Patents by Inventor Warren P. Williamson, IV

Warren P. Williamson, IV 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: 20100278627
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cassette, frame and mold for holding a tissue sample during an embedding and mircotoming process, and related methods. The cassette is sectionable in a microtome and includes a body with a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls. First and second side walls are generally V-shaped to present an apex of the ā€œVā€ to the microtome blade. A lid of the cassette is stiffer than the bottom wall of the cassette to assist with positioning the tissue sample. The side walls of the cassette are perforated so as to significantly reduce the amount of cassette material that must be cut by the microtome blade. In one embodiment, to additionally reduce blade wear the ribs on one side wall are offset lengthwise relative to the ribs on an opposite side wall. An upper flange of the cassette includes depressions configured to register with detents in the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: BIOPATH AUTOMATION, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Craig B. Berky, Stephen P. Whitlatch, Thomas J. Ward
  • Patent number: 7799042
    Abstract: A device for excising tissue and closing a wound that results from excision of the tissue includes structure defining an aperture into which tissue to be excised is exposed. The device also includes a cutting member for excising the tissue, a closure member for closing the wound, and an actuatable drive member associated with the structure. The drive member is actuatable to move the cutting member relative to the aperture for excising the tissue that is exposed in the aperture and for closing the wound with the closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Craig B. Berky
  • Patent number: 7776274
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cassette, frame and mold for holding a tissue sample during an embedding and mircotoming process, and related methods. The cassette is sectionable in a microtome and includes a body with a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls. First and second side walls are generally V-shaped to present an apex of the ā€œVā€ to the microtome blade. A lid of the cassette is stiffer than the bottom wall of the cassette to assist with positioning the tissue sample. The side walls of the cassette are perforated so as to significantly reduce the amount of cassette material that must be cut by the microtome blade. In one embodiment, to additionally reduce blade wear the ribs on one side wall are offset lengthwise relative to the ribs on an opposite side wall. An upper flange of the cassette includes depressions configured to register with detents in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Biopath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Craig B. Berky, Stephen P. Whitlatch, Thomas J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20100184127
    Abstract: Tissue orientation devices include a perforated tissue support with at least one perforated channel for receiving a tissue sample, and a plurality of tabs configured to extend along and into the channel to retain the tissue sample during processing and embedding. Tissue orientation devices include elongated legs coupled together for holding one or more biopsy tissue samples therebetween. Associated methods include using the cassettes and orientation devices to hold and orient tissue samples for processing, embedding and microtome sectioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicants: BIOPATH AUTOMATION, L.L.C., SAKURA FINETEK U.S.A., INC.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Stephen P. Whitlatch, Carlos A. Saez
  • Publication number: 20100167334
    Abstract: A system for processing tissue biopsy samples during a histopathology process, including a tissue carrier constructed to carry a tissue biopsy sample during at least one step of the histopathology process, a database storing information associated with the tissue biopsy sample and associated with a tissue processing procedure, a machine-readable indicator physically associated with the tissue carrier, the machine-readable indicator including a machine-readable reference identified with the tissue biopsy sample, and an electronic control operative to read the reference, access the information in the database using the reference, and implement at least a portion of the tissue processing procedure in accordance with the accessed information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: BioPath Automation, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Warren P. Williamson, IV
  • Publication number: 20100129859
    Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: BIOPATH AUTOMATION, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Douglas P. Allen, Dominic P. DiNovo, Matthew J. Huddleston, Kenneth E. Hughes, George A. Keller, Keith A. Kuisick, Rebeccah P. Quam, Cecil R. Robinson, Jonathan E. Turner, Ernest D. VanHoose, Thomas J. Ward, Warren P. Williamson, IV
  • Patent number: 7722642
    Abstract: Wire fasteners having legs with lengths that can be one hundred times the width of the fastener are used to secure items, such as prosthesis valves to a patient during minimally invasive surgery. The fasteners are manipulated into position and then are immobilized by means of the legs thereof for tensioning, cutting and forming in situ. The fasteners are manipulated, tensioned and formed from the leg end of the fasteners. Tools for initially placing the fasteners and for immobilizing, tensioning, cutting and bending the fastener legs are disclosed. Once the fasteners are initially placed, the prosthesis is placed on the long legs of the placed fasteners and is guided into position on the legs. Once the prosthesis is in position, the legs of the fasteners are immobilized, tensioned, cut and bent into staple-like shapes to secure the prosthesis to the patient. A method for carrying out the procedure using the long fastener is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Paul A. Spence, George A. Keller, Cecil R. Robinson, Thomas J. Ward
