Patents by Inventor Jeffery B. Alvarez
Jeffery B. Alvarez 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).
-
APPARATUS AND METHODS TO CREATE POSTERIOR COMPRESSION AT THE BREAST DURING EXPRESSION OF BREAST MILK
Publication number: 20240058512Abstract: Improved devices and methods for the expression of milk from a breast are disclosed herein. A device for expressing breast milk may comprise a breast interface including a flange configured to engage a breast and fluidly seal thereagainst, and an actuatable assembly operably coupled to the breast interface and configured to apply vacuum pressure at the breast interface. The breast interface may be configured to apply anterior compression to an anterior portion of the breast when the actuatable assembly is actuated. The flange may be configured to apply posterior compression to a posterior portion of the breast when the actuatable assembly is actuated. The posterior compression can help improve the efficiency of milk expression by reducing the retrograde flow of milk.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Polina A. Segalova -
Publication number: 20240050179Abstract: An instrument having a flexible and elongated body includes at least a lumen and a flex member disposed within the lumen. The flex member may be capable of providing steering control to a first portion of the elongate body while providing load bearing support to a second portion of the elongate body. A pull wire may be disposed within the flex member, and at least a distal portion of the pull wire may be coupled to the elongate body and a proximal portion of the pull wire may be operatively coupled to a control unit. The control unit may be coupled to a proximal portion of the elongate body. In addition, a control member may be operatively coupled to the control unit such that a distal portion of the control member may be positioned near a proximal portion of the flex member. The control member may be configured to support the flex member and control the movement or displacement of the flex member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2022Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Enrique Romo, Francis Macnamara
-
Publication number: 20230404701Abstract: An endolumenal robotic system provides the surgeon with the ability to drive a robotically-driven endoscopic device to a desired anatomical position in a patient without the need for awkward motions and positions, while also enjoying improved image quality from a digital camera mounted on the endoscopic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Enrique ROMO, Jeffery B. ALVAREZ, Gregory J. KINTZ, David S. MINTZ, Jian ZHANG, Steve BURION, Serena WONG, Joseph Daniel BOGUSKY, Katherine A. BENDER, Alan YU
-
Apparatus and methods to create posterior compression at the breast during expression of breast milk
Patent number: 11806453Abstract: Improved devices and methods for the expression of milk from a breast are disclosed herein. A device for expressing breast milk may comprise a breast interface including a flange configured to engage a breast and fluidly seal thereagainst, and an actuatable assembly operably coupled to the breast interface and configured to apply vacuum pressure at the breast interface. The breast interface may be configured to apply anterior compression to an anterior portion of the breast when the actuatable assembly is actuated. The flange may be configured to apply posterior compression to a posterior portion of the breast when the actuatable assembly is actuated. The posterior compression can help improve the efficiency of milk expression by reducing the retrograde flow of milk.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2019Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Willow Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Polina A. Segalova -
Publication number: 20230201430Abstract: A hydraulic pumping system in accordance with embodiments comprises a breast interface operably coupled to an actuatable assembly by means of an actuatable assembly interface. The breast interface comprises a distal membrane coupled to a housing to form a fluid reservoir therebetween. The actuatable assembly interface comprises a proximal membrane. The distal and proximal membranes are fluidly coupled via a tube carrying a driving fluid. The actuatable assembly interface is configured to removably couple to the actuatable assembly, in order to operably couple the actuatable assembly to the breast interface. The actuatable assembly interface comprises a fluid shut off mechanism to reversibly shut off fluid communication between the breast interface and the actuatable assembly interface when the actuatable assembly interface is decoupled from the actuatable assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2023Publication date: June 29, 2023Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Leo Centeno, William Tolmasoff, Brett Swope, Alex Forman, Kyung R. Park
-
Patent number: 11583616Abstract: A hydraulic pumping system in accordance with embodiments comprises a breast interface operably coupled to an actuatable assembly by means of an actuatable assembly interface. The breast interface comprises a distal membrane coupled to a housing to form a fluid reservoir therebetween. The actuatable assembly interface comprises a proximal membrane. The distal and proximal membranes are fluidly coupled via a tube carrying a driving fluid. The actuatable assembly interface is configured to removably couple to the actuatable assembly, in order to operably couple the actuatable assembly to the breast interface. The actuatable assembly interface comprises a fluid shut off mechanism to reversibly shut off fluid communication between the breast interface and the actuatable assembly interface when the actuatable assembly interface is decoupled from the actuatable assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Willow Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Leo Centeno, William Tolmasoff, Brett Swope, Alex Forman, Kyung R. Park
-
