Patents by Inventor Mark S. Buhr
Mark S. Buhr 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).
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Patent number: 7172727Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood oxygenation are provided. The apparatus includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive a fluid, e.g., physiologic saline; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply; and an outlet coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which the gas diffuses to create a gas-supersaturated fluid, which is removed via the outlet. The removed gas-supersaturated fluid mixes with blood within a liquid-to-liquid oxygenation assembly to form oxygenated blood for delivery to a patient. Alternately, the blood may be provided by a pump to a high pressure hollow fiber or other type membrane oxygenator within which oxygen diffuses across the membrane(s) and into the blood to form oxygenated blood, again for delivery to a patient or other site.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: TherOx, Inc.Inventors: William R. Patterson, Stephen E. Myrick, Vincent Divino, Jr., Jeffrey L. Creech, Mark S. Buhr
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Patent number: 6996432Abstract: An improved medical imaging system preferably includes an imaging device having a housing, an imaging transducer, and a position marker coupled near the imaging transducer. The system further includes a motor capable of driving the imaging transducer in a generally longitudinal direction relative to the housing. Data obtained from tracking the position marker may be cross-correlated with data obtained from the imaging transducer. In one aspect, the position marker may be a sensor capable of communicating with a medical positioning system.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Isaac Ostrovsky, William E. Webler, Mark S. Buhr
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Patent number: 6899847Abstract: A device for producing a gas-supersaturated fluid is provided. The device includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive a gas and a second and a third inlets to receive a fluid; and an outlet for removal of the produced gas-supersaturated fluid. The gas is received from a gas supply that maintains pressure within the chamber at a predetermined level. An atomizer nozzle is coupled to the third inlet to create fine droplets of fluid within the chamber into which gas diffuses to create the gas-supersaturated fluid. The device also includes a first valve coupled to the outlet of the chamber and a second valve coupled to the second inlet, the third inlet and an actuator assembly to control delivery of the fluid from the piston assembly into the chamber. The fluid is delivered into the chamber through the second inlet when the second valve is open and the fluid is delivered through the third inlet when the second valve is closed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Therox, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Mark S. Buhr
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Patent number: 6855291Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood oxygenation are provided. The apparatus includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive a gas-supersaturating fluid, e.g., physiologic saline; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply; and an outlet coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which the gas diffuses to create the gas-supersaturated fluid, which is removed via the outlet. The removed gas-supersaturated fluid mixes with blood within a liquid-to-liquid oxygenation assembly to form oxygenated blood for delivery to a patient. Alternately, the blood may be provided by the pump to a high pressure hollow fiber or other type membrane oxygenator within which oxygen diffuses across the membranes(s) and into the blood to form oxygenated blood, again for delivery to a patient or other site.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: TherOx, Inc.Inventors: William R. Patterson, Stephen E. Myrick, Vincent Divino, Jr., Jeffrey L. Creech, Mark S. Buhr
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Patent number: 6849235Abstract: A method for gas-supersaturating fluids, e.g., physiologic saline, includes providing a chamber having a first inlet to receive the fluid; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply that maintains pressure within the chamber at a predetermined level, advantageously about 600 psi; and an outlet advantageously coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet advantageously creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which gas diffuses to create the gas-supersaturated fluid, which collects within the chamber below the atomizer nozzle for removal via the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: TherOx, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Mark S. Buhr
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Patent number: 6811750Abstract: Apparatus and method for blood oxygenation are provided. The apparatus includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive a fluid, e.g., physiologic saline; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply; and an outlet coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which the gas diffuses to create a gas-supersaturated fluid, which is removed via the outlet. The removed gas-supersaturated fluid mixes with blood within a liquid-to-liquid oxygenation assembly to form oxygenated blood for delivery to a patient. Alternately, the blood may be provided by a pump to a high pressure hollow fiber or other type membrane oxygenator within which oxygen diffuses across the membrane(s) and into the blood to form oxygenated blood, again for delivery to a patient or other site.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: TherOx, Inc.Inventors: William R. Patterson, Stephen E. Myrick, Vincent Divino, Jr., Jeffrey L. Creech, Mark S. Buhr
