Patents by Inventor J. Little
J. Little 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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Patent number: 11944371Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device including an outer shaft, an inner shaft, first and second electrode surfaces, and an irrigation channel. The outer shaft defines a lumen, a proximal end and a distal end forming a cutting window. The inner shaft is rotatably disposed within the outer shaft, and defines a distal portion forming a cutting tip. The cutting tip and the cutting window combine to define a cutting implement. The first and second electrode surfaces are electrically isolated, and are formed at the cutting implement. The irrigation channel extends parallel to the outer shaft, and terminates in at least one outlet port. The outlet port is proximally spaced from the cutting window and is located radially outside of the outer shaft. Fluid (e.g., saline) is emitted at the exterior surface of the device near the cutting window and is readily present for interacting with the electrode surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: John R Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
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Publication number: 20230293864Abstract: A method of limiting an inflation system pressure for dilating a region of a patient’s nasal sinus passageways. The method includes grasping an inflation device. The inflation device includes a syringe including a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel, a connector for fluidly connecting an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon, and a mechanical pressure indicator associated with the syringe, the mechanical pressure indicator including a housing and an indicator body disposed within the housing. The method also includes delivering the surgical instrument balloon to a patient’s paranasal sinus target area, operating the plunger within the barrel of the syringe to deliver pressurized fluid to the surgical instrument balloon, and transitioning the indicator body to extend outside of the housing when a predetermined inflation pressure of the surgical instrument balloon is reached.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little
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Publication number: 20230256215Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana Andrew Oliver
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Patent number: 11666738Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana A. Oliver
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Patent number: 11660433Abstract: A method of limiting an inflation system pressure for dilating a region of a patient's nasal sinus passageways. The method includes grasping an inflation device. The inflation device includes a syringe including a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel, a connector for fluidly connecting an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon, and a mechanical pressure indicator associated with the syringe, the mechanical pressure indicator including a housing and an indicator body disposed within the housing. The method also includes delivering the surgical instrument balloon to a patient's paranasal sinus target area, operating the plunger within the barrel of the syringe to deliver pressurized fluid to the surgical instrument balloon, and transitioning the indicator body to extend outside of the housing when a predetermined inflation pressure of the surgical instrument balloon is reached.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little
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Patent number: 11469006Abstract: A method for depositing zinc on the surfaces of a coolant loop of a nuclear power plant includes: providing within a portion of the coolant loop a treatment solution comprising zinc and optionally one or more noble metals and/or reducing agent(s); allowing the treatment solution to remain in the portion for a treatment period; and removing the treatment solution from the portion. According to various embodiments, an average temperature of the treatment solution over the course of the treatment period is less than 150° C. or 100° C. According to various embodiments, an instantaneous temperature of the treatment solution remains below 150° C. or 100° C. throughout the treatment period. The zinc deposition treatment may be applied (1) before the plant is first put into power-generating operation or (2) during an outage following power-generating operation and optionally following a chemical decontamination to remove any oxides formed on surfaces of a coolant loop during prior power operation period(s).Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2017Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: DOMINION ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Little, Charles R. Marks
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Patent number: 11449623Abstract: Systems and methods for a machine-learning driven fine-grained file access control approach are provided. According to one embodiment, a server associated with an enterprise network can obtain and store information regarding historical user behavior of users of the enterprise network by observing file access requests initiated by the users. The server receives a file access request initiated by a user, which relates to a file stored within the enterprise network in encrypted form. In response to receipt of the file access request, the server determines a risk score for the user based on multiple factors, including information regarding historical user behavior, the file access request and observed data determined based on the file access request so that based on the risk score, access to the file is permitted by returning a decryption key for the file or denied by withholding the decryption key.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Fortinet, Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. Little, Jamie R. Graves, Carson Leonard
