Patents by Inventor Neil M. Becker

Neil M. Becker 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: 11826540
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a flexible cap for a medical fitting, such as a luer-lock fitting. The flexible cap includes a cap component defining a top surface, a cylindrical wall extending opposite from the top surface of the cap component, and an inner sealing surface. The cylindrical wall defines a hollow interior configured to receive an internal tapered sealing wall of a male connector of the medical fitting so as to form a seal with an outer surface of the tapered sealing wall. Further, the inner sealing surface of the flexible cap is configured within the hollow interior. Thus, when the tapered sealing wall of the male connector of the medical fitting is received within the hollow interior of the cylindrical wall, the inner sealing surface of the flexible cap seals the fluid passageway of the tapered sealing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Griffith, Neil M. Becker
  • Publication number: 20220226630
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a flexible cap for a medical fitting, such as a luer-lock fitting. The flexible cap includes a cap component defining a top surface, a cylindrical wall extending opposite from the top surface of the cap component, and an inner sealing surface. The cylindrical wall defines a hollow interior configured to receive an internal tapered sealing wall of a male connector of the medical fitting so as to form a seal with an outer surface of the tapered sealing wall. Further, the inner sealing surface of the flexible cap is configured within the hollow interior. Thus, when the tapered sealing wall of the male connector of the medical fitting is received within the hollow interior of the cylindrical wall, the inner sealing surface of the flexible cap seals the fluid passageway of the tapered sealing wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Nathan Griffith, Neil M. Becker
  • Patent number: 11324938
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a flexible cap for a medical fitting, such as a luer-lock fitting. The flexible cap includes a cap component defining a top surface, a cylindrical wall extending opposite from the top surface of the cap component, and an inner sealing surface. The cylindrical wall defines a hollow interior configured to receive an internal tapered sealing wall of a male connector of the medical fitting so as to form a seal with an outer surface of the tapered sealing wall. Further, the inner sealing surface of the flexible cap is configured within the hollow interior. Thus, when the tapered sealing wall of the male connector of the medical fitting is received within the hollow interior of the cylindrical wall, the inner sealing surface of the flexible cap seals the fluid passageway of the tapered sealing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Griffith, Neil M. Becker
  • Publication number: 20200246608
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a flexible cap for a medical fitting, such as a luer-lock fitting. The flexible cap includes a cap component defining a top surface, a cylindrical wall extending opposite from the top surface of the cap component, and an inner sealing surface. The cylindrical wall defines a hollow interior configured to receive an internal tapered sealing wall of a male connector of the medical fitting so as to form a seal with an outer surface of the tapered sealing wall. Further, the inner sealing surface of the flexible cap is configured within the hollow interior. Thus, when the tapered sealing wall of the male connector of the medical fitting is received within the hollow interior of the cylindrical wall, the inner sealing surface of the flexible cap seals the fluid passageway of the tapered sealing wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Nathan Griffith, Neil M. Becker
  • Patent number: 9108024
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an innovative retention element for use with feeding tubes for placement in a gastric lumen, desirably under direct visualization using an endoscope. The retention balloon has a shape with a recessed or concave center that provides space to accommodate the distal end of inserted feeding tubes. The retention balloon may be conical, square and half spherical and holds the stomach against the inner abdominal wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Kok-Ming Tai, Alison S. Bagwell, Donald J. McMichael, Neil M. Becker, Benone Tarcau
  • Publication number: 20140094751
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an innovative retention element for use with feeding tubes for placement in a gastric lumen, desirably under direct visualization using an endoscope. The retention balloon has a shape with a recessed or concave center that provides space to accommodate the distal end of inserted feeding tubes. The retention balloon may be conical, square and half spherical and holds the stomach against the inner abdominal wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Kok-Ming Tai, Alison S. Bagwell, Donald J. McMichael, Neil M. Becker, Benone Tarcau
  • Patent number: 8175724
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cardiac lead device including a fixation mechanism slidably attached to the lead such that when the fixation mechanism is expanded in to contact with a body lumen, the lead may be moved relative to the fixation mechanism if desired. Such lead movement may be limited by complimentary structure on the lead body and the fixation mechanism that prevents the lead from moving unless sufficient force is applied to the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Tockman, Neil M. Becker, Cindy L. Sherman, Kevin M. Phillips, Scott A. Stockmoe, Yongxing Zhang
  • Patent number: 8105315
