Patents by Inventor Mark R. Bilitz
Mark R. Bilitz 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: 20160310210Abstract: A catheter and handle assembly for use in treating tissue. More specifically, the invention relates to a catheter assembly having an elongate shaft, ablation assembly coupled to one end of the shaft, and a handle coupled to the other end of the shaft. The handle facilitates both axial and circumferential positioning of the ablation assembly via the shaft in an airway, conduit, or vessel for treatment of the tissue. Embodiments include the use of a handle to facilitate the axial and circumferential positioning of the shaft and ablation assembly through and independent of a working channel of a bronchoscope during treatment for pulmonary disease like COPD and asthma.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2014Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventors: Scott Harshman, Richard C. Gunderson, John Streeter, Martin L. Mayse, Mark R. Bilitz, Matt Heidner, Steven P. Mertens, Larry Wales
-
Patent number: 9381039Abstract: Transdermal insertion of a transcutaneous filling apparatus, for the purpose of filling a fill chamber of an implanted therapy delivery device, is monitored by measuring each impedance between pairs of electrodes of a needle of the apparatus, and comparing each to a threshold impedance; the electrodes, preferably at least three in number, are isolated and spaced apart from one another along a length of the needle. A confirmation signal is generated when at least one of the measured impedances is greater than the threshold impedance, and another is less than the threshold, the condition indicating that one of the electrodes is located within a non-conductive septum, through which the apparatus must pass to access the fill chamber. A detection circuit, which may be located in a housing of the apparatus that is attached to a proximal end of the needle, measures and compares the impedances.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Keith A. Miesel, Scott A. Sarkinen, Emem D. Akpan, Douglas E. Hentges, Mark E. Dunlap, Darrin Schauble, Cindy Konen, Mark R. Bilitz
-
Patent number: 8870895Abstract: A medical retrieval device used to remove objects such as urinary and biliary calculi from the body comprising a handle assembly with an independent rotational means, a sheath, and an object entrapping assembly. In preferred embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a longitudinally stationary base portion with a handle base and a rotating means and a thumb slide actuation means located between the distal and proximal ends of the handle base portion. Actuation of the thumb slide relative to the handle base causes the object entrapping assembly to be actuated between the open and closed positions. Rotation of the rotating means relative to the handle base causes precise rotation of the object entrapping assembly. The thumb slide actuation means and rotating means are separate and independent of each other, preventing inadvertent adjustment of the degree of actuation during rotation and preventing inadvertent adjustment of rotational position during actuation.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Annex Medical, Inc.Inventor: Mark R. Bilitz
-
Publication number: 20140276573Abstract: Transdermal insertion of a transcutaneous filling apparatus, for the purpose of filling a fill chamber of an implanted therapy delivery device, is monitored by measuring each impedance between pairs of electrodes of a needle of the apparatus, and comparing each to a threshold impedance; the electrodes, preferably at least three in number, are isolated and spaced apart from one another along a length of the needle. A confirmation signal is generated when at least one of the measured impedances is greater than the threshold impedance, and another is less than the threshold, the condition indicating that one of the electrodes is located within a non-conductive septum, through which the apparatus must pass to access the fill chamber. A detection circuit, which may be located in a housing of the apparatus that is attached to a proximal end of the needle, measures and compares the impedances.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Keith A. Miesel, Scott A. Sarkinen, Emem D. Akpan, Douglas E. Hentges, Mark E. Dunlap, Darrin Schauble, Cindy Konen, Mark R. Bilitz
-
Publication number: 20120095477Abstract: A medical retrieval device used to remove objects such as urinary and biliary calculi from the body comprising a handle assembly with an independent rotational means, a sheath, and an object entrapping assembly. In preferred embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a longitudinally stationary base portion with a handle base and a rotating means and a thumb slide actuation means located between the distal and proximal ends of the handle base portion. Actuation of the thumb slide relative to the handle base causes the object entrapping assembly to be actuated between the open and closed positions. Rotation of the rotating means relative to the handle base causes precise rotation of the object entrapping assembly. The thumb slide actuation means and rotating means are separate and independent of each other, preventing inadvertent adjustment of the degree of actuation during rotation and preventing inadvertent adjustment of rotational position during actuation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventor: Mark R. Bilitz
