Patents by Inventor Keith A. Wells

Keith A. Wells 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: 20240041305
    Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and reusable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: John O. McWEENEY, Michael S. H. CHU, Jozef SLANDA, Benjamin E. MORRIS, David W. ROBERTSON, David I. FREED, James F. SCHUERMANN, John B. GOLDEN, Brian Keith WELLS, Jesse Leonard FARRIS, III, Oscar R. CARRILLO, JR., Todd A. HALL, Yem CHIN, Mark L. ADAMS
  • Patent number: 11832793
    Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and reusable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: John O. McWeeney, Michael S. H. Chu, Jozef Slanda, Benjamin E. Morris, David W. Robertson, David I. Freed, James F. Schuermann, John B. Golden, Brian Keith Wells, Jesse Leonard Farris, III, Oscar R. Carrillo, Jr., Todd A. Hall, Yem Chin, Mark L. Adams
  • Patent number: 11819192
    Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and reusable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: John O. McWeeney, Michael S. H. Chu, Jozef Slanda, Benjamin E. Morris, David W. Robertson, David I. Freed, James F. Schuermann, John B. Golden, Brian Keith Wells, Jesse Leonard Farris, III, Oscar R. Carrillo, Jr., Todd A. Hall, Yem Chin, Mark L. Adams
  • Publication number: 20230148845
    Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and reusable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: John O. McWEENEY, Michael S. H. CHU, Jozef SLANDA, Benjamin E. MORRIS, David W. ROBERTSON, David I. FREED, James F. SCHUERMANN, John B. GOLDEN, Brian Keith WELLS, Jesse Leonard FARRIS, III, Oscar R. CARRILLO, JR., Todd A. HALL, Yem CHIN, Mark L. ADAMS
  • Publication number: 20230145569
    Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and resuable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: John O. McWEENEY, Michael S. H. CHU, Jozef SLANDA, Benjamin E. MORRIS, David W. ROBERTSON, David I. FREED, James F. SCHUERMANN, John B. GOLDEN, Brian Keith WELLS, Jesse Leonard FARRIS, III, Oscar R. CARRILLO, JR., Todd A. HALL, Yem CHIN, Mark L. ADAMS
  • Publication number: 20230104733
    Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of a hemostatic clip includes a handle assembly, a shaft connected to a distal portion thereof and a clip assembly releasably coupled to a distal portion of the shaft. The clip assembly includes clip arms and a capsule cooperating with the clip arms to provide a first user feedback indicating a decision configuration of the clip assembly. In addition, the apparatus includes a control wire including a ball connector, the control wire extending from the handle assembly and coupled to the clip assembly by the ball connector to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the shaft, wherein the ball connector is detachable from the clip assembly to provide a second user feedback indicating separation of the clip assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Brian Keith WELLS, Lance Alan WOLF, Gregory R. FURNISH, Vasiliy P. ABRAMOV, William C. Mers KELLY, Russell F. DURGIN
  • Publication number: 20230108042
    Abstract: A tissue clipping apparatus, comprises a flexible, elongate member, a proximal end of which remains external to the body accessible to a user while a distal end of the flexible member is inserted into the body to a location adjacent to target tissue to be clipped and a control wire extending through the flexible member in combination with a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member and a clip a proximal portion of which is received within the capsule. A joint releasably coupling the clip to the control wire, includes a yoke extending around a proximal end of the clip and a frangible link which fails when subject to a predetermined force to separate the clip from the control wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Dmitri MENN, Russell F. DURGIN, Brian Keith WELLS, Lance Alan WOLF, Gregory R. FURNISH, Vasiliy P. ABRAMOV, William C. MERS KELLY
  • Patent number: 11583293
    Abstract: A tissue clipping apparatus, comprises a flexible, elongate member, a proximal end of which remains external to the body accessible to a user while a distal end of the flexible member is inserted into the body to a location adjacent to target tissue to be clipped and a control wire extending through the flexible member in combination with a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member and a clip a proximal portion of which is received within the capsule. A joint releasably coupling the clip to the control wire, includes a yoke extending around a proximal end of the clip and a frangible link which fails when subject to a predetermined force to separate the clip from the control wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Dmitri Menn, Russell F. Durgin, Brian Keith Wells, Lance Alan Wolf, Gregory R. Furnish, Vasiliy P. Abramov, William C. Mers Kelly
