Patents Issued in March 6, 2001
  • Patent number: 6196948
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface. Left and right cranks are rotatably mounted on the frame, and left and right rocker links are pivotally mounted on the frame. Left and right foot links have forward ends rotatably connected to respective rocker links, intermediate portions movably connected to respective cranks, and rearward ends sized and configured to support a person's feet. On the preferred embodiment, left and right rigid drawbars are selectively imposed between respective cranks and respective rocker links to convert exercise motion from a stepping type motion to a striding type motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Stearns, Joseph D. Maresh
  • Patent number: 6196949
    Abstract: The present invention, in certain embodiments, a portable structure for supporting infants for the purpose of training and assisting infants to walk. The structure comprises a frame, generally U-shaped at the top with at least one J-shaped leg element being attached to the frame, with the J-shaped leg elements being parallel to each other, and with the J-shaped leg elements being padded. The frame may be made of a light-weight material, such as aluminum or steel tubing, wood or plastic, and the padding is made of a flexible, yet durable impact-absorbing material. The structure may further include a wheeled extension member attached to either the top of the frame or to one or more of the J-shaped leg elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Ruben Rodarte
  • Patent number: 6196950
    Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed for exercising hamstring muscles, adductor/abductor muscles, quadriceps or gluteus maximus muscles of a user. The device includes a base member having a generally flat upper surface portion adapted to receive and support a bottom of a foot of the user. A back member is attached to the base. A heel yoke is attached to the back and is adapted to receive the heel of a foot of the user. A roller arm mechanism is attached to the back and a roller member is attached to the roller arm. The roller member is adapted to contact a top of the foot of the user to secure the device to the foot. Weight plates may be easily attached to and removed from the device to provide a desired resistance for a particular exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel W. Emick
  • Patent number: 6196951
    Abstract: A weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps includes a central weight bearing section with opposing handles, each handle having multiple gripping positions. The combined assembly has a center of gravity which lies between handle extensions, both laterally and longitudinally. The apparatus may be held behind the head and then repeatedly extended over the head in order to isolate and exercise the triceps. The centrally located weight bearing section can accommodate a number of weight plates and includes a clamping arrangement for securely holding the plates in a central position. A number of other exercises are facilitated with the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Rodney Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6196952
    Abstract: A dumbbell comprises a carrying seat, a plurality of weights, and a weight-adjusting device. The carrying seat is formed of two parallel plates, two hollow rods and a grip. The plates are provided with a receiving cell, a through holes, and a plurality of grooves. Each of the weights has two identical block bodies which are provided with two through holes and a plurality of grooves. Two connection rods are disposed between the bottoms of the two block bodies and are different in length to facilitate the juxtaposing of the weights. The weight-adjusting device comprises an adjustor, and four pins which can be extracted from or retracted into the plates such that the pins are received at one end thereof in the through holes of certain block bodies, thereby coupling the carrying seat with a desired number of the weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: James Chen
  • Patent number: 6196953
    Abstract: A multi-piece barbell bar is tubular, the pieces of the bar being provide with a retainer that permits the pieces easily to be joined permanently, free of relative movement with respect to one another, without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Matthew D. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 6196954
    Abstract: A sliding exerciser includes a track body, the track body having a base, a transverse bar, and rail means connected between the base and the transverse bar and smoothly upwardly curved from the transverse bar toward the base, a knee board connected to the transverse bar at a front side, and a slide coupled to the track body and reciprocated by the user along the rail means between the base and the transverse bar when the user kneeled down on the knee board, the slide having pairs of rollers bilaterally mounted on the inside and respectively coupled to the rail means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Wu Tsung Chen
  • Patent number: 6196955
    Abstract: An exerciser has a rod engaged through a frame, and a wheel rotatably engaged on the rod and having one or more holes for threading a resilient belt which is received in the rod and which has two ends retained to the ends of the rod. The middle portion of the belt is engaged through either of the holes of the wheel and may be wound around the rod when the wheel is rotated relative to the rod. The frame has one or more wheels for facilitating moving of the frame and has one or more pulleys for winding the belt. Two pulleys are rotatably engaged on the rod for winding the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Jin Chen Chuang
  • Patent number: 6196956
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of universal joints, especially constant velocity universal joints, to provide multi-axial rotational freedom on exercise, rehabilitation and testing machines. The universal joints may be an integral part of the exercise, rehabilitation and testing machines, or they be provided as adapters for use on uni-axial machines. Furthermore, the adapters may function to act as converters such that attachments designed for machines using a receiver apparatus may be used on machines with an input shaft. Conversely, the adapters may function to act as converters such that attachments designed for machines using an input shaft may be used on machines using an attachment receiver. Additionally, an improved apparatus attachment is provided which uses an arm/joint stabilizer to further support the arm and joint position. The apparatus attachment primarily comprises a lever arm with a hand grip attached to a first end and the arm/joint stabilizer attached to a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: William C. Brown
