Patents by Inventor Christopher Rylander

Christopher Rylander 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: 20240115121
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cleaning a surface of as elongated instrument held within a cavity. In particular embodiments of the device, a longitudinal wire member extends along an elongated instrument (e.g. a laparoscope) and a rotatable transverse member removes matter from a surface of the instrument (e.g. a lens).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher RYLANDER, Christopher IDELSON, John UECKER
  • Patent number: 11877729
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cleaning a surface of as elongated instrument held within a cavity. In particular embodiments of the device, a longitudinal wire member extends along an elongated instrument (e.g. a laparoscope) and a rotatable transverse member removes matter from a surface of the instrument (e.g. a lens).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignees: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM, ASCENSION TEXAS
    Inventors: Christopher Rylander, Christopher Idelson, John Uecker
  • Patent number: 11871902
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are technological solutions that are configured to limit sub-optimal visualization of the surgical field during robotic and manual laparoscopic surgery. Such technological solutions are configured to systematically assess cleanliness of an imaging element of a laparoscope (or other type of similar imaging apparatus) and take action for enabling or causing the imaging element to be cleaned. In preferred embodiments, assessment of the cleanliness of the imaging element provides information that can be used for enabling or causing cleaning of the imaging element to be performed in-vivo in either a manual, semi-autonomous or autonomous manner. In this manner such technological solutions advantageously enable the surgical field during surgery to be more efficiently and consistently maintained in an optimal condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignees: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM, CLEARCAM INC.
    Inventors: Farshid Alambeigi, Alexander Cohen, Christopher R. Idelson, Christopher Rylander
  • Patent number: 11737661
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignees: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM, CLEARCAM INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Idelson, Christopher Rylander, Mitchell Ross Gilkey, James Landon Gilkey
  • Patent number: 11484437
    Abstract: System and methods for inserting and securing an intrauterine device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Christopher Rylander, Christopher Idelson, Marian Yvette Williams-Brown, William Meador
  • Publication number: 20220217250
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are technological solutions that are configured to limit sub-optimal visualization of the surgical field during robotic and manual laparoscopic surgery. Such technological solutions are configured to systematically assess cleanliness of an imaging element of a laparoscope (or other type of similar imaging apparatus) and take action for enabling or causing the imaging element to be cleaned. In preferred embodiments, assessment of the cleanliness of the imaging element provides information that can be used for enabling or causing cleaning of the imaging element to be performed in-vivo in either a manual, semi-autonomous or autonomous manner. In this manner such technological solutions advantageously enable the surgical field during surgery to be more efficiently and consistently maintained in an optimal condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Farshid ALAMBEIGI, Alexander COHEN, Christopher R. IDELSON, Christopher RYLANDER
  • Publication number: 20220175236
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher IDELSON, Christopher RYLANDER, Mitchell Ross GILKEY, James Landon GILKEY
  • Patent number: 11172813
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignees: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM, CLEARCAM INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Idelson, Christopher Rylander, Mitchell Ross Gilkey, James Landon Gilkey
  • Publication number: 20210290048
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cleaning a surface of as elongated instrument held within a cavity. In particular embodiments of the device, a longitudinal wire member extends along an elongated instrument (e.g. a laparoscope) and a rotatable transverse member removes matter from a surface of the instrument (e.g. a lens).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher RYLANDER, Christopher IDELSON, John UECKER
  • Patent number: 11102381
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are technological solutions that are configured to limit sub-optimal visualization of the surgical field during robotic and manual laparoscopic surgery. Such technological solutions are configured to systematically assess cleanliness of an imaging element of a laparoscope (or other type of similar imaging apparatus) and take action for enabling or causing the imaging element to be cleaned. In preferred embodiments, assessment of the cleanliness of the imaging element provides information that can be used for enabling or causing cleaning of the imaging element to be performed in-vivo in either a manual, semi-autonomous or autonomous manner. In this manner such technological solutions advantageously enable the surgical field during surgery to be more efficiently and consistently maintained in an optimal condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM CLEARCAM INC.
