Patents by Inventor Hector J. Menchaca

Hector J. Menchaca 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).

  • Micro-orifice surgical access system
    Patent number: 9072501
    Abstract: A surgical access system including an access port device. The port device has a port member, a plurality of blades, and an articulation mechanism. The blades are circumferentially arranged about a longitudinal axis of the port member to collectively define an access region. The articulation mechanism defines a pivot point along a length of each blade, and is operable to articulate the blades between collapsed and expanded states. The blade tips collectively define a diameter in the collapsed state that is less than that in the expanded state. The blades rotate about the corresponding pivot point, and the pivot points move longitudinally relative to the port member, in transitioning between the contracted and expanded states. Light source(s) can be integrated with the blades or separately provided to enhance surgical field visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Hector J. Menchaca, Van N. Michalek, Nestor B. Suguitani, Henry Buchwald, Mitsuhiro Oura, Arthur G. Erdman
  • MICRO-ORIFICE SURGICAL ACCESS SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140275801
    Abstract: A surgical access system including an access port device. The port device has a port member, a plurality of blades, and an articulation mechanism. The blades are circumferentially arranged about a longitudinal axis of the port member to collectively define an access region. The articulation mechanism defines a pivot point along a length of each blade, and is operable to articulate the blades between collapsed and expanded states. The blade tips collectively define a diameter in the collapsed state that is less than that in the expanded state. The blades rotate about the corresponding pivot point, and the pivot points move longitudinally relative to the port member, in transitioning between the contracted and expanded states. Light source(s) can be integrated with the blades or separately provided to enhance surgical field visibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Hector J. Menchaca, Van N. Michalek, Nestor B. Suguitani, Henry Buchwald, Mitsuhiro Oura, Arthur G. Erdman
  • Method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport
    Patent number: 7687272
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport, and to measure lipid levels by correlating these levels with the rate at which oxygen diffuses through the red blood cell membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventors: Henry Buchwald, Hector J. Menchaca, Van N. Michalek, Thomas J. O'Dea, Thomas D. Rohde
  • Method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport
    Patent number: 6806091
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport, and to measure lipid levels by correlating these levels with the rate at which oxygen diffuses through the red blood cell membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventors: Henry Buchwald, Hector J. Menchaca, Van Michalek, Thomas J. O'Dea, Thomas D. Rohde
  • Method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport
    Patent number: 6037181
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport, and to measure lipid levels by correlating these levels with the rate at which oxygen diffuses through the red blood cell membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventors: Henry Buchwald, Hector J. Menchaca, Van Michalek, Thomas J. O'Dea, Thomas D. Rohde