Patents by Inventor Bruce D. Butler

Bruce D. Butler 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: 20040181166
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a body temperature sensing and indicating teeth protection system. The present invention is capable of sensing and indicating a user's body temperature while also protecting one or more teeth of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: David S. Williford, Bruce D. Butler, Steven J. Ritter, Phyllis Butler, Wayne Price
  • Patent number: 6276018
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device and system for cleaning the interior of conduits, gun barrels, or pipes, including drain pipes. The pipe cleaning device of the present invention is capable of (a) penetrating and removing restrictions that block flow, (b) scouring the interior wall of conduits or pipes to remove the buildup of undesirable solids that result in flow restriction, and (c) coating the wall of the pipe with a suitable substance. The present invention comprises a connecting member housed within a bendable or flexible conduit, a retraction handle attached to one end of the connecting member, and elastic or flexible strands attached to the opposite end of said connecting member. The strands are outwardly expandable in a radial dimension when said connecting member is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Basil C. Leiman, Bruce D. Butler
  • Patent number: 6073628
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for inducing a pediatric patient breathing gas through a face mask to inhale a fluid pharmacological agent. The apparatus comprises a fluid conduit through which fluid pharmacological agent may be inhaled, and a sensory patient stimulator coupled to said conduit and accuatable by inspiratory or expiratory flow through said conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Bruce D. Butler, R. David Warters
  • Patent number: 5987683
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device and system for cleaning the interior of conduits, gun barrels, or pipes, including drain pipes. The pipe cleaning device of the present invention is capable of (a) penetrating and removing restrictions that block flow, (b) scouring the interior wall of conduits or pipes to remove the buildup of undesirable solids that result in flow restriction, and (c) coating the wall of the pipe with a suitable substance. The present invention comprises a connecting member housed within a bendable or flexible conduit, a retraction handle attached to one end of the connecting member, and elastic or flexible strands attached to the opposite end of said connecting member. The strands are outwardly expandable in a radial dimension when said connecting member is retracted. The system of the present invention further comprises a pressure/suction source coupled to the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventors: Basil C. Leiman, Bruce D. Butler
  • Patent number: 5955451
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID'S) complexed with zwitterionic, neutral phospholipids, or both, having reduced gastrointestinal irritating effects and enhanced antipyretic, analgesic, and antiinflammatory activity. Also disclosed are improved methods of using the complexes for treating fever, inflammation, and preventing platelet aggregation. In some embodiments, the anti-pyretic activity of sub-therapeutically used amounts of NSAID's are enhanced to elicit anti-pyretic activity in vivo when associated (noncovalently) with zwitterionic phospholipids, such as dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline. Methods and compositions useful for enhancing the therapeutic activity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in the presence of anti-secretory agents are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: The University of Texas System Board of Regents
    Inventors: Lenard Lichtenberger, Bruce D Butler
  • Patent number: 5937852
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for inducing a pediatric patient to inhale a fluid pharmacological agent through a face mask. The apparatus comprises a fluid conduit through which fluid pharmacological agent may be inhaled, and a visual patient stimulator coupled to said conduit and accuatable by inspiratory or expiratory flow through said conduit. The visual stimulator of the present invention changes color in response to changing gas levels which occur during inspiration and expiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Bruce D. Butler, R. David Warters
  • Patent number: 5865172
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for inducing a pediatric patient breathing gas through a face mask to inhale a fluid pharmacological agent. The apparatus comprises a fluid conduit through which fluid pharmacological agent may be inhaled, and a sensory patient stimulator coupled to said conduit and accuatable by inspiratory or expiratory flow through said conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Bruce D. Butler, R. David Warters
  • Patent number: 5768741
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device and system for cleaning the interior of conduits, gun barrels, or pipes, including drain pipes. The pipe cleaning device of the present invention is capable of (a) penetrating and removing restrictions that block flow, (b) scouring the interior wall of conduits or pipes to remove the buildup of undesirable solids that result in flow restriction, and (c) coating the wall of the pipe with a suitable substance. The present invention comprises a connecting member housed within a bendable or flexible conduit, a retraction handle attached to one end of the connecting member, and elastic or flexible strands attached to the opposite end of said connecting member. The strands are outwardly expandable in a radial dimension when said connecting member is retracted. The system of the present invention further comprises a pressure/suction source coupled to the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventors: Basil C. Leiman, Bruce D. Butler
  • Patent number: 5763422
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID'S)complexed with zwitterionic or neutral phospholipids and having reduced gastrointestinal irritating effects and enhanced antipyretic analgesic, and antiinflammatory effects. Also disclosed are improved methods of using the complexes for treating fever, inflammation, and preventing platelet aggregation. In some embodiments, the anti-pyretic activity of sub-therapeutically used amounts of NSAID's are enhanced to elicit anti-pyretic activity in vivo when associated (noncovalently) with zwitterionic phospholipids, such as dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Lenard M. Lichtenberger, Bruce D. Butler
  • Patent number: 4879999
    Abstract: Disclosed is an endotracheal device provided with a colorimetric carbon dioxide indicator. The device functions to indicate the proper intratracheal placement of an endotracheal tube by detecting for the presence of carbon dioxide in expired air passing through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Basil C. Leiman, Bruce D. Butler, Jeffrey Katz, Henry H. Salzarulo
  • Patent number: 4762125
    Abstract: A balloon-tipped suction catheter, for extirpating and aspirating tracheobronchial secretions from the trachea, endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube and a method for using such catheter. The catheter preferably embodies an elongated tube with a cannula extending along the elongated tube. The distal end of the cannula communicates with an expandable membrane or balloon which is attached either to the walls of the distal end of the elongated tube or directly to the distal end of the cannula. Proximal to the expandable membrane are apertures which provide fluid communication between the exterior and interior of the elongated tube. A control port is provided at the proximal end of the catheter to control the transmission of suction through the catheter.In use, the catheter of this invention is inserted into an endotracheal tube, for example, to remove secretions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Basil C. Leiman, Bruce D. Butler, Jeffrey Katz