Patents by Inventor Blair Walker
Blair Walker 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).
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Patent number: 8246533Abstract: A system for securing an implantable apparatus to a mammal includes a mount including a base portion having a plurality of holes dimensioned to receive rotationally-driven fasteners, each fastener comprising a helical portion having a tip configured for tissue penetration, the mount configured to secure the implantable apparatus relative to tissue of the mammal upon driving the fasteners into the tissue. The system further includes a fastening tool configured to rotationally drive the helical portion of the fasteners into the tissue. The mount may be secured to the fascia covering the sternum via a subcutaneous securement method, or it may be attached to the intra-abdominal wall, behind the sternum, or it may be attached to the sternum directly via bone screws or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Ellipse Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Arvin Chang, Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Peter P. Tran
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Patent number: 8231535Abstract: An ultrasound catheter is described herein for insertion into a cavity such as a blood vessel to facilitate imaging within a vasculature. The catheter comprises an elongate flexible shaft, a capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer, and a sonic reflector. The elongate flexible shaft has a proximate end and a distal end. A capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) is mounted to the shaft near the distal end. The reflector is positioned such that a reflective surface redirects ultrasonic waves to and from the transducer. In other embodiments, the catheter comprises a plurality of cMUT elements and operates without the use of reflectors. In further embodiments, integrated circuitry is incorporated into the design.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Volcano CorporationInventors: Norman Hugh Hossack, Blair Walker, Stephen Charles Davies, Donald Stanley Mamayek, John F. Sheridan
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Publication number: 20120157996Abstract: A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: ELLIPSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Jay R. McCoy, Arvin Chang, Nicholas J. Lembo
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Patent number: 8197490Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An o-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Ellipse Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
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Patent number: 8057472Abstract: A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Ellipse Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Jay R. McCoy, Arvin Chang, Nicholas J. Lembo
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Publication number: 20110237861Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject, the adjustable implant comprising a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about a first axis, the first permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system further includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject, the external adjustment device comprising a second permanent magnet configured for rotation about a second axis and a third permanent magnet configured for rotation about a third axis different from the second axis; and wherein cooperative rotation of the second permanent magnet about the second axis and rotation of the third permanent magnet about the third axis result in rotation of the first permanent magnet about the first axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: ELLIPSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Jay R. McCoy, Peter P. Tran, Richard L. Quick, Shahram Moaddeb, Arvin Chang
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Patent number: 7981025Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject, the adjustable implant having a permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system further includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject comprising at least one magnet configured for rotation, the external adjustment device further comprising a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet, whereby rotation of the at least one magnet of the external adjustment device effectuates rotational movement of the permanent magnet of the adjustable implant and alters the dimension of the adjustable implant. The system includes drive control circuitry configured to drive the motor of the external adjustment device to achieve a target dimension of the adjustable implant.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Ellipse Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Jay R. McCoy, Peter P. Tran, Richard L. Quick, Shahram Moaddeb, Arvin Chang
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Publication number: 20110172543Abstract: An ultrasound catheter is described herein for insertion into a cavity such as a blood vessel to facilitate imaging within a vasculature. The catheter comprises an elongate flexible shaft, a capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer, and a sonic reflector. The elongate flexible shaft has a proximate end and a distal end. A capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) is mounted to the shaft near the distal end. The reflector is positioned such that a reflective surface redirects ultrasonic waves to and from the transducer. In other embodiments, the catheter comprises a plurality of cMUT elements and operates without the use of reflectors. In further embodiments, integrated circuitry is incorporated into the design.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: VOLCANO CORPORATIONInventors: Norman Hugh Hossack, Blair Walker, Stephen Charles Davies, Donald Stanley Mamayek, John F. Sheridan
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Patent number: 7914458Abstract: An ultrasound catheter is described herein for insertion into a cavity such as a blood vessel to facilitate imaging within a vasculature. The catheter comprises an elongate flexible shaft, a capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer, and a sonic reflector. The elongate flexible shaft has a proximate end and a distal end. A capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) is mounted to the shaft near the distal end. The reflector is positioned such that a reflective surface redirects ultrasonic waves to and from the transducer. In other embodiments, the catheter comprises a plurality of cMUT elements and operates without the use of reflectors. In further embodiments, integrated circuitry is incorporated into the design.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Volcano CorporationInventors: Norman Hugh Hossack, Blair Walker, Stephen Charles Davies, Donald Stanley Mamayek, John F. Sheridan
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Publication number: 20110060336Abstract: An intramedullary lengthening device includes a housing and a distraction shaft. The intramedullary lengthening device is placed within a cavity of two bone sections (either already separated or purposely separated for insertion of the device). The distraction shaft of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the one of the bone sections using, for example, one or more attachment screws. The housing of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the second bone section using, for instance, one or more attachment screws. Over the treatment period, the bone is continually distracted, creating a new separation into which osteogenesis can occur. In one embodiment, the intramedullary lengthening device includes an actuator and an extension rod, which can be attached to one other.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: ELLIPSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
