Patents by Inventor Dean A. Schaefer

Dean A. Schaefer 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: 20110274304
    Abstract: A method for adapting a small stereo speaker for mounting in a hole designed for a larger speaker (the hole being in a mounting wall). A pair of adapters are provided. These are plates which include an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. When the two plates are placed together (like book ends) the inner perimeters of the two plates define an opening appropriately sized for the small speaker. The outer perimeters of the two plates include mounting holes and/or slots which are sized and positioned to align with the mounting holes typically used for the larger speaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Scott Wafer, David Dean Schaefer, Colin Becker Ehrhardt
  • Patent number: 7985214
    Abstract: An intravascular catheter that exhibits the combined features of superior flexibility, softness, radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having a proximal region, a distal region and a lumen extending therethrough. The proximal region of the shaft includes an inner lubricious polymer layer, a reinforcement layer and an outer layer. The reinforcement layer comprises a braid having one or more metallic members and a plurality of polymer members wherein each polymer member comprises a plurality of monofilaments, preferably formed of LCP. The polymer members of the braid provide improved flexibility and softness in addition to high burst pressure. The metallic member(s) of the braid provide improved radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter may also include a longitudinal member extending along the reinforcement layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Garabedian, John Griego, Earl Bardsley, Dean A. Schaefer, Cang D. Dao, Steven M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110022149
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments include thin permeable membranes configured to occlude blood flow therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Brian J. Cox, Dean Schaefer, Robert F. Rosenbluth
  • Publication number: 20110015657
    Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: ROX MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Rodney A. BRENNEMAN, J. Christopher FLAHERTY, Dean Schaefer, Peter Davis, Brad KELLERMAN
  • Patent number: 7828814
    Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: ROX Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney A. Brenneman, J. Christopher Flaherty, Dean Schaefer, Peter Davis, Brad Kellerman
  • Publication number: 20090275876
    Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: ROX MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Rodney A. Brenneman, J. Christopher Flaherty, Dean Schaefer, Peter Davis, Brad Kellerman
  • Patent number: 7583791
    Abstract: An X-ray tube target assembly and method of manufacturing same is provided. The X-ray tube target assembly comprises an injection molded target disk. The injection molded target disk includes an injection molded hub member and an injection molded outer member. The injection molded outer member comprises a plurality of injection molded outer member segments that are removably attached together and removably attached to the hub member to form the injection molded target disk. A target track is formed on an outer surface on one side of an outer periphery of the injection molded outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Ron Kent Hockersmith, Michael Scott Hebert, Thomas Dean Schaefer, Ethan James Westcot
  • Publication number: 20080260105
    Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a stationary base and a passage therein. The x-ray tube includes an anode frame having an anode positioned adjacent to a first end and having a neck at a second end, the neck extends into the passage, wherein the anode frame is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the passage. A hermetic seal is positioned about the neck between the neck and the stationary base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Dean Schaefer, Ron Kent Hockersmith
  • Publication number: 20080223367
    Abstract: Methods and Devices for treating airway openings and breathing disorders including obstructive sleep apnea are disclosed. Structures and methods disclosed herein maintain and preserve airway openings against posterior collapse of the tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Brian J. Cox, Robert F. Rosenbluth, Dean Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20080171944
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula, including the modification of an existing dialysis fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. A kit of anastomotic implants is described which supports a broad base of patient anatomies and fistula locations. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: ROX Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Brenneman, Dean A. Schaefer, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Patent number: 7377695
    Abstract: An x-ray target assembly is provided comprising a drive shaft and an outer shaft housing element. A primary integral duplex bearing assembly is positioned between the outer shaft housing element and the drive shaft and comprises a primary fixed outer race and a primary dual inner race comprising a first primary inner race element and a second primary race element. A plurality of primary ball elements are positioned therebetween. A secondary integral duplex bearing assembly is positioned between the outer shaft housing element and the drive shaft and comprises a secondary floating outer race comprising a single secondary race element. A secondary dual inner race is comprised of a first secondary inner race element and a second secondary race element. A plurality of secondary ball elements are positioned between the secondary floating outer race and the secondary dual inner race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Liangheng Qiu, Thomas Dean Schaefer, Paul M. Ratzmann
  • Publication number: 20080119879
