Patents by Inventor David Bontrager
David Bontrager 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: 20240399111Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a catheter manipulation handle with user interface controls for steering a catheter in situ while providing an augmented (e.g., motorized, powered and tunable precision steering, and perforation safeguards) control and feedback user experience. In an illustrative example, the catheter manipulation handle may provide motor assisted operation to automatically rotate and/or deflect a distal tip of the catheter to steer and guide the distal tip to a target location in the patient's vasculature system. The augmented feedback may include, for example, haptic feedback via the handle. Haptic, audible, and/or visual feedback via the handle may indicate, for example, proximity or engagement of the distal tip with sensitive tissue. In some examples, the handle's augmented operation may advantageously amplify feedback signals to enhance the user's perception of the patient's safety with respect to the safe passage of the distal tip through the patient's vasculature.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2024Publication date: December 5, 2024Applicant: Nextern Innovation, LLCInventors: Ryan J. Douglas, Richard Farrell, Dennis Berke, Davis Flanagan, David Bontrager, Brian Loushine
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Patent number: 12131822Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a Self-Validating System (SVS) which includes an Electronic Self-Validating Module (ESVM) that may be employed within a medical device, operable to receive and to transmit wireless transmissions to and from a personal electronic mobile device, the mobile device executing a Self-Validating Medical Device Remote Control (SVMDRC) application, also known as the mobile app, operable to control the ESVM, the mobile device and the ESVM further executing a pre-determined sequence of instructions at a pre-determined frequency, operable to perform a set of safety (validation) checks on the mobile device, and the ESVM. In an illustrative example, changes (updates) to the mobile device's operating system, the app, or the hardware on the mobile device may be detected by the mobile device, and may advantageously re-validate the mobile device automatically.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2021Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: Nextern Innovation, LLCInventors: Ryan J. Douglas, Steven M. Gigl, Jonathan Lawson, James Kinney, David Bontrager
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Patent number: 11918763Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a catheter manipulation handle with user interface controls for steering a catheter in situ while providing an augmented (e.g., motorized, powered and tunable precision steering, and perforation safeguards) control and feedback user experience. In an illustrative example, the catheter manipulation handle may provide motor assisted operation to automatically rotate and/or deflect a distal tip of the catheter to steer and guide the distal tip to a target location in the patient's vasculature system. The augmented feedback may include, for example, haptic feedback via the handle. Haptic, audible, and/or visual feedback via the handle may indicate, for example, proximity or engagement of the distal tip with sensitive tissue. In some examples, the handle's augmented operation may advantageously amplify feedback signals to enhance the user's perception of the patient's safety with respect to the safe passage of the distal tip through the patient's vasculature.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Nextern Innovation, LLCInventors: Ryan J. Douglas, Richard Farrell, Dennis Berke, Davis Flanagan, David Bontrager, Brian Loushine
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Patent number: 11717644Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a catheter manipulation handle with user interface controls for steering a catheter in situ while providing an augmented (e.g., motorized, powered and tunable precision steering, and perforation safeguards) control and feedback user experience. In an illustrative example, the catheter manipulation handle may provide motor assisted operation to automatically rotate and/or deflect a distal tip of the catheter to steer and guide the distal tip to a target location in the patient's vasculature system. The augmented feedback may include, for example, haptic feedback via the handle. Haptic, audible, and/or visual feedback via the handle may indicate, for example, proximity or engagement of the distal tip with sensitive tissue. In some examples, the handle's augmented operation may advantageously amplify feedback signals to enhance the user's perception of the patient's safety with respect to the safe passage of the distal tip through the patient's vasculature.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Nextern Innovation, LLCInventors: Ryan Douglas, Richard Farrell, Dennis Berke, Davis Flanagan, David Bontrager, Brian Loushine
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Publication number: 20220126065Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a catheter manipulation handle with user interface controls for steering a catheter in situ while providing an augmented (e.g., motorized, powered and tunable precision steering, and perforation safeguards) control and feedback user experience. In an illustrative example, the catheter manipulation handle may provide motor assisted operation to automatically rotate and/or deflect a distal tip of the catheter to steer and guide the distal tip to a target location in the patient's vasculature system. The augmented feedback may include, for example, haptic feedback via the handle. Haptic, audible, and/or visual feedback via the handle may indicate, for example, proximity or engagement of the distal tip with sensitive tissue. In some examples, the handle's augmented operation may advantageously amplify feedback signals to enhance the user's perception of the patient's safety with respect to the safe passage of the distal tip through the patient's vasculature.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Applicant: Nextern Innovation, LLCInventors: Ryan J. Douglas, Richard Farrell, Dennis Berke, Davis Flanagan, David Bontrager, Brian Loushine
