Patents by Inventor Robert F. Weikel, Jr.

Robert F. Weikel, Jr. 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: 9668717
    Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter may be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. After the tissue sample is severed, and before the inner cutter is retracted proximally of the side tissue port, the cutter may be used to alternately cover and uncover the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Weikel, Jr., Lee E. Reichel, John A. Hibner, Michael R. Ludzack
  • Patent number: 9433403
    Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy device and a vacuum control module. The biopsy device includes a cannula and a cutter that translates relative to the cannula to obtain tissue samples. The vacuum control module includes a source of vacuum in communication with the cutter and a user interface. The user interface includes a first page and a second page. The first page has a first graphical representation to indicate the operational status of the biopsy device and does not accept user inputs to alter the operational status of the biopsy device. The second page has at least one icon to adjust the operational status of the biopsy device indicated on the first page and a second graphical representation to indicate the adjustment to the operational status of the biopsy device. The user interface includes a user input feature to select the first page or the second page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor W. V. Speeg, Raj G. Raghavendran, Patrick A. Mescher, Wells D. Haberstich, Robert F. Weikel, Jr., Gregory W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9414814
    Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member having a plurality of recesses to receive tissue samples. The rotatable member can be operable to successively index each recess relative to a lumen defined by the cutter. A cover portion may be associated with the rotatable member and permits one or more recesses to be viewable through the cover. The recesses may be configured to carry one or more tissue samples as the rotatable member is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Trevor W. V. Speeg, Bennie Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols, Wells D. Haberstich, Gavin M. Monson, Robert F. Weikel, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150305723
    Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter may be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. After the tissue sample is severed, and before the inner cutter is retracted proximally of the side tissue port, the cutter may be used to alternately cover and uncover the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Robert F. Weikel, JR., Lee E. Reichel, John A. Hibner, Michael R. Ludzack
  • Patent number: 9095327
    Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter may be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. After the tissue sample is severed, and before the inner cutter is retracted proximally of the side tissue port, the cutter may be used to alternately cover and uncover the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert F. Weikel, Jr., Lee E. Reichel, John A. Hibner, Michael R. Ludzack
  • Patent number: 9005136
    Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. External vacuum holes along the outer cannula (probe) that communicate with a vacuum and cutter lumen withdraw bodily fluids while a hemostatic disk-shaped ring pad around the probe applies compression to an external hole in the skin and absorbs fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin M. Monson, Trevor W. V. Speeg, Bennie Thompson, Robert F. Weikel, Jr., Michael R. Ludzack, John A. Hibner
  • Publication number: 20150065914
    Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member having a plurality of recesses to receive tissue samples. The rotatable member can be operable to successively index each recess relative to a lumen defined by the cutter. A cover portion may be associated with the rotatable member and permits one or more recesses to be viewable through the cover. The recesses may be configured to carry one or more tissue samples as the rotatable member is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Trevor W.V. Speeg, Bennie Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols, Wells D. Haberstich, Gavin M. Monson, Robert F. Weikel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8905943
    Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member having a plurality of recesses to receive tissue samples. The rotatable member can be operable to successively index each recess relative to a lumen defined by the cutter. A cover portion may be associated with the rotatable member and permits one or more recesses to be viewable through the cover. The recesses may be configured to carry one or more tissue samples as the rotatable member is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Trevor W. V. Speeg, Bennie Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols, Wells D. Haberstich, Gavin M. Monson, Robert F. Weikel, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140100478
    Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body portion, a tip, at least one blade, and a cutter. The cannula defines at least one lumen. The cannula has a transverse aperture configured to receive tissue. The tip is located at the distal end of the cannula, and may include at least two concave surfaces. The blade extends longitudinally from the tip. A second blade may also extend longitudinally from the tip. Blades may be axially staggered relative to the cannula. Blades may also have lengths that differ from one another. In addition, a blade may have a pointed distal end, or may have a curved distal edge. The configuration of the blade and tip may provide reduced force to penetrate tissue. The blade and tip may produce a cut length that is greater than or equal to the length of the outer perimeter of the cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor W.V. Speeg, Peter Morgan, John A. Hibner, Lee E. Reichel, William A. Garrison, Gavin M. Monson, Michael E. Johnson, JR., Robert F. Weikel, JR., Michael R. Ludzack
  • Publication number: 20140031716
    Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. External vacuum holes along the outer cannula (probe) that communicate with a vacuum and cutter lumen withdraw bodily fluids while a hemostatic disk-shaped ring pad around the probe applies compression to an external hole in the skin and absorbs fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin M. Monson, Trevor W.V. Speeg, Bennie Thompson, Robert F. Weikel, JR., Michael R. Ludzack, John A. Hibner
  • Patent number: 8622924
    Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body portion, a tip, at least one blade, and a cutter. The cannula defines at least one lumen. The cannula has a transverse aperture configured to receive tissue. The tip is located at the distal end of the cannula, and may include at least two concave surfaces. The blade extends longitudinally from the tip. A second blade may also extend longitudinally from the tip. Blades may be axially staggered relative to the cannula. Blades may also have lengths that differ from one another. In addition, a blade may have a pointed distal end, or may have a curved distal edge. The configuration of the blade and tip may provide reduced force to penetrate tissue. The blade and tip may produce a cut length that is greater than or equal to the length of the outer perimeter of the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor W. V. Speeg, Peter Morgan, John A. Hibner, Lee E. Reichel, William A. Garrison, Gavin M. Monson, Michael E. Johnson, Robert F. Weikel, Jr., Michael R. Ludzack
  • Patent number: 8568335
    Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. External vacuum holes along the outer cannula (probe) that communicate with a vacuum and cutter lumen withdraw bodily fluids while a hemostatic disk-shaped ring pad around the probe applies compression to an external hole in the skin and absorbs fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin M. Monson, Trevor W. V. Speeg, Bennie Thompson, Robert F. Weikel, Jr., Michael R. Ludzack, John A. Hibner
  • Patent number: 8454531
    Abstract: A vacuum control module for use in a biopsy system includes a user interface that presents buttons and icons to control operation of a biopsy device. The icons may indicate, e.g., the position of a cutter relative to a transverse opening, whether the system is in a view sample mode, that an adjacent button is operable to reset the position of a rotatable tissue sample holder, whether the system is in a maintenance vacuum pulse mode, the level of vacuum provided by a vacuum source, the volume level of a speaker, that an adjacent button is operable to place the system in a standby mode, and that an adjacent button is operable to shut down the system. The icons may each have an associated button. The icons may be allocated among separate pages (e.g., a probe page and a system page). Another button may be used to switch between pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor W. V. Speeg, Raj Raghavendran, Patrick A. Mescher, Wells D. Haberstich, Robert F. Weikel, Jr., Gregory W. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120316464
    Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter may be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. After the tissue sample is severed, and before the inner cutter is retracted proximally of the side tissue port, the cutter may be used to alternately cover and uncover the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Robert F. Weikel, JR., Lee E. Reichel, John A. Hibner, Michael R. Ludzack
  • Patent number: 8287466
    Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter may be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. After the tissue sample is severed, and before the inner cutter is retracted proximally of the side tissue port, the cutter may be used to alternately cover and uncover the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Weikel, Jr., Lee E. Reichel, John A. Hibner, Michael R. Ludzack
  • Publication number: 20120226193
    Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member having a plurality of recesses to receive tissue samples. The rotatable member can be operable to successively index each recess relative to a lumen defined by the cutter. A cover portion may be associated with the rotatable member and permits one or more recesses to be viewable through the cover. The recesses may be configured to carry one or more tissue samples as the rotatable member is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Trevor W.V. Speeg, Bennie Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols, Wells D. Haberstich, Gavin M. Monson, Robert F. Weikel, JR.
  • Patent number: 8251916
    Abstract: A biopsy device includes a cutter defining a cutter lumen and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. In one example, the tissue sample holder has a rotatable manifold that is configured to redirect fluid from one axial direction to an opposite axial direction. The tissue sample holder also has a plurality of tissue sample trays through which fluid may be communicated. The tissue sample trays define chambers that are each configured to separately hold tissue samples. The tissue sample trays are removable relative to the manifold. A cup is configured to cover the manifold and trays. A tissue sample holder rotation mechanism is operable to rotate the manifold to successively index each chamber of the tissue sample trays with the cutter lumen. A feature may prevent rotation of the manifold when one part of the biopsy device is separated from another part of the biopsy device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor W. V. Speeg, Gavin M. Monson, Kyle P. Moore, John A. Hibner, Edward A. Rhad, Shailendra K. Parihar, Wells D. Haberstich, Kenneth E. Hogue, Michele D'Arcangelo, Robert F. Weikel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8241226
    Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member and at least one removable member secured about the exterior of the rotatable member. The at least one removable member defines a plurality of tissue sample compartments. Each tissue sample compartment is configured to receive one or more tissue samples captured by the cutter. In some versions, the at least one removable member comprises a belt and a plurality of vials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Trevor W. V. Speeg, Bennie Thompson, Richard P. Nuchols, Wells D. Haberstich, Gavin M. Monson, Robert F. Weikel, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110144532
    Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. External vacuum holes along the outer cannula (probe) that communicate with a vacuum and cutter lumen withdraw bodily fluids while a hemostatic disk-shaped ring pad around the probe applies compression to an external hole in the skin and absorbs fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Gavin M. Monson, Trevor W.V. Speeg, Bennie Thompson, Robert F. Weikel, JR., Michael R. Ludzack, John A. Hibner
  • Patent number: 7938786
    Abstract: A biopsy system has a cutter defining a cutter lumen along an axis. One conduit in the system is configured to provide fluid communication along the cutter lumen axis; while another conduit in the system is configured to provide fluid communication lateral to the cutter lumen axis. The system may be operated in a variety of modes, including a sample cycle, a clear probe cycle, a cutter positioning cycle, an aspirate cycle, and a maintenance vacuum pulse cycle. The operational modes are selectable by a user. Depending on the mode selected by the user, the communication of vacuum, saline, or atmospheric air through the conduits, or the sealing of the conduits, will vary as a function of the axial position of the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Ritchie, Trevor W. V. Speeg, John A. Hibner, William D. Dannaher, Shailendra K. Parihar, Robert F. Weikel, Jr.