Patents by Inventor Thomas V. Root

Thomas V. Root 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: 12023005
    Abstract: An illumination system for illuminating a lumen within a body of a patient comprising a tube having a proximal end and an opposed distal end and an internal chamber, the tube being configured for placement within a lumen of the body. The system also includes an illumination subsystem including an optical fiber that is sized and configured to seat within the internal chamber of the tube and a light source for generating light that is emitted by the fiber optic cable. The optical fiber, when mounted within the tube and when the light source generates light, emits light at the distal end of the tube so as to transilluminate the lumen and surrounding tissue so as to be able to locate the distal end of the tube within the lumen of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignees: Fraen Corporation, Neuroceuticals Inc., Acera LLC
    Inventors: Shinya Miike, Thomas V. Root, Michael S. Epstein, Michael Cook, Carlton Jones
  • Patent number: 11988825
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light module is disclosed, which includes a housing providing a hollow chamber extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a lens positioned in the hollow chamber, where the lens has a lens body comprising an input surface for receiving light from a light source and an output surface through which light exits the lens body, said lens further comprising a collar at least partially encircling said lens body. The light module further includes at least one shoulder on which the lens collar can be seated for positioning the lens within the housing. A light source, e.g., an LED, is coupled to the hollow chamber, e.g., at its proximal end, for providing light to the lens. In some embodiments, an optical window is disposed in the hollow chamber and is optically coupled to the output surface of the lens such that the light exiting the lens passes through the optical window before exiting the light module. In some embodiments, the shoulder can be formed as part of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Acera, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas V. Root, Thomas Davis, Michael Cook, Carlton S. Jones, David Leo, Michael S. Epstein
  • Patent number: 11914137
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light module is disclosed, which includes a housing providing a hollow chamber extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a lens positioned in the hollow chamber, where the lens has a lens body comprising an input surface for receiving light from a light source and an output surface through which light exits the lens body, said lens further comprising a collar at least partially encircling said lens body. The light module further includes at least one shoulder on which the lens collar can be seated for positioning the lens within the housing. A light source, e.g., an LED, is coupled to the hollow chamber, e.g., at its proximal end, for providing light to the lens. In some embodiments, an optical window is disposed in the hollow chamber and is optically coupled to the output surface of the lens such that the light exiting the lens passes through the optical window before exiting the light module. In some embodiments, the shoulder can be formed as part of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Acera, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas V. Root, Thomas Davis, Michael Cook, Carlton S. Jones, David Leo, Michael S. Epstein
  • Publication number: 20230093408
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light module is disclosed, which includes a housing providing a hollow chamber extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a lens positioned in the hollow chamber, where the lens has a lens body comprising an input surface for receiving light from a light source and an output surface through which light exits the lens body, said lens further comprising a collar at least partially encircling said lens body. The light module further includes at least one shoulder on which the lens collar can be seated for positioning the lens within the housing. A light source, e.g., an LED, is coupled to the hollow chamber, e.g., at its proximal end, for providing light to the lens. In some embodiments, an optical window is disposed in the hollow chamber and is optically coupled to the output surface of the lens such that the light exiting the lens passes through the optical window before exiting the light module. In some embodiments, the shoulder can be formed as part of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas V. ROOT, Thomas Davis, Michael COOK, Carlton S. JONES, David LEO, Michael S. EPSTEIN
  • Patent number: 11525999
    Abstract: In one aspect, a handheld lighting system is disclosed, which comprises a handheld housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a light module disposed at least partially in the housing. The handheld lighting system further includes a removable and replaceable power module that is coupled to the housing (e.g., it is at least partially disposed within the housing) and is electrically coupled to the light module, e.g., through a pair of electrical leads, for providing electrical power thereto. Light intensity from the light module may be controlled from a knob on the power module. Various adapters can allow the lighting system to attach to a multitude of medical, industrial, dental or veterinary endoscopes or other instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Acera LLC
    Inventors: Thomas V. Root, Michael Cook, Thomas Davis, Michael S. Epstein, Carlton Jones, David Leo
  • Patent number: 11467393
    Abstract: An elliptical lens comprises a lens body having a proximal section and a distal section. The proximal section has at least one input surface for receiving light from a light source and the distal section has at least one output surface through which light exits the lens body. The proximal section further comprises a substantially elliptical peripheral surface receiving at least a portion of the light entering the lens body via the at least one input surface and directing at least some of the received light via total internal reflection to the distal section such that at least a portion of the light directed to the distal section exits the lens body through said at least one output surface. Optical assemblies having said elliptical lens may be embedded in medical devices such as endoscopes to provide efficient illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Acera, LLC
