Patents by Inventor Stephen Jacob

Stephen Jacob 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: 11969541
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting full waste canister and/or fluid flow path blockage conditions are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and apparatuses for controlling a pump. In some embodiments, flow of fluid can be restricted in a portion of the fluid flow path. A controller can be configured to compare a difference in pressure values upstream and downstream of a fluid flow restrictor to a pressure difference threshold, and determine based on the comparison whether to activate an alarm indicating the full waste canister condition or the fluid flow path blockage condition. The controller can be additionally or alternatively configured to determine a fluid flow using a flow meter, open a selectable valve in response to a comparison of the fluid flow with a fluid flow threshold, determine fluid flow after opening the valve, and determine based on the fluid flow after opening the valve whether to activate the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Gordon, Jake Turner, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Stephen Jacob, Nathan Wrench, Edward Vernon-Harcourt, David Harris
  • Patent number: 10617800
    Abstract: Apparatus (10, 200) for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound is described, the apparatus (10, 200) including: a waste canister (22, 204) into which fluid is aspirated from a wound by aspiration pump means (44, 248) and a fluid flow path (420, 422) for at least a part of said aspirated fluid on an outlet side of said aspiration pump means (44) wherein said fluid flow path (420, 422) on the outlet side comprises a silencing system (400) having a plurality of silencing elements (402, 404, 406) therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Max Middleton, Stephen Jacob
  • Publication number: 20200000983
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting full waste canister and/or fluid flow path blockage conditions are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and apparatuses for controlling a pump. In some embodiments, flow of fluid can be restricted in a portion of the fluid flow path. A controller can be configured to compare a difference in pressure values upstream and downstream of a fluid flow restrictor to a pressure difference threshold, and determine based on the comparison whether to activate an alarm indicating the full waste canister condition or the fluid flow path blockage condition. The controller can be additionally or alternatively configured to determine a fluid flow using a flow meter, open a selectable valve in response to a comparison of the fluid flow with a fluid flow threshold, determine fluid flow after opening the valve, and determine based on the fluid flow after opening the valve whether to activate the alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin Gordon, Jake Turner, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Stephen Jacob, Nathan Wrench, Edward Vernon-Harcourt, David Harris
  • Patent number: 10328187
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting full waste canister and/or fluid flow path blockage conditions are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and apparatuses for controlling a pump. In some embodiments, flow of fluid can be restricted in a portion of the fluid flow path. A controller can be configured to compare a difference in pressure values upstream and downstream of a fluid flow restrictor to a pressure difference threshold, and determine based on the comparison whether to activate an alarm indicating the full waste canister condition or the fluid flow path blockage condition. The controller can be additionally or alternatively configured to determine a fluid flow using a flow meter, open a selectable valve in response to a comparison of the fluid flow with a fluid flow threshold, determine fluid flow after opening the valve, and determine based on the fluid flow after opening the valve whether to activate the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Gordon, Jake Turner, Edward Hartwell, Stephen Jacob, Nathan Wrench, Edward Vernon-Harcourt, David Harris
  • Publication number: 20170296716
    Abstract: Apparatus (10, 200) for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound is described, the apparatus (10, 200) including: a waste canister (22, 204) into which fluid is aspirated from a wound by aspiration pump means (44, 248) and a fluid flow path (420, 422) for at least a part of said aspirated fluid on an outlet side of said aspiration pump means (44) wherein said fluid flow path (420, 422) on the outlet side comprises a silencing system (400) having a plurality of silencing elements (402, 404, 406) therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Max Middleton, Stephen Jacob
  • Patent number: 9642951
    Abstract: Apparatus (10, 200) for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound is described, the apparatus (10, 200) including: a waste canister (22, 204) into which fluid is aspirated from a wound by aspiration pump means (44, 248) and a fluid flow path (420, 422) for at least a part of said aspirated fluid on an outlet side of said aspiration pump means (44) wherein said fluid flow path (420, 422) on the outlet side comprises a silencing system (400) having a plurality of silencing elements (402, 404, 406) therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Max Middleton, Stephen Jacob
  • Publication number: 20160339156
