Patents by Inventor Phil Houle

Phil Houle 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: 20140194902
    Abstract: Systems and methods introduce and deploy prosthesis into a blood vessel or hollow body organ by intra-vascular access. The prosthesis is secured in place by fasteners which are implanted by an applier that is also deployed by intra-vascular access. The applier is configured to permit controlled, selective release of the fastener in a step that is independent of the step of implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Aptus Endosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Bolduc, Phil Houle
  • Patent number: 8685044
    Abstract: Systems and methods introduce and deploy prosthesis into a blood vessel or hollow body organ by intra-vascular access. The prosthesis is secured in place by fasteners which are implanted by an applier that is also deployed by intra-vascular access. The applier is configured to permit controlled, selective release of the fastener in a step that is independent of the step of implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Aptus Endosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Bolduc, Phil Houle
  • Publication number: 20120316578
    Abstract: Systems and methods introduce and deploy prosthesis into a blood vessel or hollow body organ by intra-vascular access. The prosthesis is secured in place by fasteners which are implanted by an applier that is also deployed by intra-vascular access. The applier is configured to permit controlled, selective release of the fastener in a step that is independent of the step of implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Aptus Endosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee BOLDUC, Phil HOULE
  • Patent number: 8231639
    Abstract: Systems and methods introduce and deploy prosthesis into a blood vessel or hollow body organ by intra-vascular access. The prosthesis is secured in place by fasteners which are implanted by an applier that is also deployed by intra-vascular access. The applier is configured to permit controlled, selective release of the fastener in a step that is independent of the step of implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Aptus Endosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Bolduc, Phil Houle
  • Publication number: 20110240037
    Abstract: Methods and tools are disclosed for inserting an implant device that treats snoring and apnea of a patient by altering the position of a soft palate. Methods and tools can make an incision in patient's soft and hard palate to create a cavity that can house the implant. The tools can have visually observable markings that can be aligned with the incision, thus controlling the depth of the cavity. A needle having an incision edge can be used to make an incision in patient's soft palate. The needle can be bent into a suitable longitudinal shape to allow easier access and visualization of the process. A blade that makes the cavity in the tissue can be housed inside a channel in the needle. The tools may have stoppers to prevent excessive extension and retraction of the blade thus preventing an excessive cavity depth. Some tools may also house the implant device, which may be implanted after the cavity is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Anant V. Hegde, Kasey Kai-Chi Li, Phil Houle, Casidy Hallsten, Chris D. Owen
  • Patent number: 7980248
    Abstract: Methods and tools are disclosed for inserting an implant device that treats snoring and apnea of a patient by altering the position of a soft palate. Methods and tools can make an incision in patient's soft and hard palate to create a cavity that can house the implant. The tools can have visually observable markings that can be aligned with the incision, thus controlling the depth of the cavity. A needle having an incision edge can be used to make an incision in patient's soft palate. The needle can be bent into a suitable longitudinal shape to allow easier access and visualization of the process. A blade that makes the cavity in the tissue can be housed inside a channel in the needle. The tools may have stoppers to prevent excessive extension and retraction of the blade thus preventing an excessive cavity depth. Some tools may also house the implant device, which may be implanted after the cavity is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: Anant V. Hegde, Kasey Kai-Chi Li, Phil Houle, Casidy Hallsten, Chris D. Owen
  • Publication number: 20100049227
    Abstract: Methods and tools are disclosed for inserting an implant device that treats snoring and apnea of a patient by altering the position of a soft palate. Methods and tools can make an incision in patient's soft and hard palate to create a cavity that can house the implant. The tools can have visually observable markings that can be aligned with the incision, thus controlling the depth of the cavity. A needle having an incision edge can be used to make an incision in patient's soft palate. The needle can be bent into a suitable longitudinal shape to allow easier access and visualization of the process. A blade that makes the cavity in the tissue can be housed inside a channel in the needle. The tools may have stoppers to prevent excessive extension and retraction of the blade thus preventing an excessive cavity depth. Some tools may also house the implant device, which may be implanted after the cavity is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Pavad Medical
    Inventors: Anant V. Hegde, Kasey Kai-Chi Li, Phil Houle, Casidy Hallsten, Chris D. Owen
  • Publication number: 20060020326
    Abstract: Systems and methods introduce and deploy prosthesis into a blood vessel or hollow body organ by intra-vascular access. The prosthesis is secured in place by fasteners which are implanted by an applier that is also deployed by intra-vascular access. The applier is configured to permit controlled, selective release of the fastener in a step that is independent of the step of implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Publication date: January 26, 2006
    Inventors: Lee Bolduc, Phil Houle
  • Publication number: 20050187613
    Abstract: Systems and methods introduce and deploy prosthesis into a blood vessel or hollow body organ by intra-vascular access. The prosthesis is secured in place by fasteners which are implanted by an applier that is also deployed by intra-vascular access. The applier is configured to permit controlled, selective release of the fastener in a step that is independent of the step of implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Lee Bolduc, Phil Houle