  • Patent number: 6196957
    Abstract: An insulating roll is provided which is constructed with a roll body formed of a plurality of inorganic material-derived discs laminated with each other and positioned axially of and around a metal conduit, and a heat-resistant metal tube disposed integrally over an outer periphery of the roll body. A tubular cover formed by spray coating a ceramic material on the heat-resistant metal tube, or a sleeve made of sintered ceramic material may be disposed, where desired, in place of the heat-resistant metal tube. This roll has low thermal conductivity and high impact strength without involving feduction of the surface temperature of a material being heat treated in a furnace, or reduced ambient temperature in the furnace during heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ask Technica Corporation
    Inventors: Kanji Hiraguri, Tomoaki Yokomizo
  • Patent number: 6196958
    Abstract: A toner supply roll including a cylindrical soft polyurethane sponge structure which is integrally formed on a metal shaft and which has a hardness of not higher than 350 g, a network of cells, and a skin layer having openings which are open in its outer circumferential surface and which communicate with respective radially outermost ones of the cells located adjacent to the skin layer, wherein the openings have a size of 100-800 &mgr;m, and a total area percent of at least 20% of the total area of the outer circumferential surface of the skin layer, and the sponge structure has a plurality of helical protrusions formed on the outer circumferential surface of the skin layer so as to extend helically about an axis of the sponge structure, the helical protrusions being arranged in a circumferential direction of the sponge structure, so as to form a plurality of helical recesses each interposed between adjacent ones of the helical protrusions, so that helical protrusions and recesses cooperate to define a toothe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keita Shiraki, Akihiko Kaji
  • Patent number: 6196959
    Abstract: In the case of a method of folding stacks of sheets, which can consist of one or of a plurality of sheets that may have different folding resistances, by supplying a plurality of stacks of sheets to a folding device by means of a temporally successive, cyclic supply which comprises phases of movement and pauses in movement, a stack folding resistance for a respective stack of sheets is first determined on the basis of at least the number and/or the folding resistance of the individual sheets forming a stack of sheets. Following this, the respective stack of sheets is folded, the folding speed used by the folding device for folding said stack of sheets being controlled in dependence upon the stack folding resistance that has been determined for this stack of sheets, the control of the folding speed of the folding device being carried out during respective pauses in movement of the cyclic supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Böwe Systec AG
    Inventors: Helmut Jörg, Walter Okelmann
  • Patent number: 6196960
    Abstract: A method for providing a package having a coated inner surface involves inverting a package having an inner surface defining an inner space, an outer surface, and a coating on the outer surface. The package can be inverted by application of a vacuum. The coating can be an additive such as a colorant, a flavorant, an antimicrobial agent, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph E. Owensby
  • Patent number: 6196961
    Abstract: An automatic centrifugal machine comprises a handling apparatus for shifting a test specimen from a predetermined position, a rotor equipped with a bucket accommodating the test specimen, a drive motor for rotating the rotor, a chamber surrounding the rotor, and a refrigerator for cooling the chamber, and the automatic centrifugal machine has a height equal to or less than 1,450 mm. A conveyor line, conveying the test specimen, has a height in a range from 750 mm to 850 mm. The handling apparatus of the test specimen is formed by a link arm mechanism including first and second sliders, first and second arms, and a manipulator hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Hoshiba, Masahiro Inaniwa, Hidetaka Osawa, Hiroshi Hayasaka
  • Patent number: 6196962
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator for removing particulate contaminants from liquid such as engine lubricants consists of a housing for securing to the engine having a funnel-shaped floor from which oil can drain centrally at a drainage duct. The housing is secured to a legged spider or cage carrying a hollow axle by which the apparatus is secured to the engine and oil delivered to a separation rotor canister. Liquid ejected tangentially from rotor nozzles to cause it to rotate tends to flow around the inside of the housing as a vortex and to prevent rotation of the canister being interfered with by climbing of the vortex or splashing of the liquid from such vortex, one or more vortex disruption vanes are formed with the legs of the cage to deflect liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Ronald J Purvey, Ian M Cox
  • Patent number: 6196963
    Abstract: A temporarily implantable brachyherapy assembly is adapted to locally deliver acute doses of radiation to tissue at or adjacent to a body lumen wall. The assembly includes a radiation source which is stored in a housing in radioactive isolation. A first delivery member is adapted to removably engage the radiation source and remove it from storage for delivery to an injured or stenosed region of a vessel. The second delivery member is also a shielding device with a shielded region of substantially radiopaque material, and also with an unshielded region made of substantially radiolucent material and which is distal to the shielded region. A third delivery member or centering device has a lumen through which the second delivery member may be delivered to the treatment site. When not in use or between uses, the radiation source is housed within a storage assembly that includes a radiation shield two opposite windows which are adjustable between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Medtronic Ave, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Williams
  • Patent number: 6196964
    Abstract: A combination of a capsule for incorporating a radioactive source to be applied in brachytherapy and a guidewire, in which the capsule is attached to the guidewire via an adapter, and the adapter comprises a cable or thread with a flexibility greater than that of the guidewire
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Delft Instruments Intellectual Property B.V.