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Publication number: 20220122725Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a Self-Validating System (SVS) which includes an Electronic Self-Validating Module (ESVM) that may be employed within a medical device, operable to receive and to transmit wireless transmissions to and from a personal electronic mobile device, the mobile device executing a Self-Validating Medical Device Remote Control (SVMDRC) application, also known as the mobile app, operable to control the ESVM, the mobile device and the ESVM further executing a pre-determined sequence of instructions at a pre-determined frequency, operable to perform a set of safety (validation) checks on the mobile device, and the ESVM. In an illustrative example, changes (updates) to the mobile device's operating system, the app, or the hardware on the mobile device may be detected by the mobile device, and may advantageously re-validate the mobile device automatically.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Applicant: White Bear Medical, LLCInventors: Ryan J. Douglas, Steven M. Gigl, Jonathan Lawson, James Kinney, David Bontrager
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Patent number: 11285471Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an adaptable microenvironment for cellular and biological processing in a traceable, transportable unit. In an illustrative example, an apparatus consists of one or more portable cell tissue containment modules that may be removably interconnected to perform a processing step and/or transfer the stored medium to another module. Associated apparatus and methods are proposed to ensure non-contaminating mechanical or fluid communication between a plurality of modules or between a module and peripheral equipment, to limit process errors such as steps performed out of order, and to intrinsically manage identification of tissue samples with accompanying process data in a manner that decreases risk of mislabeling or otherwise mishandling a sample at all stages of the production and treatment process.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Nextern Innovation, LLCInventors: Ryan Douglas, Richard Farrell, David Bontrager
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Patent number: 11244758Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a Self-Validating System (SVS) which includes an Electronic Self-Validating Module (ESVM) that may be employed within a medical device, operable to receive and to transmit wireless transmissions to and from a personal electronic mobile device, the mobile device executing a Self-Validating Medical Device Remote Control (SVMDRC) application, also known as the mobile app, operable to control the ESVM, the mobile device and the ESVM further executing a pre-determined sequence of instructions at a pre-determined frequency, operable to perform a set of safety (validation) checks on the mobile device, and the ESVM. In an illustrative example, changes (updates) to the mobile device's operating system, the app, or the hardware on the mobile device may be detected by the mobile device, and may advantageously re-validate the mobile device automatically.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2017Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: White Bear Medical, LLCInventors: Ryan Douglas, Steven Gigl, Jonathan Lawson, James Kinney, David Bontrager
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Patent number: 11124754Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an optimizable cellular growth chamber, where growth conditions are optimized by adjusting gas pressures through a gas permeable membrane. In an illustrative example, an apparatus may provide a volume to contain growth medium and the cells under propagation, where the volume has limited but non-zero pneumatic communication with a pressure-controlled chamber via a gas-permeable membrane. Associated apparatus and methods are proposed to manage desired growth conditions via deliberate control of parameters, such as partial pressures, for example.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Nextern, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Douglas, Richard Farrell, David Bontrager
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Publication number: 20200254219Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a catheter manipulation handle with user interface controls for steering a catheter in situ while providing an augmented (e.g., motorized, powered and tunable precision steering, and perforation safeguards) control and feedback user experience. In an illustrative example, the catheter manipulation handle may provide motor assisted operation to automatically rotate and/or deflect a distal tip of the catheter to steer and guide the distal tip to a target location in the patient's vasculature system. The augmented feedback may include, for example, haptic feedback via the handle. Haptic, audible, and/or visual feedback via the handle may indicate, for example, proximity or engagement of the distal tip with sensitive tissue. In some examples, the handle's augmented operation may advantageously amplify feedback signals to enhance the user's perception of the patient's safety with respect to the safe passage of the distal tip through the patient's vasculature.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Ryan Douglas, Richard Farrell, Dennis Berke, Davis Flanagan, David Bontrager, Brian Loushine
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Patent number: 10675442Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a catheter manipulation handle with user interface controls for steering a catheter in situ while providing an augmented (e.g., motorized, powered and tunable precision steering, and perforation safeguards) control and feedback user experience. In an illustrative example, the catheter manipulation handle may provide motor assisted operation to automatically rotate and/or deflect a distal tip of the catheter to steer and guide the distal tip to a target location in the patient's vasculature system. The augmented feedback may include, for example, haptic feedback via the handle. Haptic, audible, and/or visual feedback via the handle may indicate, for example, proximity or engagement of the distal tip with sensitive tissue. In some examples, the handle's augmented operation may advantageously amplify feedback signals to enhance the user's perception of the patient's safety with respect to the safe passage of the distal tip through the patient's vasculature.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Nextern, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Douglas, Richard Farrell, Dennis Berke, Davis Flanagan, David Bontrager, Brian Loushine
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Publication number: 20200037878Abstract: Apparatus and methods are directed to virtually verifying authenticity of medical information transmitted from at least one unvalidated communication device associated with a patient being monitored by at least on validated medical device. In an illustrative example, medical information related to patient data may be transmitted through a network for storage in a central database from one or more validated medical devices and one or more unvalidated personal communication devices. The transmitted information may include unique identifiers that enables the patient data to be verified and collated across the validated and unvalidated devices and assigned to a specific data record for a given patient or group of patients.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: Ryan Douglas, David Bontrager
