Patents by Inventor David J. Little, II

David J. Little, II 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: 20230256215
    Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana Andrew Oliver
  • Patent number: 11666738
    Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana A. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20220151597
    Abstract: A surgical system which may include a controller, a data entry device, a powered surgical handpiece and a surgical tool adapted to couple to the surgical handpiece. The surgical handpiece can include motor direction control and feedback, safety stop features, stimulation and nerve integrity monitoring, a tool connector assembly configured to retain a variety of surgical tools and optional navigation and/or electric ratcheting features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC
    Inventors: Michael L. Koltz, Christopher L. Fair, Michael S. Ferrell, Andrzej Klimaszewski, David J. Little, II, Manfred K. Luedi, Gerould Norman, Robert K. Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 11272909
    Abstract: A surgical system which may include a controller, a data entry device, a powered surgical handpiece and a surgical tool adapted to couple to the surgical handpiece. The surgical handpiece can include motor direction control and feedback, safety stop features, stimulation and nerve integrity monitoring, a tool connector assembly configured to retain a variety of surgical tools and optional navigation and/or electric ratcheting features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Koltz, Christopher L. Fair, Michael S. Ferrell, Andrzej Klimaszewski, David J. Little, II, Manfred K. Luedi, Gerould Norman, Robert K. Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 10456122
    Abstract: A surgical system which may include a controller, a data entry device, a powered surgical handpiece and a surgical tool adapted to couple to the surgical handpiece. The surgical handpiece can include motor direction control and feedback, safety stop features, stimulation and nerve integrity monitoring, a tool connector assembly configured to retain a variety of surgical tools and optional navigation and/or electric ratcheting features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Koltz, Christopher L. Fair, Michael S. Ferrell, Andrzej Klimaszewski, David J. Little, II, Manfred K. Luedi, Gerould Norman, Robert K. Vaccaro
  • Publication number: 20190321609
    Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana A. Oliver
  • Patent number: 10363401
    Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana A. Oliver
  • Patent number: 10105521
    Abstract: An inflation device useful for inflating a balloon provided with a surgical instrument, such as a balloon sinus dilation instrument. The inflation device includes a syringe, a connector, and mechanical pressure indicator. The syringe includes a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel. The connector is configured to fluidly connect an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon in establishing a closed inflation system between the syringe and an interior of the balloon. The pressure indicator is associated with the syringe and is configured to transition from a non-alert state to an alert state when a pressure of the inflation system has reached a predetermined level. In some embodiments, the inflation device is characterized by the absence of a pressure gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Timothy M. Furst, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Dana A. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20170007811
    Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana A. Oliver
  • Patent number: 9463307
    Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana A. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20160106960
    Abstract: An inflation device useful for inflating a balloon provided with a surgical instrument, such as a balloon sinus dilation instrument. The inflation device includes a syringe, a connector, and mechanical pressure indicator. The syringe includes a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel. The connector is configured to fluidly connect an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon in establishing a closed inflation system between the syringe and an interior of the balloon. The pressure indicator is associated with the syringe and is configured to transition from a non-alert state to an alert state when a pressure of the inflation system has reached a predetermined level. In some embodiments, the inflation device is characterized by the absence of a pressure gauge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Timothy M. Furst, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Dana A. Oliver
  • Patent number: 9238125
    Abstract: An inflation device useful for inflating a balloon provided with a surgical instrument, such as a balloon sinus dilation instrument. The inflation device includes a syringe, a connector, and mechanical pressure indicator. The syringe includes a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel. The connector is configured to fluidly connect an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon in establishing a closed inflation system between the syringe and an interior of the balloon. The pressure indicator is associated with the syringe and is configured to transition from a non-alert state to an alert state when a pressure of the inflation system has reached a predetermined level. In some embodiments, the inflation device is characterized by the absence of a pressure gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Timothy M. Furst, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Dana A. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20140213968
    Abstract: An inflation device useful for inflating a balloon provided with a surgical instrument, such as a balloon sinus dilation instrument. The inflation device includes a syringe, a connector, and mechanical pressure indicator. The syringe includes a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel. The connector is configured to fluidly connect an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon in establishing a closed inflation system between the syringe and an interior of the balloon. The pressure indicator is associated with the syringe and is configured to transition from a non-alert state to an alert state when a pressure of the inflation system has reached a predetermined level. In some embodiments, the inflation device is characterized by the absence of a pressure gauge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Timothy M. Furst, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Dana A. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20140180328
    Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana A. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20130245704
    Abstract: A surgical system which may include a controller, a data entry device, a powered surgical handpiece and a surgical tool adapted to couple to the surgical handpiece. The surgical handpiece can include motor direction control and feedback, safety stop features, stimulation and nerve integrity monitoring, a tool connector assembly configured to retain a variety of surgical tools and optional navigation and/or electric ratcheting features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC
    Inventors: Michael L. Koltz, Christopher L. Fair, Michael S. Ferrell, Andrzej Klimaszewski, David J. Little, II, Manfred K. Luedi, Gerould Norman, Robert K. Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 5140906
    Abstract: An airbag igniter having an initiator charge in an inner case and an output charge in a surrounding outer case, has a first metal header closing the inner case and a glass seal providing feed through of one or more electrical connections to the initiator charge through the first header. The outer case has a second metal header fitted to it. The second header surrounds the first header in a spaced relationship maintained by a second glass seal. The second glass seal electrically isolates the second header and outer case from the inner header for protection against accidental ignition. The dual glass seals provide protection against maloperation due to gas leakage. A ceramic washer in axial compression between the outer header and a flange of the inner header provides added assurance against failure of the second glass seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: ICI Americas, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Little, II