Patents by Inventor Stephen Yencho

Stephen Yencho 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: 20230343470
    Abstract: A method for airborne pathogen disinfection and pathogen risk determination in near real-time in an indoor area that may hold at least one occupant may include providing a pathogen risk simulation system; inputting at least one generally-fixed quantity associated with the indoor area to the pathogen risk simulation system; sensing, with the pathogen risk simulation system, at least one quantity associated with the indoor area; and based on the inputting and the sensing, computing pathogen density and risk level in the indoor area. A simulation system for determining pathogen risk in an indoor area may include a central processing unit; at least one occupancy sensor connected to the central processing unit; at least one air disinfection system interface connected to the central processing unit; and a display connected to the central processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventor: Stephen A. Yencho
  • Publication number: 20210361794
    Abstract: A handheld disinfection device includes a housing, at least one reflector within the housing, at least one ultraviolet emitter mounted in each reflector, a window that is substantially transparent to ultraviolet light, adjacent to each reflector, through which ultraviolet light emitted by each ultraviolet emitter travels, and at least one position sensor associated with the housing. Another exemplary handheld disinfection device includes a housing, a disinfectant applicator associated with the housing, and at least one position sensor associated with the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventor: Stephen A. Yencho
  • Publication number: 20170138150
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for moving a well casing plug to desired locations in a well. The well plug system can be located at a desired position, generate a reversible seal at the location, remove the seal, and relocate. Features of the plug system, such as translocating devices, actuating devices, sensors, and casing penetration tools can allow work to be done at various well hole locations, e.g., without requiring continuous physical connections or communications with the surface. The methods include sealing the well casing plug in a casing, opening ports through the casing, facilitating passage of fluids at hydraulic fracturing pressures to formations outside the casing, reversing the seal, and translocation of the plug system to a new location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen A. Yencho
  • Patent number: 9622748
    Abstract: A surgical tool for performing anastomosis may include a handle and a tissue effector connected by a shaft, at least party of which may be flexible. The tissue effector may include a staple holder connected to an anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: DEXTERA SURGICAL INC.
    Inventors: David L. Bombard, Jaime S. Vargas, James T. Nielsen, Phillipe R. Manoux, Tenny Chang, Stephen A. Yencho, Bernard A. Hausen, Brendan M. Donohoe, Theodore M. Bender, Nathan H. White, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Publication number: 20140263090
    Abstract: One example of a fluid disinfection unit includes a chamber through which fluid can flow, the chamber having an inlet through which fluid enters the chamber and an outlet through which fluid exits the chamber; a source for illuminating the chamber with ultraviolet light; and a plurality of baffles within the chamber for defining a multiplicity of subchambers within the chamber through which fluid to be purified flows from the inlet to the outlet; each subchamber being located to receive the ultraviolet light; where holes are defined through at least one baffle, and wherein those holes collectively define a fluid flow area that increases with the radial distance from the center of the baffle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen A. Yencho
  • Patent number: 8529770
    Abstract: A portable UV-C purification system is provided that includes a current reduction technique for an electric pump to reduce power demands on an associated generator to thereby produce a light weight and efficient system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Water of Life, LLC.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Yencho
  • Patent number: 8182494
    Abstract: A minimally-invasive anastomosis system includes a base that is inserted through an incision is made in the chest of a patient between two adjacent ribs. An anastomosis tool and a sensor are attached to the base. The base is attached to the heart, such as by suction, while allowing substantially unrestricted motion of the heart. The sensor provides a view of a surgical field to a display, such that as the base moves along with the motion of the heart, the view of the surgical field remains substantially steady.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Yencho, Bernard A. Hausen
  • Patent number: 8012164
    Abstract: An auger is axially fixed to and positioned within a cutter. The auger and cutter advance at the same time relative to a contact structure placed against a vessel, penetrating the wall of the vessel and cutting a tissue plug. When the auger and the cutter are retracted from the vessel wall, the tissue plug is retained by the auger and cutter and removed from the vessel wall. The auger and the cutter thus create an opening in the vessel wall, without the need for a prior incision in that wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan M. Donohoe, Theodore M. Bender, Brian R. DuBois, Scott O. Chamness, Stephen A. Yencho, Jaime S. Vargas, Nathan H. White, Gregory B. Arcenio, Heather L. Klaubert, Russell C. Mead, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110101069
    Abstract: An exemplary surgical stapler may include a staple holder, staples positioned within the staple holder, and at least one structure slidable within the staple holder to contact directly at least one staple, where that direct contact deploys at least one staple from the staple holder. Another exemplary surgical stapler may include a staple holder, an anvil movably connected to the staple holder, staples positioned within the staple holder; and a sled slidable within the staple holder to contact directly at least one staple, where that direct contact urges at least one staple out of the staple holder and against the anvil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: CARDICA, INC.
