Patents by Inventor Howard A. Epstein
Howard A. Epstein 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).
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Publication number: 20030139774Abstract: A filling device and method, particularly for two-component sealants such as fibrin sealants, which enables two fluids to be separately and directly filled to the reservoirs of a dual syringe fluid applicator from two storage containers, which can be standardized, sealed, sterilized bottles. The device has a connector which engages with the fluid applicator, is keyed to orient the applicator's fluid reservoirs in a predetermined manner and holds the containers in side-by-side alignment with the applicator. Two fluid conduits whose downward ends may be pointed to pierce seals on the bottles, extend between the applicator and the bottles and can each have a transverse reach to accommodate the girth of the bottles. The bottles may be tilted by the device to enable the conduits to draw maximal fluid from a lowermost point of the bottle. Tilting can be effected by a downward movement of the device supporting the applicator which movement can introduce the fluid conduits into the bottles.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Gordon Howard Epstein, Mitchell E. Levinson, Richard Spero, Adam Hagmann
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Publication number: 20030130866Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for facilitating the process of caring for an individual, such as an elder. The present invention also disseminates a wide range of information to users. The system allows members of an elder's support group to easily and conveniently communicate and coordinate their actions. The present invention is accomplished by the creation of an “e-space” for the elder. The e-space is a set of data files that are associated with the elder. The e-space is stored in a central location that can be accessed conveniently by individuals by accessing a computer network such as the Internet. The system also allows the elder (or an agent of the elder called a “responsible party”) to maintain his or her privacy by controlling access to his or her e-space.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Kathryn C. Turner, Veronica Oberdorf, Gopal V. Raja, Gail M. Maestas, Howard Epstein
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Patent number: 6575205Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a syringe-type applicator having multiple material reservoirs are disclosed. The method and apparatus permits the individual component reservoirs to be simultaneously filled without risk of contamination or unintentional component mixing. The method and apparatus are particularly useful in the preparation and delivery of multiple component tissue sealants such a fibrinogen adhesive compositions.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Baxter InternationalInventors: Gordon Howard Epstein, Alan Plyley, Russell James Redmond
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Patent number: 6575940Abstract: A sealant applicator suitable for dispensing a coagulable sealant, for example a two-component fibrin sealant mixed in the applicator, employs impulse clearing to remove residual coagulated or coagulating material from the dispensing pathway and mixing chamber, if present. Impulses may be generated by manual application of a clearing member such as a plunger which can enter into the dispensing pathway to engage, dislodge and discharge residuals or can generate a gas impulse to impact the residuals to similar effect. A clearing valve having a clearing port can be operated by movement of the clearing member to provide access to the dispensing pathway.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1999Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Baxter Healthcare CorporationInventors: Mitchell E. Levinson, Gordon Howard Epstein
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Publication number: 20030083606Abstract: A filling device for connecting a dispensing instrument having multiple fluid reservoirs to multiple containers is disclosed. More particularly, the present invention discloses a connecting device capable of coupling the individual reservoirs of a dispensing instrument to multiple fluid containers. The apparatus includes a body, a collar extending from the body, a plurality of tubes in fluid communication with a plurality of inlet ports formed in the body, and a hood adapted to simultaneously receive a plurality of containers therein. The containers are positioned within the hood to allow the plurality of tubes to simultaneously and separately draw fluid from the fluid containers and transferring the material into the individual reservoirs of the dispensing instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Gordon Howard Epstein, Mitchell E. Levinson, Richard Spero
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Publication number: 20030044478Abstract: The present invention relates to burnet extract and to external skin compositions comprising the burnet extract. The invention also relates to a method of preparing the burnet extract.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Howard A. Epstein, Christine Hall
