Patents by Inventor Hoa La Wilhelm
Hoa La Wilhelm 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: 9918742Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes transmitting an interrogation signal. A first signal transmitted in response to the interrogation signal is detected, the first signal being transmitted by a first transponder arranged to move with a first bone fragment. A second signal transmitted in response to the interrogation signal is detected, the second signal being transmitted by a second transponder arranged to move with a second bone fragment. A distance between the bone fragments is determined using the detected signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, Gene Edward Austin
-
Patent number: 9763598Abstract: A field generator for use in a surgical targeting system is disclosed. The field generator includes a mounting structure including elements that are configured to receive components of an electromagnetic field generator. The elements are disposed on the mounting structure at locations and orientations relative to each other. The field generator includes at least one covering formed over the mounting structure, wherein, in use, the locations and orientations of the elements relative to each other remain substantially unaltered after exposure to one or more sterilization processes.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Hoa La Wilhelm, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin
-
Patent number: 9585722Abstract: A system for targeting landmarks on devices such as surgical implants is disclosed. The system can include a field generator for generating one or more magnetic fields, an orthopedic implant located within the magnetic fields, the implant having at least one landmark, a removable probe with a first magnetic sensor, a landmark identifier and a processor. The landmark identifier can contain a second sensor, or, alternatively, the field generator. The processor can utilize sensor data and, if desirable, field generator and other information, to generate and display the position and orientation of the sensor(s) in preferably six degrees of freedom, and thereby, to generate and display the position and orientation of the landmark(s). The system allows for blind targeting of one or more landmarks. The landmark identifier, field generator and/or drill motor may be disposed in an autoclavable housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Sied W. Janna, Hoa La Wilhelm, Charles C. Heotis
-
Patent number: 9526441Abstract: A method for targeting a landmark of an orthopaedic implant comprises implanting the orthopaedic implant in a body. The orthopaedic implant having at least one landmark defining two or more locations for targeting and a first magnetic sensor located at a known distance from at least one of the two or more locations. The method includes comprises identifying one of the locations using a landmark identifier, the landmark identifier having at least one of a second magnetic sensor and a magnetic field generator, installing a transfixion element in the at least one landmark, and identifying a second location using the landmark identifier.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, James K. Rains, Daniel Hampton, Timothy J. Petteys, Darin S. Gerlach
-
Publication number: 20160058321Abstract: A field generator for use in a surgical targeting system is disclosed. The field generator includes a mounting structure including elements that are configured to receive components of an electromagnetic field generator. The elements are disposed on the mounting structure at locations and orientations relative to each other. The field generator includes at least one covering formed over the mounting structure, wherein, in use, the locations and orientations of the elements relative to each other remain substantially unaltered after exposure to one or more sterilization processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2015Publication date: March 3, 2016Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Hoa La Wilhelm, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin
-
Patent number: 9192399Abstract: A field generator for use in a surgical targeting system is disclosed. The field generator includes a mounting structure including elements that are configured to receive components of an electromagnetic field generator. The elements are disposed on the mounting structure at locations and orientations relative to each other. The field generator includes at least one covering formed over the mounting structure, wherein, in use, the locations and orientations of the elements relative to each other remain substantially unaltered after exposure to one or more sterilization processes.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Hoa La Wilhelm, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin
-
Publication number: 20150238277Abstract: A system for targeting landmarks on devices such as surgical implants is disclosed. The system can include a field generator for generating one or more magnetic fields, an orthopaedic implant located within the magnetic fields, the implant having at least one landmark, a removable probe with a first magnetic sensor, a landmark identifier and a processor. The landmark identifier can contain a second sensor, or, alternatively, the field generator. The processor can utilize sensor data and, if desirable, field generator and other information, to generate and display the position and orientation of the sensor(s) in preferably six degrees of freedom, and thereby, to generate and display the position and orientation of the landmark(s). The system allows for blind targeting of one or more landmarks. The landmark identifier, field generator and/or drill motor may be disposed in an autoclavable housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2015Publication date: August 27, 2015Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Sied W. Janna, Hoa La Wilhelm, Charles C. Heotis
-
Publication number: 20150141811Abstract: A field generator for use in a surgical targeting system is disclosed. The field generator includes a mounting structure including elements that are configured to receive components of an electromagnetic field generator. The elements are disposed on the mounting structure at locations and orientations relative to each other. The field generator includes at least one covering formed over the mounting structure, wherein, in use, the locations and orientations of the elements relative to each other remain substantially unaltered after exposure to one or more sterilization processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Hoa La Wilhelm, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin
-
Patent number: 8945147Abstract: A field generator for use in a surgical targeting system is disclosed. The field generator includes a mounting structure including elements that are configured to receive components of an electromagnetic field generator. The elements are disposed on the mounting structure at locations and orientations relative to each other. The field generator includes at least one covering formed over the mounting structure, wherein, in use, the locations and orientations of the elements relative to each other remain substantially unaltered after exposure to one or more sterilization processes.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Northern Digital Inc.Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Hoa La Wilhelm, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin, Stefan R. Kirsch
-