    Inventors: Carlton Jones, Rachel Taranta, Thomas V. Root
  • Patent number: 11409096
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light module is disclosed, which includes a housing providing a hollow chamber extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a lens positioned in the hollow chamber, where the lens has a lens body comprising an input surface for receiving light from a light source and an output surface through which light exits the lens body, said lens further comprising a collar at least partially encircling said lens body. The light module further includes at least one shoulder on which the lens collar can be seated for positioning the lens within the housing. A light source, e.g., an LED, is coupled to the hollow chamber, e.g., at its proximal end, for providing light to the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Acera LLC
    Inventors: Thomas V. Root, Thomas Davis, Michael Cook, Carlton Jones, David Leo, Michael S. Epstein
  • Publication number: 20210307421
    Abstract: In one aspect, a headgear shield is disclosed, which includes a clip for removable and replaceable coupling to a headgear, and a face shield configured for coupling to said clip for at least partially providing a barrier between a face of an individual wearing the headgear and an ambient environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas V. ROOT, Stephen D. EPSTEIN, Michael S. EPSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20210299298
    Abstract: In one aspect, a portable sterilization device configured to be carried by an individual is disclosed, which comprises a wearable element configured for removable and replaceable coupling to a body part of the individual, an ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV LED) coupled to said element and positioned so as to emit radiation into an external environment, and a portable power supply for supplying electrical power to said UV LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas V. Root, Michael Cook, Michael S. Epstein
  • Publication number: 20210278657
    Abstract: In one aspect, a handheld lighting system is disclosed, which comprises a handheld housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a light module disposed at least partially in the housing. The handheld lighting system further includes a removable and replaceable power module that is coupled to the housing (e.g., it is at least partially disposed within the housing) and is electrically coupled to the light module, e.g., through a pair of electrical leads, for providing electrical power thereto. Light intensity from the light module may be controlled from a knob on the power module. Various adapters can allow the lighting system to attach to a multitude of medical, industrial, dental or veterinary endoscopes or other instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas V. ROOT, Michael Cook, Thomas Davis, Michael S. Epstein, Carlton Jones, David Leo
  • Patent number: 11016282
    Abstract: In one aspect, a handheld lighting system is disclosed, which comprises a handheld housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a light module disposed at least partially in the housing. The handheld lighting system further includes a removable and replaceable power module that is coupled to the housing (e.g., it is at least partially disposed within the housing) and is electrically coupled to the light module, e.g., through a pair of electrical leads, for providing electrical power thereto. Light intensity from the light module may be controlled from a knob on the power module. Various adapters can allow the lighting system to attach to a multitude of medical, industrial, dental or veterinary endoscopes or other instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Acera LLC
    Inventors: Thomas V. Root, Michael Cook, Thomas Davis, Michael S. Epstein, Carlton Jones, David Leo
  • Publication number: 20200400937
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light module is disclosed, which includes a housing providing a hollow chamber extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a lens positioned in the hollow chamber, where the lens has a lens body comprising an input surface for receiving light from a light source and an output surface through which light exits the lens body, said lens further comprising a collar at least partially encircling said lens body. The light module further includes at least one shoulder on which the lens collar can be seated for positioning the lens within the housing. A light source, e.g., an LED, is coupled to the hollow chamber, e.g., at its proximal end, for providing light to the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas V. ROOT, Thomas DAVIS, Michael COOK, Carlton JONES, David LEO, Michael S. EPSTEIN
  • Patent number: 10782518
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light module is disclosed, which includes a housing providing a hollow chamber extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a lens positioned in the hollow chamber, where the lens has a lens body comprising an input surface for receiving light from a light source and an output surface through which light exits the lens body, said lens further comprising a collar at least partially encircling said lens body. The light module further includes at least one shoulder on which the lens collar can be seated for positioning the lens within the housing. A light source, e.g., an LED, is coupled to the hollow chamber, e.g., at its proximal end, for providing light to the lens. In some embodiments, an optical window is disposed in the hollow chamber and is optically coupled to the output surface of the lens such that the light exiting the lens passes through the optical window before exiting the light module. In some embodiments, the shoulder can be formed as part of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Acera LLC