-
Patent number: 8021372Abstract: A medical retrieval device used to remove objects such as urinary and biliary calculi from the body comprising a handle assembly with an independent rotational means, a sheath, and an object entrapping assembly. In preferred embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a longitudinally stationary base portion and a thumb slide actuation means. The longitudinally stationary portion comprises a handle base and a rotating means. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the thumb slide actuation means is located between the distal and proximal ends of the handle base portion during the complete actuation cycle. Actuation of the thumb slide relative to the handle base causes the object entrapping assembly to be actuated between the open and closed positions. Rotation of the rotating means relative to the handle base causes precise rotation of the object entrapping assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Annex Medical, Inc.Inventor: Mark R. Bilitz
-
Patent number: 7083620Abstract: A hemostat-type device for ablative treatment of tissue, particularly for treatment of atrial fibrillation, is constructed with features that provide easy and effective treatment. A swiveling head assembly can allow the jaws to be adjusted in pitch and roll. Malleable jaws can permit curved lesion shapes. A locking detent can secure the jaws in a closed position during the procedure. An illuminated indicator provides confirmation that the device is operating. A fluid delivery system simplifies irrigated ablation procedures.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Scott E. Jahns, David E. Francischelli, Alison A. Lutterman, James R. Keogh, Roderick E. Briscoe, William G. O'Neill, Jack Goodman, Tom P. Daigle, Paul T. Rothstein, Adam A. Podbelski, Stephen J Roddy, David J. S. Kim, Mark R. Bilitz
-
Publication number: 20040087940Abstract: A hemostat-type device for ablative treatment of tissue, particularly for treatment of atrial fibrillation, is constructed with features that provide easy and effective treatment. A swiveling head assembly can allow the jaws to be adjusted in pitch and roll. Malleable jaws can permit curved lesion shapes. A locking detent can secure the jaws in a closed position during the procedure. An illuminated indicator provides confirmation that the device is operating. A fluid delivery system simplifies irrigated ablation procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Scott E. Jahns, David E. Francischelli, Alison A. Lutterman, James R. Keogh, Roderick E. Briscoe, William G. O'Neill, Jack Goodman, Tom P. Daigle, Paul T. Rothstein, Adam A. Podbelski, Stephen J. Roddy, David J.S. Kim, Mark R. Bilitz
-
Patent number: 6725090Abstract: An apparatus for the electrically assisted delivery of therapeutic agent is described. An apparatus of the invention has rigid zones or regions which are physically connected by flexible means such as a web. The flexible means permits the rigid zones to move independently with respect to each other while remaining physically connected or coupled. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid zones are physically and electronically coupled by the flexible means. In another preferred embodiment, the skin side of the rigid zones has a radius of curvature which approximates that of the body site to which the device is to be attached. A method of increasing the body or surface conformability of a rigid electrotransport device is described. The method involves the step of intentionally placing rigid subcomponents of the device in physically separate zones within the device. The rigid zones are separate and are coupled by flexible connector means.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Gary A. Lattin, Gary A. Messer, Mark R. Bilitz, John R. Peery, J. Richard Gyory
-
Publication number: 20030023247Abstract: A medical retrieval device used to remove objects such as urinary and biliary calculi from the body comprising a handle assembly with a cable and a cable protection means. In a preferred embodiment, the handle assembly comprises a longitudinally stationary base portion and a thumb slide actuation means. A portion of the thumb slide actuation means is located between the distal and proximal ends of the handle base portion during the complete actuation cycle. Actuation of the thumb slide relative to the handle base portion causes the retrieval device to be actuated between the open and closed positions. The handle is preferably sized and configured to be held and operated comfortably with one hand. The light weight of the entire handle assembly minimizes potential damage to the small diameter flexible cable. In preferred embodiments, a series of openings in the handle base reduce weight, reduce material usage, and facilitate sterilization while maintaining strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Stuart J. Lind, Mark R. Bilitz
-
