Patents by Inventor Stephen Griffin

Stephen Griffin 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).

  • Publication number: 20050197667
    Abstract: Catheters such as guide catheters can be configured to provide distal occlusion, while still providing sufficient interior lumen space for device delivery. Such catheters can also provide a desired level of flexibility, yet can include sufficient column support. A catheter can include an elongate shaft with a lumen, an inflatable compliant balloon disposed over the distal region of the shaft, and an external inflation component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: September 8, 2005
    Inventors: Huey Chan, Stephen Griffin, Elainc Lim
  • Publication number: 20050137622
    Abstract: Catheters such as guide catheters can be configured to provide distal occlusion, while still providing sufficient interior lumen space for device delivery. Such catheters can also provide a desired level of flexibility, yet can include sufficient column support. A catheter can include an elongate shaft having a distal region, a proximal region and a lumen extending therebetween. Distal occlusion means can be disposed over a portion of the distal region of the elongate shaft and occlusion activating means can be disposed over the elongate shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen Griffin
  • Publication number: 20050124918
    Abstract: Catheters such as guide catheters can be configured for delivery of devices to vasculature portions such as intracranial spaces while retaining a desired level of flexibility. A catheter having an elongate shaft can include removable support means that can provide column support to the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft can include anchoring means that releasably secure the removable support means. The catheter can be deployed within a patient's vasculature, followed by deploying the removable support means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Gregory Mirigian
  • Publication number: 20050112256
    Abstract: Produce is harvested and de-cored in a field where they are grown. The de-cored produce is loaded in totes and transported to a processing facility. The processing facility includes a washing device that immerses the de-cored ends of the produce in a tank of washing fluid (e.g., a cleaning solution that includes anti-bacterial agents). In one embodiment, a flow of washing fluid is directed through the de-cored end of the produce and out a leafy end of the produce while the produce is still loaded in totes. A washing device having a tank and a transport mechanism that moves totes loaded with de-cored produce into the tank. Optionally, a device such as a pump maintains a flow in the tank in a direction toward de-cored ends of produce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 26, 2005
    Inventors: Josh Mitchell, Stephen Griffin
  • Publication number: 20050096724
    Abstract: A catheter comprises a catheter shaft, at least a portion of which defines a medical device receiving region, and at least one sleeve. The at least one sleeve comprises a tubular member constructed and arranged to transition between an extended state and a retracted state. The tubular member has a first portion being engaged to a portion of the catheter shaft adjacent to the medical device receiving region. In the extended state a second portion is constructed and arranged to at least partially overlay the medical device receiving region. In the retraced state the second portion is removed from about the medical device receiving region. At least one of the first portion and the second portion of the tubular member are at least partially constructed from a shape memory material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Stenzel, Ronald Sahatjian, Sheng-ping Zhong, Kinh-Luan Dao, Peter Dayton, Daniel Kalashian, Stephen Griffin, Thomas Chien
  • Publication number: 20040254450
    Abstract: A medical device having a segmented construction. In at least some embodiments, a medical device including a plurality of conductive elongated members that are of such a length and are connected together in such a manner to impart a degree of MRI compatibility to the device. In some embodiments, the elongated members can include a series of solid elongate members and tubular elongate members, which construction provides one way to control at least some properties of the device, for example, stiffness, torque transmission, flexibility, shape retention, and the like. In yet some additional embodiments, at least one of the elongated members has a recess into which a protrusion of another elongated member may fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Alain Cornil, Scott R. Smith, Lex Philip Jansen
  • Patent number: 6830575
    Abstract: A catheter comprises a catheter shaft, at least a portion of which defines a medical device receiving region, and at least one sleeve. The at least one sleeve comprises a tubular member constructed and arranged to transition between an extended state and a retracted state. The tubular member has a first portion being engaged to a portion of the catheter shaft adjacent to the medical device receiving region. In the extended state a second portion is constructed and arranged to at least partially overlay the medical device receiving region. In the retraced state the second portion is removed from about the medical device receiving region. At least one of the first portion and the second portion of the tubular member are at least partially constructed from a shape memory material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Stenzel, Ronald A. Sahatjian, Sheng-ping Zhong, Kinh-Luan D. Dao, Peter L. Dayton, Daniel J. Kalashian, Stephen Griffin, Thomas Yung-hui Chien
  • Publication number: 20040193206
    Abstract: A device for at least partially occluding an aneurysm is disclosed. The device includes a first elongate member having a distal end. A bridge is positioned proximate the distal end and transformable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. A second elongate member is movable relative to the first elongate member, the first and second elongate members being configured such that one can be moved relative to the other in order to transform the bridge between the delivery and deployed configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Brent Gerberding, Stephen Griffin, Yem Chin, Jennifer L Jandak, Anthony R. Tremaglio, Lee Guterman, Alyssa Dassa
  • Publication number: 20040193140
    Abstract: An medical device include a shaft having an elongated inner tubular member and an elongated tubular reinforcing member disposed over a portion of the inner tubular member. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member is disposed about a proximal portion of the inner tubular member such that a distal portion of the inner tubular member is free of the reinforcing member. In some embodiments, the at least a portion of an outer surface of the inner tubular member is spaced from an inner surface of the reinforcing member. In some embodiments, the shaft can include a tip structure disposed on the distal portion of the inner tubular member. In some such embodiments, reinforcing member has a distal end, and the tip structure is disposed on the distal portion of the inner tubular member adjacent the distal end of the reinforcing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS,INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Elaine Lim, Gregory E. Mirigian
  • Patent number: 6687436
