Patents by Inventor Paul J. Thompson
Paul J. Thompson 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: 8900289Abstract: A intraluminal stent comprises a reticulated tube having an un-deployed diameter and expandable to an enlarged diameter. The tube includes a structural beam extending between first and second ends. The structural beam changes from a first geometry to a second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter. The structural beam includes first and second longitudinal elements each extending at least partially between the first and second ends and with a spacing between the first and second elements. Each of said first and second elements changes from the first geometry to the second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter for the spacing to remain substantially unchanged as the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 8876888Abstract: A stent defining a longitudinal axis is disclosed. A plurality of circumferential support structures are spaced-apart along the longitudinal axis. At least some of the circumferential support structures are interconnected by connection members that extend generally in a circumferential direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Nathan T. Lee, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20140316508Abstract: An implant delivery system is disclosed. The delivery system includes an elongated member having an implant mounting location. A self-expandable implant is mounted at the implant mounting location. The implant is held in a compressed orientation by a retractable sheath. An interlock structure prevents the implant from deploying prematurely as the sheath is retracted. The interlock structure includes radio-opaque markers that identify the position of the implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Covidien LPInventors: Paul J. Thompson, Nathan Lee
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Publication number: 20140309576Abstract: A system of components may be used separately or in combination to create partial bypass of food, stomach and intestinal secretions and digestive enzymes. The systems are designed to be modular so as to allow the physicians to quickly replace certain elements to tailor the amount of material bypassed, the restriction applied to food passage, and the origin and destination of bypass according to the patient's individualized clinical needs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventors: Kedar R. Belhe, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20140307383Abstract: Docking stations having a connector with a compliant mount to provide improved durability and flexibility are provided herein. The compliant mount may couple a connector to a base of a docking station and may include at least a first and second flexure disposed there between. The first and second flexure may be configured to have flexural movement in along transverse direction so that, in combination, the flexural movement pivots the connector about a virtual pivot point a distance away from the flexures. The first and second flexures may be configured to project the virtual pivot point to a location on the connector where the connector protrudes from an opening in a docking housing, thereby minimizing the clearance required between the connector and docking housing, while providing controlled movement of the connector relative the dock.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Webb, Ian P. Colahan, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20140242848Abstract: An improved method is employed to produce a plug connector having a defined breaking strength. The plug connector is receivable in a receptacle connector disposed in an electronic device. The plug connector has an inner enclosure bonded to a tab of the connector. The bonds are designed to break at a torque that is less than the breaking strength of the tab of the connector and/or the receptacle connector. The designed breaking strength protects the receptacle connector and/or the electronic device from damage when a force is applied to the plug connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Albert J. Golko, Ibuki Kamei, Warren Z. Jones, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20140236275Abstract: A stent delivery system includes outer and inner elongated, flexible tubular members each having a distal and proximal ends. The outer tubular member is sized to be passed through the body lumen with the distal end advanced to the deployment site and with the proximal end remaining external of the patient's body for manipulation by an operator. The inner tubular member is sized to be received within the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has a stent attachment location at its distal end. A spacer member is disposed between the inner and outer tubular members. The spacer member maintains spacing between the inner and outer tubular members. Opposing surfaces of the inner and outer tubular members define a passageway extending from the proximal end towards the distal end of the outer tubular member. A fluid exchange port is provided in communication with the passageway at the proximal end of the outer tubular member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventors: Paul J. Thompson, Richard C. Gunderson
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Publication number: 20140213960Abstract: A system for therapy within a gastrointestinal system includes anchoring or attachment functionality embodied in a low-profile implant technology and removable therapy components, which can be reversibly attached to these low-profile implants to accomplish various therapies. This design allows the physician to tailor the therapy to the patient's needs. The system has the potential to create conduits for diversion and/or restriction of food and organ secretions and to facilitate the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity and T2DM.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: MetaModix, Inc.Inventors: Kedar R. Belhe, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 8777666Abstract: A plug connector module that includes a metal frame having a base portion, an insertion end and a cavity that extends from the base portion into the insertion end. The insertion end is configured to be inserted into a cavity of a corresponding receptacle connector. A substrate extends through the base portion of the frame and into the insertion end. A first plurality of external contacts is positioned in a first opening and a second plurality of contacts positioned within a second opening. One or more electronic components is coupled to the substrate, and a first encapsulant that covers and environmentally seals the one or more electronic components. A second encapsulant covers and environmentally seals a metal shield and at least a portion of a leg that extends from the shield.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Albert J. Golko, Craig M. Stanley, Paul J. Thompson, Warren Z. Jones, Ibuki Kamei
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Patent number: 8721356Abstract: Docking stations having a connector with a compliant mount to provide improved durability and flexibility are provided herein. The compliant mount may couple a connector to a base of a docking station and may include at least a first and second flexure disposed therebetween. The first and second flexure may be configured to have flexural movement in along transverse direction so that, in combination, the flexural movement pivots the connector about a virtual pivot point a distance away from the flexures. The first and second flexures may be configured to project the virtual pivot point to a location on the connector where the connector protrudes from an opening in a docking housing, thereby minimizing the clearance required between the connector and docking housing, while providing controlled movement of the connector relative the dock.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Webb, Ian P. Colahan, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 8702641Abstract: A system of components may be used separately or in combination to create partial bypass of food, stomach and intestinal secretions and digestive enzymes. The systems are designed to be modular so as to allow the physicians to quickly replace certain elements to tailor the amount of material bypassed, the restriction applied to food passage, and the origin and destination of bypass according to the patient's individualized clinical needs.