Patents by Inventor Richard Beane
Richard Beane 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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Publication number: 20080003205Abstract: The invention features methods of making hydrogel constructs that can be used to repair perforations in tympanic membranes, the hydrogel constructs themselves, and methods of repair.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2007Publication date: January 3, 2008Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTSInventors: Lawrence Bonassar, Clifford Megerian, Richard Beane
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Publication number: 20070265643Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a connector conduit to a hollow organ. The method comprises forming a hole in a wall of the organ; inserting a connector conduit through the hole in the wall of the organ until a flange element comes into contact with the wall of the organ, the flange element being positioned on the connector conduit; and engaging a retention means with the wall of the organ to prevent movement of the connector conduit relative to the wall of the organ, the retention means being positioned on the connector conduit. Exemplary retaining means include a plurality of retaining pins positioned circumferentially around the connector conduit, a plurality of prongs positioned circumferentially around the connector conduit, a balloon positioned on the connector conduit, a torsion spring positioned on the connector conduit, a spiral spring positioned on the connector conduit, or combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2007Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventors: Richard Beane, John Brown, James Crunkleton, James Gammie, Joseph Smith
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Publication number: 20070088375Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming a hole in a wall of a hollow organ. The applicator includes a hole forming element for forming a hole in the wall of the organ, a positioning means for positioning the hole forming element, and a retractor element. In addition, the applicator includes a sequencing means for coordinating the relative movement of the retractor element and the hole forming element in a sequential manner to thereby carry out a procedure for forming a hole in the wall of the hollow organ. The sequencing means may further include a safety latch element operatively coupled to the retracting means and the hole forming element. The safety latch of the invention keeps prevents damage to the internal surface of the organ during the formation of the hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: CORREX, INC.Inventors: Richard Beane, John Brown, James Crunkleton, James Gammie, Joseph Smith
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Publication number: 20070082052Abstract: The invention features methods of making hydrogel constructs that can be used to repair perforations in tympanic membranes, the hydrogel constructs themselves, and methods of repair.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2006Publication date: April 12, 2007Inventors: Lawrence Bonassar, Cliff Megerian, Richard Beane
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Publication number: 20060161049Abstract: A device for retracting edges of an incision in a surface to form an opening including: a flexible, tubular skirt having an upper end, a lower end, and a channel therebetween; a ring connected to the lower end of the skirt for maintaining the lower end in an open configuration and defining an exit opening to the channel; and an inflatable collar connected to the skirt and surrounding the upper end. The ring is designed to fit through the incision and remain under the surface when it is oriented parallel to surface. The collar, when inflated, maintains the upper end in an open configuration and defines an entry opening to the channel. During use, the ring is inserted through the incision and the collar is inflated while remaining outside of the incision, thereby drawing the skirt against the edges of the incision and retracting the edges of the incision to form the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2005Publication date: July 20, 2006Inventors: Richard Beane, Steve Ek, Allison Niemann, Maureen Carroll, Randall Hasslinger, Edward Stamm, Javier Verdura
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Publication number: 20060161193Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for forming a side branch on a hollow vessel, such as the aorta. The side branch is preferably adapted to be connected to a connector conduit, but any other suitable use is also acceptable. The system comprises a graft including a side branch portion, and an applicator comprising a hole forming element adapted to form a hole in the wall of the vessel and an insertion element adapted to be inserted through the wall of the vessel, the insertion element comprising a retraction element adapted to enter into engagement with the graft. The hole forming element may comprise a cutting element adapted to cut a hole in the wall of the vessel, and a positioning element adapted to hold the position of the applicator relative to the vessel. The system further comprises a graft protection element adapted to prevent the graft from being damaged by the cutting element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2005Publication date: July 20, 2006Applicant: Correx, Inc.Inventors: Richard Beane, John Brown, James Crunkleton, James Gammie, Joseph Smith
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Patent number: 7008377Abstract: A device for retracting edges of an incision in a surface to form an opening including: a flexible, tubular skirt having an upper end, a lower end, and a channel therebetween; a ring connected to the lower end of the skirt for maintaining the lower end in an open configuration and defining an exit opening to the channel; and an inflatable collar connected to the skirt and surrounding the upper end. The ring is designed to fit through the incision and remain under the surface when it is oriented parallel to surface. The collar, when inflated, maintains the upper end in an open configuration and defines an entry opening to the channel. During use, the ring is inserted through the incision and the collar is inflated while remaining outside of the incision, thereby drawing the skirt against the edges of the incision and retracting the edges of the incision to form the opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Inventors: Richard Beane, Steve Ek, Allison C. Niemann, Maureen E. Carroll, Randall J. Hasslinger, Edward I. Stamm, Jr., Javier Verdura
