Patents by Inventor Thomas Fisk
Thomas Fisk 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: 11857171Abstract: A biopsy device includes an instrument set and an instrument drive unit removably coupled to the instrument set. The instrument set includes an instrument set housing; an elongate outer cannula having a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof; an elongate inner cannula disposed within an outer cannula lumen; an aspiration vent fluidly coupling the outer cannula lumen to atmosphere; and an aspirate valve in the aspiration vent, and configured such that the outer cannula lumen is vented to atmosphere only when the aspirate valve is open. The instrument drive unit includes a drive unit support structure removably coupled to the instrument set housing; a motorized inner cannula driver configured to axially oscillate the inner cannula relative to the outer cannula to sever tissue extending through the tissue receiving opening; and an actuating member configured to selectively mechanically prevent the aspirate valve from closing.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2020Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Peter Wolton, Daniel Robertson, Thomas Fisk, Joseph A. Stand, III, Christian M. Ulm, Carl Pierce
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Patent number: 11434988Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a pulley insert. In one example, a pulley insert for a FEAD pulley comprises a first member insertable into a pulley such that the first member is rotatable within the pulley, the first member comprising a cavity for receipt of a second member; and a second member insertable into the cavity of the first member such that, when the first member is inserted into a pulley and the second member is inserted into the cavity of the first member, the second member prevents rotation of the first member relative to the pulley.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Andrew Wade, Ada Kwok, Thomas Fisk, Jason Moores
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Publication number: 20220008046Abstract: A biopsy system driver includes a motor having a rotatable output shaft, a support structure, a drive shaft, an elongate lead screw and a biopsy instrument drive member. The drive shaft is rotatably coupled to the support structure and includes or is otherwise operatively connected to the motor output shaft such that activation of the motor rotates the drive shaft. The elongate lead screw is coupled to the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft rotates the lead screw about an axis of the lead screw. The lead screw is axially translatable relative to the drive shaft and to the support structure. The biopsy instrument drive member is threadably coupled to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes axial translation of one of the lead screw and biopsy instrument drive member relative to the other one and to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Applicant: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Stand, Kevin M. Thompson, Christian M. Ulm, Arnold Oyola, Fareeha Safir, Daniel Robertson, Thomas Fisk, Peter Wolton
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Patent number: 11045172Abstract: A biopsy system driver includes a motor having a rotatable output shaft, a support structure, a drive shaft, an elongate lead screw and a biopsy instrument drive member. The drive shaft is rotatably coupled to the support structure and includes or is otherwise operatively connected to the motor output shaft such that activation of the motor rotates the drive shaft. The elongate lead screw is coupled to the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft rotates the lead screw about an axis of the lead screw. The lead screw is axially translatable relative to the drive shaft and to the support structure. The biopsy instrument drive member is threadably coupled to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes axial translation of one of the lead screw and biopsy instrument drive member relative to the other one and to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Stand, III, Kevin M. Thompson, Christian M. Ulm, Arnold Oyola, Fareeha Safir, Daniel Robertson, Thomas Fisk, Peter Wolton
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Publication number: 20210100626Abstract: Methods and systems providing guidance for operation of a biopsy needle based on ultrasonic imaging. Ultrasonic waves are emitted and detected by a ultrasonic transducer to generate image data. A biopsy needle is identified within the generated image data, and the biopsy needle may be in a pre-fire configuration. Based on the identification of the biopsy needle, the methods and systems may determine a predicted location of the biopsy needle based at least in part on biopsy needle properties. The predicted location of the biopsy needle may be the predicated location of the biopsy needle in its post-fire configuration. At least one indicator may be displayed indicating the determined predicted location.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Inventors: Shawn ST. PIERRE, Stephen GRANTZ, Thomas FISK, Mark GUETERSLOH
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Publication number: 20210100538Abstract: A biopsy device includes an instrument set and an instrument drive unit removably coupled to the instrument set. The instrument set includes an instrument set housing; an elongate outer cannula having a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof; an elongate inner cannula disposed within an outer cannula lumen; an aspiration vent fluidly coupling the outer cannula lumen to atmosphere; and an aspirate valve in the aspiration vent, and configured such that the outer cannula lumen is vented to atmosphere only when the aspirate valve is open. The instrument drive unit includes a drive unit support structure removably coupled to the instrument set housing; a motorized inner cannula driver configured to axially oscillate the inner cannula relative to the outer cannula to sever tissue extending through the tissue receiving opening; and an actuating member configured to selectively mechanically prevent the aspirate valve from closing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2020Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.Inventors: Peter Wolton, Daniel Robertson, Thomas Fisk, Joseph A. Stand, III, Christian M. Ulm, Carl Pierce