Publication number: 20030009176Abstract: A medical retrieval device used to remove objects such as urinary and biliary calculi from the body comprising a handle assembly with an independent rotational means, a sheath, and an object entrapping assembly. In preferred embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a longitudinally stationary base portion and a thumb slide actuation means. The longitudinally stationary portion comprises a handle base and a rotating means. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the thumb slide actuation means is located between the distal and proximal ends of the handle base portion during the complete actuation cycle. Actuation of the thumb slide relative to the handle base causes the object entrapping assembly to be actuated between the open and closed positions. Rotation of the rotating means relative to the handle base causes precise rotation of the object entrapping assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventor: Mark R. Bilitz
-
Patent number: 6059796Abstract: An apparatus and method for infusing fluid through the sheath of a stone basket involves a connector fixedly attached to the rearward end of the sheath and releasably attached to a handle. A basket assembly has a portion thereof disposed within the longitudinal passageway of the sheath. The basket assembly is extensible beyond the forward end of the sheath to permit its basket to expand. The basket assembly is removable from the longitudinal passageway of the sheath by uncoupling the connector from the handle and withdrawing the basket assembly through the rearward end of the sheath. The connector further includes a means for coupling a syringe to the connector when the connector is detached from the handle and the basket assembly is removed from the sheath. Thus the handle can be detached from the connector, the basket assembly removed from the sheath, and a syringe coupled to the connector to infuse fluid through the sheath.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: C R Bard, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Bilitz, Rance A. Winkler
-
Patent number: 5980511Abstract: A medical instrument handle consisting of an ergonomic main handle body incorporating an integral palm blocking arch which will provide a simple and reliable means for preventing the application of palm pressure to the thumb ring of the actuator by the operator, while concurrently making it considerably more ergonomic, smooth and reliable in operation, and less expensive to produce.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: T. EsserInventors: Mark R. Bilitz, Theodor Esser
-
Patent number: 5817104Abstract: An improved stone basket is disclosed which comprises a handle having a slide and a piston movably mounted to it. In a first embodiment the distal end of a sheath is attached to the slide, and the distal end of a control wire is attached to the piston. A basket shaft is fixedly mounted to the handle. Initial rearward movement of the slide causes the sheath to retract over the fixed basket shaft, exposing a basket member at the forward end of the basket shaft and permitting it to open. Further rearward movement of the slide by the physician brings the slide into driving engagment with the piston. Thereafter, subsequent movement of the slide displaces the piston to exert a tension on the control wire to expand the basket member. In a second embodiment the sheath is fixedly mounted to the forward end of the handle. The rearward end of the basket shaft is mounted to the thumb slide, and the rearward end of the control wire is attached to the piston.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Bilitz, Rance A. Winkler, Larry A. Roberts
-
Patent number: 4387718Abstract: A control cover for a nerve stimulator is moveable between a protective position in which access to the stimulator controls is blocked to prevent accidental alteration of the settings thereof, except for emergency OFF button which remains accessible at all times and a use position in which the controls are accessible for intentional changing of control settings. The disclosed embodiment has a sliding panel which covers a set of keyboard switches. Apertures are provided in the cover and, in one position of the sliding cover, are aligned with the switches to permit access thereto. In the protective position of the cover, the apertures in the cover are moved out of alignment with the switches, preventing access thereto. The OFF switch and its corresponding aperture in the cover are larger than the other switches, so that it remains accessible in both positions of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1981Date of Patent: June 14, 1983Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Bilitz, Dale A. Dickson
-
Patent number: D457955Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Annex Medical, Inc.Inventor: Mark R. Bilitz
-
Patent number: D357743Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1992Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: Mark R. Bilitz, Gary A. Lattin
-
Patent number: D359803Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1994Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: David J. Stanton, Craig F. Borchard, Mark R. Bilitz