Patents by Inventor Robert Vaughan
Robert Vaughan 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: 8216252Abstract: Tissue manipulation and securement systems are described herein. A tissue manipulation assembly is pivotably coupled to the distal end of a tubular member and has a lower jaw member and an upper jaw member pivotably coupled to the lower jaw member. A reconfigurable launch tube is also pivotably coupled to the upper jaw member and is used to urge the jaw members from a low-profile configuration to an open configuration for receiving tissue. The tissue manipulation assembly may be advanced through a shape-lockable endoscopic device, a conventional endoscope, or directly by itself into a patient. A second tool can be used in combination with the tissue manipulation assembly to engage tissue and manipulate the tissue in conjunction with the tissue manipulation assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Vaughan, Cang C. Lam, Richard C. Ewers, Vahid Saadat
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Patent number: 8092489Abstract: A tissue grasping apparatus includes a control member, an elongated shaft, and a tissue grasping member attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. An activation mechanism provides an user-operable connection between the control member and the tissue grasping member. In an embodiment, the tissue grasping member includes a pair of jaws configured to open to an included angle between the jaws of 180 degrees or more. In an embodiment, the activation mechanism includes a flexible drive wire attached to the penetrating member.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Ewers, Eugene Chen, Arvin T. Chang, Robert A. Vaughan
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Publication number: 20100256653Abstract: Devices, systems, methods, and kits for treating the tissue structures of the ear make use of a guide structure that can mechanically register a treatment probe with a target region of a target tissue, the guide structure being fittingly received in an auditory canal and often comprising a conformable body such as a compressible foam, or the like. The guide structure may include an articulating mechanism for selectively orienting the treatment probe toward the target region of, for example, a tympanic membrane. The guide structure may also support a videoscopic image capture device, illumination transmitting optical fibers, an aiming beam transmitter, and the like. Such structures facilitate myringotomy, tympanostomy tube placement, and the like, under local anesthesia in a doctor's office.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: ACCLARENT, INC.Inventors: Aaron V. Kaplan, Joseph Tartaglia, Robert Vaughan, Christopher Jones
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Publication number: 20100249814Abstract: Tissue manipulation and securement systems are described herein. A tissue manipulation assembly is pivotably coupled to the distal end of a tubular member and has a lower jaw member and an upper jaw member pivotably coupled to the lower jaw member. A reconfigurable launch tube is also pivotably coupled to the upper jaw member and is used to urge the jaw members from a low-profile configuration to an open configuration for receiving tissue. The tissue manipulation assembly may be advanced through a shape-lockable endoscopic device, a conventional endoscope, or directly by itself into a patient. A second tool can be used in combination with the tissue manipulation assembly to engage tissue and manipulate the tissue in conjunction with the tissue manipulation assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: USGI MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Robert A. VAUGHAN, Cang C. LAM, Richard C. EWERS, Vahid SAADAT
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Patent number: 7736374Abstract: Tissue manipulation and securement systems are described herein. A tissue manipulation assembly is pivotably coupled to the distal end of a tubular member and has a lower jaw member and an upper jaw member pivotably coupled to the lower jaw member. A reconfigurable launch tube is also pivotably coupled to the upper jaw member and is used to urge the jaw members from a low-profile configuration to an open configuration for receiving tissue. The tissue manipulation assembly may be advanced through a shape-lockable endoscopic device, a conventional endoscope, or directly by itself into a patient. A second tool can be used in combination with the tissue manipulation assembly to engage tissue and manipulate the tissue in conjunction with the tissue manipulation assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Vaughan, Cang C. Lam, Richard C. Ewers, Vahid Saadat
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Patent number: 7704259Abstract: Devices, systems, methods, and kits for treating the tissue structures of the ear make use of a guide structure that can mechanically register a treatment probe with a target region of a target tissue, the guide structure being fittingly received in an auditory canal and often comprising a conformable body such as a compressible foam, or the like. The guide structure may include an articulating mechanism for selectively orienting the treatment probe toward the target region of, for example, a tympanic membrane. The guide structure may also support a videoscopic image capture device, illumination transmitting optical fibers, an aiming beam transmitter, and the like. Such structures facilitate myringotomy, tympanostomy tube placement, and the like, under local anesthesia in a doctor's office.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.Inventors: Aaron V. Kaplan, Joseph Tartaglia, Robert Vaughan, Christopher Jones
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Publication number: 20090259141Abstract: An articulatable, steerable tool guide includes a maneuverable head subassembly, a flexible or rigid insertion tube subassembly, and a handle subassembly. The tool guide defines at least one inner lumen extending through the length of the tool guide, with each such lumen being adapted to receive a flexible endoscopic medical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. EWERS, Arvin T. CHANG, Robert A. VAUGHAN
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Publication number: 20090171161Abstract: Flexible, steerable, endoscopic instruments include a handle, a flexible shaft, and an end effector. The handle includes an actuator for controlling the end effector. The handle also includes a steering mechanism for steering the endoscopic instrument. The steering mechanism includes one or more tensioning members configured to increase or decrease a tension force on one or more steering wires that are attached to one or more steerable portions of the flexible shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. EWERS, Robert A. VAUGHAN
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Publication number: 20080262300Abstract: An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. A shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions. The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Ewers, Eugene Chen, Tung Thanh Le, Robert A. Vaughan, Marvin C. Elmer, John A. Cox, Tracy D. Maahs
