Patents by Inventor Lance Michael Black

Lance Michael Black 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: 20240091428
    Abstract: A negative pressure therapy device for inducing negative pressure in a urinary tract includes an inflow member and an outflow member. The inflow member includes (i) a proximal portion, (ii) a retention portion configured to be deployed within a renal pelvis of the urinary tract comprising a drainage hole leading to the inflow lumen, and (iii) an intermediate portion between the proximal portion and the retention portion. The intermediate portion is configured to extend through a portion of the kidney to the renal pelvis. The outflow member includes (i) a proximal portion, (ii) a distal end configured to be positioned in the ureter or bladder, and (iii) at least one intermediate portion extending from the proximal portion to the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, Jacob L. Upperco, Bryan J. Tucker, Lance Michael Black
  • Patent number: 11904121
    Abstract: A negative pressure therapy system is provided for inducing negative pressure in a portion of a urinary tract of a patient, the system including: (a) at least one ureteral catheter configured to be positioned within a ureter and/or kidney of a patient; (b) one or more sensor(s) configured to determine information about urine produced within a urinary tract of the patient; and (c) a controller configured to increase urine production of the patient by adjusting one or more operating parameters of a negative pressure source for inducing negative pressure through the at least one ureteral catheter into the urinary tract of the patient, based at least in part upon the information determined by the one or more sensor(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Roivios Limited
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Michael Alan Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
  • Publication number: 20230364322
    Abstract: A wearable garment for removing fluid from a urinary tract comprises a garment body configured to be worn by a patient; a pump provided on the garment body; and a reservoir provided on the garment body. The pump has a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a urinary catheter and a fluid outlet. The reservoir is provided in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump. The pump is configured to apply negative pressure to the urinary catheter to remove fluid from the urinary tract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Bryan J. Tucker, Lance Michael Black
  • Publication number: 20230284891
    Abstract: A medical device reduces the risk of operating room fires caused by light sources by shielding the illuminated light cable from directly interacting with surgical drapes or patient skin. The device includes a silicone housing that mates circumferentially over existing endoscopic light cables and a thermal insulator can be positioned over the light emitting tip of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Kamil Makhnejia, James K. Rains, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
  • Patent number: 11617501
    Abstract: A medical device reduces the risk of operating room fires caused by light sources by shielding the illuminated light cable from directly interacting with surgical drapes or patient skin. The device includes a silicone housing that mates circumferentially over existing endoscopic light cables and a thermal insulator can be positioned over the light emitting tip of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Kamil Makhnejia, James K. Rains, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
  • Patent number: 11612714
    Abstract: Ureteral or bladder catheters are provided, including (a) a proximal portion; and (b) a distal portion, the distal portion including a retention portion that includes one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations and is configured to establish an outer periphery or protective surface area that inhibits mucosal tissue from occluding the one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations upon application of negative pressure through the catheter. Systems, kits and methods for inducing negative pressure to increase renal function also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, David E. Orr, Michael Alan Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
  • Publication number: 20230068431
    Abstract: A system for removing fluid from a urinary tract includes: at least one sensor configured to detect signal(s) representative of bioelectrical impedance and communicate signal(s) representative of the impedance; and a controller. The controller is configured to: receive and process the signal(s) from the at least one sensor to determine if the impedance is above, below, or at a predetermined value; and provide a control signal, determined at least in part from the signal(s) representative of the impedance received from the at least one sensor, to a negative pressure source to apply negative pressure to a urinary catheter when the impedance is below the predetermined value and to cease applying negative pressure when the impedance is at or above the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Bryan J. Tucker, Lance Michael Black
  • Publication number: 20230060814
    Abstract: A system for removing fluid from a urinary tract includes at least one sensor configured to detect signal(s) representative of pulmonary artery pressure and communicate signal(s) representative of the pulmonary artery pressure and a controller. The controller is configured to: receive and process the signal(s) from the at least one sensor to determine if the pulmonary artery pressure is above, below, or at a predetermined value; and provide a control signal, determined at least in part from the pulmonary artery pressure signal(s) received from the at least one sensor, to a negative pressure source to apply negative pressure to a urinary catheter to remove fluid from a urinary tract when the pulmonary artery pressure is above the predetermined value and to cease applying negative pressure when the pulmonary artery pressure is at or below the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Bryan J. Tucker, Lance Michael Black
  • Patent number: 11478607
    Abstract: Ureteral or bladder catheters are provided, including (a) a proximal portion; and (b) a distal portion, the distal portion including a retention portion that includes one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations and is configured to establish an outer periphery or protective surface area that inhibits mucosal tissue from occluding the one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations upon application of negative pressure through the catheter. Systems, kits and methods for inducing negative pressure to increase renal function also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, David E. Orr, Michael Alan Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
  • Patent number: 11471583
    Abstract: A method for removing excess fluid from a patient with hemodilution is provided. The method includes: deploying a urinary tract catheter into the patient such that flow of urine from the ureter and/or kidney is transported within a drainage lumen of the catheter; applying negative pressure to the ureter and/or kidney through the drainage lumen of the catheter to extract urine from the patient; periodically measuring a hematocrit value of the patient; and if the measured hematocrit value is greater than a predetermined threshold value, ceasing the application of the negative pressure to the ureter and/or kidney. A system for removing excess fluid from a patient with hemodilution including a ureteral catheter and a pump is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Michael Alan Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black, David E. Orr
  • Patent number: 11433217
    Abstract: Ureteral or bladder catheters are provided, including (a) a proximal portion; and (b) a distal portion, the distal portion including a retention portion that includes one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations and is configured to establish an outer periphery or protective surface area that inhibits mucosal tissue from occluding the one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations upon application of negative pressure through the catheter. Systems, kits and methods for inducing negative pressure to increase renal function also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, David E. Orr, Michael Alan Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