    Inventors: Thomas V. Root, Thomas Davis, Michael Cook, Carlton Jones, David Leo, Michael S. Epstein
  • Patent number: 10768407
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light module is disclosed, which includes a housing providing a hollow chamber extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a lens positioned in the hollow chamber, where the lens has a lens body comprising an input surface for receiving light from a light source and an output surface through which light exits the lens body, said lens further comprising a collar at least partially encircling said lens body. The light module further includes at least one shoulder on which the lens collar can be seated for positioning the lens within the housing. A light source, e.g., an LED, is coupled to the hollow chamber, e.g., at its proximal end, for providing light to the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Acera, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas V. Root, Thomas Davis, Michael Cook, Carlton Jones, David Leo, Michael S. Epstein
  • Publication number: 20200205640
    Abstract: An illumination system for illuminating a lumen within a body of a patient comprising a tube having a proximal end and an opposed distal end and an internal chamber, the tube being configured for placement within a lumen of the body. The system also includes an illumination subsystem including an optical fiber that is sized and configured to seat within the internal chamber of the tube and a light source for generating light that is emitted by the fiber optic cable. The optical fiber, when mounted within the tube and when the light source generates light, emits light at the distal end of the tube so as to transilluminate the lumen and surrounding tissue so as to be able to locate the distal end of the tube within the lumen of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Shinya MIIKE, Thomas V. ROOT, Michael S. EPSTEIN, Michael COOK, Carlton JONES
  • Publication number: 20200081241
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light module is disclosed, which includes a housing providing a hollow chamber extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a lens positioned in the hollow chamber, where the lens has a lens body comprising an input surface for receiving light from a light source and an output surface through which light exits the lens body, said lens further comprising a collar at least partially encircling said lens body. The light module further includes at least one shoulder on which the lens collar can be seated for positioning the lens within the housing. A light source, e.g., an LED, is coupled to the hollow chamber, e.g., at its proximal end, for providing light to the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas V. ROOT, Thomas DAVIS, Michael COOK, Carlton JONES, David LEO, Michael S. EPSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20190361217
    Abstract: In one aspect, a handheld lighting system is disclosed, which comprises a handheld housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a light module disposed at least partially in the housing. The handheld lighting system further includes a removable and replaceable power module that is coupled to the housing (e.g., it is at least partially disposed within the housing) and is electrically coupled to the light module, e.g., through a pair of electrical leads, for providing electrical power thereto. Light intensity from the light module may be controlled from a knob on the power module. Various adapters can allow the lighting system to attach to a multitude of medical, industrial, dental or veterinary endoscopes or other instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas V. ROOT, Michael COOK, Thomas DAVIS, Michael S. EPSTEIN, Carlton JONES, David LEO
  • Patent number: 10281709
    Abstract: In one aspect, a handheld lighting system is disclosed, which comprises a handheld housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a light module disposed at least partially in the housing. The handheld lighting system further includes a removable and replaceable power module that is coupled to the housing (e.g., it is at least partially disposed within the housing) and is electrically coupled to the light module, e.g., through a pair of electrical leads, for providing electrical power thereto. Light intensity from the light module may be controlled from a knob on the power module. Various adapters can allow the lighting system to attach to a multitude of medical, industrial, dental or veterinary endoscopes or other instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Acera, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas V. Root, Michael Cook, Thomas Davis, Michael S. Epstein, Carlton Jones, David Leo
  • Publication number: 20180296079
    Abstract: A surgical headlight system includes an adjustable headband, a light assembly mounted to the headband, a motor assembly mounted to the headband and the light assembly, and electronic controller having a wireless transceiver therein, a power control circuit for varying electrical power delivered to a light source of the light assembly, a power source in electrical communication with the light assembly, the motor assembly, and the wireless transceiver, and a sterilizable wireless controller configured to transmit instructions to the wireless transceiver, the instructions causing the electronic controller to one or more of actuate at least one motor of the motor assembly to alter an orientation of the light assembly, adjust a diameter of an aperture of the light assembly, adjust a spacing between one or more condensing lenses and an objective lens, or operate the power control circuit to increase or decrease electrical power delivered to the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Jay S. Orringer, JoLynne V. Orringer, Jordan H. Orringer, Thomas V. Root, Michael A. Cook
  • Patent number: D836227
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Acera, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas V. Root