Patents by Inventor Robert A. Herrmann
Robert A. Herrmann 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: 8703168Abstract: An implantable medical device for releasing therapeutic agent having a medical device body and a plurality of reservoir-defining structures disposed on a surface of the body. A reservoir can be defined by the reservoir-defining structures and therapeutic agent may be located in the reservoir. A cover may extend over the reservoir so that the therapeutic agent is released from the reservoir when the medical device implanted. Methods for making the medical device may also include providing a medical device body, positioning a plurality of reservoir-defining structures on a surface of the body to form a reservoir, loading therapeutic agent into the reservoir, and covering the reservoir so that the therapeutic agent may release when the medical device is implanted. Alternatively, the reservoir may be covered with a cover and an opening formed in the cover so that the therapeutic agent may release when the medical device is implanted.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Aiden Flanagan, Robert Herrmann, Ken Merdan, Michael Kuehling, Barry O'Brien, Rajesh Radhakishnan, Torsten Scheuermann, Scott Schewe, Anurag Singhal, Young-Ho Song, Mary Joe Timm, Jan Weber, Yixin Xu
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Patent number: 8641732Abstract: A self-retaining suture comprises a variable-dimension filament which varies in size and/or shape along the length of the filament. The variation in size and/or shape results in a variation in the distribution of filament material from one region of the filament to the next. The filament has retainers formed in the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue. The retainers are formed in a manner that makes use of regions of the filament where additional material is distributed. The resulting self-retaining suture has a greater minimum cross-section than would be created using an equivalent uniform filament. The resulting self-retaining suture consequently has a greater tensile strength. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Alexander Naimagon, Gerald F. Cummings, Lev Drubetsky, Robert A. Herrmann
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Patent number: 8571958Abstract: Methods and systems for providing estimated insurance quotes/premiums are described herein. After analyzing rate factors, a subset of rate factors are selected that yield a fairly accurate estimated insurance premium from a minimum amount of information easily obtainable from a user. The user inputs a value from a predetermined set of allowable inputs (value input filter). After receiving and analyzing the user inputs, the system generates one or more estimates and displays the one or more estimates to the user, e.g., via a web page. When multiple estimates are provided, the multiple estimates may differ based on the level of coverage, add-on features, or both. Readily known non-personal identifying information is preferably requested and used, thereby alleviating privacy concerns while still being able to provide an estimate to the user very quickly, e.g., under 30 seconds, once all the requested information is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Allstate Insurance CompanyInventors: Craig Oldham, Michael Frederick Hobart, Dean Krieter, Javier Porras, Jeffrey Robert Herrmann, John Paul Wojcik
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Publication number: 20130246101Abstract: Methods and systems for providing estimated insurance quotes/premiums are described herein. After analyzing rate factors, a subset of rate factors are selected that yield a fairly accurate estimated insurance premium from a minimum amount of information easily obtainable from a user. The user inputs a value from a predetermined set of allowable inputs (value input filter). After receiving and analyzing the user inputs, the system generates one or more estimates and displays the one or more estimates to the user, e.g., via a web page. When multiple estimates are provided, the multiple estimates may differ based on the level of coverage, add-on features, or both. Readily known non-personal identifying information is preferably requested and used, thereby alleviating privacy concerns while still being able to provide an estimate to the user very quickly, e.g., under 30 seconds, once all the requested information is obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: Allstate Insurance CompanyInventors: Craig Oldham, Michael Frederick Hobart, Dean Krieter, Javier Porras, Jeffrey Robert Herrmann, John Paul Wojcik
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Publication number: 20130159024Abstract: Methods and systems for providing estimated insurance quotes/premiums are described herein. After analyzing rate factors, a subset of rate factors are selected that yield a fairly accurate estimated insurance premium from a minimum amount of information easily obtainable from a user. The user inputs a value from a predetermined set of allowable inputs (value input filter). After receiving and analyzing the user inputs, the system generates one or more estimates and displays the one or more estimates to the user, e.g., via a web page. When multiple estimates are provided, the multiple estimates may differ based on the level of coverage, add-on features, or both. Readily known non-personal identifying information is preferably requested and used, thereby alleviating privacy concerns while still being able to provide an estimate to the user very quickly, e.g., under 30 seconds, once all the requested information is obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Craig Oldham, Michael Frederick Hobart, Dean Krieter, Javier Porras, Jeffrey Robert Herrmann, John Paul Wojcik
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Patent number: 8460338Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a manufacturing process produces and an. Article produced has a self-retaining suture wherein a force is used to squeeze the suture causing retainers to form out of material from the suture body. In an embodiment of the invention, fins are formed between the retainers and the suture body, wherein said fins support the retainers. In another embodiment, retainer stops are provided in order to prevent the retainer from settling back in the body of the suture.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Lev Drubetsky, Gerald F. Cummings, Robert A. Herrmann, Alexander Naimagon
