Patents by Inventor George Lopez

George Lopez 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: 20040034325
    Abstract: A medical valve has a body and a flexible element. The body includes a wall structure defining an internal cavity having an inside and an outside. The body also has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has an opening sufficiently large to receive a tip of a delivery end of a medical implement which transfers fluid through the delivery end. The body has a fluid escape space in its wall structure. The flexible element is adapted to be moved into a compressed state upon insertion of the tip of the medical implement into the opening. The flexible element is sufficiently resilient to return to a decompressed state upon removal of the tip of the medical implement from the opening. The fluid escape space is in fluid communication with the outside of the cavity when the seal is in its compressed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6682509
    Abstract: A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Publication number: 20040002684
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device comprising a hollow piercing element having a first end for receiving a standard syringe nose or other similar medical device and a second end having a tapered tip for accessing fluid inside a medication container is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device has a disk-shaped stop for limiting entry of the piercing element into the vial. Preferably, the piercing element includes outwardly-extending barbs which allow the device to be inserted into a vial but which prevent the device from being removed from the vial after insertion. After the syringe is disengaged from the device, the device and spent medication vial may be discarded as a unit. Alternatively, the device can remain attached to the vial, and a new syringe can be used to withdraw additional fluid from the vial when desired. In an alternate embodiment, a reusable, resealable valve is connected to the first end of the piercing element, which valve allows multiple syringes to be used with the piercing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6669673
    Abstract: A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6635044
    Abstract: A medical valve has a body which includes a wall structure defining an internal cavity having an inside and an outside. The body also has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has an opening sufficiently large to receive a tip of a delivery end of a medical implement which transfers fluid through the delivery end. The body has a fluid escape space in its wall structure. The valve also has a spike with a tip and at least one hole located at or near the tip. The spike has a passageway in communication with the hole that allows fluid to flow through the spike. A resilient seal in the cavity surrounds the spike. This seal is adapted to be moved into a compressed state upon insertion of the tip of the medical implement into the opening. The seal is sufficiently resilient to return to a decompressed state upon removal of the tip of the medical implement from the opening. The fluid escape space is in fluid communication with the outside of the cavity when the seal is in its compressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6599273
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device comprising a hollow piercing element having a first end for receiving a standard syringe nose or other similar medical device and a second end having a tapered tip for accessing fluid inside a medication container is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device has a disk-shaped stop for limiting entry of the piercing element into the vial. Preferably, the piercing element includes outwardly extending barbs which allow the device to be inserted into a vial but which prevent the device from being removed from the vial after insertion. After the syringe is disengaged from the device, the device and spent medication vial may be discarded as a unit. Alternatively, the device can remain attached to the vial, and a new syringe can be used to withdraw additional fluid from the vial when desired. In an alternate embodiment, a reusable, resealable valve is connected to the first end of the piercing element, which valve allows multiple syringes to be used with the piercing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6572592
    Abstract: A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Publication number: 20020147431
    Abstract: A closed system, spikeless, positive-flow valve device includes a body defining an internal cavity. At the proximal end of the body is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The valve includes a plastic, resilient silicon seal which fills the upper cavity and opening with an oval seal cap having a slit. The opening presses the oval seal cap to keep the slit closed in the decompressed state. The slit opens as the nose of the medical implement compresses the seal into the cavity and the seal cap is free from the opening. The housing also includes a fluid space which facilitates fluid flow between the medical implement and a catheter tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, David C. Arnold, Bruce M. Hubrecht, Alison D. Brummett, Thomas J. Gustus, Dennis M. Bui
  • Publication number: 20020143301
    Abstract: A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Publication number: 20020138047
    Abstract: A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6428520
    Abstract: A closed system, spikeless, positive-flow valve device includes a body defining an internal cavity. At the proximal end of the body is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The valve includes a plastic, resilient silicon seal which fills the upper cavity and opening with an oval seal cap having a slit. The opening presses the oval seal cap to keep the slit closed in the decompressed state. The slit opens as the nose of the medical implement compresses the seal into the cavity and the seal cap is free from the opening. The housing also includes a fluid space which facilitates fluid flow between the medical implement and a catheter tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr., David C. Arnold, Bruce M. Hubrecht, Alison D. Brummett, Thomas J. Gustus, Dennis M. Bui