  • Patent number: 7722810
    Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Biopath Automation, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas P. Allen, Dominic P. DiNovo, Matthew J. Huddleston, Kenneth E. Hughes, George A. Keller, Keith A. Kuisick, Rebeccah P. Quam, Cecil R. Robinson, Jonathan E. Turner, Ernest D. VanHoose, Thomas J. Ward, Warren P. Williamson, IV
  • Patent number: 7708759
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for repairing damaged tendons or ligaments. Various repair apparatus include an elongate tensile member and a pair of anchor structures connected for movement along the tensile member on either side of a repair site, such as a tear or laceration. The anchor structures may take many forms, and may include barbed, helical, and crimp-type anchors. In the preferred embodiments, at least one anchor structure is movable along the elongate tensile member to assist with adjusting a tendon segment to an appropriate repair position and the anchor structure or structures are then lockable onto the elongate tensile member to assist with affixing the tendon at the repair position. Tendon-to-bone repair apparatus and methods are also disclosed employing similar concepts. Tendon retrieval devices include helical members for rotating into a tendon end and subsequently moving the tendon to an appropriate operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Tendon Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Lubbers, Kenneth E. Hughes, Carl R. Coleman, Warren P. Williamson, IV, Craig B. Berky, Thomas J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20100082047
    Abstract: A device for occluding a hollow anatomical structure includes a clamp having at least first and second clamping portions adapted to be placed on opposite sides of the anatomical structure. At least one of the first and second clamping portions is movable toward the other from an open position to a clamping or closed position to occlude the anatomical structure. The clamp has an annular shape configured to surround the hollow anatomical structure in the open position and a flattened shape in the clamping position configured to occlude the hollow interior of the anatomical structure. The clamp is preferably covered with fabric to promote tissue ingrowth. A clamp delivery and actuation device is provided for allowing the clamp to be applied in either an open surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicants: IDX MEDICAL, LTD., THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Delos M. Cosgrove, Warren P. Williamson, IV, Craig B. Berky
  • Publication number: 20100049320
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for repairing damaged tendons or ligaments. Various repair apparatus include an elongate tensile member and a pair of anchor assemblies connected for movement along the tensile member on either side of a repair site, such as a tear or laceration. The anchor assemblies or structures may take many forms, and may include barbed, helical, and crimp-type anchors. In the preferred embodiments, at least one anchor structure is movable along the elongate tensile member to assist with adjusting a tendon segment to an appropriate repair position and the anchor structure or structures are then lockable onto the elongate tensile member to assist with affixing the tendon at the repair position. Tendon and/or ligament-to-bone repair apparatus and methods employ similar concepts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicants: TENDON TECHNOLOGY, LTD., ORTHEON MEDICAL L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Lubbers, Kenneth E. Hughes, Carl R. Coleman, Warren P. Williamson, IV, Craig B. Berky, Thomas J. Ward, Matthew J. Huddleston, Mark A. Goldin, William J. Christy, Perry DeFazio, Brian Scott Schumacher, Terence Lee Murphy, Nickola Symone Lewis, Jeremy Jarrett, Joseph E. Young
  • Patent number: 7645285
    Abstract: A device for occluding a hollow anatomical structure includes a clamp having at least first and second clamping portions adapted to be placed on opposite sides of the anatomical structure. At least one of the first and second clamping portions is movable toward the other from an open position to a clamping or closed position to occlude the anatomical structure. The clamp has an annular shape configured to surround the hollow anatomical structure in the open position and a flattened shape in the clamping position configured to occlude the hollow interior of the anatomical structure. The clamp is preferably covered with fabric to promote tissue ingrowth. A clamp delivery and actuation device is provided for allowing the clamp to be applied in either an open surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignees: IDX Medical, Ltd, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Delos M. Cosgrove, Warren P. Williamson, IV, Craig B. Berky
  • Patent number: 7611521
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for repairing damaged tendons or ligaments. Various repair apparatus include an elongate tensile member and a pair of anchor assemblies connected for movement along the tensile member on either side of a repair site, such as a tear or laceration. The anchor assemblies or structures may take many forms, and may include barbed, helical, and crimp-type anchors. In the preferred embodiments, at least one anchor structure is movable along the elongate tensile member to assist with adjusting a tendon segment to an appropriate repair position and the anchor structure or structures are then lockable onto the elongate tensile member to assist with affixing the tendon at the repair position. Tendon and/or ligament-to-bone repair apparatus and methods employ similar concepts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignees: Tendon Technology, Ltd., Ortheon Medical L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Lubbers, Kenneth E. Hughes, Carl R. Coleman, Warren P. Williamson, IV, Craig B. Berky, Thomas J. Ward, Matthew J. Huddleston, Mark A. Goldin, William J. Christy, Perry DeFazio, Brian Scott Schumacher, Terence Lee Murphy, Nickola Symone Lewis, Jeremy Jarrett, Joseph E. Young