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Patent number: 8388677Abstract: A medical device is provided which is adapted for implantation or insertion into the vasculature. The medical device has (a) a medical device substrate; (b) a lower polymeric layer, provided over the substrate made of a nitric oxide donor and a polymer; and (c) an upper polymeric layer, provided over the lower polymer layer, made of a polymer and an anti-restenotic agent.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Herrmann
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Patent number: 8388678Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided which contain the following: (a) substrate having one or more depressions that contain at least one therapeutic agent and (b) a porous membrane disposed over the substrate and the one or more depressions, which regulate transport of chemical species between the therapeutic-agent-containing depressions and the exterior of the device. The substrate and the porous membrane are formed of different materials each with a different thermal expansion coefficient. Moreover, one of the substrate and the porous membrane at least partially surrounds the other. Other aspects of the present invention are directed to methods of making such medical devices, and methods of treatment using such medical devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Anurag Singhal, Robert A. Herrmann, Yixin Xu, Young-Ho Song
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Patent number: 8315934Abstract: Methods and systems for providing estimated insurance quotes/premiums are described herein. After analyzing rate factors, a subset of rate factors are selected that yield a fairly accurate estimated insurance premium from a minimum amount of information easily obtainable from a user. The user inputs a value from a predetermined set of allowable inputs (value input filter). After receiving and analyzing the user inputs, the system generates one or more estimates and displays the one or more estimates to the user, e.g., via a web page. When multiple estimates are provided, the multiple estimates may differ based on the level of coverage, add-on features, or both. Readily known non-personal identifying information is preferably requested and used, thereby alleviating privacy concerns while still being able to provide an estimate to the user very quickly, e.g., under 30 seconds, once all the requested information is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Allstate Insurance CompanyInventors: Craig Oldham, Michael Frederick Hobart, Dean Krieter, Javier Porras, Jeffrey Robert Herrmann, John Paul Wojcik
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Publication number: 20120248648Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a manufacturing process produces and an. Article produced has a self-retaining suture wherein a force is used to squeeze the suture causing retainers to form out of material from the suture body. In an embodiment of the invention, fins are formed between the retainers and the suture body, wherein said fins support the retainers. In another embodiment, retainer stops are provided in order to prevent the retainer from settling back in the body of the suture.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Lev Drubetsky, Gerald F. Cummings, Robert A. Herrmann, Alexander Naimagon
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Publication number: 20120231047Abstract: Methods for the treatment of asthma are provided, which comprise: (a) providing an implantable or insertable medical device that comprises an asthma treatment agent; and (b) inserting or implanting the medical device within the lungs (e.g., the trachea or the bronchial tree) of a patient, whereupon the therapeutic agent is delivered to the patient in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of asthma. Also disclosed herein are medical devices and kits for carrying out such methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Robert A. Herrmann, John J. Damarati, Sepideh Hashemi, Wendy Naimark, Barry N. Gellman, Robert Rioux, Alexandra Rousseau, Raymond Lareau
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Patent number: 8249968Abstract: Methods and systems for providing estimated insurance quotes/premiums are described herein. After analyzing rate factors, a subset of rate factors are selected that yield a fairly accurate estimated insurance premium from a minimum amount of information easily obtainable from a user. The user inputs a value from a predetermined set of allowable inputs (value input filter). After receiving and analyzing the user inputs, the system generates one or more estimates and displays the one or more estimates to the user, e.g., via a web page. When multiple estimates are provided, the multiple estimates may differ based on the level of coverage, add-on features, or both. Readily known non-personal identifying information is preferably requested and used, thereby alleviating privacy concerns while still being able to provide an estimate to the user very quickly, e.g., under 30 seconds, once all the requested information is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Allstate Insurance CompanyInventors: Craig Oldham, Michael Frederick Hobart, Dean Krieter, Javier Porras, Jeffrey Robert Herrmann, John Paul Wojcik
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Patent number: 8216273Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a manufacturing process produces and an. Article produced has a self-retaining suture wherein a force is used to squeeze the suture causing retainers to form out of material from the suture body. In an embodiment of the invention, fins are formed between the retainers and the suture body, wherein said fins support the retainers. In another embodiment, retainer stops are provided in order to prevent the retainer from settling back in the body of the suture.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Lev Drubetsky, Gerald F. Cummings, Robert A. Herrmann, Alexander Naimagon