  • Patent number: 11547421
    Abstract: A tissue clipping apparatus, comprises a flexible, elongate member, a proximal end of which remains external to the body accessible to a user while a distal end of the flexible member is inserted into the body to a location adjacent to target tissue to be clipped and a control wire extending through the flexible member in combination with a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member and a clip a proximal portion of which is received within the capsule. A joint releasably coupling the clip to the control wire, includes a yoke extending around a proximal end of the clip and a frangible link which fails when subject to a predetermined force to separate the clip from the control wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Dmitri Menn, Russell F. Durgin, Brian Keith Wells, Lance Alan Wolf, Gregory R. Furnish, Vasiliy P. Abramov, William C. Mers Kelly
  • Patent number: 11547420
    Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of a hemostatic clip includes a handle assembly, a shaft connected to a distal portion thereof and a clip assembly releasably coupled to a distal portion of the shaft. The clip assembly includes clip arms and a capsule cooperating with the clip arms to provide a first user feedback indicating a decision configuration of the clip assembly. In addition, the apparatus includes a control wire including a ball connector, the control wire extending from the handle assembly and coupled to the clip assembly by the ball connector to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the shaft, wherein the ball connector is detachable from the clip assembly to provide a second user feedback indicating separation of the clip assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Keith Wells, Lance Alan Wolf, Gregory R. Furnish, Vasiliy P. Abramov, William C. Mers Kelly, Russell F. Durgin
  • Publication number: 20220270237
    Abstract: Defects on a substrate comprising electronic components can be classified with a computational defect analysis system that may be implemented in multiple stages. For example, a first stage classification engine may process metrology data to produce an initial classification of defects. A second stage classification engine may use the initial classification, along with manufacturing information and/or prior defect knowledge to output probabilities that the defects are caused by one or more potential sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Applicant: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Kapil Sawlani, Richard A. Gottscho, Michal Danek, Keith Wells, Keith Hansen
  • Patent number: 11263737
    Abstract: Defects on a substrate comprising electronic components can be classified with a computational defect analysis system that may be implemented in multiple stages. For example, a first stage classification engine may process metrology data to produce an initial classification of defects. A second stage classification engine may use the initial classification, along with manufacturing information and/or prior defect knowledge to output probabilities that the defects are caused by one or more potential sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Kapil Sawlani, Richard A. Gottscho, Michal Danek, Keith Wells, Keith Hansen
  • Publication number: 20210321861
    Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and reusable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: John O. MCWEENEY, Michael S.H. CHU, Jozef SLANDA, Benjamin E. MORRIS, David W. ROBERTSON, David I. FREED, James F. SCHUERMANN, John B. GOLDEN, Brian Keith WELLS, Jesse Leonard FARRIS, III, Oscar R. CARRILLO, JR., Todd A. HALL, Yem CHIN, Mark L. ADAMS
  • Publication number: 20210219821
    Abstract: A steerable shaft for an endoscope includes a plurality of shaft segments extending about an axis and positioned in axially end-to-end and pivotable relationship with one another between a first shaft end and a second shaft end. Each of the plurality of shaft segments define at least one wire lumen, with the wire lumens disposed in axially aligned relationship with one another in a neutral position of the steerable shaft. At least one control wire extends through the aligned wire lumens between t for pivoting the plurality of shaft segments relative to one another and moving the steerable shaft from the neutral position to a deflected position in response to tensioning of the control wire. At least one spine element is connected to the plurality of shaft elements for limiting the pivoting movement of the shaft segments and related movement of the steerable shaft to an articulation plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Anthony Appling, Ben Morris, Brian Keith Wells
  • Patent number: 11064869
    Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and resuable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: John O. McWeeney, Michael S. H. Chu, Jozef Slanda, Benjamin E. Morris, David W. Robertson, David I. Freed, James F. Schuermann, John B. Golden, Brian Keith Wells, Jesse Leonard Farris, III, Oscar R. Carrillo, Todd A. Hall, Yem Chin, Mark L. Adams
