Patents by Inventor Richard A. Hillstead

Richard A. Hillstead 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: 8647363
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Richard A. Hillstead, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hillstead, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Patent number: 8365721
    Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: NeoVista Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Larsen, Richard A. Hillstead, Roelof Trip, Eugene deJuan, Mark S. Humayun, Eberhard Fritz, Rainer Pintaske, Sabine Willenkamp, Gerd T. Phillipps
  • Publication number: 20130006269
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Richard A. Hillstead, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Publication number: 20120330088
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy are disclosed in which a cannula is introduced into the eye for delivery of radiation to a target tissue. Techniques for properly locating the cannula with respect to the target tissue, for protecting non-target tissue, for regulating heat generated by x-ray emitters, and for combining therapies are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Richard A. Hillstead, Charles E. Larsen, Roelaf Trip, Cory S. Anderson, John N. Hendrick, Benjamin W. Woodward
  • Patent number: 8308757
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Richard A. Hillstead, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hillstead, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Patent number: 8292795
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy are disclosed in which a cannula is introduced into the eye for delivery of radiation to a target tissue. Techniques for properly locating the cannula with respect to the target tissue, for protecting non-target tissue, for regulating heat generated by x-ray emitters, and for combining therapies are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: NeoVista, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A Hillstead, Charles E. Larsen, Roelof Trip, Cory S. Anderson, Eberhard Fritz, Rainer Pintaske
  • Publication number: 20120010652
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The shaft may be capable of an angled configuration where at least a portion of the shaft is manually movable to a direction in which it extends at an angle to another portion of the shaft. The end effector is not limited to a linear configuration and at least a portion of an elongated end effector extends at an angle relative to another portion of the end effector as is needed or desirable for the particular procedure to be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin F. Hahnen, Richard A. Hillstead, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Patent number: 8043328
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The shaft may be capable of an angled configuration where at least a portion of the shaft is manually movable to a direction in which it extends at an angle to another portion of the shaft. The end effector is not limited to a linear configuration and at least a portion of an elongated end effector extends at an angle relative to another portion of the end effector as is needed or desirable for the particular procedure to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Richard A. Hillstead, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin F. Hahnen, Richard A. Hillstead, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Publication number: 20110155788
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Richard A. Hillstead, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Patent number: 7951060
    Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: NeoVista, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Larsen, Richard A. Hillstead, Roelof Trip, Eugene de Juan, Mark Humayun, Eberhard Fritz, Rainer Pintaske
  • Patent number: 7922742
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Richard A. Hillstead, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Publication number: 20110021906
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy are disclosed in which a cannula is introduced into the eye for delivery of radiation to a target tissue. Techniques for properly locating the cannula with respect to the target tissue, for protecting non-target tissue, for regulating heat generated by x-ray emitters, and for combining therapies are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Richard A. Hillstead, Charles E. Larsen, Roelof Trip, Cory S. Anderson, Eberhard Fritz, Rainer Pintaske, John N. Hendrick, Benjamin W. Woodward
  • Publication number: 20110004045
    Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Charles E. Larsen, Richard A. Hillstead, Roelof Trip, Eugene deJuan, Mark S. Humayun, Eberhard Fritz, Rainer Pintaske, Sabine Willenkamp, Gerd T. Phillipps
  • Publication number: 20100268013
    Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Charles E. Larsen, Richard A. Hillstead, Roelof Trip, Eugene deJuan, Mark Humayun, Eberhard Fritz, Rainer Pintaske
  • Patent number: 7803103
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy are disclosed in which a cannula is introduced into the eye for delivery of radiation to a target tissue. Techniques for properly locating the cannula with respect to the target tissue, for protecting non-target tissue, for regulating heat generated by x-ray emitters, and for combining therapies are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: NeoVista Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A Hillstead, Charles E. Larsen, Roelof Trip, Cory S. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7803102
    Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: NeoVista, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Larsen, Richard A. Hillstead, Roelof Trip, Eugene deJuan, Mark S. Humayun, Eberhard Fritz, Rainer Pintaske, Sabine Willenkamp, Gerd T. Phillipps
  • Patent number: 7744520
    Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: NeoVista, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Larsen, Richard A. Hillstead, Roelof Trip, Eugene de Juan, Mark Humayun, Eberhard Fritz, Rainer Pintaske
  • Publication number: 20100087821
    Abstract: Fracture fixation devices for placement within the intramedullary canal of a bone are disclosed. The devices disclosed include a tubular support including a liquid impermeable portion and a plurality of elongated members. The devices are typically used with a hardenable cement. Apparatus and methods for removing such devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: NOVALIGN ORTHOPAEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Roelof Trip, James D. Stoneburner, Matthew T. Harmon, Charles E. Larsen, Mojan Goshayesh, Richard A. Hillstead, Steven B. Waite, Erik H. McDonald
  • Patent number: 7563222
    Abstract: A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: NeoVista, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Larsen, Richard A. Hillstead, Roelof Trip, Eugene deJuan, Mark Humayun, Eberhard Fritz, Rainer Pintaske
  • Patent number: 7503474
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cerebral Vascular Applications, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hillstead, Bryan D. Knodel