Patent number: 11464586Abstract: An instrument having a flexible and elongated body includes at least a lumen and a flex member disposed within the lumen. The flex member may be capable of providing steering control to a first portion of the elongate body while providing load bearing support to a second portion of the elongate body. A pull wire may be disposed within the flex member, and at least a distal portion of the pull wire may be coupled to the elongate body and a proximal portion of the pull wire may be operatively coupled to a control unit. The control unit may be coupled to a proximal portion of the elongate body. In addition, a control member may be operatively coupled to the control unit such that a distal portion of the control member may be positioned near a proximal portion of the flex member. The control member may be configured to support the flex member and control the movement or displacement of the flex member.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Enrique Romo, Francis Macnamara
-
Publication number: 20220133964Abstract: An apparatus for biomimetic expression of breast milk can comprise a breast interface having an expandable membrane configured to mimic the geometry of an infant's mouth. Various regions of the expandable membrane may be configured to simulate the structure and/or function of various parts of an infant's mouth. The expandable membrane may comprise one or more of a distal sealing region configured to simulate the lips, a superior region configured to simulate the hard palate, an inferior protruding region configured to simulate the gums, an intermediate curved region configured to simulate the tongue, and one or more internal expansion regions configured to simulate the soft palate and the throat. The expandable membrane may have a varying thickness throughout the one or more various regions to enable movement of the regions similar to the movement of the corresponding regions of an infant's mouth during nursing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2022Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Polina Segalova
-
Patent number: 11241521Abstract: An apparatus for biomimetic expression of breast milk can comprise a breast interface having an expandable membrane configured to mimic the geometry of an infant's mouth. Various regions of the expandable membrane may be configured to simulate the structure and/or function of various parts of an infant's mouth. The expandable membrane may comprise one or more of a distal sealing region configured to simulate the lips, a superior region configured to simulate the hard palate, an inferior protruding region configured to simulate the gums, an intermediate curved region configured to simulate the tongue, and one or more internal expansion regions configured to simulate the soft palate and the throat. The expandable membrane may have a varying thickness throughout the one or more various regions to enable movement of the regions similar to the movement of the corresponding regions of an infant's mouth during nursing.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Willow Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Polina Segalova
-
Publication number: 20210298954Abstract: A water jet system may be used for performing surgery. The water jet system includes a water jet device to provide a water jet flow to break apart tissue in an enclosed operative site. The water jet system includes an aspiration device to remove material from the enclosed operative site. The water jet system includes a control system with an aspiration pump coupled to the aspiration device and to draw material through the aspiration device. The control system includes an aspiration flow rate meter to measure an aspiration flow rate through the aspiration pump. The control system includes a controller to control operation of the aspiration pump based at least in part on feedback from the aspiration flow meter. The control system is configured to provide a targeted aspiration flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, David Mintz
-
Patent number: 10980669Abstract: A water jet instrument may be used for manually performing surgery. The water jet instrument may be manually controlled or controlled by a system with a robotic control. The water jet apparatus defines a jet cutting area that is based at least in part on a flow rate meter and a feedback loop.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, David Mintz
-
Publication number: 20200360183Abstract: Systems and processes for facilitating the removal of material with a robotically assisted tool with laser, irrigation capabilities, aspiration capabilities. Tool guidance systems that make use of vision technologies, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), white light imaging, and structured light imaging. Emulsification patterns optimized to minimize risk to the patient and reduce procedure time. Robotic tools with articulation capabilities that allow for precise control during capsulorhexis and emulsification procedures. Robotic instrument drive mechanisms combined with pumps, flow meters, and valves regulate and control irrigation and aspiration functionalities during robotic ophthalmologic procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Greg Kintz, David Mintz, Serena Wong
-
Publication number: 20200316274Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved devices, systems, and methods for the expression and collection of breast milk, such as human breast milk. A breast shield assembly for expression of breast milk may comprise a breast interface and an actuatable assembly interface fluidly coupled with a tube, wherein the breast interface is configured to engage the breast and the actuatable assembly interface is configured to removably couple to an actuatable assembly. The breast shield assembly may comprise an enclosed fluid reservoir extending between the breast interface and the actuatable assembly interface, the fluid reservoir physically separated from the expressed breast milk and filled with a driving fluid comprising a liquid. The breast shield assembly may further comprise a fill port configured to allow addition or removal of the driving fluid to or from the fluid reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2020Publication date: October 8, 2020Inventors: Janica B. Alvarez, Kris Hoglund, Nathaniel Gaskin, Polina A. Segalova, Jeffery B. Alvarez
-
