Patents by Inventor William W. Clark

William W. Clark 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: 11547787
    Abstract: Disclosed cannula systems can detect the tissue type within which the cannula tip is located in real time using electrodes adjacent the cannula tip. The sensing cannula system can differentiate when the cannula tip is in adipose tissue or muscle based on electrical impedance. The system can be used in fat grafting and liposuction procedures, for example. An operator can detect if the cannula tip enters muscle by watching for an indicator light or audible alarm that is automatically activated by the device based on a change in sensed impedance. The device may also stop the flow of fat through a pump halting injection into the sub-muscular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignees: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, UPMC
    Inventors: David Turer, William W. Clark, April Lawrence, Ehsan Qaium, Joseph P. Rubin, Cameron Dezfulian
  • Patent number: 11534051
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are safety devices that are positioned on the end of a fiberoptic cable, such as those used in surgical procedures, to prevent patients and other objects from the risk of burn from light or heat emitted from the end of the cable when not connected to an optical instrument. The disclosed safety devices can be added to the ends of existing cables and/or can be included at the end of cables during manufacture. In some embodiments, the safety device replaces an existing connector at the end of a cable, and in some embodiments the safety device is added in addition to a connector at the end of the cable. In some embodiments, a slit end cover is included over an open end of an adaptor that is mounted on a distal connector of a fiberoptic cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignees: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, UPMC
    Inventors: Steven Gerard Docimo, William W. Clark, Alexandra Marie Delazio, John A. Holmes, Benjamin T. Ristau
  • Publication number: 20220273188
    Abstract: Described herein are sensing cannula systems that include a surgical instrument, a detection unit, and a conductive pad having a reference electrode and configured to be placed on the patient at a location outside the patient's body. The surgical instrument can include a cannula (such as a fat grafting cannula) having an electrically conductive distal tip and electrical insulation covering the cannula proximally from the distal tip, wherein the distal tip comprises a first electrode. The detection unit can include electrical circuitry that is electrically coupled to the surgical instrument and the conductive pad and operable to measure an electrical impedance between the first electrode and the reference electrode to determine what type of tissue the distal tip is in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, UPMC
    Inventors: David Turer, William W. Clark, April Lawrence, Ehsan Qaium, Joseph Peter Rubin, Cameron Dezfulian
  • Publication number: 20210204796
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are safety devices that are positioned on the end of a fiberoptic cable, such as those used in surgical procedures, to prevent patients and other objects from the risk of burn from light or heat emitted from the end of the cable when not connected to an optical instrument. The disclosed safety devices can be added to the ends of existing cables and/or can be included at the end of cables during manufacture. In some embodiments, the safety device replaces an existing connector at the end of a cable, and in some embodiments the safety device is added in addition to a connector at the end of the cable. In some embodiments, a slit end cover is included over an open end of an adaptor that is mounted on a distal connector of a fiberoptic cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, UPMC
    Inventors: Steven Gerard Docimo, William W. Clark, Alexandra Marie Delazio, John A. Holmes, Benjamin T. Ristau
  • Publication number: 20210093757
    Abstract: Disclosed cannula systems can detect the tissue type within which the cannula tip is located in real time using electrodes adjacent the cannula tip. The sensing cannula system can differentiate when the cannula tip is in adipose tissue or muscle based on electrical impedance. The system can be used in fat grafting and liposuction procedures, for example. An operator can detect if the cannula tip enters muscle by watching for an indicator light or audible alarm that is automatically activated by the device based on a change in sensed impedance. The device may also stop the flow of fat through a pump halting injection into the sub-muscular space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, UPMC
    Inventors: David Turer, William W. Clark, April Lawrence, Ehsan Qaium, Joseph Peter Rubin Peter Rubin, Cameron Dezfulian
  • Patent number: 10894846
    Abstract: A material having a first non-zero elastic modulus capable of reversibly changing the first non-zero elastic modulus to a second non-zero elastic modulus in response to a redox reaction occurring in the material. A method of producing a material that is reversibly cyclable between a first non-zero elastic modulus and a second non-zero elastic modulus, comprising: preparing a polymer comprising both crosslinks that do not depend on metal binding and functional groups capable of having oxidation-state specific binding constants to a metal ion; and doping the polymer with a solution containing the metal ion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Tianqi Pan, Tara Yvonne Meyer, William W. Clark, David Waldeck, Lisa Mauck Weiland, Percy Calvo-Marzal, Rachel D. Harris, Haitao Liu