    Inventors: Edgar German Loffler, Arie Luite Visscher
  • Patent number: 6196965
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and apparatus to be used in methods of implantation of embryos for in vitro fertilization. The methods include insertion of embryos that have attached adhesives. Such methods, compositions and apparatus can be used with any mammals, including humans, farm animals and exotic or endangered animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Cryofacets, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard E. Purdum
  • Patent number: 6196966
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imaging a narrow body lumen, the method comprising maintaining separation between a distal end of an optical viewing scope and a lumen wall with a spacing structure which extends distally from the distal end of an access catheter. Optional spacing structures include distal cages and a guidewire which is fixed to and extends distally from the access catheter body. The invention is beneficial during either retrograde imaging of the fallopian tube, and also allows antigrade imaging and advancing the access catheter and scope under the direction of the image provided, as it prevents the tubal wall from coming into such close proximity to a falloposcope as to produce “white-out” on the imaging monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Conceptus, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kerin, Charles Milo, Julian N. Nikolchev, James Doty, Dai T. Ton, Richard Hill, Marc Schraner, Tom Kramer
  • Patent number: 6196967
    Abstract: An arthroscopic or endoscopic component joining system for selectively and temporarily connecting instruments during closed surgical procedures. The system is modular and operable as a bridge system for connecting instruments to selected cannulas or as a sheath system for connecting a scope to a scope sheath. Various improvements provide for greater fluid flow through the components than is available with known systems of similar size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Linvatec Corporation
    Inventors: Joepert R. Lim, Phillip J. Berman
  • Patent number: 6196968
    Abstract: A retractor includes an elongate member having an arcuate cross-section defining an elongate passage therein, and a handle molded to its proximal end. A transparent illumination member has a proximal portion connectable to a light source, and a distal portion that extends within the elongate passage along an inner surface of the elongate member, and includes a plurality of grooves for diffusing light transmitted from the proximal portion uniformly into and along the elongate passage. The device may also include a support member attachable to the proximal end of the elongate member to further facilitate visualization of and/or access into the elongate passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rydin, Thomas J. Palermo, Kenneth A Peartree
  • Patent number: 6196969
    Abstract: A tissue retractor with an adjustable center claw. The retractor includes two pivoted retractor arms. An axially and angularly displaceable, spring biased clamping mechanism is positioned on the pivot axis. In a mounting position, a elongated clamping element aligns with a slot in the center claw. When the center claw is positioned and the clamp moves to its clamping position, the elongated clamping member clamps the center claw in position. The counterfacing surfaces of the center claw and the clamping member are toothed to provide a positive one-way ratchet clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Lab Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon W. Bester, David A. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6196970
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and system by which research data can be collected and analyzed during the course of the research testing, and the research testing itself possibly modified to account for conclusions drawn from the research data. In a first aspect of the invention, a research subject can respond to a protocol stored on a server by manipulating input keys on a remotely located client device onto which a research protocol has been installed. The protocol can include questions concerning the subject's physical or mental well being such as whether their symptoms are relieved or not, or even exacerbated. The protocol can also include calling for data obtained by coupling the client device with another medical device such as a glucose monitor. In a preferred embodiment, the subject is presented with narrowly structured questions and suggested answers provided by the protocol. The set of possible answers is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen J. Brown
  • Patent number: 6196971
    Abstract: A chord propagation velocity measurement (CPVM) system is used in connection with, for example, a brightness-mode (B-mode) or doppler ultrasound imaging system. The CPVM system monitors ultrasound data provided to it by the ultrasound imaging system and enhances the functionality of the ultrasound imaging system by providing a chord propagation velocity (CPV) associated with a body region, such as a blood vessel in a living thing. The CPV is indicative of the stiffness of the body region. In architecture, the CPVM system includes a tissue processor connected to the scanner of the ultrasound system designed to analyze each acoustic scan line and to determine a category (type of region, for example, blood or tissue) for each point along each acoustic scan line. A display produces an image generated from acoustic scan lines. A user input mechanism permits a user to identify a region of interest in the image. The tissue processor produces samples based upon the region of interest in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David M Prater, Joel Friedman