  • Publication number: 20090247117
    Abstract: A cellular telephone system has call management decisions made based on the exact geographic location of the mobile unit. These call management decisions include billing and taxing decisions, cell site selection, frequency selection and even cellular system selection. The decisions are continuously updated during a call whereby decisions can be made and changed regardless of where a call originated. Cell site location, and even cellular system selection, can be made in a specific manner to best serve the needs of the mobile user, the cellular system as well as the public. It is even possible for a cellular system to locate one or more of its cell sites in the geographic area served by another cellular system. In some cases, cellular systems might even share cell sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: EMSAT ADVANCED GEO-LOCATION TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Everett Dennison, Timothy J. Duffy, Gregory T. Pauley, Scott L. Jones, Albert H. Pharis, JR., Warren P. Williamson, IV
  • Publication number: 20090163905
    Abstract: An electrosurgical end effector for ablating tissue is provided that comprises at least one electrically-conductive ablation member adapted to be connected to a source of RE energy, with the ablation member having a tissue engaging surface and defining an internal fluid passageway. Preferably, the end effector includes two electrically conductive ablation members that are electrically isolated from one another and have their fluid passageways in fluid communication. Alternatively, the end effector may comprise four electrically conductive ablation members arranged as two pairs of ablation members, all of the ablation members having internal fluid passageways that are electrically isolated from each other, with the fluid passageways of each of the four ablation members being in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew J. Winkler, Peter F. Staats, Warren P. Williamson, IV, Jason I. Glithero
  • Patent number: 7530193
    Abstract: A tilt indicator for use on a firearm includes a signal to indicate if the firearm is level or out of level. The signal is located to be viewed by a user via the user's peripheral vision and his secondary concentration so the user can maintain his primary concentration on the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Long-Shot Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, David C. Yates, Craig B. Berky
  • Publication number: 20090099412
    Abstract: A system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery permits coronary surgery on a beating heart while maintaining cardiac output unabated and uninterrupted. Circumflex coronary artery surgery can be performed using the system. A component of the system engages the heart with a heart positioning device, repositions the heart into a displaced position and maintains it in the displaced position while the heart continues to beat with substantially unabated and uninterrupted cardiac output. One form of the system can be used in minimally invasive surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Warren P. Williamson, IV, Mark Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20090099411
    Abstract: A suction cup adapted to engage a surface of a beating heart with sufficient force to move the beating heart to an unnatural position upon moving the suction cup, while the suction cup maintains engagement with the surface of the heart and the heart continues to beat. Various suction cups are described each including at least a first chamber having a flexible rim and configured to engage the surface of the beating heart and a second chamber smaller than the first chamber and fluidly connected therewith. A suspension device configured to engage a beating heart and maintain engagement via suction while moving the suspension device to move the beating heart to an unnatural position and maintain the beating heart in the unnatural position to perform a surgical procedure, while the heart continues to beat, includes a suction cup and a support arm connected thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Paul A. Spence, Warren P. Williamson, IV, Mark Ortiz
  • Patent number: 7513902
    Abstract: A device for excising tissue and closing a wound that results from excision of the tissue includes structure defining an aperture into which tissue to be excised is exposed. The device also includes a cutting member for excising the tissue, a closure member for closing the wound, and an actuatable drive member associated with the structure. The drive member is actuatable to move the cutting member relative to the aperture for excising the tissue that is exposed in the aperture and for closing the wound with the closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Michael K. Banbury, Jillian E. Banbury, Craig B. Berky, Warren P. Williamson, IV
  • Patent number: 7497865
    Abstract: A ring for use in anastomosis. Preferably, the ring is integrally formed from metal, and includes a ring portion and tines and docking members that extend from the ring portion. The ring portion and tines are malleable, and preferably also the docking members are malleable. The ring portion and tines are malleable in the sense that once deformed from a first shape into a second shape, they will not relax back into the first shape from the second. To install the ring in a vessel with the ring portion extending around an incision or other orifice, the tines pierce the tissue around the orifice and are curled against an anvil. The action of curling the tines inverts the tissue near the orifice edges to expose the inside surface of the vessel or organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: MAQUET Cardiovascular, LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey H. Willis, Thomas A. Kramer, Paul A. Spence, George T. Christakis, Timothy J. McCoy, John W. Davis, Bradley D. Blackwood, Peter Callas, Michael Francis Wei, Jonathan L. Podmore, Andrew Knight, Thomas J. Ward, Warren P. Williamson, IV