Patents by Inventor Larry S. Miller

Larry S. Miller 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).

  • Patent number: 8979895
    Abstract: An adjustable suture assembly is provided that may be employed in various surgical procedures to draw and/or hold tissue and/or muscle together. The suture assembly may include a suture lock or tensioner that is adjustably securable to two or more lengths of suture to provide a surgeon with an ability to maintain tissue or muscle in one secured position and subsequently readjust the suture assembly to maintain the tissue or muscle in a different secured position. The suture assembly may include two or more sutures having an anchor attached to an end of each suture for anchoring the suture to desired tissue or muscle. An endoscopic suturing device is provided to deliver and place two or more sutures in tissue or muscle during a surgical procedure. The suturing device may be configured to carry a plurality of sutures so that multiple sutures can be placed in tissue or muscle during a single intubation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Temple University—of the Commonwelth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: Larry S. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110294698
    Abstract: Methods for identifying modulators of gastroesophageal smooth muscle relaxation include isolating various types of smooth muscle fibers from the stomach or esophagus and inducing the fibers to contract. The isolated and contracted fibers are used to screen test compounds for the compound's capacity to modulate relaxation of the smooth muscle fibers. In addition, newly identified unique nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are expressed in a cell, and used to screen test compounds for the compound's capacity to modulate the biological activity of the receptors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Temple University of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Michael R. Ruggieri, Larry S. Miller, Alan S. Braverman, Anil K. Vegesna, Mary F. Barbe
  • Patent number: 7857734
    Abstract: A sports training system includes a supporting structure, a first moving element supported by the supporting structure so as to be moveable relative to the supporting structure along a first path, a second moving element supported by the first moving element so as to be moveable relative to the first moving element along a second path different from the first path, and a punching bag suspended below the first moving element by the second moving element. The punching bag is moveable to any point within an area defined by the first and second paths when a trainee strikes the punching bag, thereby mimicking movements of an opponent. One or more elastic elements can be attached between the punching bag and the supporting structure for returning the punching bag to a desired region within the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Glideboxx, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Larry S. Miller, Daniel P. Daigle, Gregory K. Picou
  • Publication number: 20100204673
    Abstract: A method of controlling obesity by injecting bio-compatible bulking material into the pyloric sphincter area of the stomach. The injection of this material bulks the pyloric sphincter, retarding stomach emptying and producing a feeling of satiation in the patient. The method may be supplemental and augmented by inducing flacid paralysis of the stomach by injecting botulinum toxin into the muscle tissue of the antrum or fundus of the stomach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Temple University-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: Larry S. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100036395
    Abstract: An adjustable suture assembly is provided that may be employed in various surgical procedures to draw and/or hold tissue and/or muscle together. The suture assembly may include a suture lock or tensioner that is adjustably securable to two or more lengths of suture to provide a surgeon with an ability to maintain tissue or muscle in one secured position and subsequently readjust the suture assembly to maintain the tissue or muscle in a different secured position. The suture assembly may include two or more sutures having an anchor attached to an end of each suture for anchoring the suture to desired tissue or muscle. An endoscopic suturing device is provided to deliver and place two or more sutures in tissue or muscle during a surgical procedure. The suturing device may be configured to carry a plurality of sutures so that multiple sutures can be placed in tissue or muscle during a single intubation of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: TEMPLE UNIVERSITY OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventor: Larry S. Miller
  • Patent number: 7608578
    Abstract: A method of controlling obesity by injecting bio-compatible bulking material into the pyloric sphincter area of the stomach. The injection of this material bulks the pyloric sphincter, retarding stomach emptying and producing a feeling of satiation in the patient. The method may be supplemental and augmented by inducing flaccid paralysis of the stomach by injecting botulinum toxin into the muscle tissue of the antrum or fundus of the stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Temple University - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: Larry S. Miller
  • Publication number: 20040009224
    Abstract: A method of controlling obesity by injecting bio-compatible bulking material into the pyloric sphincter area of the stomach. The injection of this material bulks the pyloric sphincter, retarding stomach emptying and producing a feeling of satiation in the patient. The method may be supplemental and augmented by inducing flacid paralysis of the stomach by injecting botulinum toxin into the muscle tissue of the antrum or fundus of the stomach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Larry S. Miller
  • Patent number: 6524304