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Publication number: 20190002816Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an optimizable cellular growth chamber, where growth conditions are optimized by adjusting gas pressures through a gas permeable membrane. In an illustrative example, an apparatus may provide a volume to contain growth medium and the cells under propagation, where the volume has limited but non-zero pneumatic communication with a pressure-controlled chamber via a gas-permeable membrane. Associated apparatus and methods are proposed to manage desired growth conditions via deliberate control of parameters, such as partial pressures, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2018Publication date: January 3, 2019Inventors: Ryan Douglas, Richard Farrell, David Bontrager
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Publication number: 20180369802Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an adaptable microenvironment for cellular and biological processing in a traceable, transportable unit. In an illustrative example, an apparatus consists of one or more portable cell tissue containment modules that may be removably interconnected to perform a processing step and/or transfer the stored medium to another module. Associated apparatus and methods are proposed to ensure non-contaminating mechanical or fluid communication between a plurality of modules or between a module and peripheral equipment, to limit process errors such as steps performed out of order, and to intrinsically manage identification of tissue samples with accompanying process data in a manner that decreases risk of mislabeling or otherwise mishandling a sample at all stages of the production and treatment process.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2018Publication date: December 27, 2018Inventors: Ryan Douglas, Richard Farrell, David Bontrager
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Publication number: 20180010587Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to nutating a piston drive linkage oriented around a longitudinal wobble axis in response to the rotation of a drive shaft about a drive axis, said wobble axis being offset and canted with respect to said drive axis. In an illustrative example, the piston drive linkage may be formed as a wobble plate extending radially from the wobble axis. Near a periphery, the wobble plate may attach to a plurality of stationary piston cranks. The nutating motion of the piston drive linkage may impart a substantially linear motion profile substantially parallel to the drive axis of rotation. A bearing oriented around the wobble axis may advantageously be freely inserted into and removed from an aperture in the wobble plate. An inner race of the bearing may freely rotate about the wobble axis in response to rotation about the drive axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2017Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventors: Ryan Douglas, Dennis Berke, Casey Carlson, David Bontrager
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Publication number: 20170293731Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a Self-Validating System (SVS) which includes an Electronic Self-Validating Module (ESVM) that may be employed within a medical device, operable to receive and to transmit wireless transmissions to and from a personal electronic mobile device, the mobile device executing a Self-Validating Medical Device Remote Control (SVMDRC) application, also known as the mobile app, operable to control the ESVM, the mobile device and the ESVM further executing a pre-determined sequence of instructions at a pre-determined frequency, operable to perform a set of safety (validation) checks on the mobile device, and the ESVM. In an illustrative example, changes (updates) to the mobile device's operating system, the app, or the hardware on the mobile device may be detected by the mobile device, and may advantageously re-validate the mobile device automatically.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Ryan Douglas, Steven Gigl, Jonathan Lawson, James Kinney, David Bontrager
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Publication number: 20170266410Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a flexible extrusion having a number of radially extending members configured for slidable insertion into a lumen of a surgical catheter shaft. In an illustrative example, the extrusion may have a flexible wall and define an interior insert lumen extending along the longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end. Each of the radially extending members may have a distal engaging surface. When the extrusion is slidably inserted, for example, into the lumen of the catheter shaft, the distal engaging surface of each of the plurality of radial extending members may slidably engage an interior surface of the catheter shaft. In some examples, the inserted extrusion may define an annular distribution of longitudinally extending channels between a proximal and a distal end of the catheter. The slidable construction may advantageously simplify assembly, for example. The channels may offer end-to-end communication.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventors: Richard Farrell, Ryan Douglas, Dennis Berke, Davis Flanagan, David Bontrager, Avong Lo, Brian Loushine
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Publication number: 20170224955Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a catheter manipulation handle with user interface controls for steering a catheter in situ while providing an augmented (e.g., motorized, powered and tunable precision steering, and perforation safeguards) control and feedback user experience. In an illustrative example, the catheter manipulation handle may provide motor assisted operation to automatically rotate and/or deflect a distal tip of the catheter to steer and guide the distal tip to a target location in the patient's vasculature system. The augmented feedback may include, for example, haptic feedback via the handle. Haptic, audible, and/or visual feedback via the handle may indicate, for example, proximity or engagement of the distal tip with sensitive tissue. In some examples, the handle's augmented operation may advantageously amplify feedback signals to enhance the user's perception of the patient's safety with respect to the safe passage of the distal tip through the patient's vasculature.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Ryan Douglas, Richard Farrell, Dennis Berke, Davis Flanagan, David Bontrager, Brian Loushine