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Publication number: 20060024826Abstract: The invention features methods of making living tissue constructs that can be used to repair perforations in tympanic membranes, the repair constructs themselves, and methods of repair.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2005Publication date: February 2, 2006Inventors: Lawrence Bonassar, Morgan Hott, Clifford Megerian, Richard Beane
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Publication number: 20050251187Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a first conduit to the heart without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. The first conduit may then be attached to a second conduit that has a prosthetic device interposed. The second conduit may be connected to the aorta prior to the first conduit being attached to the heart. The prosthetic device may be a prosthetic valve or a pump, for example. The apparatus of the present invention includes an implantable connector with first conduit component, a retractor expansion component, a coring component, and a pushing component. The retractor expansion component is slide-ably coupled to the coring component. The retractor expansion component serves to seat against and separate the inside apical wall of the left ventricle so that the coring component may cut cleanly through the myocardium to form a tissue plug without leaving any hanging attachments to the inside walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2005Publication date: November 10, 2005Applicant: Correx, Inc.Inventors: Richard Beane, John Brown, James Crunkleton, James Gammie, Joseph Smith
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Publication number: 20050165340Abstract: The malleolar pad of preferred embodiments of the present invention provides a treating physician with the ability to monitor pressure at a wound site, adjust the pressure to more accurately treat and facilitate healing of, for example, a pressure ulcer while providing adequate wound care. Pressure ulcers can have varied presentations with respect to open sores and the location of the wound. Thus, proper fixation methods provided by monitoring the pressure measurement devices which allow adjustment of the compressive forces applied by the malleolar pad provide rewarding outcomes for the patient and the physician.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2005Publication date: July 28, 2005Inventors: Raymond Dunn, Richard Beane
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Patent number: 6609522Abstract: A urethral compression device prevents male urinary incontinence by compressing the urethra. The device has a pressure-applying element. The urethral compression device compress the urethra. The device is designed to allow the user to manipulate the device using only one hand, if so desired.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: UroScientific IncorporatedInventors: Gordon Cheng, Sanjaya Kumar, Richard Beane, Richard Simmers
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Publication number: 20020183594Abstract: A device for retracting edges of an incision in a surface to form an opening including: a flexible, tubular skirt having an upper end, a lower end, and a channel therebetween; a ring connected to the lower end of the skirt for maintaining the lower end in an open configuration and defining an exit opening to the channel; and an inflatable collar connected to the skirt and surrounding the upper end. The ring is designed to fit through the incision and remain under the surface when it is oriented parallel to surface. The collar, when inflated, maintains the upper end in an open configuration and defines an entry opening to the channel. During use, the ring is inserted through the incision and the collar is inflated while remaining outside of the incision, thereby drawing the skirt against he edges of the incision and retracting the edges of the incision to form the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Applicant: University of Massachuetts, a Massachusetts corporationInventors: Richard Beane, Steve Ek, Allison C. Niemann, Maureen E. Carroll, Randall J. Hasslinger, Edward I. Stamm, Javier Verdura
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Publication number: 20020153014Abstract: A urethral compression device prevents male urinary incontinence by compressing the urethra. The device has a pressure- applying element. The urethral compression device compress the urethra. The device is designed to allow the user to manipulate the device using only one hand, if so desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Applicant: UroScientific, Incorporated.Inventors: Gordon Cheng, Sanjaya Kumar, Richard Beane, Richard Simmers
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Patent number: 6440063Abstract: A device for retracting edges of an incision in a surface to form an opening including: a flexible, tubular skirt having an upper end, a lower end, and a channel therebetween; a ring connected to the lower end of the skirt for maintaining the lower end in an open configuration and defining an exit opening to the channel; and an inflatable collar connected to the skirt and surrounding the upper end. The ring is designed to fit through the incision and remain under the surface when it is oriented parallel to surface. The collar, when inflated, maintains the upper end in an open configuration and defines an entry opening to the channel. During use, the ring is inserted through the incision and the collar is inflated while remaining outside of the incision, thereby drawing the skirt against the edges of the incision and retracting the edges of the incision to form the opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: University of MassachusettsInventors: Richard Beane, Steve Ek, Allison C. Niemann, Maureen E. Carroll, Randall J. Hasslinger, Edward I. Stamm, Jr., Javier Verdura
