Patents by Inventor James C. Block

James C. Block 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: 11712327
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a device and method for managing urinary incontinence. The device includes a platform, a balloon, and a valve. The platform and balloon can include a silicone material, a thermoplastic material, and an adhesive and/or a cement for sealing the urethra. The thermoplastic and silicone materials can soften at the body temperature so that their shape can be adapted to fit the three-dimensional contour of surfaces of the urethra. The balloon seals the internal orifice of the urethra, and the platform can block the leakage associated with the balloon. The valve permits selective urine voiding. The method includes inserting the device into the urethra and the bladder. The method can also include inflating the balloon. The method can further include pulling the balloon so that the balloon is in sealing contact with the neck of the bladder and moving the platform to a suitable position for sealing the urethra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventor: James C. Block
  • Publication number: 20230036376
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a device and method for managing urinary incontinence. The device includes a platform, a balloon, and a valve. The platform and balloon can include a silicone material, a thermoplastic material, and an adhesive and/or a cement for sealing the urethra. The thermoplastic and silicone materials can soften at the body temperature so that their shape can be adapted to fit the three-dimensional contour of surfaces of the urethra. The balloon seals the internal orifice of the urethra, and the platform can block the leakage associated with the balloon. The valve permits selective urine voiding. The method includes inserting the device into the urethra and the bladder. The method can also include inflating the balloon. The method can further include pulling the balloon so that the balloon is in sealing contact with the neck of the bladder and moving the platform to a suitable position for sealing the urethra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventor: James C. BLOCK
  • Patent number: 11406482
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a device and method for managing urinary incontinence. The device includes a platform, a balloon, and a valve. The platform and balloon can include a silicone material, a thermoplastic material, and an adhesive and/or a cement for sealing the urethra. The thermoplastic and silicone materials can soften at the body temperature so that their shape can be adapted to fit the three-dimensional contour of surfaces of the urethra. The balloon seals the internal orifice of the urethra, and the platform can block the leakage associated with the balloon. The valve permits selective urine voiding. The method includes inserting the device into the urethra and the bladder. The method can also include inflating the balloon. The method can further include pulling the balloon so that the balloon is in sealing contact with the neck of the bladder and moving the platform to a suitable position for sealing the urethra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventor: James C. Block
  • Publication number: 20220047368
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a device and method for managing urinary incontinence. The device includes a platform, a balloon, and a valve. The platform and balloon can include a silicone material, a thermoplastic material, and an adhesive and/or a cement for sealing the urethra. The thermoplastic and silicone materials can soften at the body temperature so that their shape can be adapted to fit the three-dimensional contour of surfaces of the urethra. The balloon seals the internal orifice of the urethra, and the platform can block the leakage associated with the balloon. The valve permits selective urine voiding. The method includes inserting the device into the urethra and the bladder. The method can also include inflating the balloon. The method can further include pulling the balloon so that the balloon is in sealing contact with the neck of the bladder and moving the platform to a suitable position for sealing the urethra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventor: James C. BLOCK
  • Publication number: 20140325746
    Abstract: An external fluid voiding apparatus that may be configured for either female or male use includes a container, a conduit and a vacuum device, which define a urine drainage passage. The vacuum device may be deformed externally so as to create a vacuum effect inside the apparatus when the apparatus is fitted around the female's vulval region or the male's penis. The vacuum effect facilitates drawing urine from a reservoir of the container to the vacuum device through the conduit. The urine may be collected and stored in the vacuum device. A user may drain the urine collected inside the vacuum device through a drainage port. Alternatively, a user may disconnect a used vacuum device and replace it with a clean one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: James C. Block
  • Patent number: 8337477
    Abstract: An extra-labia urine voiding apparatus including a container sized and shaped to externally cover a vulval region of a female anatomy. The container has an open side and defines a reservoir that is adapted for receiving urine. The container also includes a substantially planar surface disposed at a top of the container adapted to face and generally surround a periphery of the vulval region. An extra-labia sealing structure is affixed to the planar surface of the top of the container. The sealing structure includes a pressure sensitive adhesive adapted to provide a generally fluid tight primary adhesive seal between the container and external tissue generally surrounding the vulval region. A blocking mechanism connected proximate the top of the container prevents escape of urine from the voiding apparatus and contact of urine with the vulval region of the female anatomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: FemMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Parks, James C. Block
  • Patent number: 8235956