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Patent number: 10881383Abstract: A biopsy system includes a motorized driver having a drive member operatively coupled with a needle interface of a biopsy needle assembly that is removably installed on the motorized driver, wherein the motorized driver actuates the drive member to thereby actuate the biopsy needle assembly via the needle interface. A system controller that controls operation of the motorized driver is configured to perform a homing process including determining a system test failure or a needle removal condition in which a biopsy needle assembly installed on the motorized driver has been or should be removed from the motorized driver. Upon determining a system test failure or needle removal condition, the controller positions the drive member in a drive member home position for receiving a new biopsy needle assembly to be installed on the motorized driver.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Arnold Oyola, Joseph A. Stand, III, Christian Michael Ulm, Debra Sue Pare, David Anthony Gilstrap, Rangarajan Krishnamurthi, Thomas Fisk
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Patent number: 10856856Abstract: A biopsy device includes an instrument set and an instrument drive unit removably coupled to the instrument set. The instrument set includes an instrument set housing; an elongate outer cannula having a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof; an elongate inner cannula disposed within an outer cannula lumen; an aspiration vent fluidly coupling the outer cannula lumen to atmosphere; and an aspirate valve in the aspiration vent, and configured such that the outer cannula lumen is vented to atmosphere only when the aspirate valve is open. The instrument drive unit includes a drive unit support structure removably coupled to the instrument set housing; a motorized inner cannula driver configured to axially oscillate the inner cannula relative to the outer cannula to sever tissue extending through the tissue receiving opening; and an actuating member configured to selectively mechanically prevent the aspirate valve from closing.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Peter Wolton, Daniel Robertson, Thomas Fisk, Joseph A. Stand, III, Christian M. Ulm, Carl Pierce
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Publication number: 20200088271Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a pulley insert. In one example, a pulley insert for a FEAD pulley comprises a first member insertable into a pulley such that the first member is rotatable within the pulley, the first member comprising a cavity for receipt of a second member; and a second member insertable into the cavity of the first member such that, when the first member is inserted into a pulley and the second member is inserted into the cavity of the first member, the second member prevents rotation of the first member relative to the pulley.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Inventors: Robert Andrew Wade, Ada Kwok, Thomas Fisk, Jason Moores
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Patent number: 10591019Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for balancer shaft assemblies featuring bearing caps. In one example, a system may include a bearing cap connected to a housing surrounding a balancer shaft. The bearing cap may have faces which contact components of the balancer shaft. This contact may prevent movement of the balancer shaft in a particular direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Xavier Demeulenaere, Thomas Fisk, Robert Davies, Alex Fu, Mark Michel
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Publication number: 20190059865Abstract: A biopsy system includes a motorized driver having a drive member operatively coupled with a needle interface of a biopsy needle assembly that is removably installed on the motorized driver, wherein the motorized driver actuates the drive member to thereby actuate the biopsy needle assembly via the needle interface. A system controller that controls operation of the motorized driver is configured to perform a homing process including determining a system test failure or a needle removal condition in which a biopsy needle assembly installed on the motorized driver has been or should be removed from the motorized driver. Upon determining a system test failure or needle removal condition, the controller positions the drive member in a drive member home position for receiving a new biopsy needle assembly to be installed on the motorized driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.Inventors: Arnold OYOLA, Joseph A. STAND, III, Christian Michael ULM, Debra Sue PARE, David Anthony GILSTRAP, Rangarajan KRISHNAMURTHI, Thomas FISK
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Publication number: 20180317893Abstract: A biopsy system driver includes a motor having a rotatable output shaft, a support structure, a drive shaft, an elongate lead screw and a biopsy instrument drive member. The drive shaft is rotatably coupled to the support structure and includes or is otherwise operatively connected to the motor output shaft such that activation of the motor rotates the drive shaft. The elongate lead screw is coupled to the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft rotates the lead screw about an axis of the lead screw. The lead screw is axially translatable relative to the drive shaft and to the support structure. The biopsy instrument drive member is threadably coupled to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes axial translation of one of the lead screw and biopsy instrument drive member relative to the other one and to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2018Publication date: November 8, 2018Inventors: Joseph A. Stand, III, Kevin M. Thompson, Christian M. Ulm, Arnold Oyola, Fareeha Safir, Daniel Robertson, Thomas Fisk, Peter Wolton
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Publication number: 20180231101Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for balancer shaft assemblies featuring bearing caps. In one example, a system may include a bearing cap connected to a housing surrounding a balancer shaft. The bearing cap may have faces which contact components of the balancer shaft. This contact may prevent movement of the balancer shaft in a particular direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2018Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: Xavier Demeulenaere, Thomas Fisk, Robert Davies, Alex Fu, Mark Michel
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Patent number: 10022110Abstract: A biopsy system driver includes a motor having a rotatable output shaft, a support structure, a drive shaft, an elongate lead screw and a biopsy instrument drive member. The drive shaft is rotatably coupled to the support structure and includes or is otherwise operatively connected to the motor output shaft such that activation of the motor rotates the drive shaft. The elongate lead screw is coupled to the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft rotates the lead screw about an axis of the lead screw. The lead screw is axially translatable relative to the drive shaft and to the support structure. The biopsy instrument drive member is threadably coupled to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes axial translation of one of the lead screw and biopsy instrument drive member relative to the other one and to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Stand, III, Kevin M. Thompson, Christian M. Ulm, Arnold Oyola, Fareeha Safir, Daniel Robertson, Thomas Fisk, Peter Wolton
