Patents by Inventor Gregory J. Henkel

Gregory J. Henkel 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: 10285815
    Abstract: A dual poppet valve assembly for a pump assembly of an implantable penile prosthesis having a suction poppet engagable by a plurality of fingers allowing free travel of the poppet and to prevent vacuum lockup of the pump assembly. The suction poppet can also include an elongated shaft receivable within a corresponding bore of a cylinder poppet to prevent the suction poppet from becoming misaligned during the operation of the pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Gary A. Rocheleau, Scott E. Jahns
  • Publication number: 20180116801
    Abstract: A dual poppet valve assembly for a pump assembly of an implantable penile prosthesis having a suction poppet engagable by a plurality of fingers allowing free travel of the poppet and to prevent vacuum lockup of the pump assembly. The suction poppet can also include an elongated shaft receivable within a corresponding bore of a cylinder poppet to prevent the suction poppet from becoming misaligned during the operation of the pump assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Gary A. Rocheleau, Scott E. Jahns
  • Patent number: 9889010
    Abstract: A dual poppet valve assembly for a pump assembly of an implantable penile prosthesis having a suction poppet engagable by a plurality of fingers allowing free travel of the poppet and to prevent vacuum lockup of the pump assembly. The suction poppet can also include an elongated shaft receivable within a corresponding bore of a cylinder poppet to prevent the suction poppet from becoming misaligned during the operation of the pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Gary A. Rocheleau, Scott E. Jahns
  • Patent number: 9827102
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an implantable penile prosthesis cylinder comprising an outer tube member and an inner tube member. The outer tube member has a longitudinal axis. The inner tube member is contained within the outer tube member. The inner tube member includes a plurality of inflatable chamber sections each defined by an exterior wall facing the outer tube member and an interior wall. Inflation of the chamber sections expands a girth of the outer tube member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Lund, Eric Forrest Little, Harshad M. Borgaonkar, Kristina Rouw, Andrew P. Vandeweghe, Carey J. Becker, Gregory J. Henkel
  • Publication number: 20170056177
    Abstract: A dual poppet valve assembly for a pump assembly of an implantable penile prosthesis having a suction poppet engagable by a plurality of fingers allowing free travel of the poppet and to prevent vacuum lockup of the pump assembly. The suction poppet can also include an elongated shaft receivable within a corresponding bore of a cylinder poppet to prevent the suction poppet from becoming misaligned during the operation of the pump assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Gary A. Rocheleau, Scott E. Jahns
  • Patent number: 9522065
    Abstract: A dual poppet valve assembly for a pump assembly of an implantable penile prosthesis having a suction poppet engagable by a plurality of fingers allowing free travel of the poppet and to prevent vacuum lockup of the pump assembly. The suction poppet can also include an elongated shaft receivable within a corresponding bore of a cylinder poppet to prevent the suction poppet from becoming misaligned during the operation of the pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Gary A. Rocheleau, Scott E. Jahns
  • Patent number: 9433504
    Abstract: A penile prosthesis includes an inflatable cylinder, a fluid connector and a pump. The inflatable cylinder includes an inflatable volume extending within a front tip, and a reservoir within a rear tip. The fluid connector includes a first end, and a second end that is forked into an inflation branch, which is fluidically coupled to the inflation volume, and a reservoir branch, which is fluidically coupled to the reservoir. The pump is attached to the first end and is configured to drive fluid from the reservoir through the reservoir branch and the inflation branch, and into the inflatable volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia M. Derus, Carey J. Becker, Gregory J. Henkel
  • Publication number: 20160015519
    Abstract: A dual poppet valve assembly for a pump assembly of an implantable penile prosthesis having a suction poppet engagable by a plurality of fingers allowing free travel of the poppet and to prevent vacuum lockup of the pump assembly. The suction poppet can also include an elongated shaft receivable within a corresponding bore of a cylinder poppet to prevent the suction poppet from becoming misaligned during the operation of the pump assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Gary A. Rocheleau, Scott E. Jahns
  • Publication number: 20150305871
    Abstract: A penile prosthesis includes an inflatable cylinder, a fluid connector and a pump. The inflatable cylinder includes an inflatable volume extending within a front tip, and a reservoir within a rear tip. The fluid connector includes a first end, and a second end that forked into an inflation branch, which is fluidically coupled to the inflation volume. and a reservoir branch, which is fluidically coupled to the reservoir. The pump is attached to the first end and is configured to drive fluid from the reservoir through the reservoir branch and the inflation branch, and into the inflatable volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Patricia M. Derus, Carey J. Becker, Gregory J. Henkel
  • Patent number: 9101474
    Abstract: A penile prosthesis includes an inflatable cylinder and a pump. The inflatable cylinder includes an inflatable volume extending within a front tip, a reservoir within a rear tip, and a deflation block. The deflation block is positioned between the inflatable volume and the reservoir, and includes a one-way valve configured to control a flow of fluid from the inflatable volume to the reservoir. The pump is configured to drive fluid from the reservoir and into the inflatable volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Patricia M. Derus, Carey J. Becker, Gregory J. Henkel
  • Patent number: 9089426
    Abstract: A dual poppet valve assembly for a pump assembly of an implantable penile prosthesis having a suction poppet engagable by a plurality of fingers allowing free travel of the poppet and to prevent vacuum lockup of the pump assembly. The suction poppet can also include an elongated shaft receivable within a corresponding bore of a cylinder poppet to prevent the suction poppet from becoming misaligned during the operation of the pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Gary A. Rocheleau, Scott E. Jahns
  • Publication number: 20140309490
