tube is cooled using a catheter preferably having multiple small lumens for inflow and outflow of coolant. Inflow may be through an outer lumen(s) in a concentric-extrusion catheter, the liquid turning back at the distal end of the catheter to a proximal flow over the anode end of the x-ray tube and through an inner lumen within which the x-ray tube is positioned. A coolant distribution head may engage with the anode end of the x-ray tube, with small orifices so as to distribute coolant essentially evenly over the anode surface. Temperature and flow rate of the inflowing coolant liquid are balanced so as to optimize heat transfer while efficiently carrying coolant through small lumens without the need for high pressures. Some embodiments use the inflation liquid in an applicator balloon as the coolant, with the liquid actively flowing or, in a simplified system, with the liquid static.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2004Publication date: August 3, 2006Inventors: Paul Lovoi, John Rieke, Alex Lim, Peter Smith, Thomas Rusch
-
Publication number: 20060173232Abstract: An applicator designed for use with a miniature electronic x-ray source, having a relatively large guide for the electronic source, is modified by an adapter inserted into the source guide to produce a narrower-diameter guide that will receive a standard afterloader that irradiates with isotopes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2005Publication date: August 3, 2006Inventors: Paul Lovoi, Alex Lim
-
Publication number: 20060173235Abstract: A vaginal brachytherapy applicator is versatile to different anatomies and more comfortable to the patient than prior applicators. An inflatable balloon on a shaft may be inelastic or elastic. In one embodiment the shaft is rotatable relative to the balloon for enabling a ring or band of dose delivery, for versatility in radiation placement. Alternatively, the source can be rotated and pulled back within a stationary shaft. An adjustment is provided for reducing the length of balloon that inflates, to accommodate different anatomies and positions. Although isotope radiation sources can be used in the applicator, an electronic source is preferred, and the system and method include procedures for using the applicator with an electronic source.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2005Publication date: August 3, 2006Inventors: Alex Lim, Paul Lovoi, Heike Hausen, Daren Stewart
-
Patent number: 6989486Abstract: In a miniature x-ray tube, which may be on the order of approximately 1 mm in diameter or even less, a high voltage cable is provided in various embodiments for conducting current to the cathode of the x-ray tube and for conducting high voltage to the cathode and anode of the tube. In various embodiments of the cable, two conductors occupy a center region of the cable, packed as closely together as possible, in various shapes that are compact and present as smooth as possible an external shape for maximizing dielectric properties against the exterior high voltage ground, surrounding and generally concentric with the inner conductors. The inner conductors, which carry high voltage in opposition to the outer ground, can be in opposed D shapes, coaxial, two flattened conductors side by side, or simply a pair of cylindrical wires positioned as closely as possible.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Xoft microTube, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Lovoi, Peter C. Smith, Alex Lim
-
Publication number: 20050080340Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for irradiating living tissue via a cavity or lumen, using an inflatable balloon applicator. In a preferred embodiment the applicator balloon has a balloon skin with x-ray contrast material in relatively low concentration, so that an outline of the balloon will appear sharply when imaged externally. In another preferred embodiment the balloon catheter has a drain for withdrawing liquids from the cavity, which may include channels or texture on the exterior of the balloon. Methods are described for using a switchable miniature x-ray tube, variable as to voltage and current, to achieve accuracy in an isodose profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2004Publication date: April 14, 2005Inventors: Daren Stewart, Paul Lovoi, Thomas Rusch, Alex Lim, Darius Francescatti
-
Publication number: 20050080313Abstract: An applicator for facilitating radiation treatment in a body cavity, particularly post resection, provides for superior wound closure management, with an integrated drain and a flexible main shaft that permits further treatments at intervals without disturbing the wound closure. The drain includes channels in the shaft, and the surface of an expandable balloon of the applicator may have features that help channel the flow of drain liquids toward the cavity entrance. Non-spherical, irregular geometries of balloons are achieved in several different ways. In some embodiments multiple balloons are included, either an inner and outer balloon or a series of balloons extending outwardly from the main shaft. Non-balloon applicators are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: April 14, 2005Inventors: Daren Stewart, Paul Lovoi, Thomas Rusch, Alex Lim, Darius Francescatti
-
Publication number: 20050061533Abstract: In a miniature x-ray tube, which may be on the order of approximately 1 mm in diameter or even less, a high voltage cable is provided in various embodiments for conducting current to the cathode of the x-ray tube and for conducting high voltage to the cathode and anode of the tube. In various embodiments of the cable, two conductors occupy a center region of the cable, packed as closely together as possible, in various shapes that are compact and present as smooth as possible an external shape for maximizing dielectric properties against the exterior high voltage ground, surrounding and generally concentric with the inner conductors. The inner conductors, which carry high voltage in opposition to the outer ground, can be in opposed D shapes, coaxial, two flattened conductors side by side, or simply a pair of cylindrical wires positioned as closely as possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2004Publication date: March 24, 2005Inventors: Paul Lovoi, Peter Smith, Alex Lim
-
Publication number: 20050015084Abstract: An electrophysiology (EP) device suitable for ablating tissue within a patient's body lumen. The EP device of the invention generally comprises an elongated shaft having a distal shaft section with a helical shape and at least one electrode on an exterior portion thereof. One aspect of the invention comprises a method of performing a medical procedure, such as treating a patient for atrial arrhythmia, by forming a lesion using an EP device embodying features of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2004Publication date: January 20, 2005Inventors: Richard Hill, Alex Lim, Tim Huynh, Eric Chan
-
Patent number: 6648213Abstract: A method for manufacturing a chip assembly includes the steps of applying a controlled amount of flux to a plurality of solder balls on a die, applying a non-fluxing underfill material to a substrate, and assembling the die and substrate together to form the chip assembly such that the non-fluxing underfill material is trapped in between the die and the substrate. By applying the underfill material to the substrate before the chip is assembled rather than afterward, the inventive method increases chip assembly speed while maintaining control over flux application to prevent the solder balls from collapsing, eliminate the need for a defined solder resist window, and maintain a consistent die-to-substrate clearance at the solder joint.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Patterson, Alex Lim Tiang Hock
-
Publication number: 20030087280Abstract: Disclosed are consensus optical contig maps of an entire genome of an organism and methods of using the maps to verify, validate, refute and/or access the accuracy of a known nucleic acid sequence or full genomic sequence. The maps are constructed using optical methods wherein DNA is elongated and fixed along their length onto a solid planar surface so that the DNA molecules are individually analyzable and accessible for enzymatic reactions. The DNA molecules are then reacted with a restriction enzyme to yield cleaved fragments of discernable length fixed to the surface. The lengths of the fragments are then determined, using optical methods. From the lengths determined, an optical contig map is assembled and can be compared to a corresponding known sequence, for example, a genomic sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventors: David C. Schwartz, Eileen T. Dimalanta, Sang Alex Lim, Galex Sunyul Yen, Konstantinos D. Potamousis, Thomas S. Anantharaman
-
Patent number: D943642Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: BMIC LLCInventors: Jim Svec, Alex Lim