Patents by Inventor Erich H. Wolf
Erich H. Wolf 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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Patent number: 9005131Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring the breath chemistry of a patient's breath using a specially designed self-condensing sensor module mounted in a mask, nasal cannula, headband with boom apparatus, or similar device for directing the patients' breath towards the self-condensing sensor. Monitoring of a patient's breath pH provided by the miniaturized self-condensing pH sensor provides for real-time monitoring of patient airway pH values. The specially designed self-condensing sensor module incorporates a data transfer means, e.g. direct wiring or by providing a transmitter with an antenna for wireless transferring of the pH data to a processing receiver. The self-condensing pH sensor comprises a multi-tubular design with the outer tubular member housing a silver chloride reference element, an ion conducting path, and an antimony sensor plug isolated in an inner tubular member that is co-linearly or coaxially configured with the outer tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventors: Ross Tsukashima, Jeffery D. Schipper, Leo R. Roucher, Jr., Erich H. Wolf, Charles S. Bankert
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Patent number: 8262878Abstract: The present invention pertains to a means of combining and configuring specific hydrophilic and dielectric materials in such a way as to allow an antimony/reference electrode pH sensor to be packaged and stored dry yet become fully hydrated to an activated state after exposure to aqueous liquids. The sensor is packaged and stored dry to maintain component stability and minimize component degradation. When the user removes the sensor from the package and the sensor tip is submerged in a hydration (ion conduction) media or solution, the hydrophilic coating along with the impregnated reference wick, absorb the fluid to create an electrolytic gel inside the reference wick, which activates the pH sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Sierra Medical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Erich H. Wolf, Charles Bankert, Ross Tsukashima, Elmer Custodio
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Patent number: 7736320Abstract: The present invention is a system for monitoring a patient's breath chemistry comprising a plurality of components, including a self-condensing pH sensor distally mounted on a catheter, a transmitter with hydration sensing circuitry for the pH sensor, and, a processing receiver/data recorder. The specifically designed self-condensing pH sensor located on the distal end of the catheter is designed to be inserted into the patient's airway. Monitoring of a patient's breath pH is accomplished by using the miniaturized self-condensing pH sensor, providing for real-time monitoring of patient airway pH values.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Sierra Medical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ross Tsukashima, Erich H. Wolf, Jeffery D. Schipper, Charles S. Bankert, Leo R. Roucher, Thomas Germain Wallner
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Publication number: 20090026078Abstract: The present invention pertains to a means of combining and configuring specific hydrophilic and dielectric materials in such a way as to allow an antimony/reference electrode pH sensor to be packaged and stored dry yet become fully hydrated to an activated state after exposure to aqueous liquids. The sensor is packaged and stored dry to maintain component stability and minimize component degradation. When the user removes the sensor from the package and the sensor tip is submerged in a hydration (ion conduction) media or solution, the hydrophilic coating along with the impregnated reference wick, absorb the fluid to create an electrolytic gel inside the reference wick, which activates the pH sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Erich H. Wolf, Charles Bankert, Ross Tsukashima, Elmer Custodio
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Patent number: 7297120Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating certain medical conditions, such as asthma, gastroesophageal reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux. The system includes a mask apparatus or sensor module fitted with a pH sensor and thermocouple, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a processing receiver, and a therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The mask apparatus, CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device are connected by a pneumatic means. The pH sensor and the thermocouple are in electrical communication with the processing receiver that controls, through an electronic means, the CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The electrical communications can be in the form of a plurality of wires or employ wireless means.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Sierra Medical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ross Tsukashima, Jeffery D. Schipper, Leo R. Roucher, Jr., Erich H. Wolf
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Patent number: 7238267Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a means of constructing a pH sensor that can detect changes in pH levels of humidified gases and liquid samples. When electronically connected to a computerized or analog display means, sensitive quantitative measurements can be obtained. Given the construction of current pH devices available today, there is a need in the field for a novel, miniaturized, self-condensing pH probe that can be used in fluid or humidified gases.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Sierra Medical TechnologyInventors: Erich H Wolf, Charles S. Bankert
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Patent number: 7206624Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for evaluating the signal strength from the pH sensor to determine whether the sensor is hydrated sufficiently to accurately measure pH. This is accomplished by utilizing circuitry that periodically sends a low voltage signal to a suitable pH sensor and then receiving the resulting waveforms which are analyzed by a processing receiver. The electrical connection between a suitable pH sensor and hydration monitoring circuitry is generally hard wired. In one embodiment, a processing receiver is coupled with the hydration monitoring circuitry as a single apparatus. In a second embodiment, the processing receiver can be independent and located remote from the hydration monitoring circuitry. In this embodiment, the hydration monitoring circuitry and the processing receiver are electrically connected using either hard wired techniques or wireless technology. In addition, the processing receiver can include data recording capability.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Sierra Medical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ross Tsukashima, Erich H. Wolf, Jeffery D. Schipper, Charles S. Bankert, Leo R. Roucher, Thomas Germain Wallner
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Patent number: 7101341Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating certain respiratory conditions, such as asthma. The system includes a mask apparatus fitted with a pH sensor and thermocouple, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a processing receiver, and a therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The mask apparatus, CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device are connected by a pneumatic means. The pH sensor and the thermocouple are in electrical communication with the processing receiver that controls, through an electronic means, the CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The electrical communications can be in the form of a plurality of wires or employ wireless means.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Inventors: Ross Tsukashima, Jeffery D. Schipper, Leo R. Roucher, Jr., Erich H. Wolf
