Patents by Inventor Greg A. Johnson

Greg A. Johnson 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: 8454549
    Abstract: A pumping system for assisting a patient's heart includes a blood pump disposed outside the patient's body and having an inlet and an outlet. An inlet cannula is configured for insertion percutaneously into the vascular system of the patient, and in fluid communication with the blood pump inlet to provide blood to the blood pump. An outlet perfusion cannula is configured for insertion percutaneously into the vascular system of the patient, and in fluid communication with the blood pump outlet to provide blood to the patient's vascular system. A control system is provided to control the blood pump and includes at least two control units for redundant control of the blood pump. Each control unit includes a watchdog for monitoring the control unit. A variation of the pumping system includes a bidirectional cannula for insertion percutaneously into the vascular system of the patient and to extend into the patient's heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: CardiacAssist, Inc.
    Inventors: Zafiris G. Zafirelis, John C. Marous, III, Yih-Choung Yu, Kirk A. Lehmann, Greg A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110245582
    Abstract: A method of providing a pumping system for assisting a human patient's heart and providing a blood pump to be disposed outside the patient's body is disclosed. The blood pump has an inlet and an outlet. An inlet cannula is provided for insertion percutaneously into the vascular system of the patient, and is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with the blood pump inlet to provide blood to the blood pump. An outlet perfusion cannula is provided for insertion percutaneously into the vascular system of the patient, and is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with the blood pump outlet to provide blood to the patient's vascular system. The blood pump includes a control system to control the blood pump. The control system includes at least two control units for redundant control of the blood pump, and each control unit includes a watchdog for monitoring the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: CARDIACASSIST, INC.
    Inventors: Zafiris G. Zafirelis, John C. Marous, III, Yih-Choung Yu, Kirk A. Lehmann, Greg A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110160518
    Abstract: A system for assisting flow of blood by a patient's heart. The system includes a transseptal cannula adapted to be inserted percutaneously in the vascular system and extend through the atrial septum from the right atrium to the left atrium. The system includes a blood pump mechanism having a blood pump for pumping blood received from the transseptal cannula that has been oxygenated at specified flow rates over a range of physiological pressures. The blood pump is connected to the transseptal cannula. The system includes a perfusion cannula adapted to be inserted percutaneously in the vascular system for returning oxygenated blood to the atrial system of the patient. The perfusion cannula is connected to the blood pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: CARDIACASSIST, INC.
    Inventors: Zafiris G. Zafirelis, John C. Marous, III, Yih-Choung Yu, Kirk A. Lehmann, Greg A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7896832
    Abstract: A system for assisting flow of blood by a patient's heart. The system includes a transseptal cannula adapted to be inserted percutaneously in the jugular vein and extend through the atrial septum from the right atrium to the left atrium. The system includes a blood pump mechanism having a blood pump for pumping blood received from the transseptal cannula that has been oxygenated at specified flow rates over a range of physiological pressures. The blood pump is connected to the transseptal cannula. The system includes a perfusion cannula adapted to be inserted percutaneously in the axillary artery for returning oxygenated blood to the atrial system of the patient. The perfusion cannula is connected to the blood pump. A method for assisting blood flow by a patient's heart. The method includes the steps of inserting percutaneously in the jugular vein of the patient and extending through the atrial septum from the right atrium to the left atrium a transseptal cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: CardiacAssist, Inc.
