Patents by Inventor John A. Merhige

John A. Merhige 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).

  • Publication number: 20180133408
    Abstract: A system for injecting includes a syringe body defining a proximal opening and a distal needle interface. The system also includes a plunger member defining a plunger interior and configured to be manually manipulated to insert a stopper member relative to the syringe body, the plunger member. The plunger member includes a needle retention feature disposed in the plunger interior, an energy-storage member disposed in the plunger interior, and an energy-storage member latching member disposed in the plunger interior. The system further includes a needle hub assembly coupled to the distal needle interface of the syringe body. The needle assembly includes a needle having a needle proximal end feature, a hub, and a needle latching member configured to couple the needle to the hub. The needle is at least partially retractable into plunger interior. The needle proximal end feature includes an annular distally facing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Applicant: Credence MedSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Shluzas, Stephen H. Diaz, John F. Shanley, Scott Segelke, John Merhige
  • Publication number: 20180117261
    Abstract: A system for mixing drug products and injecting includes a syringe body, proximal and distal stopper members disposed in the syringe body, a plunger member, and a needle hub assembly coupled to the distal needle interface of the syringe body. The proximal and distal stopper members form a proximal drug chamber between there between and a distal drug chamber between the distal stopper member and a distal end of the syringe body. The plunger member includes a needle retention feature, an energy-storage member, and an energy-storage member latching member all disposed in disposed in a plunger interior. First and second sizes of the respective proximal and distal drug chambers can be modified by movement of the proximal and distal stopper members relative to the syringe body. The needle is at least partially retractable into plunger interior upon manipulation of the plunger member relative to the syringe body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Credence MedSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Steese-Bradley, Stephen H. Diaz, Alan E. Shluzas, John F. Shanley, Jeff Tillack, Dan Thayer, John Merhige
  • Publication number: 20160367261
    Abstract: Precision in thermotherapy is obtained by providing a reverse gelling polymer composition which gels when its temperature is raised towards body temperature. The composition is injected into the blood supply of the tissue being treated, at the beginning of thermotherapy. The temperature increase caused by the heating rapidly gels the composition, which temporarily blocks the flow of blood in the region being treated. This improves the predictability and stability of treatment. On cessation of heating, the composition gradually dissolves, removing the temporary embolization. The use of local heating can also expedite removal of tumors and the like from soft organs, even when the heating itself has no therapeutic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Vogel, John A. Merhige
  • Patent number: 8961936
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of ultrasonography, utilizing a gel comprising a reverse phase polymer which facilitates the transmission of high-frequency sound waves. Further, the inherent properties of the reverse phase polymer result in increased adhesion at higher temperatures, thereby helping to maintain the desired position of the ultrasound probe until the user intends to adjust the probe's position. In certain embodiments, the method is utilized in a medical procedure in which stability of an ultrasound probe or transducer in an intended desired position can improve the outcome or increase the efficiency of the procedure. In certain embodiments, the gel further comprises an additive to increase the ultimate adhesion of the gel. In still other embodiments, the gel can be used on the skin, on a protective sheath encasing an ultrasound probe, or between the sheath and the probe, or any or all of them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Genzyme Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Wiley, John A. Merhige
  • Publication number: 20120016236
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of ultrasonography, utilizing a gel comprising a reverse phase polymer which facilitates the transmission of high-frequency sound waves. Further, the inherent properties of the reverse phase polymer result in increased adhesion at higher temperatures, thereby helping to maintain the desired position of the ultrasound probe until the user intends to adjust the probe's position. In certain embodiments, the method is utilized in a medical procedure in which stability of an ultrasound probe or transducer in an intended desired position can improve the outcome or increase the efficiency of the procedure. In certain embodiments, the gel further comprises an additive to increase the ultimate adhesion of the gel. In still other embodiments, the gel can be used on the skin, on a protective sheath encasing an ultrasound probe, or between the sheath and the probe, or any or all of them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Pluromed, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Wiley, John A. Merhige
  • Patent number: 8043604
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of ultrasonography, utilizing a gel comprising a reverse phase polymer which facilitates the transmission of high-frequency sound waves. Further, the inherent properties of the reverse phase polymer result in increased adhesion at higher temperatures, thereby helping to maintain the desired position of the ultrasound probe until the user intends to adjust the probe's position. In certain embodiments, the method is utilized in a medical procedure in which stability of an ultrasound probe or transducer in an intended desired position can improve the outcome or increase the efficiency of the procedure. In certain embodiments, the gel further comprises an additive to increase the ultimate adhesion of the gel. In still other embodiments, the gel can be used on the skin, on a protective sheath encasing an ultrasound probe, or between the sheath and the probe, or any or all of them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Pluromed, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Wiley, John A. Merhige
  • Publication number: 20110201926
    Abstract: Precision in thermotherapy is obtained by providing a reverse gelling polymer composition which gels when its temperature is raised above body temperature. The composition is injected into the blood supply of the tissue being treated, at the beginning of thermotherapy. The temperature increase caused by the heating gels the composition, which temporarily blocks the flow of blood in the region being treated. This improves the predictability and stability of treatment. On cessation of heating, the composition liquefies, removing the temporary embolization. The use of local heating can also expedite removal of tumors and the like from soft organs, even when the heating itself has no therapeutic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: PLUROMED, INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Vogel, John A. Merhige
  • Publication number: 20110087207
    Abstract: Precision in thermotherapy is obtained by providing a reverse gelling polymer composition which gels when its temperature is raised towards body temperature. The composition is injected into the blood supply of the tissue being treated, at the beginning of thermotherapy. The temperature increase caused by the heating rapidly gels the composition, which temporarily blocks the flow of blood in the region being treated. This improves the predictability and stability of treatment. On cessation of heating, the composition gradually dissolves, removing the temporary embolization. The use of local heating can also expedite removal of tumors and the like from soft organs, even when the heating itself has no therapeutic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Pluromed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Vogel, John A. Merhige
  • Publication number: 20080281197
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of ultrasonography, utilizing a gel comprising a reverse phase polymer which facilitates the transmission of high-frequency sound waves. Further, the inherent properties of the reverse phase polymer result in increased adhesion at higher temperatures, thereby helping to maintain the desired position of the ultrasound probe until the user intends to adjust the probe's position. In certain embodiments, the method is utilized in a medical procedure in which stability of an ultrasound probe or transducer in an intended desired position can improve the outcome or increase the efficiency of the procedure. In certain embodiments, the gel further comprises an additive to increase the ultimate adhesion of the gel. In still other embodiments, the gel can be used on the skin, on a protective sheath encasing an ultrasound probe, or between the sheath and the probe, or any or all of them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Pluromed, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Wiley, John A. Merhige