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Publication number: 20220151597Abstract: A surgical system which may include a controller, a data entry device, a powered surgical handpiece and a surgical tool adapted to couple to the surgical handpiece. The surgical handpiece can include motor direction control and feedback, safety stop features, stimulation and nerve integrity monitoring, a tool connector assembly configured to retain a variety of surgical tools and optional navigation and/or electric ratcheting features.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2022Publication date: May 19, 2022Applicant: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INCInventors: Michael L. Koltz, Christopher L. Fair, Michael S. Ferrell, Andrzej Klimaszewski, David J. Little, II, Manfred K. Luedi, Gerould Norman, Robert K. Vaccaro
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Publication number: 20220104871Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device including an outer shaft, an inner shaft, first and second electrode surfaces, and an irrigation channel. The outer shaft defines a lumen, a proximal end and a distal end forming a cutting window. The inner shaft is rotatably disposed within the outer shaft, and defines a distal portion forming a cutting tip. The cutting tip and the cutting window combine to define a cutting implement. The first and second electrode surfaces are electrically isolated, and are formed at the cutting implement. The irrigation channel extends parallel to the outer shaft, and terminates in at least one outlet port. The outlet port is proximally spaced from the cutting window and is located radially outside of the outer shaft. Fluid (e.g., saline) is emitted at the exterior surface of the device near the cutting window and is readily present for interacting with the electrode surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2021Publication date: April 7, 2022Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
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Publication number: 20220096147Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed that operates in a mechanical cutting mode and a hemostasis mode. The device includes a housing and a blade assembly extending from the housing. The blade assembly forms a cutting tip and cutting window at a distal end region to provide mechanical cutting of tissue and first and second electrode assemblies to provide electrical energy to tissue. The first electrode assembly includes an outer shaft defining a first electrode surface and the second electrode assembly includes an electrode body extending along and electrically isolated from an outer shaft and defining a U-shape in cross section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
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Patent number: 11272909Abstract: A surgical system which may include a controller, a data entry device, a powered surgical handpiece and a surgical tool adapted to couple to the surgical handpiece. The surgical handpiece can include motor direction control and feedback, safety stop features, stimulation and nerve integrity monitoring, a tool connector assembly configured to retain a variety of surgical tools and optional navigation and/or electric ratcheting features.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2019Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.Inventors: Michael L. Koltz, Christopher L. Fair, Michael S. Ferrell, Andrzej Klimaszewski, David J. Little, II, Manfred K. Luedi, Gerould Norman, Robert K. Vaccaro
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Patent number: 11207130Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device including an outer shaft, an inner shaft, first and second electrode surfaces, and an irrigation channel. The outer shaft defines a lumen, a proximal end and a distal end forming a cutting window. The inner shaft is rotatably disposed within the outer shaft, and defines a distal portion forming a cutting tip. The cutting tip and the cutting window combine to define a cutting implement. The first and second electrode surfaces are electrically isolated, and are formed at the cutting implement. The irrigation channel extends parallel to the outer shaft, and terminates in at least one outlet port. The outlet port is proximally spaced from the cutting window and is located radially outside of the outer shaft. Fluid (e.g., saline) is emitted at the exterior surface of the device near the cutting window and is readily present for interacting with the electrode surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2016Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
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Patent number: 11198630Abstract: A modular water purification system for a nuclear power plant includes a plurality of modules that may be selectively connected together directly or through the use of intermediary adapters in a plurality of arrangements. The modules may include a pump module, a FOSAR module, a particulate filtration module, a cross-flow filtration module, a degasification module, and/or a demineralization module, among other possible modules. The modules may have common interfaces so that they can be interconnected (directly or through intermediary adapters) in a variety of configurations for different purposes within the context of the nuclear power plant (e.g., filtering pool water; collecting large objects via vacuuming). Various modules may have form factors and/or mounting structures that are similar enough to the fuel assemblies of the plant that (1) the plant's fuel assembly handling equipment can grab, move, and reposition the modules, and/or (2) the modules may be stored in the fuel pool's storage rack.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.Inventors: David Arguelles, Michael J. Little, Robert D. Varrin, Jr.