    Abstract: A fiber optic probe of the type typically used in medical instruments includes an illumination optical fiber having a relatively high Numerical Aperture (NA) for coupling as much light as possible into the fiber at its input end. At the output end, an outwardly flared uniform taper is proved to increase coloration of the light exiting from the illumination end, thereby causing the Numerical Aperture (NA) at the output end of the illumination fiber to be a lower NA than that at the input end. Additionally, there is a bevel cut into the end of the fiber to provide total internal reflectance whereby the source light is redirected out a side of the fiber. A sidewall face may be provided to provide for a circular rather than an elliptical illumination spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Griffin
  • Publication number: 20040019900
    Abstract: The present invention to is directed toward an integrated standard platform for the integration of content distributor's back office processes with multiple services from different vendors. A centralized management architecture supporting configuration and accounting management functions for multiple services is provided. The architecture comprises a database for storing configuration, user profile and usage data. The architecture also includes a service and a support gateway to regulate the provisioning, security, policies and operations regarding the content delivery. The centralized architecture has the ability to manipulate data stored in the database for facilitating delivery and control of service provided by the third party vendors. The architecture further includes a package manager module, which allows the content distributor to personalize the available content for an individual user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Philip Knightbridge, Stephen Griffin
  • Publication number: 20040002752
    Abstract: A sacrificial anode stent system comprises a stent having at least one sacrificial anode portion and a vaso-occlusive device. The vaso-occlusive device has at least one portion with a potential different from that of the sacrificial anode portion of the stent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Brent C. Gerberding
  • Patent number: 6652508
    Abstract: An intravascular catheter including a proximal stiff metallic tube and a distal flexible tube. A distal portion of the metallic tube has a portion removed to define a void (e.g., spiral slot) which decreases the stiffness of the metallic tube. A proximal portion of the distal flexible tube is disposed in the void to provide a secure connection and to blend the stiffness of the metallic proximal tube and the flexible distal tube without significantly increasing profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Greg Mirigian, Tina Ye
  • Publication number: 20030212410
    Abstract: A catheter comprises a catheter shaft, at least a portion of which defines a medical device receiving region, and at least one sleeve. The at least one sleeve comprises a tubular member constructed and arranged to transition between an extended state and a retracted state. The tubular member has a first portion being engaged to a portion of the catheter shaft adjacent to the medical device receiving region. In the extended state a second portion is constructed and arranged to at least partially overlay the medical device receiving region. In the retraced state the second portion is removed from about the medical device receiving region. At least one of the first portion and the second portion of the tubular member are at least partially constructed from a shape memory material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Eric B. Stenzel, Ronald A. Sahatjian, Sheng-Ping Zhong, Kinh-Luan D. Dao, Peter L. Dayton, Daniel J. Kalashian, Stephen Griffin, Thomas Yung-Hui Chien
  • Publication number: 20030181972
    Abstract: A medical implant for implantation in a bodily vessel may comprise a tungsten-rhenium (Re) alloy. Another medical implant for implantation in a bodily vessel may comprise molybdenum TZM alloy. Another medical implant may be provided in the form of a stent manufactured from a sheet of metal or from a metal tube, the metal having a modulus of elasticity of 300 GPa or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Lex P. Jansen, Stephen Griffin
  • Patent number: 6602108
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preparing platens to perform lapping operations. The system includes a platter that is rotatably mounted on a base and designed to receive the platen thereon. A main drive motor is provided for rotating the platter and the platen disposed thereon. A plurality of pressure arms are disposed on the base and configured to include a tool receiving portion that can be positioned in alignment with a lapping surface of the platen, and configured to softly touch a tool to a platen. A tool is attached to each tool receiving portion so that predetermined operations can be performed on the lapping surface of the platen. A monitor is provided to monitor predetermined parameters and maintain substantially constant conditions while preparing the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Engis Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, David Diaz, Douglas A. Seitz, Robert Passeri, Ralph Doyle
  • Patent number: 6585559
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preparing platens to perform lapping operations. The system includes a platter that is rotatably mounted on a base and designed to receive the platen thereon. A main drive motor is provided for rotating the platter and the platen disposed thereon. A plurality of pressure arms are disposed on the base and configured to include a tool receiving portion that can be positioned in alignment with a lapping surface of the platen. A tool is attached to each tool receiving portion so that predetermined operations can be performed on the lapping surface of the platen. A monitor is provided to monitor predetermined parameters and maintain substantially constant conditions while preparing the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Engis Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, David Diaz, Douglas Seitz, Robert Passeri, Ralph R. Doyle
  • Publication number: 20030114777
    Abstract: A guidewire having a super elastic core surrounded by a shape memory polymer jacket. The super elastic core wire permits the guidewire to be navigated through tortuous vasculature without undergoing plastic deformation, and the shape memory polymer jacket permits the guidewire to be shaped by the physician.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Ronald A. Sahatjian
  • Publication number: 20030114776
    Abstract: A guide wire with a distal portion having adjustable flexibility. The guide wire may include a distal polymeric member and a heat source. The heat source may be activated to cause the polymeric member to increase in temperature and increase in flexibility. The increase in flexibility of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances the ability of the guide wire to navigate tortuous vasculature to a target site. After the guide wire has been navigated to the target site, the heat source may be deactivated to cause the polymeric member to decrease in temperature and increase in stiffness. The increase in stiffness of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances support provided for devices (e.g., catheters) advanced thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Gregory E. Mirigian
  • Publication number: 20030093059
    Abstract: An intravascular catheter including a proximal stiff metallic tube and a distal flexible tube. A distal portion of the metallic tube has a portion removed to define a void (e.g., spiral slot) which decreases the stiffness of the metallic tube. A proximal portion of the distal flexible tube is disposed in the void to provide a secure connection and to blend the stiffness of the metallic proximal tube and the flexible distal tube without significantly increasing profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffin, Greg Mirigian, Tina Ye