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Publication number: 20040210153Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating certain medical conditions, such as asthma, gastroesophageal reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux. The system includes a mask apparatus or sensor module fitted with a pH sensor and thermocouple, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a processing receiver, and a therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The mask apparatus, CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device are connected by a pneumatic means. The pH sensor and the thermocouple are in electrical communication with the processing receiver that controls, through an electronic means, the CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The electrical communications can be in the form of a plurality of wires or employ wireless means.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Ross Tsukashima, Jeffery D. Schipper, Leo R. Roucher, Erich H. Wolf
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Publication number: 20040210151Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating certain respiratory conditions, such as asthma. The system includes a mask apparatus fitted with a pH sensor and thermocouple, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a processing receiver, and a therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The mask apparatus, CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device are connected by a pneumatic means. The pH sensor and the thermocouple are in electrical communication with the processing receiver that controls, through an electronic means, the CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The electrical communications can be in the form of a plurality of wires or employ wireless means.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Ross Tsukashima, Jeffery D. Schipper, Leo R. Roucher, Erich H. Wolf
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Publication number: 20020072732Abstract: A swivel tip assembly (100) includes a housing (110) having a passageway (128) with proximal (112) and distal (114) openings. Spherical member (106) and bushing (108), which is captured by the housing (110), provide a swivel joint. A wire (102), which is coupled to the spherical member (106), is attached to the distal end of a catheter (50). The swivel joint allows the housing (110) to swivel or rotate freely thereby minimizing the opportunity of grabbing the guide wire (116) as the catheter (504) is being pushed or pulled along the guide wire (116).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: Eugene J. Jung, James Savage, Erich H. Wolf
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Patent number: 6290693Abstract: A swivel tip assembly (100) includes a housing (110) having a passageway (128) with proximal (112) and distal (114) openings. Spherical member (106) and bushing (108), which is captured by the housing (110), provide a swivel joint. A wire (102), which is coupled to the spherical member (106), is attached to the distal end of a catheter (50). The swivel joint allows the housing (110) to swivel or rotate freely thereby minimizing the opportunity of grabbing the guide wire (116) as the catheter (504) is being pushed or pulled along the guide wire (116).Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: EndoSonics CorporationInventors: Eugene J. Jung, Jr., James Savage, Erich H. Wolf
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Patent number: 5876419Abstract: The present invention is a stent for insertion into an artery or other vessel. The stent is formed from a series of tubular shaped bands each formed with a first end which overlaps a second end. The overlap between the first and second ends is variable and allows each band to move between a contracted configuration and a fully expanded configuration which are within the elastic limits of the band. Each band includes a plurality of receivers and a first tab on a first edge of the band to secure each band at or near the fully expanded configuration and allow the stent to conform to the contours of the vessel. The bands are distributed along a substantially common axis to form a tube interconnected by a pair of elongated strips. In use, the stent is placed over a balloon catheter and compressed to adopt the contracted configuration. The stent may be maintained in the contracted configuration by a retainer.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Navius CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Carpenter, Leo R. Roucher, Jr., Eugene J. Jung, Jr., Erich H. Wolf, Thomas A. Steinke, Robert J. Duffy, Philip L. Baddour
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Patent number: 5735872Abstract: The present invention is a stent for insertion into an artery or other vessel. The stent is formed from a series of tubular shaped bands each formed with a first end which overlaps a second end. The overlap between the first and second ends is variable and allows each band to move between a contracted configuration and a fully expanded configuration which are within the elastic limits of the band. Each band includes a plurality of receivers and a first tab on a first edge of the band to secure each band at or near the fully expanded configuration and allow the stent to conform to the contours of the vessel. The bands are distributed along a substantially common axis to form a tube interconnected by a pair of elongated strips. In use, the stent is placed over a balloon catheter and compressed to adopt the contracted configuration. The stent is maintained in the contracted configuration by a retainer.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Navius CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Carpenter, Leo R. Roucher, Jr., Eugene J. Jung, Jr., Erich H. Wolf, Thomas A. Steinke
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Patent number: 5357955Abstract: The reinforced catheter sensor probe for intravascular use includes an aramid strand that extends along the length of the electromagnetic conduits and is bonded thereto. A greater than ten fold increase in tensile strength is thereby achieved. Additionally, the inherent strength of flexibility of the reinforcing strand ensures that a positive interconnection with the distal end of the sensor probe is maintained in the event the sensor probe is subjected to loads that cause its relatively more fragile components to sever. A protective, strain relieving introducer catheter is also provided to substantially prevent kinking and breakage of the sensor probe where the introducer catheter bends.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1994Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: Puritan-Bennett CorporationInventors: Erich H. Wolf, Christopher L. Davis, David P. Skarshaug, Charles S. Bankert, Richard Hannah, Samuel D. Riccitelli
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Patent number: 5313967Abstract: A torque-transmitting structure such as a guidewire or catheter is formed of a generally flat band or wire twisted so that its longitudinal edge generally forms a helix. This twisted helical portion may be attached to a proximal shaft, and a tip member may be attached to the distal end of the helical portion. In some embodiments, the device is made of a single piece of wire, and in some embodiments, a spring coil may cover the helical portion. Where the device is a fixed wire balloon catheter, the helical portion may be attached to a proximal shaft, and the balloon mounted on the helical twisted wire, a plastic sheath encasing the main shaft and wire up to the balloon for inflation of the balloon. The helical guidewire may also be used in an over-the-wire balloon catheter.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1992Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Glen L. Lieber, Ronald J. Solar, Erich H. Wolf, Mauricio L. Fugoso, Jr.