  • Publication number: 20220273910
    Abstract: A pump for inducing negative pressure in the ureter and/or kidney is provided. The pump is configured to be in communication with at least one lumen of at least one ureteral catheter and to draw fluid from the ureter and/or kidney into the at least one lumen of the at least one ureteral catheter for removal of the fluid from the ureter and/or kidney. The pump is configured to induce negative pressure ranging from about 0.1 mmHg to about 50 mmHg gauge pressure proximate to the pump inlet, and the pump is configured to have an accuracy of about 10 mmHg or less proximate to the pump inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Michael Alan Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
  • Publication number: 20220265914
    Abstract: A negative pressure therapy system is provided for inducing negative pressure in a portion of a urinary tract, the system including: (a) at least one ureteral catheter configured to be positioned within a ureter and/or kidney; (b) one or more sensor(s) configured to determine information about at least one of blood composition, blood flow, respiration, heart rate, glucose, protein, or creatinine; and (c) a controller configured to increase urine production by adjusting one or more operating parameters of a negative pressure source for inducing negative pressure through the at least one ureteral catheter into the urinary tract, based at least in part upon the information determined by the one or more sensor(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Michael Alan Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black, David E. Orr
  • Patent number: 11420014
    Abstract: Ureteral catheters and assemblies are provided including: a drainage lumen including a proximal portion configured to be positioned in at least a portion of a patient's urethra and a distal portion configured to be positioned in a patient's ureter and/or kidney, the distal portion including a coiled retention portion including at least a first coil having a first diameter and a second coil having a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter; or wherein the retention portion extends radially outwardly from a portion of the distal end of the drainage lumen portion, the retention portion including a proximal end having a first diameter, a distal end having a second diameter, and a wall and/or surface extending therebetween, the retention portion having a second diameter is greater than the first diameter when deployed; or wherein the retention portion includes a plurality of drainage tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Michael Alan Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
  • Publication number: 20210361908
    Abstract: Negative pressure therapy systems are provided for increasing urine production, the negative pressure therapy system including: (a) a pump assembly, the pump assembly including: (i) a pump configured to provide negative pressure to a kidney, and (ii) a controller configured to regulate the negative pressure provided by the pump within a pressure range that facilitates increased urine production from the kidney.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Michael Alan Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
  • Patent number: 11077284
    Abstract: Ureteral catheters and assemblies are provided including: a drainage lumen including a proximal portion configured to be positioned in at least a portion of a patient's urethra and a distal portion configured to be positioned in a patient's ureter and/or kidney, the distal portion including a coiled retention portion including at least a first coil having a first diameter and a second coil having a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter; or wherein the retention portion extends radially outwardly from a portion of the distal end of the drainage lumen portion, the retention portion including a proximal end having a first diameter, a distal end having a second diameter, and a wall and/or surface extending therebetween, the retention portion having a second diameter is greater than the first diameter when deployed; or wherein the retention portion includes a plurality of drainage tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Michael Allen Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
  • Patent number: 11045623
    Abstract: Ureteral catheters and assemblies are provided including: a drainage lumen including a proximal portion configured to be positioned in at least a portion of a patient's urethra and a distal portion configured to be positioned in a patient's ureter and/or kidney, the distal portion including a coiled retention portion including at least a first coil having a first diameter and a second coil having a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter; or wherein the retention portion extends radially outwardly from a portion of the distal end of the drainage lumen portion, the retention portion including a proximal end having a first diameter, a distal end having a second diameter, and a wall and/or surface extending therebetween, the retention portion having a second diameter is greater than the first diameter when deployed; or wherein the retention portion includes a plurality of drainage tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Michael Allen Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
  • Publication number: 20210138190
    Abstract: A negative pressure therapy system is provided for inducing negative pressure in a portion of a urinary tract of a patient, the system including: (a) at least one ureteral catheter configured to be positioned within a ureter and/or kidney of a patient; (b) one or more sensor(s) configured to determine information about urine produced within a urinary tract of the patient; and (c) a controller configured to increase urine production of the patient by adjusting one or more operating parameters of a negative pressure source for inducing negative pressure through the at least one ureteral catheter into the urinary tract of the patient, based at least in part upon the information determined by the one or more sensor(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Michael Alan Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
  • Patent number: 10980970
    Abstract: Ureteral catheters and assemblies are provided including: a drainage lumen including a proximal portion configured to be positioned in at least a portion of a patient's urethra and a distal portion configured to be positioned in a patient's ureter and/or kidney, the distal portion including a coiled retention portion including at least a first coil having a first diameter and a second coil having a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter; or wherein the retention portion extends radially outwardly from a portion of the distal end of the drainage lumen portion, the retention portion including a proximal end having a first diameter, a distal end having a second diameter, and a wall and/or surface extending therebetween, the retention portion having a second diameter is greater than the first diameter when deployed; or wherein the retention portion includes a plurality of drainage tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Michael Allen Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
  • Patent number: 10918825
    Abstract: Ureteral catheters and assemblies are provided including: a proximal portion; and a distal portion, the distal portion including a retention portion, wherein the retention portion includes an inwardly facing side including one or more drainage ports and an outwardly facing side, and wherein, when negative pressure is applied through the ureteral catheter, fluid is drawn into the ureteral catheter through the one or more drainage ports while mucosal tissue is prevented from appreciably occluding the one or more drainage ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Michael Allen Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black