Patents by Inventor Philip R. Houle

Philip R. 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).

  • Patent number: 12059539
    Abstract: Guidewires having conductive elements are described where in one variation, the guidewire may be formed by disposing an insulative layer upon a surface of the guidewire core, and printing one or more conductive traces directly upon a surface of the insulative layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: PATHWAYS MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nitin Patil, Philip R. Houle
  • Publication number: 20230390534
    Abstract: Guidewires having conductive elements are described where in one variation, the guidewire may be formed by disposing an insulative layer upon a surface of the guidewire core, and printing one or more conductive traces directly upon a surface of the insulative layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: PATHWAYS MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nitin PATIL, Philip R. HOULE
  • Patent number: 11771872
    Abstract: Guidewires having conductive elements are described where in one variation, the guidewire may be formed by disposing an insulative layer upon a surface of the guidewire core, and printing one or more conductive traces directly upon a surface of the insulative layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: PATHWAYS MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nitin Patil, Philip R. Houle
  • Publication number: 20220181827
    Abstract: Multiple approaches to incorporating multiple conductors on a guidewire by building the multiple conductor traces of variable sizes and material compositions on separate insulating layers are described. The approaches described in the invention facilitate ease of assembly of sensors to the guidewire or catheter element. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where electrical or mechanical properties of the device need to be altered in specific sections to either enhance device performance and reliability (e.g. selective abrasion resistance), or facilitate ease of assembly (e.g. soldering or connection ease), or in some instances achieve desired electrical characteristics (e.g. impedance). The desired properties are incorporated into the same device requiring an innovative approach to forming signal wires in an otherwise tight space without impacting the primary mechanical performance of the devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Applicants: Asahi Intece Co., Ltd., Pathways Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Nitin PATIL, Minoru OGAWA, Philip R. HOULE
  • Patent number: 11324929
    Abstract: Guidewires having conductive elements are described where in one variation, the guidewire may be formed by disposing an insulative layer upon a surface of the guidewire core, and printing one or more conductive traces directly upon a surface of the insulative layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: PATHWAYS MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nitin Patil, Philip R. Houle
  • Publication number: 20220118232
    Abstract: Guidewires having conductive elements are described where in one variation, the guidewire may be formed by disposing an insulative layer upon a surface of the guidewire core, and printing one or more conductive traces directly upon a surface of the insulative layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Applicant: Asahi Intecc Co.,Ltd.
    Inventors: Nitin PATIL, Philip R. HOULE
  • Publication number: 20220111182
    Abstract: Guide wire with conductive element is described herein where the guide wire generally includes a guide wire core, a first insulating layer provided on a surface of the guide wire core, and plural conductive traces provided spaced from each other in a lateral direction of the guide wire core on a surface of the first insulating layer. At least one of the plural conductive traces has a sectional area different from those of the other conductive traces in a transverse-sectional view of the guide wire core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nitin PATIL, Minoru OGAWA, Philip R. HOULE
  • Publication number: 20180093078
    Abstract: Guidewires having conductive elements are described where in one variation, the guidewire may be formed by disposing an insulative layer upon a surface of the guidewire core, and printing one or more conductive traces directly upon a surface of the insulative layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Cygnus Investment Corporation, C/O Solaris Corporate Services Ltd
    Inventors: Nitin PATIL, Philip R. HOULE
  • Patent number: 9023065
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods support tissue in a body organ for the purpose of restoring or maintaining native function of the organ. The devices, systems, and methods do not require invasive, open surgical approaches to be implemented, but, instead, lend themselves to catheter-based, intra-vascular and/or percutaneous techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Aptus Endosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Bolduc, Andrew L. Chiang, Philip R. Houle, Gilbert S. Laroya
  • Publication number: 20110238088
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods support tissue in a body organ for the purpose of restoring or maintaining native function of the organ. The devices, systems, and methods do not require invasive, open surgical approaches to be implemented, but, instead, lend themselves to catheter-based, intra-vascular and/or percutaneous techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Aptus Endosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee BOLDUC, Andrew L. Chiang, Philip R. Houle, Gilbert S. Laroya
  • Patent number: 7815596
    Abstract: Fluid delivery devices having a porous applicator, as well as methods for using the same in the highly localized delivery of fluid to a target site, are provided. The subject devices have a porous applicator through which fluid must flow in order to contact the target delivery site. The subject devices find use in a variety of fluid delivery applications in which the localized delivery of a fluid to a target site is desired. Also provided are systems and kits that include the subject fluid delivery devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Jerome B. Riebman, Philip R Houle
  • Patent number: 7651510
    Abstract: Systems for anastomosing a first hollow tissue structure to a second hollow tissue structure are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, such a system comprises at least one tissue securing member adapted to secure the first and second hollow tissue structures together, and a device for applying the tissue securing member to the tissue structures. The tissue securing member is preferably configured to pass through only one of the tissue structures, and is movable from a first configuration to a second configuration which results in a compressive force being applied to the tissue structures. The systems are particularly useful for performing anastomosis of blood vessels in heart surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Heartport, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. Bolduc, James R. Gannoe, Philip R. Houle