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Patent number: 11197714Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed that operates in a mechanical cutting mode and a hemostasis mode. The device includes a housing and a blade assembly extending from the housing. The blade assembly forms a cutting tip and cutting window at a distal end region to provide mechanical cutting of tissue and first and second electrode assemblies to provide electrical energy to tissue. The first electrode assembly includes an outer shaft defining a first electrode surface and the second electrode assembly includes an electrode body extending along and electrically isolated from an outer shaft and defining a U-shape in cross section.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
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Publication number: 20210122653Abstract: A modular water purification system for a nuclear power plant includes a plurality of modules that may be selectively connected together directly or through the use of intermediary adapters in a plurality of arrangements. The modules may include a pump module, a FOSAR module, a particulate filtration module, a cross-flow filtration module, a degasification module, and/or a demineralization module, among other possible modules. The modules may have common interfaces so that they can be interconnected (directly or through intermediary adapters) in a variety of configurations for different purposes within the context of the nuclear power plant (e.g., filtering pool water; collecting large objects via vacuuming). Various modules may have form factors and/or mounting structures that are similar enough to the fuel assemblies of the plant that (1) the plant's fuel assembly handling equipment can grab, move, and reposition the modules, and/or (2) the modules may be stored in the fuel pool's storage rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2018Publication date: April 29, 2021Applicant: DOMINION ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: David ARGUELLES, Michael J. LITTLE, Robert D. VARRIN, JR.
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Publication number: 20210068345Abstract: A transfer device includes an arm that has a first end and a second end. The transfer device includes a pivot positioned at the first end of the arm. The pivot is configured to be secured to a baling machine. The transfer device includes a lifting device positioned on the arm. The lifting device is configured to be attached to a bale wrap material supply roll.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Daniel J. Little, Calvin D. Meinders, Nathan D. Dockter, Kent P. Thoreson, Madison M. Delaney, Jerry E. Bandstra, Lisle J. Dunham, Jacob Limke, Kent L. Thompson
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Publication number: 20200338326Abstract: A method of limiting an inflation system pressure for dilating a region of a patient's nasal sinus passageways. The method includes grasping an inflation device. The inflation device includes a syringe including a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel, a connector for fluidly connecting an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon, and a mechanical pressure indicator associated with the syringe, the mechanical pressure indicator including a housing and an indicator body disposed within the housing. The method also includes delivering the surgical instrument balloon to a patient's paranasal sinus target area, operating the plunger within the barrel of the syringe to deliver pressurized fluid to the surgical instrument balloon, and transitioning the indicator body to extend outside of the housing when a predetermined inflation pressure of the surgical instrument balloon is reached.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little
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Publication number: 20200302074Abstract: Systems and methods for a machine-learning driven fine-grained file access control approach are provided. According to one embodiment, a server associated with an enterprise network can obtain and store information regarding historical user behavior of users of the enterprise network by observing file access requests initiated by the users. The server receives a file access request initiated by a user, which relates to a file stored within the enterprise network in encrypted form. In response to receipt of the file access request, the server determines a risk score for the user based on multiple factors, including information regarding historical user behavior, the file access request and observed data determined based on the file access request so that based on the risk score, access to the file is permitted by returning a decryption key for the file or denied by withholding the decryption key.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2019Publication date: September 24, 2020Applicant: Fortinet, Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. Little, Jamie R. Graves, Carson Leonard
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Publication number: 20200255423Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4a, R4b, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, and n are as defined herein, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, and methods of preparation and use.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2019Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Maria A. Argiriadi, Eric C. Breinlinger, Ellen Yulin Tsai Chien, Marlon D. Cowart, Kristine E. Frank, Michael M. Friedman, David J. Hardee, J. Martin Herold, Huaqing Liu, Wei Qiu, Marc J. Scanio, Michael R. Schrimpf, Thomas R. Vargo, Stacy A. Van Epps, Matthew P. Webster, Andrew J. Little, Matthew H. Katcher, Theresa A. Dunstan, David A. Schiedler
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Patent number: 10737077Abstract: A method of limiting an inflation system pressure for dilating a region of a patient's nasal sinus passageways. The method includes grasping an inflation device. The inflation device includes a syringe including a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel, a connector for fluidly connecting an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon, and a mechanical pressure indicator associated with the syringe, the mechanical pressure indicator including a housing and an indicator body disposed within the housing. The method also includes delivering the surgical instrument balloon to a patient's paranasal sinus target area, operating the plunger within the barrel of the syringe to deliver pressurized fluid to the surgical instrument balloon, and transitioning the indicator body to extend outside of the housing when a predetermined inflation pressure of the surgical instrument balloon is reached.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Medtronix Xomed, Inc.Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little