  • Patent number: 6196972
    Abstract: A pulse Doppler ultrasound system and associated methods are described for monitoring blood flow. A graphical information display includes simultaneously displayed depth-mode and spectrogram displays. The depth-mode display indicates the various positions along the ultrasound beam axis at which blood flow is detected. These positions are indicated as one or more colored regions, with the color indicating direction of blood flow and varying in intensity as a function of detected Doppler ultrasound signal amplitude or detected blood flow velocity. The depth-mode display also includes a pointer whose position may be selected by a user. The spectrogram displayed corresponds to the location identified by the pointer. Embolus detection and characterization are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Spentech, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Moehring
  • Patent number: 6196973
    Abstract: Reflectors such as microbubbles in a contrast agent introduced into a blood vessel of a patient are destroyed (or otherwise acoustically altered) using focused ultrasound at a modulation point according to an input modulation sequence. This creates “gaps” in the flowing contrast agent that are sensed at a downstream sensing point. The pattern of gaps is then matched in time with the input modulation sequence to determine a transit time for the gaps, which is also the flow velocity of the blood. The input modulation sequence creates at least two gaps, but may otherwise have any of several different forms, which include, among others, square-wave, maximal sequence, random binary patterns. Edge-detection and correlation techniques are used to match the input and sensed gap patterns. By triggering the input sequence off of a heart rate monitor, a flow velocity profile may also be calculated and displayed from one heart beat to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Lazenby, Jeffrey Slusher
  • Patent number: 6196974
    Abstract: A blood-pressure monitoring apparatus including a measuring device which includes an inflatable cuff adapted to apply a pressing pressure to a first body portion of a living subject and which measures a blood-pressure value of the living subject by changing the pressing pressure of the inflatable cuff, a blood-pressure-relating-information obtaining device which iteratively obtains a piece of blood-pressure-relating information which changes in relation to a change of the blood pressure of the living subject, a starting device for starting, when the obtained blood-pressure-relating information satisfies a predetermined condition with respect to at least one reference value, a blood-pressure measurement of the measuring device, and a display device which displays a first graphical representation of the obtained blood-pressure-relating information, and a second graphical representation of the reference value, so that the first graphical representation can be compared with the second graphical representation by
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Colin Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Miwa
  • Patent number: 6196975
    Abstract: There is provided a moveable cart for use in transporting a male hog past one or more rows of cages containing sows to permit the determination of estrus in the sows and also to increase the success rate during artificial insemination by permitting snout to snout contact between the sow and male hog, the cart having a base with wheels mounted thereon, at least one wall extending upwardly from the base, and at least one panel for blocking visual access in at least one direction between the interior and exterior of the cart and at least one opening in the wall sized to permit the snout of the male hog to at least partially extend therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Robert Labrecque, Germain Labrecque
  • Patent number: 6196976
    Abstract: A tactile sensory testing element for determining peripheral nerve sensory function in which commonly used monofilament is exchanged with nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy which is more dependable in conducting such tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Christy
  • Patent number: 6196977
    Abstract: A method for determining the statistical probability that an auditory brainstem response (ABR) to an acoustic stimulus is present in a human test subject. The method employs an algorithm that provides a continuously evolving estimate of the probability of ABR presence as acquired data accumulates. The algorithm employs a radical modification of a conventional FSP approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: House Ear Institute
    Inventors: Yvonne S. Sininger, Martyn Hyde, Manuel Don
  • Patent number: 6196978