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Patent number: 6488650Abstract: A filling device and method, particularly for two-component sealants such as fibrin sealants, which enables two fluids to be separately and directly filled to the reservoirs of a dual syringe fluid applicator from two storage containers, which can be standardized, sealed, sterilized bottles. The device has a connector which engages with the fluid applicator, is keyed to orient the applicator's fluid reservoirs in a predetermined manner and holds the containers in side-by-side alignment with the applicator. Two fluid conduits whose downward ends may be pointed to pierce seals on the bottles, extend between the applicator and the bottles and can each have a transverse reach to accommodate the girth of the bottles. The bottles may be tilted by the device to enable the conduits to draw maximal fluid from a lowermost point of the bottle. Tilting can be effected by a downward movement of the device supporting the applicator which movement can introduce the fluid conduits into the bottles.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.Inventors: Gordon Howard Epstein, Mitchell E. Levinson, Richard Spero, Adam Hagmann
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Publication number: 20020173744Abstract: A medical fluid suctioning device for selectively applying varied levels of suction pressure at a device-tissue interface includes a direct “trumpet”-type control mechanism in conjunction with a “venturi”-type control. A valve manifold is adapted to couple a vent pathway and a suction pathway simultaneously to the vacuum conduit adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The amount of resistance to flow due to vacuum pressure is adjusted simultaneously in both the vent pathway and the suction pathway in order to achieve controlled, selected levels of suction. Similarly shaped valve apertures are provided in inverse and reciprocal orientation along an axis of motion of a valve manifold. The apertures translate across ports to the suction and venting pathways simultaneously to vary applied suction to those pathways inversely.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventor: Gordon Howard Epstein
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Patent number: 6475183Abstract: A filling device for connecting a dispensing instrument having multiple fluid reservoirs to multiple containers is disclosed. More particularly, the present invention discloses a connecting device capable of coupling the individual reservoirs of a dispensing instrument to multiple fluid containers. The apparatus includes a body, a collar extending from the body, a plurality of tubes in fluid communication with a plurality of inlet ports formed in the body, and a hood adapted to simultaneously receive a plurality of containers therein. The containers are positioned within the hood to allow the plurality of tubes to simultaneously and separately draw fluid from the fluid containers and transferring the material into the individual reservoirs of the dispensing instrument.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Gordon Howard Epstein, Mitchell E. Levinson, Richard Spero
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Patent number: 6471667Abstract: A medical fluid suctioning device for selectively applying varied levels of suction pressure at a device-tissue interface includes a direct “trumpet”-type control mechanism in conjunction with a “venturi”-type control. A valve manifold is adapted to couple a vent pathway and a suction pathway simultaneously to the vacuum conduit adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The amount of resistance to flow due to vacuum pressure is adjusted simultaneously in both the vent pathway and the suction pathway in order to achieve controlled, selected levels of suction. Similarly shaped valve apertures are provided in inverse and reciprocal orientation along an axis of motion of a valve manifold. The apertures translate across ports to the suction and venting pathways simultaneously to vary applied suction to those pathways inversely.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1999Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Gordon Howard Epstein
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Patent number: 6461361Abstract: A gas-driven spray applicator particularly suitable for spray delivery of mixed fibrin sealants for surgical use has a spray nozzle wherein droplets or a stream of mixed sealant agents are entrained in a stream of gas such as sterile compressed air. Gas entrainment of the mixed sealant overcomes problems of ineffective mixing which may occur when the sealant agents are separately discharged into overlapping spray patterns. A spray tip assembly is disclosed which is suitable for attachment to an applicator body having manually dischargeable reservoirs for the sealant agents. Clogs may be cleared by suction.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Gordon Howard Epstein
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Publication number: 20020072714Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a syringe-type applicator having multiple material reservoirs are disclosed. The method and apparatus permits the individual component reservoirs to be simultaneously filled without risk of contamination or unintentional component mixing. The method and apparatus are particularly useful in the preparation and delivery of multiple component tissue sealants such a fibrinogen adhesive compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2000Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: Gordon Howard Epstein, Alan Plyley, Russell James Redmond