    Abstract: A breakaway hemostasis hub for a catheter or introducer sheath includes a splittable or separable housing, a seal within the housing, an actuator partially slidably disposed within the housing, a pair of spring retainer members in the housing each adapted to receive at least one spring, and a pair of actuator retainer members adapted to retain the seal, the actuator, and the spring retainer members in the housing. The actuator is operable to assume a closed position and an open position and includes a dilator member configured to dilate the seal when the actuator is in the open position. The hub is splittable or separable into two generally symmetrical sub-assemblies to facilitate cutting the catheter for retraction from the patient's body without displacing its payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric T. Johnson, Christopher C. Andrews, Neil M. Becker, Gary L. Hague, Thomas L. Kindberg
  • Patent number: 8048033
    Abstract: A hemostasis seal configured for use in a splittable hemostasis valve, hub, or introducer sheath to permit passage of a medical device therethrough. The seal provides a substantially fluid-tight seal around the medical device without causing excessive frictional resistance that would otherwise unduly restrict movement of the medical device through the seal. In one embodiment, the seal includes first and second resilient seal portions each having a contoured mating surface to provide a first fluid seal with respect to the medical device. The seal also may include one or more projecting portions and one or more mating receiving portions which interact to provide a second fluid seal with respect to the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil M. Becker, Christopher C. Andrews
  • Publication number: 20100292638
    Abstract: A hemostasis seal configured for use in a splittable hemostasis valve, hub, or introducer sheath to permit passage of a medical device therethrough. The seal provides a substantially fluid-tight seal around the medical device without causing excessive frictional resistance that would otherwise unduly restrict movement of the medical device through the seal. In one embodiment, the seal includes first and second resilient seal portions each having a contoured mating surface to provide a first fluid seal with respect to the medical device. The seal also may include one or more projecting portions and one or more mating receiving portions which interact to provide a second fluid seal with respect to the medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Neil M. Becker, Christopher C. Andrews
  • Patent number: 7731694
    Abstract: A hemostasis seal configured for use in a splittable hemostasis valve, hub, or introducer sheath to permit passage of a medical device therethrough. The seal provides a substantially fluid-tight seal around the medical device without causing excessive frictional resistance that would otherwise unduly restrict movement of the medical device through the seal. In one embodiment, the seal includes first and second resilient seal portions each having a contoured mating surface to provide a first fluid seal with respect to the medical device. The seal also may include one or more projecting portions and one or more mating receiving portions which interact to provide a second fluid seal with respect to the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil M. Becker, Christopher C. Andrews
  • Patent number: 7615057
    Abstract: A device and method for removing a guide catheter from about a cardiac lead is disclosed. The device includes a blade for slitting the catheter so that the catheter may be removed from the lead. The blade includes upper and lower angled cutting surfaces which define a notch. The device includes a portion for receiving the lead and guiding the catheter to the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Charles Andrews, Neil M. Becker, Gayla Ann Smith
  • Publication number: 20090177209
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cardiac lead device including a fixation mechanism slidably attached to the lead such that when the fixation mechanism is expanded in to contact with a body lumen, the lead may be moved relative to the fixation mechanism if desired. Such lead movement may be limited by complimentary structure on the lead body and the fixation mechanism that prevents the lead from moving unless sufficient force is applied to the lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce A. Tockman, Neil M. Becker, Cindy L. Sherman, Kevin M. Phillips, Scott A. Stockmoe, Yongxing Zhang
  • Patent number: 7477946
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cardiac lead device including a fixation mechanism slidably attached to the lead such that when the fixation mechanism is expanded into contact with a body lumen, the lead may be moved relative to the fixation mechanism if desired. Such lead movement may be limited by complimentary structure on the lead body and the fixation mechanism that prevents the lead from moving unless sufficient force is applied to the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Tockman, Neil M. Becker, Cindy L. Sherman, Kevin M. Phillips, Scott A. Stockmoe, Yongxing Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080108976
    Abstract: A breakaway hemostasis hub for a catheter or introducer sheath includes a splittable or separable housing, a seal within the housing, an actuator partially slidably disposed within the housing, a pair of spring retainer members in the housing each adapted to receive at least one spring, and a pair of actuator retainer members adapted to retain the seal, the actuator, and the spring retainer members in the housing. The actuator is operable to assume a closed position and an open position and includes a dilator member configured to dilate the seal when the actuator is in the open position. The hub is splittable or separable into two generally symmetrical sub-assemblies to facilitate cutting the catheter for retraction from the patient's body without displacing its payload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric T. Johnson, Christopher C. Andrews, Neil M. Becker, Gary L. Hague, Thomas L. Kindberg
  • Patent number: 6575960
