Patents by Inventor Clifford A. Oostman, Jr.
Clifford A. Oostman, Jr. 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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Publication number: 20150032129Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tools may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Some of the retention members are stationary and some are movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tools. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit, such as by including both cutting segments and blunt relief segments. A number of dual concentric tube embodiments permit a division of removal functions. Distal fluid or gas delivery may be used to help separating biological units from surrounding tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, JR., Miguel G. Canales
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Patent number: 8882784Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tools may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Some of the retention members are stationary and some are movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tools. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit, such as by including both cutting segments and blunt relief segments. A number of dual concentric tube embodiments permit a division of removal functions. Distal fluid or gas delivery may be used to help separating biological units from surrounding tissue.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr., Miguel G. Canales
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Patent number: 8876839Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing follicular units from a body surface while improving retention of the follicular units in the removal tool. The removal tool is configured to accommodate a retention member. The retention member may comprise pivotally movable elements which retain the follicular unit in the removal tool. The described tools and methods are especially useful for harvesting follicular units from a body surface in a hair transplantation process.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventor: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140276092Abstract: A method of detecting a change in tension of a body surface during a medical procedure is provided. In some embodiments the method may be carried out without additional invasive devices or procedures being required. In one example the methodology is applied when using any type of body surface tensioning device. The tensioning device comprises fiducials that are visible to an image acquisition device. In another example of an embodiment of the current application, the methodology may be applied by attaching fiducials directly to the body surface. The relative motion of the fiducials relative to one another may be utilized to determine a change in body surface tension.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventors: John A. Tenney, Mohan (a.k.a. Radhika Mohan) Bodduluri, Gabriele Zingaretti, Clifford A. Oostman, JR.
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Publication number: 20140276959Abstract: Devices and methods are described for performing a procedure on multiple adjacent segments of a body surface. The methods generally involve positioning a locator device on a body surface to delineate a first body surface segment. A first portion of the locator device may be moved while leaving a second portion of the locator device in place as a reference. The second portion of the locator may then be moved to reform the locator device and delineate a second segment of the body surface. Locator devices comprising two detachable portions are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Zander H. Oostman, Clifford A. Oostman, JR.
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Patent number: 8814882Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tools may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Some of the retention members are stationary and some are movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tools. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit, such as by including both cutting segments and blunt relief segments. A number of dual concentric tube embodiments permit a division of removal functions. Distal fluid or gas delivery may supplement a vacuum in a luminal space to help extract biological units from surrounding tissue.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr., Miguel G. Canales, Brian DuBois
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Publication number: 20140171968Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which provide for harvesting hair follicular units, including severing any remaining connective tissue strands during the harvesting process, so that the harvested follicular units are retained in the harvesting tool without being damaged. The devices and methods of the present invention are especially useful with the partially or substantially automated systems and methods for hair harvesting and transplantation. The follicular unit harvesting tools may comprise a harvesting cannula and a grasping device. The harvesting tools may also comprise a retention member or a grasping member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, JR., Miguel G. Canales
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Patent number: 8747427Abstract: The present application is directed to apparatus, systems and methods for automated delivery of fluids. According to one aspect, it is especially useful in providing a restricted flow of fluid to a tool, for example, a cannula or a needle used in hair transplantation. According to another aspect, the systems and methods provided herein enable the hair harvesting or a hair implantation tool to be cleaned, flushed or lubricated.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Tomás Meléndez, Clifford A. Oostman, Jr., Brian E. Tippett
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Patent number: 8690895Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which provide for harvesting hair follicular units, including severing any remaining connective tissue strands during the harvesting process, so that the harvested follicular units are retained in the harvesting tool without being damaged. The devices and methods of the present invention are especially useful with the partially or substantially automated systems and methods for hair harvesting and transplantation. The follicular unit harvesting tools may comprise a harvesting cannula and a grasping device moveable relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr., Miguel G. Canales
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Publication number: 20140074115Abstract: Devices and methods for applying tension to an area of skin during various cosmetic or dermatological procedures, in particular for follicular unit removal and/or implantation in a hair transplantation procedure, are provided. The systems and methods utilize a segmented structure configured to conform to the body surface of various sizes, shapes and/or textures, thus allowing for customization in order to fit a variety of persons. In some embodiments, the tensioning device may be temporary secured, for example, to a patient chair.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventor: Clifford A. Oostman, JR.
