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: 9918742
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, Gene Edward Austin
  • Patent number: 9763598
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Hoa La Wilhelm, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin
  • Patent number: 9585722
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Sied W. Janna, Hoa La Wilhelm, Charles C. Heotis
  • Patent number: 9526441
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, James K. Rains, Daniel Hampton, Timothy J. Petteys, Darin S. Gerlach
  • Publication number: 20160058321
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Hoa La Wilhelm, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin
  • Patent number: 9192399
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Hoa La Wilhelm, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin
  • Publication number: 20150238277
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Sied W. Janna, Hoa La Wilhelm, Charles C. Heotis
  • Publication number: 20150141811
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Hoa La Wilhelm, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin
  • Patent number: 8945147
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Northern Digital Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Hoa La Wilhelm, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin, Stefan R. Kirsch
  • Publication number: 20140081121
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, James K. Rains, Daniel Hampton, Timothy J. Petteys, Darin S. Gerlach
  • Publication number: 20120296234
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, Gene Edward Austin
  • Patent number: 8207395
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Allen Soerens, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Hoa La Wilhelm
  • Publication number: 20120035468
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Sied W. Janna, Charles C. Heotis, Hoa La Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7994384
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Qin, Hoa La Wilhelm, Sheng-Hsin Hu
  • Publication number: 20100274256
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Ritchey, Hoa La Wilhelm, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin
  • Patent number: 7799967
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: 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: 20080262455
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Dave Allen Soerens, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Hoa La Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7378566
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Allen Soerens, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Hoa La Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7294591
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Allen Soerens, Cathleen Mae Uttecht, Hoa La Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7241627
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, Dave Allen Soerens, Lee Delson Wilhelm, James Hongxue Wang