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Publication number: 20180078244Abstract: A biopsy device includes an instrument set and an instrument drive unit removably coupled to the instrument set. The instrument set includes an instrument set housing; an elongate outer cannula having a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof; an elongate inner cannula disposed within an outer cannula lumen; an aspiration vent fluidly coupling the outer cannula lumen to atmosphere; and an aspirate valve in the aspiration vent, and configured such that the outer cannula lumen is vented to atmosphere only when the aspirate valve is open. The instrument drive unit includes a drive unit support structure removably coupled to the instrument set housing; a motorized inner cannula driver configured to axially oscillate the inner cannula relative to the outer cannula to sever tissue extending through the tissue receiving opening; and an actuating member configured to selectively mechanically prevent the aspirate valve from closing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: Peter WOLTON, Daniel ROBERTSON, Thomas FISK, Joseph A. STAND, III, Christian M. ULM, Carl PIERCE
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Patent number: 9844363Abstract: A biopsy device includes an instrument set and an instrument drive unit removably coupled to the instrument set. The instrument set includes an instrument set housing; an elongate outer cannula having a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof; an elongate inner cannula disposed within an outer cannula lumen; an aspiration vent fluidly coupling the outer cannula lumen to atmosphere; and an aspirate valve in the aspiration vent, and configured such that the outer cannula lumen is vented to atmosphere only when the aspirate valve is open. The instrument drive unit includes a drive unit support structure removably coupled to the instrument set housing; a motorized inner cannula driver configured to axially oscillate the inner cannula relative to the outer cannula to sever tissue extending through the tissue receiving opening; and an actuating member configured to selectively mechanically prevent the aspirate valve from closing.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Peter Wolton, Daniel Robertson, Thomas Fisk, Joseph A. Stand, III, Christian M. Ulm, Carl Pierce
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Publication number: 20170000466Abstract: A biopsy device includes an instrument set and an instrument drive unit removably coupled to the instrument set. The instrument set includes an instrument set housing; an elongate outer cannula having a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof; an elongate inner cannula disposed within an outer cannula lumen; an aspiration vent fluidly coupling the outer cannula lumen to atmosphere; and an aspirate valve in the aspiration vent, and configured such that the outer cannula lumen is vented to atmosphere only when the aspirate valve is open. The instrument drive unit includes a drive unit support structure removably coupled to the instrument set housing; a motorized inner cannula driver configured to axially oscillate the inner cannula relative to the outer cannula to sever tissue extending through the tissue receiving opening; and an actuating member configured to selectively mechanically prevent the aspirate valve from closing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2015Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: Peter WOLTON, Daniel ROBERTSON, Thomas FISK, Joseph A. STAND, III, Christian M. ULM, Carl PIERCE
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Publication number: 20160089121Abstract: A biopsy system driver includes a motor having a rotatable output shaft, a support structure, a drive shaft, an elongate lead screw and a biopsy instrument drive member. The drive shaft is rotatably coupled to the support structure and includes or is otherwise operatively connected to the motor output shaft such that activation of the motor rotates the drive shaft. The elongate lead screw is coupled to the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft rotates the lead screw about an axis of the lead screw. The lead screw is axially translatable relative to the drive shaft and to the support structure. The biopsy instrument drive member is threadably coupled to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes axial translation of one of the lead screw and biopsy instrument drive member relative to the other one and to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2015Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Joseph A. Stand, III, Kevin M. Thompson, Christian M. Ulm, Arnold Oyola, Fareeha Safir, Daniel Robertson, Thomas Fisk, Peter Wolton
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Publication number: 20120252709Abstract: Methods for processing a contact surface, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity or to modify the wetting properties on a medical device, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other contact surface processing stations or devices and a contact surface holder comprising a contact surface port are provided. An opening of the contact surface can be seated on the contact surface port. The interior contact surface of the seated contact surface can be processed via the contact surface port by the first and second processing stations or devices. contact surface barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated contact surfaces, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed. A contact surface processing system and contact surface inspection apparatus and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: John Felts, Thomas Fisk, Robert Abrams, John Ferguson, Jonathan Freedman, Robert Pangborn, Peter Sagona
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Publication number: 20080051759Abstract: A central venous access device comprising an extruded catheter shaft having one or more lumens, said catheter shaft comprising a polycarbonate polyurethane having a weight average molecular weight in excess of 90,000.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2007Publication date: February 28, 2008Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Murphy, Mark Girard, Thomas Fisk