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Patent number: 8118834Abstract: A self-retaining suture comprises a composite filament. The filament has retainers on the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The filament comprises at least two materials having different properties. A surface material of the filament has properties which enhance the formation, elevation and/or deployment of the retainers. A core material of the filament has properties which enhance the tensile strength of the filament. The surgical filament is thin and flexible and may be used for suturing. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Alexander Naimagon, Gerald F. Cummings, Lev Drubetsky, Robert A. Herrmann
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Publication number: 20110319932Abstract: A marked heterofunctional suture thread has two or more sections having different features. One or more sections of the suture thread are provided with laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia in order that they may be identified and differentiated from other sections. The suture thread may have retainers on the surface of one or more sections such that the suture thread can engage and retain tissue without knots. The markers may be used to indicate fixed features of a section of suture thread such as the presence and/orientation of retainers. In particular embodiments, laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia are used to identify the transition section of a bidirectional self-retaining suture.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: ANGIOTECH PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.Inventors: Rui Avelar, Alexei Goraltchouk, Robert A. Herrmann, Brian H. Luscombe, William L. D'Agostino
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Publication number: 20110288583Abstract: Provided herein are sutures for use in a procedure applied to tissue, and methods for forming such sutures. Some sutures include bi-directional retainers, each of which can be deployed in two directions, but once deployed in one direction, resist motion in the opposite direction. Other sutures include uni-directional retainers that are conical in shape, and include tissue engaging protrusions that extend from edges and/or angled walls of the conical retainers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Lev Drubetsky, Gerald F. Cummings, Robert A. Herrmann, Alexander Naimagon
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Patent number: 8065169Abstract: Methods and systems for providing estimated insurance quotes/premiums are described herein. After analyzing rate factors, a subset of rate factors are selected that yield a fairly accurate estimated insurance premium from a minimum amount of information easily obtainable from a user. The user inputs a value from a predetermined set of allowable inputs (value input filter). After receiving and analyzing the user inputs, the system generates one or more estimates and displays the one or more estimates to the user, e.g., via a web page. When multiple estimates are provided, the multiple estimates may differ based on the level of coverage, add-on features, or both. Readily known non-personal identifying information is preferably requested and used, thereby alleviating privacy concerns while still being able to provide an estimate to the user very quickly, e.g., under 30 seconds, once all the requested information is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Allstate Insurance CompanyInventors: Craig Oldham, Michael Frederick Hobart, Dean Krieter, Javier Porras, Jeffrey Robert Herrmann, John Paul Wojcik
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Publication number: 20110264138Abstract: A marked heterofunctional surgical filament. The filament comprises two or more sections having different features, and the different sections of the filament are provided with markers in order that they may be identified and differentiated. The filament may have retainers on the surface of one or more sections such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The markers may be used to indicate fixed features of a section of filament such as the presence and/orientation of retainers. The markers may be utilized to indicate conditions of the filament such as tension. The markers may be directly readable or be machine-readable. The surgical filament is thin and flexible and may be used for suturing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2009Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: ANGIOTECH PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.Inventors: Rui Avelar, Alexei Goraltchouk, Robert A. Herrmann, Brian H. Luscombe, William L. D'Agostino
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Publication number: 20110166597Abstract: An embodiment of a suture for use in a surgical procedure applied to tissue comprises an elongated body having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of retainers arranged along a portion of the elongated body. The retainers substantially yield to motion of the elongated body within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the first end and resist motion of the elongated within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the second end. The retainers include an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface extending from a periphery of the elongated body and the lower surface having at least two facets.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: ANGIOTECH PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.Inventors: Robert A. Herrmann, Alexei Goraltchouk, Lev Drubetsky
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Publication number: 20110125188Abstract: A self-retaining suture comprises a filament. The filament has retainers on the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The filament comprises one or more materials at least one of which is a shape-memory polymer or shape-memory alloy. The shape-memory material is used to cause the shape of the retainers and or the filament to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to a transition stimulus. The transition stimulus may be applied before, during, or after deployment of the suture in tissue. In particular, the shape-memory material may be used to enhance the formation, elevation and/or deployment of the retainers. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, John Lai, Robert A. Herrmann