    Abstract: A bleed back control assembly and method-for controlling blood loss during catheterization procedures includes a side arm body connected at the proximal end to a seal body. The side arm body comprises one or more branches, each having a lumen, and a finger rest on the exterior of at least one branch. The seal body comprises a cap assembly and a seal assembly. The seal assembly comprises a clamp seal and a bleed back seal, both made of elastomer and held by a seal holder. The cap assembly comprises a threaded cap and a funnel cap. The threaded cap is connected to the seal holder. Rotation of the threaded cap causes the clamp seal to open or close. The funnel cap comprises a dilator, and pressing the funnel cap causes the dilator to open an aperture in the bleed back control seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil M. Becker, Kenneth K. Armstrong, Duncan Clarke, William P. Colvan, Paul Haldeman, Charles R. Peterson, Albert A. Quinones, Gary Thompson, Bruce Wilson, Victor Wilson, LaShun D. Tarver
  • Patent number: 6488674
    Abstract: A bleed back control assembly and method for controlling blood loss during catheterization procedures includes a side arm body connected at the proximal end to a seal body. The side arm body comprises one or more branches, each having a lumen, and a finger rest on the exterior of at least one branch. The seal body comprises a cap assembly and a seal assembly. The seal assembly comprises a clamp seal and a bleed back seal, both made of elastomer and held by a seal holder. The cap assembly comprises a threaded cap and a funnel cap. The threaded cap is connected to the seal holder. Rotation of the threaded cap causes the clamp seal to open or close. The funnel cap comprises a dilator, and pressing the funnel cap causes the dilator to open an aperture in the bleed back control seal. A spring, wound around the dilator, returns the funnel cap to its original position, thus closing the bleed back seal. The bleed back seal self-sizes to devices introduced through its aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil M. Becker, Kenneth K. Armstrong, Duncan Clarke, William P. Colvan, Paul Haldeman, Charles R. Peterson, Albert A. Quinones, Gary Thompson, Bruce Wilson, Victor Wilson, LaShun D. Tarver
  • Publication number: 20020010436
    Abstract: A bleed back control assembly and method for controlling blood loss during catheterization procedures includes a side arm body connected at the proximal end to a seal body. The side arm body comprises one or more branches, each having a lumen, and a finger rest on the exterior of at least one branch. The seal body comprises a cap assembly and a seal assembly. The seal assembly comprises a clamp seal and a bleed back seal, both made of elastomer and held by a seal holder. The cap assembly comprises a threaded cap and a funnel cap. The threaded cap is connected to the seal holder. Rotation of the threaded cap causes the clamp seal to open or close. The funnel cap comprises a dilator, and pressing the funnel cap causes the dilator to open an aperture in the bleed back control seal. A spring, wound around the dilator, returns the funnel cap to its original position, thus closing the bleed back seal. The bleed back seal self-sizes to devices introduced through its aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Neil M. Becker, Kenneth K. Armstrong, Duncan Clarke, William P. Colvan, Paul Haldeman, Charles R. Peterson, Albert A. Quinones, Gary Thompson, Bruce Wilson, Victor Wilson, LaShun D. Tarver
  • Publication number: 20020002352
    Abstract: A bleed back control assembly and method for controlling blood loss during catheterization procedures includes a side arm body connected at the proximal end to a seal body. The side arm body comprises one or more branches, each having a lumen, and a finger rest on the exterior of at least one branch. The seal body comprises a cap assembly and a seal assembly. The seal assembly comprises a clamp seal and a bleed back seal, both made of elastomer and held by a seal holder. The cap assembly comprises a threaded cap and a funnel cap. The threaded cap is connected to the seal holder. Rotation of the threaded cap causes the clamp seal to open or close. The funnel cap comprises a dilator, and pressing the funnel cap causes the dilator to open an aperture in the bleed back control seal. A spring, wound around the dilator, returns the funnel cap to its original position, thus closing the bleed back seal. The bleed back seal self-sizes to devices introduced through its aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: Philip Woo
    Inventors: NEIL M. BECKER, DUNCAN CLARKE, CHUCK PETERSON, ALBERT A. QUINONES, PAUL HALDEMAN, KENNETH K. ARMSTRONG, VICTOR WILSON, BRUCE WILSON, GARY THOMPSON, WILLIAM P. COLVAN
  • Patent number: 6331176
    Abstract: A bleed back control assembly and method for controlling blood loss during catheterization procedures includes a side arm body connected at the proximal end to a seal body. The side arm body comprises one or more branches, each having a lumen, and a finger rest on the exterior of at least one branch. The seal body comprises a cap assembly and a seal assembly. The seal assembly comprises a clamp seal and a bleed back seal, both made of elastomer and held by a seal holder. The cap assembly comprises a threaded cap and a funnel cap. The threaded cap is connected to the seal holder. Rotation of the threaded cap causes the clamp seal to open or close. The funnel cap comprises a dilator, and pressing the funnel cap causes the dilator to open an aperture in the bleed back control seal. A spring, wound around the dilator, returns the funnel cap to its original position, thus closing the bleed back seal. The bleed back seal self-sizes to devices introduced through its aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil M. Becker, Duncan Clarke, Chuck Peterson, Albert A. Quinones, Paul Haldeman, Kenneth K. Armstrong, Victor Wilson, Bruce Wilson, Gary Thompson, William P. Colvan