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Publication number: 20020022762Abstract: A lens warming and cleaning device for use with an optical surgical instrument is disclosed. The device includes a heat-conducting tube sized and shaped to receive the lens portion of the instrument, a heating element thermally coupled to an exterior of the tube, and a cleaning member disposed within the tube. The cleaning member is disposed such that when the lens portion of the instrument is inserted into the tube, the lens portion contacts the cleaning member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventors: Richard Beane, Demetrius Litwin, Steven Ek, Allison Niemann, Melinda Taylor
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Patent number: 6322500Abstract: The present invention encompasses tools and a tool-holding retractor assembly. The retractor assembly spreads an incision and holds the incision open. At least one extension device, having a tool holder on one end, attaches to the assembly. The holder includes a selectively locking multi-axis adjustable mounting element adapted to grip a tool shaft. The mounting element acts as a universal mounting providing rotational and sliding movement of the tool shaft. The extension device adjusts to position the tool holder peripherally of the surgical field. Once the retractor is placed, the extension device provides full access to regions below the incision. The extension device allows the surgeon to chose the insertion point and insertion angle of the tool shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: University of MassachusettsInventors: George Sikora, Richard Beane, Russell F. Stahl, Babs R. Soller, Steven W. Ek, Gary McCarthy, Bill Davis, Javier Verdura
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Patent number: 6289895Abstract: A urethral compression device prevents male urinary incontinence by compressing the urethra. The device has a longitudinally extending pressure-applying element. The urethral compression device compress the urethra without applying undue force to other parts of the penis. The device incorporates a latching mechanism for the purpose of securing the device in a locked position with the pressure-applying element compressing the urethra of the penis. The device is designed to allow the user to manipulate the device using only one hand, if so desired.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: UroScientific, Inc.Inventors: Gordon Cheng, Sanjaya Kumar, Richard Beane, Richard Simmers
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Patent number: 6165184Abstract: Systems, methods, and miniature instruments are disclosed for minimally invasive surgical procedures. A miniature surgical instrument can be inserted directly into a body cavity through a cannula in a way that a surgeon can insert his or her hand into the cavity through a separate minimal incision and use the miniature instruments. A miniature surgical system can include: a cannula having a hollow body configured to receive a miniature surgical instrument and a tether connected to the instrument; and a plunger sized to engage a proximal end of the body and including a conduit therethrough for receiving the tether. The system can also include the tether and the instrument. During use, the instruments can be quickly and safely removed from the body cavity to enable the surgeon to use his or her fingers, e.g., to manipulate tissue.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1997Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., University of MassachusettsInventors: Javier Verdura, Maureen E. Carroll, Richard Beane, Steven Ek, Mark P. Callery
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Patent number: 6159200Abstract: Systems, methods, and miniature instruments are disclosed for minimally invasive surgical procedures. A miniature surgical instrument can be inserted directly into a body cavity through a cannula in a way that a surgeon can insert his or her hand into the cavity through a separate minimal incision and use the miniature instruments. A miniature surgical system can include: a cannula having a hollow body configured to receive a miniature surgical instrument and a tether connected to the instrument; and a plunger sized to engage a proximal end of the body and including a conduit therethrough for receiving the tether. The system can also include the tether and the instrument. During use, the instruments can be quickly and safely removed from the body cavity to enable the surgeon to use his or her fingers, e.g., to manipulate tissue.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1998Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignees: Smith & Nephew, University of MassachusettsInventors: Javier Verdura, Maureen E. Carroll, Richard Beane, Steven Ek, Mark P. Callery
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Patent number: 6142936Abstract: A device for retracting edges of an incision in a surface to form an opening including: a flexible, tubular skirt having an upper end, a lower end, and a channel therebetween; a ring connected to the lower end of the skirt for maintaining the lower end in an open configuration and defining an exit opening to the channel; and an inflatable collar connected to the skirt and surrounding the upper end. The ring is designed to fit through the incision and remain under the surface when it is oriented parallel to surface. The collar, when inflated, maintains the upper end in an open configuration and defines an entry opening to the channel. During use, the ring is inserted through the incision and the collar is inflated while remaining outside of the incision, thereby drawing the skirt against the edges of the incision and retracting the edges of the incision to form the opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: University of MassachusettsInventors: Richard Beane, Steve Ek, Allison C. Niemann, Maureen E. Carroll, Randall J. Hasslinger, Edward I. Stamm, Jr., Javier Verdura