Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Jenkins

Thomas R. Jenkins 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: 10271719
    Abstract: Devices and methods for locating sinus ostia and positioning a guide wire within the sinus ostia. The subject devices comprise a shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a curved region located between the distal and proximal ends, and an interior channel, an extensible and retractable guide wire movably mounted within the interior channel and a probe tip joined to the guide wire. Certain devices further include expandable portions for engaging and treating body anatomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Morriss, Joshua Makower, Carlos F. Fernandez, Eric Goldfarb, Thomas R. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20190105481
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a grounding member and an actuator. The grounding member includes a first grounding feature and a bending channel. The first grounding feature is configured to engage a dilation instrument. The bending channel is configured to receive a malleable member of the dilation instrument. The actuator is pivotably coupled with the grounding member. The actuator has a bearing surface. The bearing surface is configured to cooperate with the bending channel to thereby bend the malleable member of the dilation instrument as the actuator is pivoted relative to the grounding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Arthur M. Lin, Thomas R. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 10238845
    Abstract: A dilation catheter comprises a handle, a guidewire, a dilation catheter, a guidewire movement mechanism, and dilation catheter movement actuator. The guidewire movement mechanism is configured to translate to thereby cause translation of the guidewire relative to the handle. The dilation catheter movement mechanism is configured to translate to thereby cause translation of the dilation catheter relative to the handle. The guidewire movement mechanism also includes a rotation mechanism configured to impart rotation upon the guidewire. The rotation mechanism may include features configured to limit the amount that the guidewire may rotate. The rotation mechanism may also include features configured to convert linear movement of an actuator into rotational movement of the guidewire. The dilation catheter may include features configured to provide for side entry of the guidewire into the dilation catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Hung V. Ha, Arthur M. Lin, Thomas R. Jenkins, Randy J. Kesten, Scott O. Chamness, Ketan P. Muni
  • Patent number: 10183153
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an absorbent body, a non-permeable feature, and a port feature. The absorbent body comprises a wicking feature. The non-permeable feature is coupled with the absorbent body. The non-permeable feature and at least a portion of the absorbent body are configured to fit in an opening in a paranasal sinus wall. The port feature extends through the absorbent body. The port feature defines a lumen. The wicking feature extends outwardly relative to the port lumen. During installation of the apparatus, the non-permeable feature is positioned in an opening in the paranasal sinus wall. The absorbent body is oriented such that the wicking feature is in contact with mucosal tissue in a sinus cavity defined by the paranasal sinus wall. A proximal portion of the absorbent body is positioned outside the paranasal sinus wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy J. Kesten, Thomas R. Jenkins, Jessica M. Liberatore
  • Patent number: 10166369
    Abstract: A lavage catheter for the treatment of a maxillary sinus is described. The catheter comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion comprises an irrigation tip. The irrigation tip has a tip opening through which fluid may be delivered by one handed operation of the catheter. A method for lavaging the maxillary sinus includes inserting the lavage catheter into a patient's anatomy and advancing the irrigation tip into the maxillary sinus using one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Jenkins, Jessica Liberatore, Sandra W. Ruggles, Jessica K. Chan
  • Patent number: 10137286
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a grounding member and an actuator. The grounding member includes a first grounding feature and a bending channel. The first grounding feature is configured to engage a dilation instrument. The bending channel is configured to receive a malleable member of the dilation instrument. The actuator is pivotably coupled with the grounding member. The actuator has a bearing surface. The bearing surface is configured to cooperate with the bending channel to thereby bend the malleable member of the dilation instrument as the actuator is pivoted relative to the grounding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur M. Lin, Thomas R. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 10137285
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly, a guide assembly, and a dilation catheter. The guide assembly extends distally from the handle assembly. The guide assembly includes a malleable guide member and a flexible guide member. The distal end of the flexible guide member is distal to the distal end of the malleable guide member. The flexible guide member is positioned about the malleable guide member and is slidable along the malleable guide member. The dilation catheter is slidably disposed about the flexible guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Jenkins, Randy J. Kesten, Siddhi K. Desai
  • Publication number: 20180333044
    Abstract: The systems, methods, and apparatus disclosed herein are directed to an exchangeable working channel for a surgical instrument comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an instrument channel configured to receive the exchangeable working channel. The exchangeable working channel may comprise a shaft comprising a proximal region and a distal region; an inner surface defining a lumen extending through the shaft; and an outer surface configured to interface with the instrument channel of the surgical instrument. The exchangeable working channel may further comprise one or more locking members configured to releasably couple to the proximal portion or the distal portion of the surgical instrument. The exchangeable working channel may increase a service life of the surgical instrument as a worn working channel can be exchanged with a new one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas R. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20180266997
    Abstract: A system includes an ultrasound measurement probe. The ultrasound measurement probe includes a lower portion. The lower portion includes a delay block, an array of ultrasound transducers coupled to the delay block, and a first circuit board. The first circuit board further includes a first plurality of pins coupled to the array of ultrasound transducers. The ultrasound measurement probe also includes an upper portion removably coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion includes a second circuit board. The second circuit board further includes a second plurality of pins configured to couple with the first plurality of pins when the upper portion is removably coupled to the lower portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas R. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20180256894
    Abstract: A system and method for use in iontophoretic anesthesia of a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The system generally includes an earplug and an electrode device. The earplug includes at least one sealing member for sealing the earplug in an ear canal. The sealing member includes microholes which vent fluid above a certain pressure threshold. A headset may connect the earplug to a second earplug. The method involves using the system on a human or animal subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Tusker Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. MORRISS, Gregory LIU, Rohit GIROTRA, Bernard H. ANDREAS, Scott J. BARON, Paul G. HAYTER, Thomas R. JENKINS, Richard R. NEWHAUSER, JR., Jeffrey A. WALKER
