Patents by Inventor Allison L. Schmidt

Allison L. Schmidt 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: 20210204828
    Abstract: In some embodiments, systems, methods and devices for using passive pressure sensors to measure pressure at an inaccessible location are provided. In some embodiments, a system for determining pressure in a ventriculoperitoneal shunt implanted in a subject is provided, the system comprising: an acoustic source emitting signals over a range of frequencies; the ventriculoperitoneal shunt, comprising: a lumen that provides a conduit for cerebrospinal fluid between; and a passive acoustic element in a wall of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt filled with a gas, wherein the passive acoustic element emits a second signal at a resonant frequency that varies based on the pressure on the passive acoustic element; an acoustic receiver that detects the second signal and outputs an electrical signal that represents at least the resonant frequency; and a processor programmed to: receive the electrical signal; determine the pressure using the resonant frequency; and present the pressure using a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Allison L. SCHMIDT, Cameron R. BASS, Carrie R. MUH
  • Patent number: 10980436
    Abstract: In some embodiments, systems, methods and devices for using passive pressure sensors to measure pressure at an inaccessible location are provided. In some embodiments, a system for determining pressure in a ventriculoperitoneal shunt implanted in a subject is provided, the system comprising: an acoustic source emitting signals over a range of frequencies; the ventriculoperitoneal shunt, comprising: a lumen that provides a conduit for cerebrospinal fluid between; and a passive acoustic element in a wall of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt filled with a gas, wherein the passive acoustic element emits a second signal at a resonant frequency that varies based on the pressure on the passive acoustic element; an acoustic receiver that detects the second signal and outputs an electrical signal that represents at least the resonant frequency; and a processor programmed to: receive the electrical signal; determine the pressure using the resonant frequency; and present the pressure using a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: DUKE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Allison L. Schmidt, Cameron R. Bass, Carrie R. Muh
  • Publication number: 20190038160
    Abstract: In some embodiments, systems, methods and devices for using passive pressure sensors to measure pressure at an inaccessible location are provided. In some embodiments, a system for determining pressure in a ventriculoperitoneal shunt implanted in a subject is provided, the system comprising: an acoustic source emitting signals over a range of frequencies; the ventriculoperitoneal shunt, comprising: a lumen that provides a conduit for cerebrospinal fluid between; and a passive acoustic element in a wall of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt filled with a gas, wherein the passive acoustic element emits a second signal at a resonant frequency that varies based on the pressure on the passive acoustic element; an acoustic receiver that detects the second signal and outputs an electrical signal that represents at least the resonant frequency; and a processor programmed to: receive the electrical signal; determine the pressure using the resonant frequency; and present the pressure using a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Allison L. Schmidt, Cameron R. Bass, Carrie R. Muh
  • Patent number: 9131831
    Abstract: Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base having a securing member for securing the cap to the port, an outer shell, a locking member coupled to the outer shell, an inner seal member, and a central opening that extends to the channel. The inner seal member may include a plurality of flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Ransom H. Byers, Alexander E. Dillon, Thomas C. Kochem, Dan W. Rice, Allison L. Schmidt, Gary A. Jordan, Douglas Pleskow, Brian Tinkham
  • Patent number: 8388521
    Abstract: Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base and an outer shell. A locking member may be coupled to the outer shell. An inner seal member may be disposed within the outer shell. One or more openings may extend through the cap and into the channel. An actuator may be coupled to the base for shifting the inner seal member between an unsealed configuration and a sealed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ransom H. Byers, Alexander E. Dillon, Thomas C. Kochem, Daniel W. Rice, Allison L. Schmidt, James M. Weldon, Gary A. Jordan, Christopher S. Mauhar
  • Patent number: 8343041
    Abstract: Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base having a securing member for securing the cap to the port, an outer shell, a locking member coupled to the outer shell, an inner seal member, and a central opening that extends to the channel. The inner seal member may include a plurality of flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ransom H. Byers, Alexander E. Dillon, Thomas C. Kochem, Daniel W. Rice, Allison L. Schmidt, Gary A. Jordan, Douglas Pleskow, Brian Tinkham
  • Publication number: 20100087705
    Abstract: Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base having a securing member for securing the cap to the port, an outer shell, a locking member coupled to the outer shell, an inner seal member, and a central opening that extends to the channel. The inner seal member may include a plurality of flaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Ransom H. Byers, Alexander E. Dillon, Thomas C. Kochem, Daniel W. Rice, Allison L. Schmidt, Gary A. Jordan, Douglas Pleskow, Brian Tinkham
  • Publication number: 20100087710
    Abstract: Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base having a securing member for securing the cap to the port. The cap may also include an outer shell, a locking member coupled to the outer shell, an inner seal member disposed within the outer shell, and one or more openings extending through the cap and into the channel. A fluid control region may be defined within the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: James M. Weldon, Ransom H. Byers, Alexander E. Dillon, Thomas C. Kochem, Daniel W. Rice, Allison L. Schmidt, Lilly Nix, Lara Clark, Pearl E. Donohoo, Andrew K. Hollett, Chandra Little
  • Publication number: 20100081878
    Abstract: Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base and an outer shell. A locking member may be coupled to the outer shell. An inner seal member may be disposed within the outer shell. One or more openings may extend through the cap and into the channel. An actuator may be coupled to the base for shifting the inner seal member between an unsealed configuration and a sealed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Ransom H. Byers, Alexander E. Dillon, Thomas C. Kochem, Daniel W. Rice, Allison L. Schmidt, James M. Weldon, Gary A. Jordan, Christopher S. Mauhar