Patents by Inventor John A. Steen

John A. Steen 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).

  • Steerable stylet
    Patent number: 6652491
    Abstract: A medical device is provided that includes a catheter and a stylet positioned in the catheter. The stylet is configured to guide the catheter through a passage of a patient. The stylet is preferable tubular and made of a shape-memory material that changes shape when heated to bend or turn the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Catheter Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Walker, John A. Steen
  • Steerable variable stiffness device
    Patent number: 5531685
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible tubular member containing a shape-memory tube formed to include a lumen extending along the central axis of the tubular member. A liner sleeve extends through the lumen of the shape-memory tube and lies inside the tubular member. A control system selectively heats the shape-memory tube to its activated state causing the shape-memory tube to move toward a predetermined shape if it is different than its present configuration. Whether the shape-memory tube moves or not, it will increase significantly in stiffness, both axial and bending to help retain, hold, or wedge the apparatus in place in a selected body cavity while catheters or other objects are passed through a lumen in the liner sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignees: Catheter Research, Inc., Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Chad G. Hemmer, John A. Steen, Michael R. Forman, Jonathan R. McGrath