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Publication number: 20040133105Abstract: An improved medical imaging system preferably includes an imaging device having a housing, an imaging transducer, and a position marker coupled near the imaging transducer. The system further includes a motor capable of driving the imaging transducer in a generally longitudinal direction relative to the housing. Data obtained from tracking the position marker may be cross-correlated with data obtained from the imaging transducer. In one aspect, the position marker may be a sensor capable of communicating with a medical positioning system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Applicant: SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Isaac Ostrovsky, William E. Webler, Mark S. Buhr
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Publication number: 20030231982Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood oxygenation is provided, advantageously comprising an extracorporeal circuit for the preparation and delivery of hyperoxic or hyperbaric blood. In one embodiment, an apparatus for gas-supersaturating fluids, e.g., physiologic saline, includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive the fluid; a second inlet to-receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply that maintains pressure within the chamber at a predetermined level, advantageously about 600 p.s.i.; and an outlet advantageously coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet advantageously creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which gas diffuses to create the gas-supersaturated fluid, which collects within the chamber below the atomizer nozzle for removal via the outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Mark S. Buhr
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Publication number: 20030215356Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood oxygenation is provided, advantageously comprising an extracorporeal circuit for the preparation and delivery of hyperoxic or hyperbaric blood. In one embodiment, an apparatus for gas-supersaturating fluids, e.g., physiologic saline, includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive the fluid; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply that maintains pressure within the chamber at a predetermined level, advantageously about 600 p.s.i.; and an outlet advantageously coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet advantageously creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which gas diffuses to create the gas-supersaturated fluid, which collects within the chamber below the atomizer nozzle for removal via the outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: William R. Patterson, Stephen E. Myrick, Vincent Divino, Jeffrey L. Creech, Mark S. Buhr
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Patent number: 6623433Abstract: A longitudinal position translator includes a probe drive module and a linear translation module. The probe drive module is coupled operatively to an ultrasonic imaging probe assembly having a distally located ultrasound transducer subassembly in such a manner that longitudinal shifting of the transducer subassembly may be effected. The probe drive module is preferably mounted to the linear translation unit so as to be moveable between a condition whereby longitudinal shifting of the transducer subassembly can be conducted either manually or automatically. When in the automatically-operable condition, the probe drive module will be engaged with a motor-driven screw associated with the linear translation module so as to cause the probe drive module to be longitudinally displaced at a constant motor-driven rate.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: William E. Webler, Mark S. Buhr
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Publication number: 20030161759Abstract: A device for producing a gas-supersaturated fluid is provided. The device includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive a gas and a second and a third inlets to receive a fluid; and an outlet for removal of the produced gas-supersaturated fluid. The gas is received from a gas supply that maintains pressure within the chamber at a predetermined level. An atomizer nozzle is coupled to the third inlet to create fine droplets of fluid within the chamber into which gas diffuses to create the gas-supersaturated fluid. The device also includes a first valve coupled to the outlet of the chamber and a second valve coupled to the second inlet, the third inlet and an actuator assembly to control delivery of the fluid from the piston assembly into the chamber. The fluid is delivered into the chamber through the second inlet when the second valve is open and the fluid is delivered through the third inlet when the second valve is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Mark S. Buhr
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Patent number: 6605217Abstract: A bacterial fluid filter includes a filter element supported by a backing member. The filter element and backing member are sealed, e.g., with one or more o-ring seals, in a housing to provide a filter assembly capable of filtering fluid under relatively high pressure. In one embodiment, a filter element, backing member, and seal are disposed in a removable and disposable housing that is sized to fit within a filter housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: TherOx, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Buhr, Adib G. Daoud, Derek J. Daw, John E. Merritt
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Patent number: 6576191Abstract: A device for producing a gas-supersaturated fluid is provided. The device includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive a gas and a second and a third inlets to receive a fluid; and an outlet for removal of the produced gas-supersaturated fluid. The gas is received from a gas supply that maintains pressure within the chamber at a predetermined level. An atomizer nozzle is coupled to the third inlet to create fine droplets of fluid within the chamber into which gas diffuses to create the gas-supersaturated fluid. The device also includes a first valve coupled to the outlet of the chamber and a second valve coupled to the second inlet, the third inlet and an actuator assembly to control delivery of the fluid from the piston assembly into the chamber. The fluid is delivered into the chamber through the second inlet when the second valve is open and the fluid is delivered through the third inlet when the second valve is closed.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: TherOx, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Mark S. Buhr