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Patent number: 6331172Abstract: A medical fluid applicator for dispensing a fluid onto biological tissues in tissue adhesive or sealant applications includes a dispensing pathway with an audible loudness indicator that signals the cumulative amount of fluid delivered by varying the pitch or tone of audible signals emitted at discrete volumetric increments. A suction pathway is also included for applying vacuum pressure to the applicator tip contemporaneous with the fluid application. The medical fluid applicator further includes a clearing pathway for retrogradedly withdrawing coagulated mixed fluids, such as mixed two-part tissue adhesives, from the applicator tip. A valve manifold and a shuttle valve are actuated to adjust the operation of vacuum pressure in the device between the various suctioning, clearing, and venting conduits of the device. The valve manifold is also adapted to couple a vent pathway and the suction pathway simultaneously to the vacuum conduit adapted for connection to a vacuum source.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1997Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Gordon Howard Epstein, Alan Plyley, Russell James Redmond
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Publication number: 20010011162Abstract: Multipurpose fluid applicators, particularly suitable for surgical purposes, are disclosed. The applicators are specifically designed for dispensing various combinations of sterile pressurized gas, suction, irrigation and sealant agents, including a mixed liquid sealant agent. Preferred embodiments employ a dual-acting valve selectively to control the flow of gas or suction which valve is capable of simultaneously varying flow from a source and the venting of that flow to atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Inventor: Gordon Howard Epstein
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Patent number: 6063055Abstract: The invention provides a handheld, manually operable fluid applicator, particularly suited to the needs of surgeons, for dispensing a multi-component fluid applicator, for example fibrin and thrombin components of a tissue adhesive. The sealant components undergo turbulent mixing in a mixing chamber which causes a sharp change of at least 60 degrees in the direction of flow of each sealant component, to provide effective mixing and a quality sealant product. The mixing chamber has an increased cross-sectional area over the combined areas of the component supply passages and the fluid flows are directly opposed to impinge on each other in the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is incorporated in a novel one-piece flexible and resilient manifold. Dual nozzle spray applicators with poppet valves are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Biosurgical CorporationInventors: Gordon Howard Epstein, Alan Kirby Plyley, Russell James Redmond
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Patent number: 6017548Abstract: An oil-in-water emulsion for treating the skin comprising from about 2 to about 10 weight percent of a cationic emulsifier such as dimethyl distearyl ammonium halide, a substantially nonionizable humectant such as glycerine and a weakly acidic material having a disassociation constant of about I to 6. The amount of weakly acidic material is such that the pH of the finished emulsion is about 2.5 to 4.5. also disclosed is a method of preparing the emulsion.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: The Andrew Jergens CompanyInventors: Howard Epstein, Matthew S. Jonasse
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Patent number: 6007515Abstract: The invention provides a handheld, manually operable fluid applicator, particularly suited to the needs of surgeons, which can dispense multiple medically useful fluids, for example fibrin and thrombin components of a tissue adhesive, and which has a smooth feel and action. The applicator has a novel actuator mechanism providing a comparatively higher mechanical advantage in a commencement phase of the actuator stroke and a comparatively lower mechanical advantage in a completion phase of the actuator stroke.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Inventors: Gordon Howard Epstein, Alan Kirby Plyley, Russell James Redmond
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Patent number: 5971956Abstract: A medical fluid suctioning device for selectively applying varied levels of suction pressure at a device-tissue interface includes a direct "trumpet"-type control mechanism in conjunction with a "venturi"-type control. A valve manifold is adapted to couple a vent pathway and a suction pathway simultaneously to the vacuum conduit adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The amount of resistance to flow due to vacuum pressure is adjusted simultaneously in both the vent pathway and the suction pathway in order to achieve controlled, selected levels of suction. Similarly shaped valve apertures are provided in inverse and reciprocal orientation along an axis of motion of a valve manifold. The apertures translate across ports to the suction and venting pathways simultaneously to vary applied suction to those pathways inversely.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: BioSurgical CorporationInventor: Gordon Howard Epstein
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Patent number: D462437Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Gordon Howard Epstein, Alan Kirby Plyley, Russell James Redmond
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Patent number: D462758Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Gordon Howard Epstein, Alan Kirby Plyley, Russell James Redmond