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Patent number: 8652774Abstract: The present invention provides methods to process multiple sensors by providing a sensor plate and HT plates. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, methods for assembling microarray pegs and microarray plates are described for high throughput microarray processing.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.Inventors: Melvin Yamamoto, Clifford A. Oostman, Jr., John S. Sze, Keith S. Pearson, Philip C. Trenholme, Dan Liu, Chi Sou Yu
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Publication number: 20130304090Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which provide for harvesting hair follicular units, including severing any remaining connective tissue strands during the harvesting process, so that the harvested follicular units are retained in the harvesting tool without being damaged. The devices and methods of the present invention are especially useful with the partially or substantially automated systems and methods for hair harvesting and transplantation. The follicular unit harvesting tools may comprise a harvesting cannula and a grasping device moveable relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, JR., Miguel G. Canales
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Patent number: 8512356Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which provide for harvesting hair follicular units, including severing any remaining connective tissue strands during the harvesting process, so that the harvested follicular units are retained in the harvesting tool without being damaged. The devices and methods of the present invention are especially useful with the partially or substantially automated systems and methods for hair harvesting and transplantation. The follicular unit harvesting tools may comprise a harvesting cannula and a grasping device moveable relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr., Miguel G. Canales
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Patent number: 8465498Abstract: A device and method for applying tension to an area of skin, in particular for follicular unit removal and/or implantation in a hair transplantation procedure, is provided. The tensioning device comprises at least one body surface grabber capable of engaging the body surface, and the tensioning device is configured to be able to create tension on a body or skin surface by simply displacing the tensioning device as a whole in one general direction. The tensioning device may be secured, for example, to a patient chair.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr., James A. Harris
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Patent number: 8388631Abstract: Devices and methods for applying tension to an area of skin are provided, for example, for follicular unit removal and implant in a hair transplantation procedure. The devices may include a frame with at least two skin contact members that hold to the skin. Also disclosed are various ways to apply a force displacing the skin contact members apart, thus creating tension in the skin. The devices and methods may incorporate suction, and/or barbs or microbarbs. The frame may surround the skin area with tensile forces applied outward in multiple directions or substantially uni-directionally. Adjusting members and indicators may be provided to control and display the tensile force applied to skin. The tensioning devices and methods may be incorporated into a robotic hair transplantation system.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr., Steven E. Jakubowski
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Publication number: 20120303044Abstract: A system and method for harvesting, storing, and implanting biological units, in particular hair follicular units (FUs). The system is particularly useful to facilitate hair transplant procedures. FUs are harvested from a body surface, either attached to a patient or in a strip of removed tissue, and shuttled into a cartridge having a plurality of receptacles. The receptacles are open in a distal direction toward a removal tool, but a cover over the proximal ends of the receptacles prevents the FUs from continuing out of the cartridge. One way to shuttle the FUs is to provide a pressure differential, such as by applying suction to the proximal end of a receptacle. The shuttle subsystem may be incorporated within an overall automated or robotic system, or the shuttle subsystem may form part of a semi-automated or even manual apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventor: Clifford A. Oostman, JR.
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Patent number: 8298246Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing follicular units from a body surface while improving retention of the follicular units in the removal tool. The removal tool is configured to accommodate a retention member. The retention member may comprise pivotally movable elements which retain the follicular unit in the removal tool. The described tools and methods are especially useful for harvesting follicular units from a body surface in a hair transplantation process.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventor: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr.
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Patent number: 8211134Abstract: A system and method for harvesting, storing, and implanting biological units, in particular hair follicular units (FUs). The system is particularly useful to facilitate hair transplant procedures. FUs are harvested from a body surface, either attached to a patient or in a strip of removed tissue, and shuttled into a cartridge having a plurality of receptacles. The receptacles are open in a distal direction toward a removal tool, but a cover over the proximal ends of the receptacles prevents the FUs from continuing out of the cartridge. The cover is made of a permissible medium, which may be fluid permeable and/or puncturable. One way to shuttle the FUs is to provide a pressure differential, such as by applying suction to the proximal end of a receptacle. The shuttle subsystem may be incorporated within an overall automated or robotic system, or the shuttle subsystem may form part of a semi-automated or even manual apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventor: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr.
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Patent number: 8211116Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tools may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Some of the retention members are stationary and some are movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tools. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit, such as by including both cutting segments and blunt relief segments. A number of dual concentric tube embodiments permit a division of removal functions. Distal fluid or gas delivery may supplement a vacuum in a luminal space to help extract biological units from surrounding tissue.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr., Miguel G. Canales
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Publication number: 20120165832Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tools may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Some of the retention members are stationary and some are movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tools. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit, such as by including both cutting segments and blunt relief segments. A number of dual concentric tube embodiments permit a division of removal functions. Distal fluid or gas delivery may be used to help separating biological units from surrounding tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, JR., Miguel G. Canales