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Patent number: 7862502Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant system includes an adjustable restriction device having a contact surface configured for at least partially engaging a surface of a gastrointestinal tract of a mammal. The implant system further includes an implantable interface including a first driving element, the first driving element being moveable and operatively coupled to the adjustable restriction device by an actuator configured to change the dimension or configuration of the contact surface in response to movement of the first driving element. The system also includes an external adjustment device having a second driving element configured to non-invasively engage the first driving element of the implantable interface from a location external to the mammal. In the system, actuation of the second driving element of the external adjustment device produces movement in the first driving element of the implantable interface and results in a change in the dimension or configuration of the contact surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Ellipse Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Jay R. McCoy, Peter P. Tran, Richard L. Quick, Shahram Moaddeb, Arvin Chang
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Publication number: 20100280551Abstract: An interspinous process device is configured for placement between adjacent spinous processes on a subject's spine. The device includes a housing configured for mounting to a first spinal process, the housing having a lead screw fixedly secured at one end thereof. A magnetic assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing and configured for mounting to a second spinal process. The magnetic assembly includes a hollow magnet configured for rotation within the magnetic assembly, the hollow magnet comprising a threaded insert configured to engage with the lead screw. An externally applied magnetic field rotates the hollow magnet in a first direction or a second, opposite direction. Rotation of the hollow magnet in the first direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly out of the housing (i.e., elongation) and rotation in the second direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly into the housing (i.e., shortening).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: ELLIPSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Scott Pool, Arvin Chang, Peter P. Tran, Blair Walker
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Publication number: 20100217271Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An o-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: ELLIPSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
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Publication number: 20100121323Abstract: A method of positioning an external adjustment device relative to a patient includes placing a magnetic viewing sheet adjacent to a patient and identifying the location of an implanted magnetic assembly using the magnetic viewing sheet by visualizing a magnetic image of the implanted magnetic assembly in the magnetic viewing sheet. The external adjustment device is placed on the patient adjacent to the location where the magnetic image was located.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: ELLIPSE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Arvin Chang
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Publication number: 20090112263Abstract: A system for manipulating a portion of the skeletal system of a mammal includes an implant having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured for mounting at a first location of the skeletal system and the second portion configured for mounting at a second location of the skeletal system. The system further includes an adjustment device disposed on the implant and configured to apply a biasing force to the skeletal system, the adjustment device including a magnetic element configured for cyclic movement, the magnetic element being operatively coupled to a drive element configured to alter at least one of the distance or the force between the first location and the second location. The system includes an implantable feedback device operatively coupled to the implant that is configured to produce a response that is indicative of a condition of the implant which can be identified non-invasively.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Arvin Chang, Jay R. McCoy, Richard L. Quick, Shahram Moaddeb, Peter P. Tran
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Publication number: 20090112262Abstract: A system for manipulating a portion of the skeletal system in the body of a mammal includes an implant having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured for coupling to a first location of the skeletal system and the second portion configured for coupling to a second location of the skeletal system. The system includes an adjustment device configured to change at least one of the distance or force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device having a magnetic element configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the magnetic element being operatively coupled to a drive element configured to alter at least one of the distance or the force between the first location and the second location. The system also includes an external adjustment device configured to magnetically couple to the adjustment device from a location external to the mammal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Scott Pool, Arvin Chang, Blair Walker, Peter P. Tran, Jay R. McCoy
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Publication number: 20090112207Abstract: A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Jay R. McCoy, Arvin Chang, Nicholas J. Lembo
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Publication number: 20090062825Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject, the adjustable implant having a permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system further includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject comprising at least one magnet configured for rotation, the external adjustment device further comprising a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet, whereby rotation of the at least one magnet of the external adjustment device effectuates rotational movement of the permanent magnet of the adjustable implant and alters the dimension of the adjustable implant. The system includes drive control circuitry configured to drive the motor of the external adjustment device to achieve a target dimension of the adjustable implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Jay R. McCoy, Peter P. Tran, Richard L. Quick, Shahram Moaddeb, Arvin Chang
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Publication number: 20080172072Abstract: Apparatus and methods of monitoring gastric restriction devices are described. Internally mounted sensors detect at least one of a quantity of a test substance, a flow through the stomal opening produced by a restriction device, slippage of the device, and erosion of the gastric wall. In some embodiments flow versus no flow can be determined, or a flow rate can be calculated. Monitoring of internally mounted sensors permits optimization of the performance of a gastric restriction device, using noninvasive techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: Ellipse Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Scott Pool, Jay R. McCoy, Richard L. Quick, Blair Walker, Shahram Moaddeb, Arvin Chang
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Publication number: 20080097496Abstract: A system for securing an implantable apparatus to a mammal includes a mount including a base portion having a plurality of holes dimensioned to receive rotationally-driven fasteners, each fastener comprising a helical portion having a tip configured for tissue penetration, the mount configured to secure the implantable apparatus relative to tissue of the mammal upon driving the fasteners into the tissue. The system further includes a fastening tool configured to rotationally drive the helical portion of the fasteners into the tissue. The mount may be secured to the fascia covering the sternum via a subcutaneous securement method, or it may be attached to the intra-abdominal wall, behind the sternum, or it may be attached to the sternum directly via bone screws or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Arvin Chang, Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Peter P. Tran