    Abstract: An apparatus for introducing one or more branch fluid lines into IV tubing is disclosed. The apparatus including a pair of first and second fluidic blocks having a pair of contact surfaces that may be arranged to respectively engage each other in sealing contact. At least one cutting member is operatively moveable through, or connected, to the other block. In a two cutting member embodiment, a conduit extends between two cutting members and has opposite open ends in communication with an outer side of the associated cutting member. As the second block contact surface is moved towards the first block contact surface, the cutting members cut a portion of the IV tubing extending between the grooves. As cutting occurs, the cut end of the tubing sealingly engages with an associated open end of the conduit to thereby provide for uninterrupted fluid communication through the IV tubing. facilitate connection of IV extension lines by simply connecting the extension line to the conduit through the fluid port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Scan Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Picou, Daniel Daigle, Larry S. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020026151
    Abstract: A catheter insertion device is disclosed herein. The device allows an operator to insert a catheter within a vessel with a single hand enabling the operator to keep a grip on the patient's skin and vessel. The device also includes a needle tip sheath that protects operators from accidental needle punctures by contaminated needles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: SCAN, INC.,
    Inventors: Larry S. Miller, Daniel P. Daigle
  • Patent number: 6299602
    Abstract: A catheter insertion device is disclosed herein. The device allows an operator to insert a catheter within a vessel with a single hand enabling the operator to keep a grip on the patient's skin and vessel. The device also includes a needle tip sheath that protects operators from accidental needle punctures by contaminated needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Scan, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry S. Miller, Daniel P. Daigle
  • Patent number: 5878749
    Abstract: A method for evaluating a varix, including the steps of: (a) placing a system for observing whether the varix is open or closed into a region adjacent to the varix; (b) placing a system for sensing pressure into a region adjacent to the varix; (c)temporarily increasing the pressure in the region adjacent to the varix so that the varix collapses; (d) simultaneously observing the varix with the observing system and monitoring the pressure in the region adjacent to the varix with the pressure sensing system when the varix closes or reopens. Also, a device for evaluating a varix, including: (a) a system for observing whether the varix is open and generating an observing system output; and (b) a system for sensing the pressure in the region adjacent to the varix and generating a pressure sensing output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Temple University--of the Commonwealth System Of Higher Education
    Inventor: Larry S. Miller
  • Patent number: 5845428
    Abstract: A heated fishing rod handle is provided including a heater assembly including a fluidic fuel outlet tube situated within the handle and being in communication with a fuel container removably stored in the handle. The heater assembly further includes a spark generating mechanism for generating a spark upon the actuation thereof. Further included is a heater control assembly including a fuel dispensing lever extending from the handle for selectively controlling the output of fuel from the fuel outlet tube. A push button is situated on the handle for actuating the spark generating mechanism upon being depressed thereby igniting the fuel and generating heat which exudes from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Larry S. Miller, Steven P. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 5731157
    Abstract: An allergen immunoassay method features the use of a combination of a) closely controlled 1) elevated temperatures for assay reactions, 2) low temperatures for reagents and samples, 3) times for assay steps and especially assay reaction times, 4) reagent concentrations, and 5) reagent amounts; b) the use of a fast and accurate method of sample preparation that removes dust and contaminants; c) the stabilization of samples to avoid auto- and antibody degradation and unwanted effects of sample contaminants; and d) the formation of a colored product to determine the amount of a specific allergen. This combination provides an assay that can be completed in a few hours while retaining the precision, accuracy, sensitivity and response curve of previous methods requiring much longer periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Larry S. Miller, Balwant S. Bhullar, Richard S. Tuttle, Victor S. Moore
  • Patent number: 5502998
    Abstract: An air sampling device and method to produce simulated samples of airborne substances obtained from institutional and industrial facilities. The device features 1) an environment container, 2) an ejector for introducing a contaminant into the container environment, 3) a sample collection holder to hold a filter, 4) a pump to withdraw the container environment and contaminant out of the container in a fashion that allows collection of the contaminant on the filter, and 5) a container inlet to allow replacement environment to enter the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Larry S. Miller, Ken W. Lee, Doyle F. Kohler, Randy Jones, Richard Tuttle
  • Patent number: 4589410
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus of the endotracheal type to facilitate rapid intubation of the trachea with an endotracheal tube, with or without a laryngoscope in an operating room or under emergency field conditions where the insert end of an endotracheal tube may be selectively curled to accommodate varying physical conditions of the person to be intubated. The amount of curl imparted to the leading insert end of the endotracheal tube is controlled externally by the person intubating the patient by pulling on a ring attached to a cord within a tunnel on the outside of the tube, the end of the cord remote from the ring being attached to the tube in area above the balloon on the insert end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Inventor: Larry S. Miller