    Abstract: A biopsy instrument includes a canula slidingly disposed in a finger tube having a finger at its distal end. By forward displacement of the finger tube relative to the canula the finger is inserted into an opening in the canula wall near its cutting front edge. Thereby a piece of tissue located inside the canula is severed from living tissue. The instrument has a steel spring compressed against a force of at least 35 N for displacing the canula and the finger tube in the tissue cutting step. The stopper on which the moving canula impacts includes an element of an impact damping design. The impact damping element is made of high-impact grade ABS-polymer or a polymer with similar physical properties. It can be used also with known biopsy instruments having a moving canula and/or stylet driven by a powerful spring. Also described is a loading assembly for a biopsy apparatus incorporating the biopsy instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ascendia AB
    Inventors: Anders Weilandt, Mikael Lindgren
  • Patent number: 6196979
    Abstract: A biological sample collection unit for a centrifugal analyzer disk is disclosed. This unit consists of a flat cassette and an applicator that holds and controls the cassette during sample collection and during placement of the cassette into the analyzer disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Burstein Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jorma A. Virtanen
  • Patent number: 6196980
    Abstract: A male connector with a continuous surface is provided for a guide wire. The male connector includes a core wire (1), and conductive members (5) spaced apart longitudinally along the core wire (1). An insulating material (9) is disposed between the core wire (1) and the conductive members (5), the insulating material having an outer surface coextensive with outer surfaces of the conductive members (5). Conductors (7), disposed along the core wire (1), are connected to the conductive members (5). The outer surface of the insulating material and the outer surfaces of the conductive members (5) are substantially smooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Radi Medical System AB
    Inventors: Dan Akerfeldt, Peter Jensen, Ola Hammarstroem
  • Patent number: 6196981
    Abstract: A measuring device that effectively measures the distance that a subject's ear is located from the mid point of the subject's shoulder. The device consists of a shoulder mounted base that is placed on a subject's shoulder by an examiner. Extending vertically from the shoulder mounted base is a vertical tower consisting of two parallel vertical members. An extension bar holder is slidably positioned overlying the vertical tower such that the vertical distance of the ear from the shoulder can be adjustably spanned by the extension bar holder and then locked into place. An extension bar is slidably mounted in the extension bar holder so that the extension bar can span the lateral to medial distance that the lateral shoulder is located from the ear. A measuring bar is mounted in the extension bar that includes a distance scale and an ear position cone so that the anterior distance a subject's ear is located from a subject's shoulder can be quickly and accurately measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Norman P Gustafson
  • Patent number: 6196982
    Abstract: The invention is a vacuum massage apparatus comprising a housing and a rotor. The housing includes a flexible portion defining a chamber having an open side and a flow path communicating with the chamber. The flexible portion is arcuate in shape and has a plurality of nodules projecting perpendicularly from its inner surface into the chamber. The rotor is supported by the housing in a flow path from the port. The rotor is rotatable about a rotor axis and has a center of gravity eccentric to the rotor axis. In preferred form, the flow path is coupled to a vacuum source such as the hose of a vacuum cleaner to provide suction in the chamber and a pressure difference across the rotor. One object of the invention to provide a massage apparatus which stimulates circulation as well as vibrating the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Terry A. Ball
  • Patent number: 6196983
    Abstract: An auxiliary device is used in conjunction with a back massaging device and is composed of a base, a movable seat, a plurality of crank axles, a plurality of roller sets, and a transmission apparatus. The base is provided with a plurality of compression springs to enable the movable seat, the crank axles, and the roller sets to swivel in all directions so as to bring about an effective rubbing of the curved portions of the back of a person. The movable seat is provided with an arcuate slot to prevent the vertebrate of the person from making contact with the movable seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Dong-Her Wu
  • Patent number: 6196984
    Abstract: A portable massage device having kneading, finger rolling and tapping rolling features, so as to provide three kinds of massage effects. In order to provide these massage effects, a driving mechanism is disposed on a fixed plate and includes a driven rotary shaft. The speed of the driving mechanism can be changed, and two drum shaped tube members are provided which include a plurality of kneading members. The drum shaped tube members are oriented adjacent opposite ends of the driven shaft, and a pair of round plates are provided at the inner ends of the respective drum shaped members so that kneading massage can be provided. Finger rolling and tapping rolling massage can be provided by the kneading members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Protec Fuji
    Inventor: Kouji Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6196985