  • Publication number: 20210212553
    Abstract: A control handle includes a housing and at least one control wire that extends from the housing to terminate at a distal tip. A steering assembly is coupled with the at least one control wire for selectively tensioning the at least one control wire to effectuate movement of the distal tip. The steering assembly includes at least one cam that is rotatable about an axis and presents a winding surface that extends circumferentially. The at least one control wire is connected to the at least one cam. An actuator dial is rotatable about the axis and coupled with the at least one cam for rotatably driving the at least one cam from a neutral position to an actuated position to at least partially wind the control wire about the winding surface and to tension the at least one control wire for deflecting the distal tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Anthony Appling, Ben Morris, Brian Keith Wells
  • Publication number: 20210143032
    Abstract: A substrate processing system includes a processing chamber, a substrate support, a laser, and a collimating assembly. The substrate support is disposed in the processing chamber and is configured to support a substrate. The laser is configured to generate a laser beam. The collimating assembly includes lenses or minors arranged to direct the laser beam at the substrate to heat an exposed material of the substrate. The lenses or mirrors are configured to direct the laser beam in a direction within a predetermined range of being perpendicular to a surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Dong Woo PAENG, Yunsang S. KIM, He ZHANG, Keith WELLS, Alan M. SCHOEPP
  • Patent number: 10952725
    Abstract: A hemostatic clip assembly for mounting on a delivery device comprises a capsule and a clip slidably mounted within the capsule so that, when the clip is drawn proximally into the capsule, arms of the clip are drawn together to a closed position, an abutting surface of at least one of the arms contacting a corresponding surface of the capsule when the clip is drawn to a predetermined position within the capsule to provide a first user feedback indicating closure of the clip in combination with a tension member connected to the clip arms and biasing the clip arms toward an open, tissue receiving configuration and a yoke slidably received within the capsule and releasably coupled to the tension member, the yoke including a ball cavity for receiving a ball connector of a control element of the delivery device to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the delivery device, wherein the control element is frangible to detach the yoke from the delivery device and to provide a second user feedback and, wherein release
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell F. Durgin, William C. Mers Kelly, Lance Alan Wolf, Brian Keith Wells, Vasiliy P. Abramov, Gregory R. Furnish
  • Publication number: 20210022747
    Abstract: A tissue clipping apparatus, comprises a flexible, elongate member, a proximal end of which remains external to the body accessible to a user while a distal end of the flexible member is inserted into the body to a location adjacent to target tissue to be clipped and a control wire extending through the flexible member in combination with a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member and a clip a proximal portion of which is received within the capsule. A joint releasably coupling the clip to the control wire, includes a yoke extending around a proximal end of the clip and a frangible link which fails when subject to a predetermined force to separate the clip from the control wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Dmitri MENN, Russell F. DURGIN, Brian Keith WELLS, Lance Alan WOLF, Gregory R. FURNISH, Vasiliy P. ABRAMOV, William C. MERS KELLY
  • Patent number: 10835261
    Abstract: A tissue clipping apparatus, comprises a flexible, elongate member, a proximal end of which remains external to the body accessible to a user while a distal end of the flexible member is inserted into the body to a location adjacent to target tissue to be clipped and a control wire extending through the flexible member in combination with a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member and a clip a proximal portion of which is received within the capsule. A joint releasably coupling the clip to the control wire, includes a yoke extending around a proximal end of the clip and a frangible link which fails when subject to a predetermined force to separate the clip from the control wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Dmitri Menn, Russell F. Durgin, Brian Keith Wells, Lance Alan Wolf, Gregory R. Furnish, Vasiliy P. Abramov, William C. Mers Kelly