  • Patent number: 10888735
    Abstract: A player calibrates the initial position and orientation of trajectory using their natural sports motion from a well-defined starting point. For example, a batter with mature swing mechanics maintains approximately the same bat orientation and position (“load configuration”) at the beginning of their swing. This load configuration is unique to that player and unlike that of other players and may represent the start of a swing (or other motion of interest) or may occur at any characteristic point in time during the motion. Subsequent motion data within the spatial frame can be accurately analyzed so that three-dimensional trajectory of the equipment or body segment can be precisely determined and presented in an animated playing environment on devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventors: William W. Clark, Minmin Zhang, Michael Ressler
  • Publication number: 20200206471
    Abstract: Disclosed catheter insertion systems enable the user to identify the location of the needle based on the electrical properties of subcutaneous tissue relative the electrical properties of other fluids such as blood or air. Disclosed systems can include one or more of the following features: 1) the catheter assembly is modular (e.g., the catheter can be connected and disconnected from the detection unit at will); 2) the detection unit employs an electrical circuit that allows for the discernment between subcutaneous tissue and blood; 3) the system assists the end user with catheter advancement. Some embodiments can be used to insert catheters into a spaces where the needle passes first through subcutaneous fat and muscle before entering fluid or air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Cameron Dezfulian, William W. Clark, Ehsan Qaium, Dennis Wist
  • Publication number: 20200040116
    Abstract: A material having a first non-zero elastic modulus capable of reversibly changing the first non-zero elastic modulus to a second non-zero elastic modulus in response to a redox reaction occurring in the material. A method of producing a material that is reversibly cyclable between a first non-zero elastic modulus and a second non-zero elastic modulus, comprising: preparing a polymer comprising both crosslinks that do not depend on metal binding and functional groups capable of having oxidation-state specific binding constants to a metal ion; and doping the polymer with a solution containing the metal ion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Tara Yvonne Meyer, William W. Clark, David Waldeck, Lisa Mauck Weiland, Percy Calvo-Marzal, Tianqi Pan, Rachel D. Harris, Haitao Liu
  • Publication number: 20190374226
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an implantable perfusion device that can be implanted in an injured blood vessel to control bleeding without occluding the vessel. In one specific implementation, the perfusion device can be implanted percutaneously into a patient's descending aorta to control bleeding at the site of a ruptured portion of the aorta (known as torso hemorrhage) while still allowing for the antegrade flow of blood from a location upstream of the ruptured portion of the aorta to a location downstream of the ruptured portion of the aorta. The perfusion device can be left inside the patient as the patient is transported to a medical facility where the injury can be repaired. Following repair of the vessel, the perfusion device can be withdrawn from the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Bryan W. Tillman, William W. Clark, Sung Kwon Cho, Youngjae Chun
  • Patent number: 10413301
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an implantable perfusion device that can be implanted in an injured blood vessel to control bleeding without occluding the vessel. In one specific implementation, the perfusion device can be implanted percutaneously into a patient's descending aorta to control bleeding at the site of a ruptured portion of the aorta (known as torso hemorrhage) while still allowing for the antegrade flow of blood from a location upstream of the ruptured portion of the aorta to a location downstream of the ruptured portion of the aorta. The perfusion device can be left inside the patient as the patient is transported to a medical facility where the injury can be repaired. Following repair of the vessel, the perfusion device can be withdrawn from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Bryan W. Tillman, William W. Clark, Sung Kwon Cho, Youngjae Chun
  • Patent number: 9944729
    Abstract: A material having a first non-zero elastic modulus capable of reversibly changing the first non-zero elastic modulus to a second non-zero elastic modulus in response to a redox reaction occurring in the material. A method of producing a material that is reversibly cyclable between a first non-zero elastic modulus and a second non-zero elastic modulus, comprising: preparing a polymer comprising both crosslinks that do not depend on metal binding and functional groups capable of having oxidation-state specific binding constants to a metal ion; and doping the polymer with a solution containing the metal ion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Tara Yvonne Meyer, William W. Clark, David Waldeck, Lisa Mauck Weiland, Percy Calvo-Marzal, Tianqi Pan, Rachel D. Harris, Haitao Liu