  • Patent number: 10071191
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body and a conduit. The body comprises an absorbent material. The conduit is in fluid communication with the body. The conduit has a suction opening positioned within the absorbent material. The conduit is operable to draw fluid away from the absorbent material. The apparatus may be positioned within the posterior choana or the nasopharynx of a patient using a deployment instrument. The apparatus may prevent fluids from draining from the nasal cavity into the patient's throat. In some instances, the apparatus is used as a plug during a sinus irrigation procedure to prevent irrigation fluid from traveling down the patient's throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Jenkins, Jessica M. Liberatore, Randy J. Kesten, Radit Tantisira
  • Patent number: 10065028
    Abstract: A gripping system for use in treating the sinus cavity is described. The system includes a handle for single handed operation that includes access to the sinus cavity and treatment by dilation of an anatomical passageway within the ear, nose or throat. The handle contains a guide catheter or seeker for proper placement of the system and further includes a balloon catheter cartridge for treatment of the cavity. The handle may further contain a guidewire cartridge to ensure proper access of the cavity or a stabilizing feature for incorporation of an endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica M. Liberatore, Thomas R. Jenkins, Arthur M. Lin, Randy J. Kesten
  • Patent number: 10064555
    Abstract: A guide member system includes a guide member, a light source, and a detector. The guide member comprises at least one illumination fiber. The at least one illumination fiber distally transmits the light projected by the light source from the proximal end of the guide member to the distal end of the guide member. The distal end of the guide member is projects the distally transmitted light. The distal end of the guide member receives light projected from the distal end of the guide member and reflected back toward the distal end of the guide member. The at least one illumination fiber proximally transmits the reflected light from the distal end of the guide member to the proximal end of the guide member. The proximal end of the guide member projects the proximally transmitted light toward the detector. The detector detects the proximally transmitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy J. Kesten, Scott O. Chamness, Thomas R. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 10001459
    Abstract: A system includes an ultrasound measurement probe. The ultrasound measurement probe includes a lower portion. The lower portion includes a delay block, an array of ultrasound transducers coupled to the delay block, and a first circuit board. The first circuit board further includes a first plurality of pins coupled to the array of ultrasound transducers. The ultrasound measurement probe also includes an upper portion removably coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion includes a second circuit board. The second circuit board further includes a second plurality of pins configured to couple with the first plurality of pins when the upper portion is removably coupled to the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas R Jenkins
  • Patent number: 9999437
    Abstract: An instrument comprises a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a first shaft member including a distal cutting feature, and a second shaft member. The first shaft member is slidable relative to the second shaft member. At least a distal portion of the shaft assembly is sized to fit through a nostril. The instrument further comprises a body. At least a portion of the shaft assembly extends distally relative to the body. The body comprises a grounding feature sized and positioned to engage one or more external anatomical structures adjacent to the nostril. The instrument further comprises a dampener. The dampener resists advancement of the first shaft member relative to the second shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy J. Kesten, Jessica M. Liberatore, Thomas R. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 9999433
    Abstract: A method of securing a turbinate to a nasal septum includes positioning an instrument in a nostril. The turbinate and nasal septum are pierced. The instrument is used to urge a barbed suture through the pierced turbinate and nasal septum. The turbinate is medialized against the nasal septum by urging the turbinate against the septum. The barbed suture holds the turbinate in a medialized state against the nasal septum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Jenkins, Randy J. Kesten, Jessica M. Liberatore
  • Publication number: 20180125515
    Abstract: A device for dilating an ostium of a paranasal sinus of a human or animal subject may include: a handle; an elongate shaft having a proximal end coupled with the handle and extending to a distal end; a guidewire disposed through at least a portion of the shaft lumen; a dilator having a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration; and a slide member coupled with at least one of the guidewire or the dilator through the longitudinal opening of the shaft for advancing the guidewire and/or the dilator relative to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas R. Jenkins, Eric Goldfarb, Tom Thanh Vo, Joshua Makower, Robert N. Wood, Ronda M. Heiser, Christopher Larsen, Daniel T. Harfe
  • Patent number: 9950157
    Abstract: A system and method for use in iontophoretic anesthesia of a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The system generally includes an earplug and an electrode device. The earplug includes at least one sealing member for sealing the earplug in an ear canal. The sealing member includes microholes which vent fluid above a certain pressure threshold. A headset may connect the earplug to a second earplug. The method involves using the system on a human or animal subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Tusker Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Morriss, Greg Liu, Rohit Girotra, Bernard H. Andreas, Scott J. Baron, Paul G. Hayter, Thomas R. Jenkins, Richard R. Newhauser, Jr., Jeffrey A. Walker
  • Publication number: 20180036512
    Abstract: A lavage catheter for the treatment of a maxillary sinus is described. The catheter comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion comprises an irrigation tip. The irrigation tip has a tip opening through which fluid may be delivered by one handed operation of the catheter. A method for lavaging the maxillary sinus includes inserting the lavage catheter into a patient's anatomy and advancing the irrigation tip into the maxillary sinus using one hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas R. Jenkins, Jessica Liberatore, Sandra W. Ruggles, Jessica K. Chan
  • Publication number: 20170347869
    Abstract: Devices and methods for locating sinus ostia and positioning a guide wire within the sinus ostia. The subject devices comprise a shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a curved region located between the distal and proximal ends, and an interior channel, an extensible and retractable guide wire movably mounted within the interior channel and a probe tip joined to the guide wire. Certain devices further include expandable portions for engaging and treating body anatomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: John H. Morriss, Joshua Makower, Carlos F. Fernandez, Eric Goldfarb, Thomas R. Jenkins