    Inventors: Zafiris G. Zafirelis, John C. Marous, III, Yih-Choung Yu, Kirk A. Lehmann, Greg A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6796459
    Abstract: An automatic fill system for a beverage dispenser includes a sensor system for monitoring the beverage level in the dispenser. The sensors are wired in series with a level control board mounted inside the frame of the beverage dispenser. Sensing points are connected in an electrical circuit for maintaining the proper water to beverage concentrate ratio in the mixing hopper of the beverage dispenser. Resistance in the circuit is monitored so that when the resistance in the circuit reaches a predetermined value, a relay and solenoid open to divert water to the mixing hopper for mixing with the beverage concentrate. Sensors in the hopper shut off the dispenser when the beverage level in the hopper exceeds maximum and minimum levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Greg A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030078585
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. A method for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. A suture. A grommet for a bone. A method for securing a suture through a bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Greg A. Johnson, James F. Antaki, James A. Magovern, Matthew R. Frushell, Thomas David Will, John Andrew Holmes
  • Publication number: 20030071055
    Abstract: An automatic fill system for a beverage dispenser includes a sensor system for monitoring the beverage level in the dispenser. The sensors are wired in series with a level control board mounted inside the frame of the beverage dispenser. Sensing points are connected in an electrical circuit for maintaining the proper water to beverage concentrate ratio in the mixing hopper of the beverage dispenser. Resistance in the circuit is monitored so that when the resistance in the circuit reaches a predetermined value, a relay and solenoid open to divert water to the mixing hopper for mixing with the beverage concentrate. Sensors in the hopper shut off the dispenser when the beverage level in the hopper exceeds maximum and minimum levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Greg A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6485504
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. A method for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. A suture. A grommet for a bone. A method for securing a suture through a bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventors: Greg A. Johnson, James F. Antaki, James A. Magovern, Matthew R. Frushell, Thomas David Will, John Andrew Holmes
  • Patent number: 6472326
    Abstract: Aspects for more reliable particle removal from a semiconductor processing chamber following a chamber wet clean are described. With the present invention, an improved particle removal following wet cleans of semiconductor processing chambers occurs. The present invention creates a turbulent gas flow in a chamber in order to more thoroughly remove particles from the chamber, including those that the wet clean procedures cannot reach. In a straightforward and efficient manner, the turbulent gas flow is created by providing gas in both an upper and lower portion of the chamber substantially simultaneously, including the advantageous use of the backside helium available to chamber processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Allison Holbrook, Greg A. Johnson, Darlene Smith, Omar Serna, Theodros W. Mariam
  • Publication number: 20020077659
    Abstract: A system for closing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum of a patient. The system includes a first grommet to be disposed in the first side. The system includes a second grommet adapted to be disposed in the second side. The system includes a mechanism for placing a grommet into the sternum. The placing mechanism is adapted to hold the grommet for placement in the sternum. The system includes a first wire suture for insertion through the first and second grommets. The system includes a stop mechanism for allowing the placing mechanism to place a grommet into the sternum only in a desired location of the patient and any other portion of the patient is protected from damage by the placing mechanism during operation. A grommet. An approximator. A drill stop mechanism. A placement tool. A method of threading a wire suture through a hole in a sternum. A method of bringing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Greg A. Johnson, Wayne P. Griffin, James A. Magovern, David W. Kletzli
  • Patent number: 6302899
    Abstract: A system for closing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum of a patient. The system includes a first grommet to be disposed in the first side. The system includes a second grommet adapted to be disposed in the second side. The system includes a mechanism for placing a grommet into the sternum. The placing mechanism is adapted to hold the grommet for placement in the sternum. The system includes a first wire suture for insertion through the first and second grommets. The system includes a stop mechanism for allowing the placing mechanism to place a grommet into the sternum only in a desired location of the patient and any other portion of the patient is protected from damage by the placing mechanism during operation. A grommet. An approximator. A drill stop mechanism. A placement tool. A method of threading a wire suture through a hole in a sternum. A method of bringing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Cardiac Assist Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg A. Johnson, Wayne P. Griffin, James A. Magovern, David W. Kletzli
  • Patent number: 6082123
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved frozen beverage dispenser overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art noted above. Not only is the beverage dispenser relatively simple to construct and maintain, but it also provides an exceptionally fast freeze down time and accurate monitoring and control of the thickness of the slush dispensed from the beverage dispenser of the invention. The components of the beverage dispenser of the invention are housed within a compact housing incorporating solid state design with few mechanical moving parts. The closed loop system includes an evaporator, heat exchanger, condenser, compressor, and a filter/dryer. A tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a cylindrical mixing chamber having a rotatable beater bar located therein. The beater bar is coupled to a direct drive control system which monitors and controls the thickness of the slush formed in the mixing cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Greg A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6080185