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Publication number: 20080262539Abstract: A tissue grasping apparatus includes a control member, an elongated shaft, and a tissue grasping member attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. An activation mechanism provides an user-operable connection between the control member and the tissue grasping member. In an embodiment, the tissue grasping member includes a pair of jaws configured to open to an included angle between the jaws of 180 degrees or more. In an embodiment, the activation mechanism includes a flexible drive wire attached to the penetrating member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Ewers, Eugene Chen, Arvin T. Chang, Robert A. Vaughan
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Publication number: 20080262294Abstract: An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. A shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions. The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: USGI MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Richard C. EWERS, Eugene CHEN, Tung Thanh LE, Robert A. VAUGHAN, Marvin C. ELMER, John A. COX, Tracy D. MAAHS
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Publication number: 20080200930Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: VAHID SAADAT, RICHARD C. EWERS, CANG C. LAM, ROBERT A. VAUGHAN, CHRIS ROTHE, KENNETH J. MICHLITSCH
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Publication number: 20080098663Abstract: A sound attenuation enclosure comprising a plurality of panels positioned side by side one another forming an enclosure about an operating device that generates noise. The panels are supported by a plurality of columns, and are separable from the columns so the enclosure and its components are transportable. The panels and columns may have an enclosed inner chamber filled with a sound retardant material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventor: Robert Vaughan Seel
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Publication number: 20080099274Abstract: A sound attenuation enclosure comprising a plurality of panels positioned side by side to one another and supported on a plurality of columns wherein each panel is positioned in spaced relation to an adjacent panel to allow airflow in and out of the enclosure. The panels and columns may have an enclosed inner chamber filled with a sound retardant material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventor: Robert Vaughan Seel
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Publication number: 20080099275Abstract: An embodiment of a sound attenuation enclosure comprises a body having a plurality of panels aligned side-by-side forming the enclosure wherein each panel abuts, and is positioned at an angle with respect to, an adjacent panel. The enclosure has a first opened end and a second opened end, and each panel is positioned in spaced relation to the body of the operating system within the enclosure. At least one aperture is formed in the enclosure through which a part of the operating system extends; and, at least one end cap is positioned over either the first end or second end of the enclosure wherein the end cap is separable from the body. The enclosure may have two end caps including a first end cap on the first end of the enclosure; and, a second end cap on the second end of the enclosure. The end caps are also positioned in spaced relation to the body portion of the enclosed operating system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventor: Robert Vaughan Seel
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Patent number: 7361180Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Richard C. Ewers, Cang C. Lam, Robert A. Vaughan, Chris Rothe, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
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Publication number: 20070141050Abstract: The invention provides a method of depleting anti-MHC antibodies in a sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof and removing at least the recombinant MHC molecules to which antibodies to said recombinant MHC molecules contained within the sample have bound. This method allows the depletion of one or more specific MHC particularly HLA allele antibodies from a sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2006Publication date: June 21, 2007Inventors: Martin Barnardo, Andrea Harmer, Michael Bunce, Robert Vaughan, Kenneth Welsh
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Publication number: 20060271073Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securing and deploying tissue anchors are described herein. A tissue manipulation assembly is pivotably coupled to the distal end of a tubular member. A reconfigurable launch tube is also pivotably coupled to the tissue manipulation assembly, which may be advanced through a shape-lockable endoscopic device, a conventional endoscope, or directly by itself into a patient. A second tool can be used in combination with the tissue manipulation assembly to engage tissue and manipulate the tissue in conjunction with the tissue manipulation assembly. A deployment assembly is provided for securing engaged tissue via one or more tissue anchors, the deployment assembly also being configured to disengage the anchors endoluminally or laparoscopically.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2005Publication date: November 30, 2006Applicant: USGI Medical Inc.Inventors: Cang Lam, Richard Ewers, Robert Vaughan, Vahid Saadat
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Publication number: 20060155304Abstract: Devices, systems, methods, and kits for treating the tissue structures of the ear make use of a guide structure that can mechanically register a treatment probe with a target region of a target tissue, the guide structure being fittingly received in an auditory canal and often comprising a conformable body such as a compressible foam, or the like. The guide structure may include an articulating mechanism for selectively orienting the treatment probe toward the target region of, for example, a tympanic membrane. The guide structure may also support a videoscopic image capture device, illumination transmitting optical fibers, an aiming beam transmitter, and the like. Such structures facilitate myringotomy, tympanostomy tube placement, and the like, under local anesthesia in a doctor's office.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2004Publication date: July 13, 2006Applicant: Fenestra Medical, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Kaplan, Joseph Tartaglia, Robert Vaughan, Christopher Jones
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Publication number: 20050251165Abstract: Tissue manipulation and securement systems are described herein. A tissue manipulation assembly is pivotably coupled to the distal end of a tubular member and has a lower jaw member and an upper jaw member pivotably coupled to the lower jaw member. A reconfigurable launch tube is also pivotably coupled to the upper jaw member and is used to urge the jaw members from a low-profile configuration to an open configuration for receiving tissue. The tissue manipulation assembly may be advanced through a shape-lockable endoscopic device, a conventional endoscope, or directly by itself into a patient. A second tool can be used in combination with the tissue manipulation assembly to engage tissue and manipulate the tissue in conjunction with the tissue manipulation assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2005Publication date: November 10, 2005Applicant: USGI Medical Inc.Inventors: Robert Vaughan, Cang Lam, Richard Ewers, Vahid Saadat