  • Publication number: 20020040207
    Abstract: A medical valve has a body which includes a wall structure defining an internal cavity having an inside and an outside. The body also has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has an opening sufficiently large to receive a tip of a delivery end of a medical implement which transfers fluid through the delivery end. The body has a fluid escape space in its wall structure. The valve also has a spike with a tip and at least one hole located at or near the tip. The spike has a passageway in communication with the hole that allows fluid to flow through the spike. A resilient seal in the cavity surrounds the spike. This seal is adapted to be moved into a compressed state upon insertion of the tip of the medical implement into the opening. The seal is sufficiently resilient to return to a decompressed state upon removal of the tip of the medical implement from the opening. The fluid escape space is in fluid communication with the outside of the cavity when the seal is in its compressed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Publication number: 20020032433
    Abstract: A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Publication number: 20020010437
    Abstract: Disclosed is a connector for introducing medication into a patient in a safe, convenient way. It comprises a pair of plastic tubular members adapted to be manually pushed together to engage in a male-female relationship, and a locking mechanism that detachably secures the members together. The male member has a sealed entry port at its end, and the female member safely houses within it a needle which centrally pierces the seal of the port upon engagement of the members. Preferably, the locking mechanism provides a “click” sound when it locks the members together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Virgil R. Laul
  • Patent number: 6325782
    Abstract: A medical valve has a body which includes a wall structure defining an internal cavity having an inside and an outside. The body also has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has an opening sufficiently large to receive a tip of a delivery end of a medical implement which transfers fluid through the delivery end. The body has a fluid escape space in its wall structure. The valve also has a spike with a tip and at least one hole located at or near the tip. The spike has a passageway in communication with the hole that allows fluid to flow through the spike. A resilient seal in the cavity surrounds the spike. This seal is adapted to be moved into a compressed state upon insertion of the tip of the medical implement into the opening. The seal is sufficiently resilient to return to a decompressed state upon removal of the tip of the medical implement from the opening. The fluid escape space is in fluid communication with the outside of the cavity when the seal is in its compressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6290688
    Abstract: Disclosed is a connector for introducing medication into a patient in a safe, convenient way. It comprises a pair of plastic tubular members adapted to be manually pushed together to engage in a male-female relationship, and a locking mechanism that detachably secures the members together. The male member has a sealed entry port at its end, and the female member safely houses within it a needle which centrally pierces the seal of the port upon engagement of the members. Preferably, the locking mechanism provides a “click” sound when it locks the members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Virgil R. Laul
  • Patent number: 6132403
    Abstract: A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6132404
    Abstract: A medical valve has a body which includes a wall structure defining an internal cavity having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has an opening sufficiently large to receive a tip of a delivery end of a medical implement which transfers fluid through the delivery end. The valve also has a spike with a tip contained within the cavity and at least one hole located distal the tip. The spike has a passageway in communication with the hole that allows fluid to flow through the spike. The valve also has a resilient seal in the cavity which surrounds the spike. The seal is adapted to be moved into a compressed state upon insertion of the tip of the medical implement into the opening. The seal is sufficiently resilient to return to a decompressed state upon removal of the tip of the medical implement from the opening. In Addition, the seal has at least two tires in contact with the spike proximal the hole, preventing the flow of fluid through the valve when the seal is in the decompressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: George A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6107242
    Abstract: A fire retardant absorbent material including coir fibres and/or coir dust, an effective quantity of a fire retardant material in the form of small particles, the particle size of the fire retardant material being of the order of less than 1 micron to ensure that the fire retardant material substantially penetrates or substantially coats at least a substantial proportion of the coir fibres present in the absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Coir Peat Aust Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Louis Ackerman, George Lopez
  • Patent number: 6083194
    Abstract: A medical connector is for use in transferring fluids to and from a patient. The connector has a primary conduit, which has an upstream branch in fluid communication with a primary source of fluid and a downstream branch in fluid communication with a patient. The connector also has a secondary conduit in fluid communication with said primary conduit. Additionally, the connector has a hollow, resilient valve positioned such that the primary fluid can flow through the valve when the valve is in a decompressed state. The valve has a tab extending into the secondary conduit such that a luer inserted in the secondary conduit compresses the tab, thereby preventing flow of the primary fluid through the connector while permitting both flow of fluid to the patient from the luer and flow of fluid from the patient to the luer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: George A. Lopez