    Abstract: Packaging for an extra-labial fluid voiding apparatus includes a tube having a cylindrical wall, a closed end, and an open end. The cylindrical wall and closed end define a cavity that can contain the voiding apparatus. The cylindrical wall is pliable and has an inner diameter. A cap is adapted to respectively close and open the tube at the open end. The cap has an end plate with an annular flange extending therefrom. The annular flange is rigid and has an outer diameter. The annular flange is insertable into the cavity at the open end of the tube and within the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall. The outer diameter of the flange is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall to a degree such that the outer diameter and the inner diameter are engageable in a press-fit arrangement, when the cap is connected to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: FemMed, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Block
  • Patent number: 8221369
    Abstract: An extra-labia urine voiding apparatus including a container sized and shaped to externally cover a vulval region of a female anatomy. The container has an open side and defines a reservoir that is adapted for receiving urine. The container also includes a surface disposed at a top of the container adapted to face and generally surround a periphery of the vulval region. The voiding apparatus also includes a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir of the container and adapted for draining urine from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: FemMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Parks, James C. Block
  • Publication number: 20100331798
    Abstract: Packaging for an extra-labial fluid voiding apparatus includes a tube having a cylindrical wall, a closed end, and an open end. The cylindrical wall and closed end define a cavity that can contain the voiding apparatus. The cylindrical wall is pliable and has an inner diameter. A cap is adapted to respectively close and open the tube at the open end. The cap has an end plate with an annular flange extending therefrom. The annular flange is rigid and has an outer diameter. The annular flange is insertable into the cavity at the open end of the tube and within the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall. The outer diameter of the flange is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall to a degree such that the outer diameter and the inner diameter are engageable in a press-fit arrangement, when the cap is connected to the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: FEMMED, INC.
    Inventor: James C. BLOCK
  • Publication number: 20100121289
    Abstract: An extra-labia urine voiding apparatus including a container sized and shaped to externally cover a vulval region of a female anatomy. The container has an open side and defines a reservoir that is adapted for receiving urine. The container also includes a surface disposed at a top of the container adapted to face and generally surround a periphery of the vulval region. The voiding apparatus also includes a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir of the container and adapted for draining urine from the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: FEMMED, INC.
    Inventors: Mark PARKS, James C. BLOCK
  • Patent number: 7682347
    Abstract: An extra-labia urine voiding apparatus including a container sized and shaped to externally cover a vulval region of a female anatomy. The container has an open side and defines a reservoir that is adapted for receiving urine. The container also includes a surface disposed at a top of the container adapted to face and generally surround a periphery of the vulval region. The voiding apparatus also includes a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir of the container and adapted for draining urine from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: FemMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Parks, James C. Block
  • Publication number: 20090081312
    Abstract: A tissue adhesive antimicrobial material that is placed into a tooth extraction site for the sustained release of silver for the prevention and treatment of alveolar osteitis. The antimicrobial material is placed into a tooth extraction site via syringe, hand instrument or hand delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: James C. Block, Gary R. Jernberg
  • Publication number: 20080241795
    Abstract: A tissue adhesive antimicrobial material that is placed into a tooth extraction site for the sustained release of silver for the prevention and treatment of alveolar osteitis. The antimicrobial material is placed into a tooth extraction site via syringe, hand instrument or hand delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: James C. Block, Gary R. Jernberg
  • Publication number: 20030233079
    Abstract: An extra-labia urine voiding apparatus including a container sized and shaped to externally cover a vulval region of a female anatomy. The container has an open side and defines a reservoir that is adapted for receiving urine. The container also includes a substantially planar surface disposed at a top of the container adapted to face and generally surround a periphery of the vulval region. An extra-labia sealing structure is affixed to the planar surface of the top of the container. The sealing structure includes a pressure sensitive adhesive adapted to provide a generally fluid tight primary adhesive seal between the container and external tissue generally surrounding the vulval region. A blocking mechanism connected proximate the top of the container prevents escape of urine from the voiding apparatus and contact of urine with the vulval region of the female anatomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: FemMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Parks, James C. Block
  • Patent number: 5632736
    Abstract: An extra-labia urine voiding apparatus including a container sized and shaped to externally cover a vulval region of a female anatomy. The container has an open side and defines a reservoir that is adapted for receiving urine. The container also includes a flange having a substantially planar surface adapted to face and generally surround a periphery of the vulval region. An extra-labia sealing structure is affixed to the planar surface of the flange. The sealing structure includes a pressure sensitive adhesive adapted to provide a generally fluid tight primary adhesive seal between the container and external tissue generally surrounding the vulval region. The voiding apparatus also includes a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir of the container and adapted for draining urine from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: James C. Block