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).

  • Patent number: 11944371
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Publication number: 20230293864
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little
  • Publication number: 20230256215
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana Andrew Oliver
  • Patent number: 11666738
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana A. Oliver
  • Patent number: 11660433
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little
  • Patent number: 11469006
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: DOMINION ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Little, Charles R. Marks
  • Patent number: 11449623
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Fortinet, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Little, Jamie R. Graves, Carson Leonard
  • Publication number: 20220151597
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20220104871
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Publication number: 20220096147
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Patent number: 11272909
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11207130
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Patent number: 11198630
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: David Arguelles, Michael J. Little, Robert D. Varrin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11197714
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Publication number: 20210122653
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Applicant: DOMINION ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: David ARGUELLES, Michael J. LITTLE, Robert D. VARRIN, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210068345
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20200338326
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little
  • Publication number: 20200302074
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: Fortinet, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Little, Jamie R. Graves, Carson Leonard
  • Publication number: 20200255423
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10737077
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronix Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little