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting full waste canister and/or fluid flow path blockage conditions are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and apparatuses for controlling a pump. In some embodiments, flow of fluid can be restricted in a portion of the fluid flow path. A controller can be configured to compare a difference in pressure values upstream and downstream of a fluid flow restrictor to a pressure difference threshold, and determine based on the comparison whether to activate an alarm indicating the full waste canister condition or the fluid flow path blockage condition. The controller can be additionally or alternatively configured to determine a fluid flow using a flow meter, open a selectable valve in response to a comparison of the fluid flow with a fluid flow threshold, determine fluid flow after opening the valve, and determine based on the fluid flow after opening the valve whether to activate the alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Benjamin Gordon, Jake Turner, Edward Hartwell, Stephen Jacob, Nathan Wrench, Edward Vernon-Harcourt, David Harris
  • Patent number: 9408954
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting full waste canister and/or fluid flow path blockage conditions are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and apparatuses for controlling a pump. In some embodiments, flow of fluid can be restricted in a portion of the fluid flow path. A controller can be configured to compare a difference in pressure values upstream and downstream of a fluid flow restrictor to a pressure difference threshold, and determine based on the comparison whether to activate an alarm indicating the full waste canister condition or the fluid flow path blockage condition. The controller can be additionally or alternatively configured to determine a fluid flow using a flow meter, open a selectable valve in response to a comparison of the fluid flow with a fluid flow threshold, determine fluid flow after opening the valve, and determine based on the fluid flow after opening the valve whether to activate the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: SMITH & NEPHEW PLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Gordon, Jake Turner, Edward Hartwell, Stephen Jacob, Nathan Wrench, Edward Vernon-Harcourt, David Harris
  • Publication number: 20160058926
    Abstract: Apparatus (10, 200) for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound is described, the apparatus (10, 200) including: a waste canister (22, 204) into which fluid is aspirated from a wound by aspiration pump means (44, 248) and a fluid flow path (420, 422) for at least a part of said aspirated fluid on an outlet side of said aspiration pump means (44) wherein said fluid flow path (420, 422) on the outlet side comprises a silencing system (400) having a plurality of silencing elements (402, 404, 406) therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Max Middleton, Stephen Jacob
  • Patent number: 9192699
    Abstract: Apparatus (10, 200) for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound is described, the apparatus (10, 200) including: a waste canister (22, 204) into which fluid is aspirated from a wound by aspiration pump means (44, 248) and a fluid flow path (420, 422) for at least a part of said aspirated fluid on an outlet side of said aspiration pump means (44) wherein said fluid flow path (420, 422) on the outlet side comprises a silencing system (400) having a plurality of silencing elements (402, 404, 406) therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Max Middleton, Stephen Jacob
  • Publication number: 20150045753
    Abstract: Apparatus (10, 200) for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound is described, the apparatus (10, 200) including: a waste canister (22, 204) into which fluid is aspirated from a wound by aspiration pump means (44, 248) and a fluid flow path (420, 422) for at least a part of said aspirated fluid on an outlet side of said aspiration pump means (44) wherein said fluid flow path (420, 422) on the outlet side comprises a silencing system (400) having a plurality of silencing elements (402, 404, 406) therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Max Middleton, Stephen Jacob
  • Patent number: 8845603
    Abstract: Apparatus (10, 200) for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound is described, the apparatus (10, 200) including: a waste canister (22, 204) into which fluid is aspirated from a wound by aspiration pump means (44, 248) and a fluid flow path (420, 422) for at least a part of said aspirated fluid on an outlet side of said aspiration pump means (44) wherein said fluid flow path (420, 422) on the outlet side comprises a silencing system (400) having a plurality of silencing elements (402, 404, 406) therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Max Middleton, Stephen Jacob
  • Publication number: 20130150813
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting full waste canister and/or fluid flow path blockage conditions are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and apparatuses for controlling a pump. In some embodiments, flow of fluid can be restricted in a portion of the fluid flow path. A controller can be configured to compare a difference in pressure values upstream and downstream of a fluid flow restrictor to a pressure difference threshold, and determine based on the comparison whether to activate an alarm indicating the full waste canister condition or the fluid flow path blockage condition. The controller can be additionally or alternatively configured to determine a fluid flow using a flow meter, open a selectable valve in response to a comparison of the fluid flow with a fluid flow threshold, determine fluid flow after opening the valve, and determine based on the fluid flow after opening the valve whether to activate the alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW PLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Gordon, Jake Turner, Edward Hartwell, Stephen Jacob, Nathan Wrench, Edward Vernon-Harcourt, David Harris
  • Patent number: 8444392