    Abstract: A system for closing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum of a patient. The system includes a first grommet to be disposed in the first side. The system includes a second grommet adapted to be disposed in the second side. The system includes a mechanism for placing a grommet into the sternum. The placing mechanism is adapted to hold the grommet for placement in the sternum. The system includes a first wire suture for insertion through the first and second grommets. The system includes a stop mechanism for allowing the placing mechanism to place a grommet into the sternum only in a desired location of the patient and any other portion of the patient is protected from damage by the placing mechanism during operation. A grommet. An approximator. A drill stop mechanism. A placement tool. A method of threading a wire suture through a hole in a sternum. A method of bringing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Cardiac Assist Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg A. Johnson, James A. Magovern, Eric LaWhite, Wayne P. Griffin
  • Patent number: 6059818
    Abstract: A system for closing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum of a patient. The system includes a first grommet to be disposed in the first side. The system includes a second grommet adapted to be disposed in the second side. The system includes a mechanism for placing a grommet into the sternum. The placing mechanism is adapted to hold the grommet for placement in the sternum. The system includes a first wire suture for insertion through the first and second grommets. The system includes a stop mechanism for allowing the placing mechanism to place a grommet into the sternum only in a desired location of the patient and any other portion of the patient is protected from damage by the placing mechanism during operation. A grommet. An approximator. A drill stop mechanism. A placement tool. A method of threading a wire suture through a hole in a sternum. A method of bringing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Cardiac Assist Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg A. Johnson, Wayne P. Griffin, James A. Magovern, David W. Kletzli
  • Patent number: 6045572
    Abstract: A system for closing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum of a patient. The system includes a first grommet to be disposed in the first side. The system includes a second grommet adapted to be disposed in the second side. The system includes a mechanism for placing a grommet into the sternum. The placing mechanism is adapted to hold the grommet for placement in the sternum. The system includes a first wire suture for insertion through the first and second grommets. The system includes a stop mechanism for allowing the placing mechanism to place a grommet into the sternum only in a desired location of the patient and any other portion of the patient is protected from damage by the placing mechanism during operation. A grommet. An approximator. A drill stop mechanism. A placement tool. A method of threading a wire suture through a hole in a sternum. A method of bringing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Cardiac Assist Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg A. Johnson, Wayne P. Griffin, James A. Magovern, David W. Kletzli
  • Patent number: 5996359
    Abstract: An automatic beverage dispenser shut off system for a beverage dispenser includes a housing for a closed loop refrigeration system. A retaining tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a mixing cylinder having a rotatable beater bar mounted therein. The beater bar is coupled to a motor. The retaining tank cover is in actuating contact with a shut off switch in the power circuit of the beverage dispenser. Removal of the retaining tank cover automatically actuates the shut off switch and cuts off all power to the beverage dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Greg A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5979166
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved frozen beverage dispenser overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art noted above. Not only is the beverage dispenser relatively simple to construct and maintain, but it also provides an exceptionally fast freeze down time and accurate monitoring and control of the thickness of the slush dispensed from the beverage dispenser of the invention. The components of the beverage dispenser of the invention are housed within a compact housing incorporating solid state design with few mechanical moving parts. The closed loop system includes an evaporator, heat exchanger, condenser, compressor, and a filter/dryer. A tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a cylindrical mixing chamber having a rotatable beater bar located therein. The beater bar is coupled to a direct drive control system which monitors and controls the thickness of the slush formed in the mixing cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Greg A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5709095
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved frozen beverage dispenser overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art noted above. Not only is the beverage dispenser relatively simple to construct and maintain, but it also provides an exceptionally fast freeze down time and accurate monitoring and control of the thickness of the slush dispensed from the beverage dispenser of the invention. The components of the beverage dispenser of the invention are housed within a compact housing incorporating solid state design with few mechanical moving parts. The closed loop system includes an evaporator, heat exchanger, condenser, compressor, and a filter/dryer. A tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a cylindrical mixing chamber having a rotatable beater bar located therein. The beater bar is coupled to a direct drive control system which monitors and controls the thickness of the slush formed in the mixing cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Greg A. Johnson
  • Patent number: D373280
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Greg A. Johnson