  • Publication number: 20080255498
    Abstract: A kit cleaning system and method is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention has a photosensitizer solution supplied by a pressurized nozzle to the target site. Specific application of the solution is to an oral or skin surface target site. The photosensitizer solution is illuminated with sensitizing light creating reactive chemical species. Pressure and a solvent having an elevated concentration of oxygen or oxygen species improve the efficiency of the killing of pathogens. Methods of using the system within an oral cavity are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Philip R. Houle
  • Publication number: 20080199830
    Abstract: Dental trays, toothbrushes, and other devices are provided for the active delivery of medicaments into hard and soft tissues, particularly those of the oral cavity. The devices apply an AC voltage with a DC offset to drive medicaments into the tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Mark G. Fontenot, Philip R. Houle
  • Patent number: 7213601
    Abstract: A method of treatment of congestive heart failure comprises the steps of introducing an aortic occlusion catheter through a patient's peripheral artery, the aortic occlusion catheter having an occluding member movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position; positioning the occluding member in the patient's ascending aorta; moving the occluding member from the collapsed shape to the expanded shape after the positioning step; introducing cardioplegic fluid into the patient's coronary blood vessels to arrest the patient's heart; maintaining circulation of oxygenated blood through the patient's arterial system; and reshaping an outer wall of the patient's heart while the heart is arrested so as to reduce the transverse dimension of the left ventricle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Heartport, Inc
    Inventors: John H. Stevens, Lee R. Bolduc, Stephen W. Boyd, Brian S. Donlon, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Philip R. Houle, Daniel C. Rosenman
  • Patent number: 7056326
    Abstract: Systems for anastomosing a first hollow tissue structure to a second hollow tissue structure are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, such a system comprises at least one tissue securing member adapted to secure the first and second hollow tissue structures together, and a device for applying the tissue securing member to the tissue structures. The tissue securing member is preferably configured to pass through only one of the tissue structures, and is movable from a first configuration to a second configuration which results in a compressive force being applied to the tissue structures. The systems are particularly useful for performing anastomosis of blood vessels in heart surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Heartport, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. Bolduc, James R. Gannoe, Philip R. Houle
  • Patent number: 6962596
    Abstract: Systems for anastomosing a first hollow tissue structure to a second hollow tissue structure are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, such a system comprises at least one tissue securing member adapted to secure the first and second hollow tissue structures together, and a device for applying the tissue securing member to the tissue structures. The tissue securing member is preferably configured to pass through only one of the tissue structures, and is movable from a first configuration to a second configuration which results in a compressive force being applied to the tissue structures. The systems are particularly useful for performing anastomosis of blood vessels in heart surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventors: Lee R. Bolduc, James R. Gannoe, Philip R. Houle
  • Publication number: 20040220598
    Abstract: Systems for anastomosing a first hollow tissue structure to a second hollow tissue structure are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, such a system comprises at least one tissue securing member adapted to secure the first and second hollow tissue structures together, and a device for applying the tissue securing member to the tissue structures. The tissue securing member is preferably configured to pass through only one of the tissue structures, and is movable from a first configuration to a second configuration which results in a compressive force being applied to the tissue structures. The systems are particularly useful for performing anastomosis of blood vessels in heart surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Lee R. Bolduc, James R. Gannoe, Philip R. Houle
  • Patent number: 6802319
    Abstract: A method of treatment of congestive heart failure comprises the steps of introducing an aortic occlusion catheter through a patient's peripheral artery, the aortic occlusion catheter having an occluding member movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position; positioning the occluding member in the patient's ascending aorta; moving the occluding member from the collapsed shape to the expanded shape after the positioning step; introducing cardioplegic fluid into the patient's coronary blood vessels to arrest the patient's heart; maintaining circulation of oxygenated blood through the patient's arterial system; and reshaping an outer wall of the patient's heart while the heart is arrested so as to reduce the transverse dimension of the left ventricle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: John H. Stevens, Lee R. Bolduc, Stephen W. Boyd, Brian S. Donlon, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Philip R. Houle, Daniel C. Rosenman
  • Publication number: 20040055608
    Abstract: A method of treatment of congestive heart failure comprises the steps of introducing an aortic occlusion catheter through a patient's peripheral artery, the aortic occlusion catheter having an occluding member movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position; positioning the occluding member in the patient's ascending aorta; moving the occluding member from the collapsed shape to the expanded shape after the positioning step; introducing cardioplegic fluid into the patient's coronary blood vessels to arrest the patient's heart; maintaining circulation of oxygenated blood through the patient's arterial system; and reshaping an outer wall of the patient's heart while the heart is arrested so as to reduce the transverse dimension of the left ventricle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Stevens, Lee R. Bolduc, Stephen W. Boyd, Brian S. Donlon, Hanson S. Gifford, Philip R. Houle, Daniel C. Rosenman