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining pressure provided by a pump of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system. The method includes the steps of determining a value associated with a measured pressure, determining a difference between the measured pressure value and a predetermined desired value and increasing or decreasing a speed of pumping of the pump responsive the to difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Jake Turner, Stephen Jacob
  • Publication number: 20110251569
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for alerting a user of topical negative pressure therapy apparatus to a non-flow condition of aspirant fluid in the apparatus are described, the apparatus comprising: a device having vacuum pump means and a waste canister connected to the device; the waste canister being operably connected to a wound dressing by aspiration conduit means for aspirating fluid from the wound; the aspiration conduit means, the waste canister and the device providing a fluid flow path therethrough and the vacuum pump means providing for fluid flow therethrough; the device having first pressure sensing means at an upstream position between an outlet port for aspirated fluid from said waste canister and said pump means; said waste canister having further provision selected from one of, selectable vent means for admission of ambient air to said waste canister and selectable second pressure sensing means for sensing pressure in said waste canister; and, a control system for receiving signals from said sensors and
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW PLC
    Inventors: Jake Turner, Edward Hartwell, Stephen Jacob
  • Publication number: 20110063117
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining pressure provided by a pump element of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system. The method includes the steps of determining a current pressure provided by a pump element of a TNP system, comparing the determined pressure with a predetermined pressure and selecting a target pressure intermediate the current and predetermined pressure and increasing or decreasing pump speed to respectively increase or decrease pressure until the current pressure matches the target pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW PLC
    Inventors: Jake Turner, Stephen Jacob
  • Publication number: 20110008179
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining pressure provided by a pump of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system. The method includes the steps of determining a value associated with a measured pressure, determining a difference between the measured pressure value and a predetermined desired value and increasing or decreasing a speed of pumping of the pump responsive the to difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW PLC
    Inventors: Jake Turner, Stephen Jacob
  • Publication number: 20100185165
    Abstract: Apparatus (10, 200) for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound is described, the apparatus (10, 200) including: a waste canister (22, 204) into which fluid is aspirated from a wound by aspiration pump means (44, 248) and a fluid flow path (420, 422) for at least a part of said aspirated fluid on an outlet side of said aspiration pump means (44) wherein said fluid flow path (420, 422) on the outlet side comprises a silencing system (400) having a plurality of silencing elements (402, 404, 406) therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Max Middleton, Stephen Jacob
  • Publication number: 20060243326
    Abstract: A method of plugging a pipeline includes the steps of welding onto the exterior of the pipeline (10) first (12) and second (14) spaced apart collars, each having a sealing face (26,26A) in a plane perpendicular the pipeline (10) axis. A containment housing (34,36) is affixed by welding to the collars (12,14) to fully encompass a section of the pipeline (10) between the collars (12,14). A tapping (60) machine is then removably attached to an open top of the containment housing (34). Using the tapping machine (60) a short length of the pipeline (10) is cut and removed from between the collars (12,14) leaving two open exposed pipe ends (78,80). First and second seal elements (92,94) are positioned between the collars (12,14), Each having a forward sealing face. The seal elements (92,94) are forced apart from each other into sealing engagement with the collar sealing faces thereby closing the open, exposed ends (78,80) of the pipe (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Charles Calkins, Eric Freeman, Tony Garrison, Gary Goins, Philip Morrison, Gregory Puckett, Stephen Jacob, Bryan McDonald, Jack Miller
  • Patent number: 6830382
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a connector element that comprises a connector body and a fiber optic ferrule slidably positioned inside the connector body. The ferrule holds at least one optical fiber. The connector element carries an optical sub-assembly including a photonic device and a spacer and includes a connector sleeve for receiving the connector element. The sleeve includes a ridge that operates as a first stop for the connector body and includes an alignment projection that coarsely aligns the fiber optic ferrule. The ferrule includes a pair of openings configured to receive a pair of alignment pins to provide fine alignment of optical fibers with corresponding photonic devices. The connector element is engaged with the connector sleeve to position the ferrule with respect to the optical sub-assembly such that the optical fiber is correctly positioned relative to a corresponding photonic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Deane, Luu T. Nguyen, William P. Mazotti, Bruce C. Roberts, Christopher J. Smith, Janet E. Townsend, John P. Briant, Michael R. Nelson, Stephen Jacob