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Publication number: 20030095892Abstract: Apparatus and method for blood oxygenation are provided. The apparatus includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive a fluid, e.g., physiologic saline; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply; and an outlet coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which the gas diffuses to create a gas-supersaturated fluid, which is removed via the outlet. The removed gas-supersaturated fluid mixes with blood within a liquid-to-liquid oxygenation assembly to form oxygenated blood for delivery to a patient. Alternately, the blood may be provided by a pump to a high pressure hollow fiber or other type membrane oxygenator within which oxygen diffuses across the membrane(s) and into the blood to form oxygenated blood, again for delivery to a patient or other site.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventors: William R. Patterson, Stephen E. Myrick, Vincent Divino, Jeffrey L. Creech, Mark S. Buhr
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Patent number: 6565807Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood oxygenation are provided. The apparatus includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive a gas-supersaturating fluid, e.g., physiologic saline; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply; and an outlet coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which the gas diffuses to create the gas-supersaturated fluid, which is removed via the outlet. The removed gas-supersaturated fluid mixes with blood within a liquid-to-liquid oxygenation assembly to form oxygenated blood for delivery to a patient. Alternately, the blood may be provided by the pump to a high pressure hollow fiber or other type membrane oxygenator within which oxygen diffuses across the membrane(s) and into the blood to form oxygenated blood, again for delivery to a patient or other site.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: TherOx, Inc.Inventors: William R. Patterson, Stephen E. Myrick, Vincent Divino, Jr., Jeffrey L. Creech, Mark S. Buhr
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Patent number: 6555059Abstract: A method for gas-supersaturating fluids, e.g., physiologic saline, includes providing a chamber having a first inlet to receive the fluid; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply that maintains pressure within the chamber at a predetermined level, advantageously about 600 psi; and an outlet advantageously coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet advantageously creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which gas diffuses to create the gas-supersaturated fluid, which collects within the chamber below the atomizer nozzle for removal via the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: TherOx, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Mark S. Buhr
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Publication number: 20020143255Abstract: A longitudinal position translator includes a probe drive module and a linear translation module. The probe drive module is coupled operatively to an ultrasonic imaging probe assembly having a distally located ultrasound transducer subassembly in such a manner that longitudinal shifting of the transducer subassembly may be effected. The probe drive module is preferably mounted to the linear translation unit so as to be moveable between a condition whereby longitudinal shifting of the transducer subassembly can be conducted either manually or automatically. When in the automatically-operable condition, the probe drive module will be engaged with a motor-driven screw associated with the linear translation module so as to cause the probe drive module to be longitudinally displaced at a constant motor-driven rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: William E. Webler, Mark S. Buhr
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Patent number: 6409672Abstract: A longitudinal position translator includes a probe drive module and a linear translation module. The probe drive module is coupled operatively to an ultrasonic imaging probe assembly having a distally located ultrasound transducer subassembly in such a manner that longitudinal shifting of the transducer subassembly may be effected. The probe drive module is preferably mounted to the linear translation unit so as to be moveable between a condition whereby longitudinal shifting of the transducer subassembly can be conducted either manually or automatically. When in the automatically-operable condition, the probe drive module will be engaged with a motor-driven screw associated with the linear translation module so as to cause the probe drive module to be longitudinally displaced at a constant motor-driven rate.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Cardiovascular Imaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: William E. Webler, Mark S. Buhr
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Publication number: 20020070182Abstract: A bacterial fluid filter includes a filter element supported by a backing member. The filter element and backing member are sealed, e.g., with one or more o-ring seals, in a housing to provide a filter assembly capable of filtering fluid under relatively high pressure. In one embodiment, a filter element, backing member, and seal are disposed in a removable and disposable housing that is sized to fit within a filter housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2002Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: Mark S. Buhr, Adib G. Daoud, Derek J. Daw, John E. Merritt
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Patent number: D497989Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: TherOx, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Mark S. Buhr, William R. Patterson, Gregory P. Watson