    Inventors: David L. Bombard, Jaime S. Vargas, James T. Nielsen, Philipe R. Manoux, Tenny Chang, Stephen A. Yencho, Bernard A. Hausen, Brendan M. Donohoe, Theodore M. Bender, Nathan H. White, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Patent number: 7862728
    Abstract: An Ultraviolet-C (UVC) based portable water purification system employing a novel array of baffles increases the efficiency per unit energy of irradiating UVC light in the eradication of pathogens in the water. Closed loop feedback allows monitoring the application of UVC light power to ensure high levels of pathogen eradication. This system is capable of eradicating a wide range of waterborne bacteria, viruses, protozoa, helminthes, yeast, and mold found in natural freshwater sources worldwide. By adding pre- or post-filters, the system can remove harmful organic compounds, pesticides, inorganic compounds and heavy metals from the water. The system can also be used to eradicate pathogens in fluids other than water. As a feature of this invention, a communications systems that can reach geographically dispersed populations at low cost without the need to install costly wired communications infrastructure is combined with and powered by the water purification system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Water of Life, LLC.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Yencho
  • Patent number: 7850703
    Abstract: An anastomosis system for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel includes spaced-apart arms, and an anvil connected to those arms, where that anvil has a blunt distal end. The anvil is insertable into the target vessel. One or more connectors, such as staples, may be deployed from each arm to connect the graft vessel to the target vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Bombard, Bryan D. Knodel, Jaime S. Vargas, Michael J. Hendricksen, Stephen A. Yencho, James T. Nielsen, Bernard A. Hausen, Brendan M. Donohoe, Theodore M. Bender
  • Patent number: 7794471
    Abstract: An integrated anastomosis tool may include an effector that both makes an opening in the wall of a target vessel and connects a graft vessel to the target vessel. The connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel may be compliant, and may be achieved by deploying a plurality of connectors such as staples into tissue. The effector may include a cutter assembly and a connection module that are independently actuatable. The cutter assembly and/or the connection module may be cable-actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore M. Bender, Luke W. Clauson, Philipe R. Manoux, Zachary Warder-Gabaldon, Tenny Chang, Kathleen H. Davies, Stephen A. Yencho, Brian R. DuBois, Bernard A. Hausen, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Patent number: 7766924
    Abstract: An anastomosis tool includes a handle connected to a tissue effector that may be capable of being oriented in two or more positions relative to the handle. The tissue effector holds a graft vessel having at least one flap defined in at least one end thereof against the side of a target vessel. Actuation of a trigger or other mechanism on the handle causes the tissue effector to deploy one or more connectors into the flaps of the graft vessel and the side of the target vessel, thereby connecting the graft vessel to the target vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Bombard, Jaime S. Vargas, James T. Nielsen, Philipe R. Manoux, Tenny Chang, Stephen A. Yencho, Bernard A. Hausen, Brendan M. Donohoe, Theodore M. Bender, Nathan H. White, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Publication number: 20100155453
    Abstract: A surgical tool may include a staple holding strip, and surgical staples frangibly connected to an edge of that staple holding strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: CARDICA, INC.
    Inventors: David L. Bombard, Bryan D. Knodel, Jaime S. Vargas, Michael J. Hendricksen, Stephen A. Yencho, James T. Nielsen, Bernard A. Hausen, Brendan M. Donohoe, Theodore M. Bender
  • Patent number: 7699859
    Abstract: A method for anastomosing a first vessel to a second vessel may include connecting an end of the first vessel to the side of the second vessel and creating an opening in the wall of the second vessel from within the lumen of the second vessel, where that opening allows fluid communication between the lumen of the first vessel and the lumen of the second vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Bombard, Jaime S. Vargas, James T. Nielsen, Philipe R. Manoux, Tenny Chang, Stephen A. Yencho, Bernard A. Hausen, Brendan M. Donohoe, Theodore M. Bender, Nathan H. White, Bryan D. Knodel
  • Patent number: 7662162
    Abstract: A minimally-invasive coronary artery bypass graft procedure may be performed with a splittable proximal anastomosis tool. A distal anastomosis tool may be used as well, where that distal anastomosis tool may include a staple holder having two spaced-apart arms, staples detachably held by the staple holder, and an anvil connected to the staple holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard A. Hausen, Jaime S. Vargas, Stephen A. Yencho, James T. Nielsen, Theodore M. Bender, Brendan M. Donohoe, Philip E. Oyer, Scott O. Chamness
  • Publication number: 20100025337
    Abstract: A portable UV-C purification system is provided that includes a current reduction technique for an electric pump to reduce power demands on an associated generator to thereby produce a light weight and efficient system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: WATER OF LIFE, LLC.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Yencho
  • Patent number: 7611523
    Abstract: An anastomosis device is a one piece device for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel without the use of conventional sutures. The anastomosis device includes an expandable tube configured to have a graft vessel secured to the tube. The device has an expandable linkage positioned at one end of the device and expansion of this linkage causes a first radially extending flange to fold outward. This first flange abuts an interior wall of a target vessel and a second flange is formed which abuts an exterior wall of the target vessel trapping the target vessel between the two flanges and secures the end of the graft vessel into an opening in the wall of the target vessel. The device greatly increases the speed with which anastomosis can be performed over known suturing methods and allows anastomosis to be performed in tight spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Vargas, Stephen A. Yencho, Jamey Nielsen, Michael Hendricksen, Bernard A. Hausen
  • Publication number: 20090084734
    Abstract: An Ultraviolet-C (UVC) based portable water purification system employing a novel array of baffles increases the efficiency per unit energy of irradiating UVC light in the eradication of pathogens in the water. Closed loop feedback allows monitoring the application of UVC light power to ensure high levels of pathogen eradication. This system is capable of eradicating a wide range of waterborne bacteria, viruses, protozoa, helminthes, yeast, and mold found in natural freshwater sources worldwide. By adding pre- or post-filters, the system can remove harmful organic compounds, pesticides, inorganic compounds and heavy metals from the water. The system can also be used to eradicate pathogens in fluids other than water. As a feature of this invention, a communications systems that can reach geographically dispersed populations at low cost without the need to install costly wired communications infrastructure is combined with and powered by the water purification system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: STEPHEN A. YENCHO
  • Patent number: 7468066
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel may include a trocar that may create an opening in the target vessel. At least part of the trocar may be expandable to allow an anastomosis device to pass through the distal end thereof. The apparatus may include a holder configured to hold the anastomosis device, and place and deploy the anastomosis device in the opening created by the trocar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Vargas, Brendan M. Donohoe, Scott C. Anderson, Theodore Bender, Stephen Yencho, Bernard Hausen, Michael Hendricksen