Patents by Inventor Steven Bunce

Steven Bunce 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: 20090270722
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a needle guide is attached to the end of an ultrasonic probe in a manner such that the needle will follow a known trajectory under control of the needle guide. The surgeon then positions the needle guide by looking at the ultrasound image formed from the ultrasound radiated from the probe. In one embodiment, the needle guide has a release mechanism that allows the needle (or other medical device) that had been positioned in the guide to remain in the patient when the probe is removed. In one embodiment, the needle guide is designed to be releasably mounted to a bracket which, in turn, is releasably mounted to the end of the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Floyd, Steven Bunce
  • Patent number: 7588541
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a needle guide is attached to the end of an ultrasonic probe in a manner such that the needle will follow a known trajectory under control of the needle guide. The surgeon then positions the needle guide by looking at the ultrasound image formed from the ultrasound radiated from the probe. In one embodiment, the needle guide has a release mechanism that allows the needle (or other medical device) that had been positioned in the guide to remain in the patient when the probe is removed. In one embodiment, the needle guide is designed to be releasably mounted to a bracket which, in turn, is releasably mounted to the end of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Floyd, Steven Bunce
  • Publication number: 20070049822
    Abstract: Systems and methods are shown which provide feedback with respect to the desired or proper placement of a medical device guide without introducing protuberances or other perturbations to the surface of devices used in medical procedures. Embodiments provide a biopsy needle guide bracket for use with an ultrasound transducer assembly, wherein the biopsy needle guide bracket and ultrasound transducer assembly are adapted to detect when the biopsy needle guide bracket is properly located on the ultrasound transducer assembly using one or more sensors. Embodiments may implement various sensor technology, such as Hall effect sensors, optical sensors, capacitive coupled sensors, inductive coupled sensors, and/or the like to provide feedback with respect to placement of a medical device guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Bunce, Blake Little
  • Publication number: 20050131291
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a needle guide is attached to the end of an ultrasonic probe in a manner such that the needle will follow a known trajectory under control of the needle guide. The surgeon then positions the needle guide by looking at the ultrasound image formed from the ultrasound radiated from the probe. In one embodiment, the needle guide has a release mechanism that allows the needle (or other medical device) that had been positioned in the guide to remain in the patient when the probe is removed. In one embodiment, the needle guide is designed to be releasably mounted to a bracket which, in turn, is releasably mounted to the end of the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Floyd, Steven Bunce
  • Patent number: 6604630
    Abstract: A carrying case is dimensioned to present a lightweight ultrasound device and one or more accessory products in an organized fashion, to a physician to reduce set up time for diagnostic examinations. The carrying case having a handle and at least one fastener for securing the carrying case in a closed configuration. The carry case comprising at least one instrument panel, the instrument panel having a top side edge and a bottom edge, and having a plurality of harnesses for the secure positioning of a lightweight ultrasound device, a data recording device and at least one transducer, the instrument panel being substantially inflexible, a first accessory panel being flexibly connected to the top edge of the instrument panel such that the first accessory panel may be folded over the instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Sonosite, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan S. Cabatic, Stephanie Barnes, Steven Bunce, Patrick Martin, Bricin Epps, Carol Perron
  • Publication number: 20030141205
    Abstract: A carrying case is dimensioned to present a lightweight ultrasound device and one or more accessory products in an organized fashion, to a physician to reduce set up time for diagnostic examinations. The carrying case having a handle and at least one fastener for securing the carrying case in a closed configuration. The carry case comprising at least one instrument panel, the instrument panel having a top side edge and a bottom edge, and having a plurality of harnesses for the secure positioning of a lightweight ultrasound device, a data recording device and at least one transducer, the instrument panel being substantially inflexible, a first accessory panel being flexibly connected to the top edge of the instrument panel such that the first accessory panel may be folded over the instrument panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan S. Cabatic, Stephanie Barnes, Steven Bunce, Patrick Martin, Brian Epps, Carol Perron
  • Publication number: 20020143256
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument including a self-powered ultrasound console having electronics for driving a transducer array and processing reflected ultrasound waves, and a visual display for processed ultrasound waves. A docking stand is provided for the console and includes a sleeve for slidably receiving the console of the instrument, the sleeve being configured to expose the visual display and manual controls of the console. A vertical support positions the sleeve in a raised position above the base, which preferably includes wheels for moving the docking stand and diagnostic instrument during use. The sleeve preferably includes a signal connector for mating with a connector of the console and receiving video signals for auxiliary display. A power connector can be provided for mating with a power connector of the console for operating the console and for charging batteries in the console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Wing, Steven Bunce, Andrew T. Dunn, Brian Epps, Paul Stevens
  • Patent number: 6447451
    Abstract: A mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument including a self-powered ultrasound console having electronics for driving a transducer array and processing reflected ultrasound waves, and a visual display for processed ultrasound waves. A docking stand is provided for the console and includes a sleeve for slidably receiving the console of the instrument, the sleeve being configured to expose the visual display and manual controls of the console. A vertical support positions the sleeve in a raised position above the base, which preferably includes wheels for moving the docking stand and diagnostic instrument during use. The sleeve preferably includes a signal connector for mating with a connector of the console and receiving video signals for auxiliary display. A power connector can be provided for mating with a power connector of the console for operating the console and for charging batteries in the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Wing, Steven Bunce, Andrew T. Dunn, Brian Epps, Paul Stevens
  • Patent number: 6371918
    Abstract: Disclosed is a transducer connector which overcomes limitations in the prior art by allowing significant reduction in connector size and weight. Key attributes of this invention are electrical contacts incorporated onto a printed circuit board, a folding latch assembly, and the use of lightweight, rigid materials for fabrication. Additionally, the mating half of the connector may be mounted directly on a printed circuit board implementing circuitry for a diagnostic ultrasound instrument, thus saving weight, volume, and complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: SonoSite Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Bunce
  • Patent number: 6203498
    Abstract: A hand held ultrasonic imaging device is provided as an integral unit with all components and circuitry necessary for both image acquisition and image display included in a single enclosure. Usually, the device will also include an on-board battery so that it can be used without any power cords or other cables. Preferably, the device is provided as part of a system including a recharging base unit having a receptacle for removably receiving and storing the hand held device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Sonosite, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Bunce, Lauren S. Pflugrath
  • Patent number: 5401592
    Abstract: A latching system for a battery pack of a hand-held, portable electronic device. A primary latch on the front panel of the battery pack releasably engages a retaining shoulder portion within a battery housing to removably secure the battery pack in a fully installed, electrically connected position within the electronic device. Secondary latches are connected to the left and right side panels of the battery pack at a position away from the primary latch. Each secondary latch is adapted to releasably engage a secondary retaining shoulder within the housing to retain the battery pack in a partially removed position. Elongated electrical contacts are connected to the battery pack and provide electrical contact between the battery pack and the electronic as battery pack is moved from the installed position to the partially removed position. A switch coupled to the battery pack detects movement of the battery pack from the installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Intermec Corporation
    Inventors: David Gilpin, Steven Bunce
  • Patent number: 5401591
    Abstract: A cup-shaped protective boot of a resilient material covers a portion of a battery pack which protrudes out of an interior chamber of a handle of a portable, battery-powered, hand-held device. The handle releasably receives the battery pack, and the protective boot forms an environmental seal for the end of the handle to inhibit the entry of contaminants into the handle. The protective boot forms an extended gripping surface for the handle and provides protection against impact shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Intermec Corporation
    Inventors: Jon M. Bishay, Steven Bunce