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an implantable penile prosthesis cylinder comprising an outer tube member and an inner tube member. The outer tube member has a longitudinal axis. The inner tube member is contained within the outer tube member. The inner tube member includes a plurality of inflatable chamber sections each defined by an exterior wall facing the outer tube member and an interior Inflation of the chamber sections expands a girth of the outer tube member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Lund, Eric Forrest Little, Harshad M. Borgaonkar, Kristina Rouw, Andrew P. Vandeweghe, Carey J. Becker, Gregory J. Henkel
  • Publication number: 20130324793
    Abstract: A penile prosthesis includes an inflatable cylinder and a pump. The inflatable cylinder includes an inflatable volume extending within a front tip, a reservoir within a rear tip, and a deflation block. The deflation block is positioned between the inflatable volume and the reservoir, and includes a one-way valve configured to control a flow of fluid from the inflatable volume to the reservoir. The pump is configured to drive fluid from the reservoir and into the inflatable volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Patricia M. Derus, Carey J. Becker, Gregory J. Henkel
  • Publication number: 20130253265
    Abstract: A dual poppet valve assembly for a pump assembly of an implantable penile prosthesis having a suction poppet engagable by a plurality of fingers allowing free travel of the poppet and to prevent vacuum lockup of the pump assembly. The suction poppet can also include an elongated shaft receivable within a corresponding bore of a cylinder poppet to prevent the suction poppet from becoming misaligned during the operation of the pump assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: AMS RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Gary A. Rocheleau, Scott E. Jahns
  • Patent number: 8276591
    Abstract: A method of preventing inadvertent inflation of an implantable prosthetic includes biasing a valve assembly such that an outlet is substantially closed and using inadvertent pressure increases from the inlet to supplement the biasing of the valve assembly. It may further include the step of preventing fluid flow through the outlet by selectively varying fluid pressure within a bypass passageway having a first end which is in fluid communication with an inlet and a second end which is in fluid communication with a chamber. And, may also additionally include the step of displacing a flexible abutting wall disposed between the chamber and the valve assembly so that the abutting wall is caused to contact the valve assembly and urge the valve assembly into a closed position when the fluid pressure within the chamber exceeds a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Larry E. Waldack, Charles C. Kuyava, Randy L. Morningstar, John G. Almli
  • Patent number: 8109870
    Abstract: An inflatable penile prosthesis includes an implantable pump having a bypass valve. The bypass valve includes a cavity having a valve seat at a port, a poppet and a spring. The poppet includes a valve member and a stem extending from the valve member. In operation, the poppet includes a sealing position, where the valve member seals the port through contact with the valve seat, and a deflating position, where the valve member is displaced from the valve seat. The spring is configured to bias the valve member toward the valve seat, wherein the spring engages a portion of the stem while the poppet is in the deflating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Kuyava, Gregory J. Henkel
  • Publication number: 20090084447
    Abstract: A method of preventing inadvertent inflation of an implantable prosthetic includes biasing a valve assembly such that an outlet is substantially closed and using inadvertent pressure increases from the inlet to supplement the biasing of the valve assembly. It may further include the step of preventing fluid flow through the outlet by selectively varying fluid pressure within a bypass passageway having a first end which is in fluid communication with an inlet and a second end which is in fluid communication with a chamber. And, may also additionally include the step of displacing a flexible abutting wall disposed between the chamber and the valve assembly so that the abutting wall is caused to contact the valve assembly and urge the valve assembly into a closed position when the fluid pressure within the chamber exceeds a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: AMS RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Larry E. Waldack, Charles C. Kuyava, Randy L. Morningstar, John G. Almli
  • Patent number: 7438682
    Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism which prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The pump assembly has an actuating bar with ribs to enhance the spring force applied to a flow valve, a support structure to support and appropriately position the actuating bar, and a check valve made of metal with a segment covered with a plastic material. The preventative mechanism uses overpressure generated by the reservoir during unintentional compression to effectively seal the cylinders from unintended fluid flow. The prevention mechanism itself creates all necessary forces to prevent the undesired fluid flow to the cylinders. This is accomplished by incorporating appropriate mechanisms within the pump itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Larry E. Waldack, Charles C. Kuyava, Randy L. Morningstar, John G. Almli
  • Publication number: 20080114202
    Abstract: An inflatable penile prosthesis includes an implantable pump having a bypass valve. The bypass valve includes a cavity having a valve seat at a port, a poppet and a spring. The poppet includes a valve member and a stem extending from the valve member. In operation, the poppet includes a sealing position, where the valve member seals the port through contact with the valve seat, and a deflating position, where the valve member is displaced from the valve seat. The spring is configured to bias the valve member toward the valve seat, wherein the spring engages a portion of the stem while the poppet is in the deflating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Charles C. Kuyava, Gregory J. Henkel
  • Publication number: 20040220448
    Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism which prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The pump assembly has an actuating bar with ribs to enhance the spring force applied to a flow valve, a support structure to support and appropriately position the actuating bar, and a check valve made of metal with a segment covered with a plastic material. The preventative mechanism uses overpressure generated by the reservoir during unintentional compression to effectively seal the cylinders from unintended fluid flow. The prevention mechanism itself creates all necessary forces to prevent the undesired fluid flow to the cylinders. This is accomplished by incorporating appropriate mechanisms within the pump itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Larry E. Waldack, Charles C. Kuyava, Randy L. Morningstar, John G. Almli