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include a device for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula that includes an integral fistula creation assembly near its distal end that passes through the skin of the patient, through a first vessel such as an artery, and into a second vessel such as a vein. The fistula creation assembly preferably includes an anastomotic implant that is placed within the fistula to maintain long-term blood flow therethrough. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: ROX Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Brenneman, Dean A. Schaefer, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20080095316
    Abstract: The present application discloses an anode assembly for an x-ray device. The anode assembly includes an anode and an anode shaft mounted to the anode. The anode assembly additionally includes a plurality of ceramic bearing balls adapted to rotatably support the anode shaft. In an embodiment, a plurality of metallic bearing balls are also provided to rotatably support the anode shaft. In another embodiment, the plurality of ceramic bearing balls and the plurality of metallic bearing balls have a solid lubricant coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Liangheng Qiu, Carey Shawn Rogers, Michael J. Danyluk, Thomas Dean Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7331974
    Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. In a preferred embodiment, the minimum energy state secondary configuration comprises a plurality of tangentially-interconnected, substantially circular loops defining a plurality of discrete axes. In an alternative embodiment, the minimum energy state secondary configuration defines a wave-form like structure comprising a longitudinal array of laterally-alternating open loops defining a plurality of separate axes. In either embodiment, the device, in its minimum energy state secondary configuration, has a dimension that is substantially larger than the largest dimension of the vascular site in which the device is to be deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Microvention, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Schaefer, Horacio Almazan, David A. Ferrera, Brian J. Cox, George R. Greene, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20070249985
    Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: ROX Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Brenneman, J. Flaherty, Dean Schaefer, Peter Davis, Brad Kellerman
  • Publication number: 20060184195
    Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary configuration comprises a plurality of interconnected closed loops defining a plurality of discrete axes. In a second embodiment, the secondary configuration defines a wave-form like structure comprising an array of laterally-alternating open loops defining a plurality of separate axes. In a third embodiment, the secondary configuration forms a series of tangential closed loops, wherein the entire structure subtends a first angle of arc, and wherein each adjacent pair of loops defines a second angle of arc. In a fourth embodiment, the secondary configuration forms a logarithmic spiral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Applicant: MICROVENTION, INC.
    Inventors: Dean Schaefer, Brain Cox, George Greene, David Ferrera, Matthew Fitz, Robert Rosenbluth
  • Publication number: 20060184196
    Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary configuration-comprises a plurality of interconnected closed loops defining a plurality of discrete axes. In a second embodiment, the secondary configuration defines a wave-form like structure comprising an array of laterally-alternating open loops defining a plurality of separate axes. In a third embodiment, the secondary configuration forms a series of tangential closed loops, wherein the entire structure subtends a first angle of arc, and wherein each adjacent pair of loops defines a second angle of arc. In a fourth embodiment, the secondary configuration forms a logarithmic spiral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Applicant: MICROVENTION, INC.
    Inventors: Dean Schaefer, Brian Cox, George Greene, David Ferrera, Matthew Fitz, Robert Rosenbluth
  • Publication number: 20060111704
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula. Embodiments include catheter apparatus including an ablation element for creating and/or modifying the fistula. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: ROX Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Brenneman, Dean Schaefer, J. Flaherty
  • Patent number: 7033374
    Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary configuration-comprises a plurality of interconnected closed loops defining a plurality of discrete axes. In a second embodiment, the secondary configuration defines a wave-form like structure comprising an array of laterally-alternating open loops defining a plurality of separate axes. In a third embodiment, the secondary configuration forms a series of tangential closed loops, wherein the entire structure subtends a first angle of arc, and wherein each adjacent pair of loops defines a second angle of arc. In a fourth embodiment, the secondary configuration forms a logarithmic spiral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Microvention, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Schaefer, Brian J. Cox, George R. Greene, Jr., David A. Ferrera, Matthew Fitz, Robert F. Rosenbluth
  • Patent number: 7029486
    Abstract: A microcoil vaso-occlusive device has a minimum energy state secondary configuration having a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis. The secondary configuration may be a plurality of interconnected closed loops; an array of laterally-alternating open loops; a series of tangential closed loops; or a logarithmic spiral. The device, in its secondary cofiguration, has a dimension that is substantially larger than the largest dimension of the vascular site in which it is to be deployed. Thus, confinement of the device within the site causes it to assume a configuration with a higher energy state than the minimum energy state. Because the secondary configuration is larger (in at least one dimension) than the site, the device is constrained, by contact with the walls of the site, from returning to its secondary configuration, and shifting of the device due to blood flow is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Microvention, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Schaefer, Brian J. Cox, George R. Greene, Jr., David A. Ferrera, Matthew Fitz, Robert F. Rosenbluth