    Inventors: Farshid Alambeigi, Alexander Cohen, Christopher R. Idelson, Christopher Rylander
  • Publication number: 20210228070
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher IDELSON, Christopher RYLANDER, Mitchell Ross GILKEY, James Landon GILKEY
  • Patent number: 11058291
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cleaning a surface of as elongated instrument held within a cavity. In particular embodiments of the device, a longitudinal wire member extends along an elongated instrument (e.g. a laparoscope) and a rotatable transverse member removes matter from a surface of the instrument (e.g. a lens).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignees: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM, ASCENSION TEXAS
    Inventors: Christopher Rylander, Christopher Idelson, John Uecker
  • Patent number: 11013399
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignees: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM, CLEARCAM INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Idelson, Christopher Rylander, Mitchell Ross Gilkey, James Landon Gilkey
  • Publication number: 20200397272
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cleaning a surface of as elongated instrument held within a cavity. In particular embodiments of the device, a longitudinal wire member extends along an elongated instrument (e.g. a laparoscope) and a rotatable transverse member removes matter from a surface of the instrument (e.g. a lens).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher RYLANDER, Christopher IDELSON, John UECKER
  • Publication number: 20200060536
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cleaning a surface of a medical instrument in vivo. In particular embodiments of the device, a longitudinal member extends along a shaft of a laparoscope and a transverse member removes matter from a lens of the laparoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher RYLANDER, Christopher IDELSON, William MEADOR, John UECKER, Jawad ALI
  • Publication number: 20200054481
    Abstract: System and methods for inserting and securing an intrauterine device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher RYLANDER, Christopher IDELSON, Marian Yvette WILLIAMS-BROWN, William MEADOR
  • Patent number: 10220124
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of optical imaging and therapeutics. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide minimally-invasive Fiberoptic Microneedle Devices (FMDs) for light-based therapeutics, which physically penetrate tissue and deliver light directly into the target area below the skin surface. Embodiments of the invention enable depth-selective and deep photothermal therapeutics and include methods of treating cancer, methods of re-shaping or removing adipose tissue, and methods of delivering drugs or co-delivering drugs and energy to selected tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Rylander, Mehmet A. Kosoglu, Robert L. Hood, John L. Robertson, John H. Rossmeisl, David C. Grant, Marissa N. Rylander
  • Patent number: 8798722
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of optical imaging and therapeutics. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide minimally-invasive Fiberoptic Microneedle Devices (FMDs) for light-based therapeutics, which physically penetrate tissue and deliver light directly into the target area below the skin surface (FIG. 1). A preferred embodiment of the invention is a fiberoptic microneedle device comprising: (a) one or more silica-based needles capable of guiding light and comprising a length of about 0.5-6 mm, a base having an outer diameter in the range of about 100-150 micron, and a tip having an outer diameter in the range of about 5-20 micron; (b) a support member to which the needles are secured; (c) a ferrule comprising one or more holes for each of the needles, wherein the ferrule is operably configured to provide mechanical support to each needle at all or some portion of the length of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Rylander, Thomas A. Campbell, Ge Wang, Yong Xu, Mehmet Alpaslan Kosoglu
  • Publication number: 20130338627
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of optical imaging and therapeutics. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide minimally-invasive Fiberoptic Microneedle Devices (FMDs) for light-based therapeutics, which physically penetrate tissue and deliver light directly into the target area below the skin surface. Embodiments of the invention enable depth-selective and deep photothermal therapeutics and include methods of treating cancer, methods of re-shaping or removing adipose tissue, and methods of delivering drugs or co-delivering drugs and energy to selected tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher Rylander, Mehmet A. Kosoglu, Robert L. Hood, John L Robertson, John H. Rossmeisl, David C. Grant, Marissa N. Rylander
  • Publication number: 20110313298
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of optical imaging and therapeutics. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide minimally-invasive Fiberoptic Microneedle Devices (FMDs) for light-based therapeutics, which physically penetrate tissue and deliver light directly into the target area below the skin surface (FIG. 1). A preferred embodiment of the invention is a fiberoptic microneedle device comprising: (a) one or more silica-based needles capable of guiding light and comprising a length of about 0.5-6 mm, a base having an outer diameter in the range of about 100-150 micron, and a tip having an outer diameter in the range of about 5-20 micron; (b) a support member to which the needles are secured; (c) a ferrule comprising one or more holes for each of the needles, wherein the ferrule is operably configured to provide mechanical support to each needle at all or some portion of the length of the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher Rylander, Thomas A. Campbell, Ge Wang, Yong Xu, Mehmet Alpaslan Kosoglu