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: MetaModix, Inc.Inventors: Kedar R. Belhe, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 8702642Abstract: Components may be used separately or in combination to create anchoring systems for intra-luminal implants for the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Various systems include an external component adapted for deployment around a portion of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., the duodenum) and an internal component adapted for implantation within the gastrointestinal tract. Various systems use anchors that are based on mechanical interference, elasticity, spring force, shape memory transformation, magnetic attraction, repulsion and/or levitation. Various embodiments rely on longitudinal anchoring of the implants with minimal force against tissue.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: MetaModix, Inc.Inventors: Kedar R. Belhe, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 8696729Abstract: An implant delivery system is disclosed. The delivery system includes an elongated member having an implant mounting location. A self-expandable implant is mounted at the implant mounting location. The implant is held in a compressed orientation by a retractable sheath. An interlock structure prevents the implant from deploying prematurely as the sheath is retracted. The interlock structure includes radio-opaque markers that identify the position of the implant.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Paul J. Thompson, Nathan T. Lee
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Publication number: 20140069709Abstract: Frames for plug connectors capable of being a reduced size may include features to support contacts, house circuitry for coupling with the contacts, facilitate the flow of molten material during the molding of the frame, and allow for ease of insertion and removal of the plug connector to and from a corresponding receptacle connector. For example, a frame may include ledges, interlocks, and rounded and tapered openings. Methods for manufacturing the frame are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Mathias W. Schmidt, Eric S. Jol, Ian Spraggs, Albert J. Golko, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20140073191Abstract: A compliant mount for use in a connector or connection adapter is disclosed. The compliant mount may be used in a connection between a portable electronic device and another electronic device, such as a docking station. A compliant mount connector adapter may include a first end connector engageable with a portable device and a second end connector engageable with another device, the first and second end connectors coupled with a compliant mount allowing movement of the first end connector engaged with the portable device relative to the second end connector when engaged within the other electronic device. The compliant mount may include any or all of: elastomers, springs, torsion bars, elastomers, rigid members or housing, ball and socket joints, resilient bendable members, and dongles to allow for controlled resistance to bending or torsional forces applied to the portable device when connected to the other electronic device with the connector adapter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ian P. Colahan, Paul J. Thompson, Michael J. Webb
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Publication number: 20140073178Abstract: Docking stations having a connector with a compliant mount to provide improved durability and flexibility are provided herein. The compliant mount may couple a connector to a base of a docking station and may include at least a first and second flexure disposed therebetween. The first and second flexure may be configured to have flexural movement in along transverse direction so that, in combination, the flexural movement pivots the connector about a virtual pivot point a distance away from the flexures. The first and second flexures may be configured to project the virtual pivot point to a location on the connector where the connector protrudes from an opening in a docking housing, thereby minimizing the clearance required between the connector and docking housing, while providing controlled movement of the connector relative the dock.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Webb, Ian P. Colahan, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20140073183Abstract: A plug connector module that includes a metal frame having a base portion, an insertion end and a cavity that extends from the base portion into the insertion end. The insertion end is configured to be inserted into a cavity of a corresponding receptacle connector. A substrate extends through the base portion of the frame and into the insertion end. A first plurality of external contacts is positioned in a first opening and a second plurality of contacts positioned within a second opening. One or more electronic components is coupled to the substrate, and a first encapsulant that covers and environmentally seals the one or more electronic components. A second encapsulant covers and environmentally seals a metal shield and at least a portion of a leg that extends from the shield.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Albert J. Golko, Craig M. Stanley, Paul J. Thompson, Warren Z. Jones, Ibuki Kamei
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Publication number: 20140073193Abstract: Disclosed are plug connector assemblies having external contacts formed on only one surface of a connector body of the assembly. In some embodiments, the connector body includes a plastic tip integrally formed within a ground ring that is otherwise made from metal. Additionally, in some embodiments, the plug connector has a base portion with feet on opposing sides of the plug that each includes a hole that can be used to attach the plug connector to an encasing or other structure of a base electronic device it is incorporated into. In some embodiments, the plug connector extends upwardly away from the base at a predetermined angle such that the contacts are located on the side of the plug connector that forms an acute angle with the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Inventors: Eric T. SooHoo, Ian P. Colahan, Michael J. Webb, Eric S. Jol, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20140069710Abstract: Docking stations having a connector with a compliance mechanism to provide improved durability and flexibility are provided herein. The compliance mechanism may be attached to a connector in a base of a docking station and may include any or all of a flexure, a torsion bar, damping members, a compressive foam member, and an engineered base plate. The compliance mechanism may be configured to provide sufficient rigidity to the connector to support a portable device when mounted on the connector within the dock in an upright position, sufficient flexibility to allow angular displacement of a mounted portable device, and sufficient elasticity to provide a resilient biasing force to return the connector and a mounted portable device from a displaced position to the upright position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Webb, Ian P. Colahan, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 8535102Abstract: A compliant mount for use in a connector or connection adapter is disclosed. The compliant mount may be used in a connection between a portable electronic device and another electronic device, such as a docking station. A compliant mount connector adapter may include a first end connector engageable with a portable device and a second end connector engageable with another device, the first and second end connectors coupled with a compliant mount allowing movement of the first end connector engaged with the portable device relative to the second end connector when engaged within the other electronic device. The compliant mount may include any or all of: elastomers, springs, torsion bars, elastomers, rigid members or housing, ball and socket joints, resilient bendable members, and dongles to allow for controlled resistance to bending or torsional forces applied to the portable device when connected to the other electronic device with the connector adapter.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ian P. Colahan, Paul J. Thompson, Michael J. Webb