Patent number: 10744035Abstract: Systems and processes for facilitating the removal of cataract material with a robotically assisted tool with laser, irrigation capabilities, aspiration capabilities. Tool guidance systems that make use of vision technologies, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), white light imaging, and structured light imaging. Emulsification patterns optimized to minimize risk to the patient and reduce procedure time. Robotic tools with articulation capabilities that allow for precise control during capsulorhexis and emulsification procedures. Robotic instrument drive mechanisms combined with pumps, flow meters, and valves regulate and control irrigation and aspiration functionalities during robotic ophthalmologic procedures.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2014Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Greg Kintz, David Mintz, Serena Wong
-
Publication number: 20200246517Abstract: A device for expression and collection of breast milk includes an actuatable assembly and a breast interface. The breast interface is sized to receive a breast and form a fluid tight seal against the breast. The breast interface includes an expandable membrane disposed within at least a portion of the breast interface. The expandable membrane reversibly deforms in response to actuation of the actuatable assembly, thereby applying vacuum pressure at the breast to express milk. The expandable membrane comprises a plurality of expandable pleats which extend radially outward from a central longitudinal axis of the breast interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2020Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Janica B. Alvarez, William A. Tolmasoff
-
Publication number: 20200222602Abstract: A hydraulic pumping system in accordance with embodiments comprises a breast interface operably coupled to an actuatable assembly by means of an actuatable assembly interface. The breast interface comprises a distal membrane coupled to a housing to form a fluid reservoir therebetween. The actuatable assembly interface comprises a proximal membrane. The distal and proximal membranes are fluidly coupled via a tube carrying a driving fluid. The actuatable assembly interface is configured to removably couple to the actuatable assembly, in order to operably couple the actuatable assembly to the breast interface. The actuatable assembly interface comprises a fluid shut off mechanism to reversibly shut off fluid communication between the breast interface and the actuatable assembly interface when the actuatable assembly interface is decoupled from the actuatable assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2020Publication date: July 16, 2020Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Leo Centeno, William Tolmasoff, Brett Swope, Alex Forman, Kyung R. Park
-
Patent number: 10709872Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed towards a rapid exchange catheter configured for insertion into a subintimal space and crossing an occlusion in a subintimal space. The catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first lumen configured to receive a first wire, the first lumen extending longitudinally through a least a lateral port of the catheter, and a second lumen having at least a portion distal of the lateral port and extending through at least the distal end of the catheter. The catheter also includes an exchange port, arranged on an exterior portion of the catheter configured to receive a second wire and second rapid exchange port in communication with the second lumen. Moreover, other embodiments of the invention are directed towards methods for using the rapid exchange catheter to cross an obstruction in a vessel, e.g., a total or partial occlusion, in a subintimal space.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: THE SPECTRANETICS CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Christine Godleski, Wade A. Bowe, Rob Carver, Paola A. Dwelle, Jeff Lindstrom, David S. Nevrla, Shahriar Matin, Matthew M. Magee
-
Patent number: 10702640Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved devices, systems, and methods for the expression and collection of breast milk, such as human breast milk. A breast shield assembly for expression of breast milk may comprise a breast interface and an actuatable assembly interface fluidly coupled with a tube, wherein the breast interface is configured to engage the breast and the actuatable assembly interface is configured to removably couple to an actuatable assembly. The breast shield assembly may comprise an enclosed fluid reservoir extending between the breast interface and the actuatable assembly interface, the fluid reservoir physically separated from the expressed breast milk and filled with a driving fluid comprising a liquid. The breast shield assembly may further comprise a fill port configured to allow addition or removal of the driving fluid to or from the fluid reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: ExploraMed NC7, Inc.Inventors: Janica B. Alvarez, Kris Hoglund, Nathaniel Gaskin, Polina A. Segalova, Jeffery B. Alvarez
-
Publication number: 20200197584Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for containing and measuring a fluid in a reservoir. A sensing reservoir comprises a reservoir comprising an opening and a wall, the opening configured to allow passage of the fluid in and out of the reservoir, and the wall defining a chamber configured to contain the fluid. The sensing reservoir further comprises a fluid sensing unit coupled to the sensing reservoir, the fluid sensing unit configured to generate measurement data indicative of a volume of the fluid contained in the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Nathaniel Gaskin, Jeffery B. Alvarez, Janica B. Alvarez
-
Patent number: 10639406Abstract: A device for expression and collection of breast milk includes an actuatable assembly and a breast interface. The breast interface is sized to receive a breast and form a fluid tight seal against the breast. The breast interface includes an expandable membrane disposed within at least a portion of the breast interface. The expandable membrane reversibly deforms in response to actuation of the actuatable assembly, thereby applying vacuum pressure at the breast to express milk. The expandable membrane comprises a plurality of expandable pleats which extend radially outward from a central longitudinal axis of the breast interface.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: ExploraMed NC7, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Janica B. Alvarez, William A. Tolmasoff