Patents by Inventor Fred C. Gau

Fred C. Gau 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).

  • Patent number: 5084061
    Abstract: An intragastric balloon has an ellipsoid or like configuration so that the balloon implanted in the stomach tends to rotate or rock only about one axis when a surgeon attempts to manipulate the balloon, for example, for the purpose of finding a filler valve and inserting a filler tube into it. For easy location, the filler valve is disposed on the equator. A retrieval tab is mounted to the exterior of the balloon, to permit capturing of the balloon and retrieval from the stomach, after the balloon has been deflated and is no longer desired for weight control purposes. Visual and X-ray opaque markers are located in the proximity of the valve and of the retrieval tab to facilitate their visualization with an endoscopic light when the balloon is in the stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventors: Fred C. Gau, John C. Hancock