  • Patent number: 9851374
    Abstract: Systems and methods of motion tracking are disclosed that can be used in connection with sports motion. Such a method can include placing one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs) on at least one of a person or one or more pieces of equipment, recording motion data associated with the at least one of the person or the one or more pieces of equipment, and synchronizing the recorded motion data. The method can also include analyzing the synchronized motion data in connection with a motion standard, and generating feedback based at least in part on the analyzed motion data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: William W. Clark, Jeremy R. Romeiko
  • Publication number: 20170081448
    Abstract: A material having a first non-zero elastic modulus capable of reversibly changing the first non-zero elastic modulus to a second non-zero elastic modulus in response to a redox reaction occurring in the material. A method of producing a material that is reversibly cyclable between a first non-zero elastic modulus and a second non-zero elastic modulus, comprising: preparing a polymer comprising both crosslinks that do not depend on metal binding and functional groups capable of having oxidation-state specific binding constants to a metal ion; and doping the polymer with a solution containing the metal ion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Tara Yvonne Meyer, William W. Clark, David Waldeck, Lisa Mauck Weiland, Percy Calvo-Marzal, Tianqi Pan, Rachel D. Harris, Haitao Liu
  • Publication number: 20160157868
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an implantable perfusion device that can be implanted in an injured blood vessel to control bleeding without occluding the vessel. In one specific implementation, the perfusion device can be implanted percutaneously into a patient's descending aorta to control bleeding at the site of a ruptured portion of the aorta (known as torso hemorrhage) while still allowing for the antegrade flow of blood from a location upstream of the ruptured portion of the aorta to a location downstream of the ruptured portion of the aorta. The perfusion device can be left inside the patient as the patient is transported to a medical facility where the injury can be repaired. Following repair of the vessel, the perfusion device can be withdrawn from the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Bryan W. Tillman, William W. Clark, Sung Kwon Cho, Youngjae Chun
  • Publication number: 20160076827
    Abstract: A device for selectively controlling the passage of thermal energy through the device from a first space to a second space by selectively varying an overall thermal conductivity of the device comprises a structure having at least one component movable from a first position to a second position and an actuator mechanically coupled to the component for moving the component from the first position to the second position. When the at least one component is positioned in the first position the device exhibits a first thermal conductivity and when the at least one component is positioned in the second position the device exhibits a second thermal conductivity different from the first thermal conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: WILLIAM W. CLARK, LAURA ATKINSON SCHAEFER, WESLEY A. KNOTTS, CHANGKI MO, MARK KIMBER
  • Publication number: 20150105882
    Abstract: Systems and methods of motion tracking are disclosed that can be used in connection with sports motion. Such a method can include placing one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs) on at least one of a person or one or more pieces of equipment, recording motion data associated with the at least one of the person or the one or more pieces of equipment, and synchronizing the recorded motion data. The method can also include analyzing the synchronized motion data in connection with a motion standard, and generating feedback based at least in part on the analyzed motion data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: William W. Clark, Jeremy R. Romeiko
  • Patent number: 8944939
    Abstract: Systems and methods of motion tracking are disclosed that can be used in connection with sports motion. Such a method can include placing one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs) on at least one of a person or one or more pieces of equipment, recording motion data associated with the at least one of the person or the one or more pieces of equipment, and synchronizing the recorded motion data. The method can also include analyzing the synchronized motion data in connection with a motion standard, and generating feedback based at least in part on the analyzed motion data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: William W. Clark, Jeremy R. Romeiko
  • Patent number: D957941
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventors: Carrie Ann Clark, Hyun Jin Ko, Scot Herbst, William W. Hunter, Elisabeth Morris
  • Patent number: D957944
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventors: Carrie Ann Clark, Hyun Jin Ko, Scot Herbst, William W. Hunter, Elisabeth Morris