Publication number: 20140081121Abstract: A method for targeting a landmark of an orthopaedic implant comprises implanting the orthopaedic implant in a body. The orthopaedic implant having at least one landmark defining two or more locations for targeting and a first magnetic sensor located at a known distance from at least one of the two or more locations. The method includes comprises identifying one of the locations using a landmark identifier, the landmark identifier having at least one of a second magnetic sensor and a magnetic field generator, installing a transfixion element in the at least one landmark, and identifying a second location using the landmark identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, James K. Rains, Daniel Hampton, Timothy J. Petteys, Darin S. Gerlach
-
Publication number: 20120296234Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes transmitting an interrogation signal. A first signal transmitted in response to the interrogation signal is detected, the first signal being transmitted by a first transponder arranged to move with a first bone fragment. A second signal transmitted in response to the interrogation signal is detected, the second signal being transmitted by a second transponder arranged to move with a second bone fragment. A distance between the bone fragments is determined using the detected signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, Gene Edward Austin
-
Patent number: 8207395Abstract: An absorbent core is provided including a substrate that performs at least one fluid handling function. At least a portion of at least one region of the substrate has been modified by aperturing, calendering, coating, creping, heating, printing stretching, or a combination thereof to impart at least one different fluid handling function. The substrate is folded to provide a plurality of panels wherein at least a portion of one panel corresponds to at least a portion of the modified region of the substrate. An absorbent article including the absorbent core and a process for making the absorbent core are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Dave Allen Soerens, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Hoa La Wilhelm
-
Publication number: 20120035468Abstract: A system for targeting landmarks on devices such as surgical implants is disclosed. The system can include a field generator for generating one or more magnetic fields, an orthopaedic implant located within the magnetic fields, the implant having at least one landmark, a removable probe with a first magnetic sensor, a landmark identifier and a processor. The landmark identifier can contain a second sensor, or, alternatively, the field generator. The processor can utilize sensor data and, if desirable, field generator and other information, to generate and display the position and orientation of the sensor(s) in preferably six degrees of freedom, and thereby, to generate and display the position and orientation of the landmark(s). The system allows for blind targeting of one or more landmarks. The landmark identifier, field generator and/or drill motor may be disposed in an autoclavable housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Sied W. Janna, Charles C. Heotis, Hoa La Wilhelm
-
Patent number: 7994384Abstract: An absorbent composition includes absorbent material, such as superabsorbent material, surface-treated with at least two different compatible agents. The superabsorbent material may be coated with multiple surface treatment agents in such a manner that each of the surface treatment agents is exposed on a surface of the superabsorbent material. For example, one surface treatment agent may be in a liquid coating form and another surface treatment agent may be in a powder form, each applied separately to the superabsorbent material.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jian Qin, Hoa La Wilhelm, Sheng-Hsin Hu
-
Publication number: 20100274256Abstract: A field generator for use in a surgical targeting system is disclosed. The field generator includes a mounting structure including elements that are configured to receive components of an electromagnetic field generator. The elements are disposed on the mounting structure at locations and orientations relative to each other. The field generator includes at least one covering formed over the mounting structure, wherein, in use, the locations and orientations of the elements relative to each other remain substantially unaltered after exposure to one or more sterilization processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Hoa La Wilhelm, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin
-
Patent number: 7799967Abstract: An absorbent structure expands to a greater extent along one surface than along an opposite surface when in the presence of a liquid. The absorbent structure may include a single layer, or two or more layers intimately bonded to one another. When in the presence of a liquid, the more expandable surface causes an increase in concavity in the X-Y plane of the structure, with the concavity being in the direction of the less expandable surface. One or both surfaces can be treated to adjust the respective level of expandability. By inducing a formed shape upon hydration swelling, a trough shape can be generated to facilitate absorbent properties, containment, and fit. The invention includes absorbent articles having such an absorbent structure incorporated therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Sridhar Ranganathan, Fred R. Radwanski, Jenny L. Day, Jeffrey J. Krueger, Gregory M. Lefkowitz, Stanley R. Kellenberger, Hoa La Wilhelm
-
Publication number: 20080262455Abstract: An absorbent core is provided including a substrate that performs at least one fluid handling function. At least a portion of at least one region of the substrate has been modified by aperturing, calendering, coating, creping, heating, printing stretching, or a combination thereof to impart at least one different fluid handling function. The substrate is folded to provide a plurality of panels wherein at least a portion of one panel corresponds to at least a portion of the modified region of the substrate. An absorbent article including the absorbent core and a process for making the absorbent core are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Dave Allen Soerens, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Hoa La Wilhelm
-
Patent number: 7378566Abstract: An absorbent core is provided including a substrate that performs at least one fluid handling function. At least a portion of at least one region of the substrate has been modified by aperturing, calendering, coating, creping, heating, printing, stretching, or a combination thereof to impart at least one different fluid handling function. The substrate is folded to provide a plurality of panels wherein at least a portion of one panel corresponds to at least a portion of the modified region of the substrate. An absorbent article including the absorbent core and a process for making the absorbent core are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Dave Allen Soerens, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Hoa La Wilhelm
-
Patent number: 7294591Abstract: An absorbent composite is provided including a substrate, at least a portion of which is coated with an absorbent adhesive composition. The substrate is folded upon itself to provide a plurality of panels. A personal care product including the absorbent composite is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Dave Allen Soerens, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Hoa La Wilhelm
-
Patent number: 7241627Abstract: A wearable article equipped with a multi-level alert system detects and emits signals corresponding to various abnormal levels of a substance in a mammalian extract. By providing different signals corresponding to multiple abnormal levels of the substance, the wearer is simultaneously alerted to the existence of an abnormality, and informed of the level of severity.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, Dave Allen Soerens, Lee Delson Wilhelm, James Hongxue Wang