    Abstract: A thumb wrist splint with a main body portion which includes a plurality of straps for encircling the wrist and securing the same firmly to the wrist with desirable palmar and dorsal stays. A sewn thumb spica/splint is fabricated, and finished by normal binding around the periphery. The thumb strap loop is fixed to the splint and a removable securable anchor is also applied to the spica/splint. The spica/splint is a VOLARA® grade polyolefin closed foam material which is desirably laminated to nylon cloth on one side. The sewn thumb spica is secured to the main body portion. Thereafter, the entire blank, as just described, is positioned over an anvil intended to form a curvilinear pattern to the thus encapsulated VOLARA® so that it will conform to the upper portion of the wrist. Once secured in place on the wrist by means of the straps around the wrist portion, the thumb strap is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: FLA Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest Gerald Slautterback
  • Patent number: 6196986
    Abstract: A foot protector including a generally tubular foot portion for surrounding a portion of a wearer's foot. The foot portion has a front opening for receiving the wearer's toes. An ankle strap is coupled to the foot portion and the ankle strap and foot portion define an access opening and a heel opening for receiving the wearer's heel. An ankle cover is coupled to the ankle strap for encompassing the wearer's ankle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Edward L. Gardiner
  • Patent number: 6196987
    Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Gambro, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Holmes, Jeffrey J. Blakeslee, Marlene Adele Bainbridge
  • Patent number: 6196988
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible applicator for inserting an article into a mammalian body cavity. The applicator has an elongate, hollow, structural member suitable for containing the insertable article, and an elongate expulsion member which is slidable within the structural member. The structural member has opposed inside and outside surfaces, and its length dimension is substantially greater than its width and height dimension. In addition, the structural member has a plurality of flex-enhancing elements which are arranged and configured to increase the lateral flexibility of the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Cole, Andrew J. Hagerty
  • Patent number: 6196989
    Abstract: A tip for a liquefracture surgical handpiece. The tip uses at least two channels or tubes. One tube is used for aspiration and at least one other tube is used to inject heated surgical fluid for liquefying a cataractous lens. The distal portion of the injection tube terminates just inside of the aspiration tube and directs the heated fluid through an orifice in the wall of the aspiration tube opposite the injection tube. The handpiece may also contain other tubes, for example, for injecting relatively cool surgical fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Padget, Glenn Sussman
  • Patent number: 6196990
    Abstract: An appliance to enhance the rate of removal of solutes during a peritoneal dialysis treatment of a subject, includes a holder to be applied to the subject, and a vibrator device, preferably two such devices, carried by the holder at a location to engage the front side of the subject's abdomen and to apply mechanical vibrations thereto at a frequency of 1-15 Hz, and an amplitude of 1-20 mm, particularly surprising results having been obtained at a frequency of 2-6 Hz, and an amplitude of 5-10 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Yehuda Zicherman
  • Patent number: 6196991
    Abstract: A dual-filled twin bag, a packaging including the twin bag, and a method for forming the packaged twin bags are provided. Each of two bags, a solution bag (10) and a drain bag (12) for a system used for a peritoneal dialysis procedure, are filled, at least partially, with a solution (14). A tubing set (16) connects the two filled bags (10,12) and may also be filled with solution (14) which is added to the bags (10,12) and the tubing set (16) during the manufacturing process. The tubing set (16) is sandwiched between the solution bag (10) and the drain bag (12) and subsequently packaged in an overpouch (24). The method for forming the package including the bags filled with solution is simplified and the overall package size is reduced due to the sandwiched tubing set (16) between the solution bags (10,12) and the provision of solution in both bags (10,12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Keilman
  • Patent number: 6196992
    Abstract: A portable pump apparatus for use in CAPD is provided as well as a method for providing CAPD to a patient. The portable pump apparatus for CAPD has a housing containing a pump, and a power supply, preferably a rechargeable battery, connected to the housing and electrically connected to drive the pump. A control knob on the housing is constructed and arranged to adjust the speed of the pump. A cover is mounted to the housing to enclose the pump. The cover has an inlet port and an outlet port to securely hold a tube thereunder. The portable pump apparatus for CAPD further has a display for providing drainage information and a clip so that the apparatus can be worn by a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Keilman, Kelly B. Smith
  • Patent number: 6196993
    Abstract: An ophthalmic insert and method for sustained release of medication to the eye are provided. The insert includes a body portion sized to pass through a lacrimal punctum and be positioned within a lacrimal canaliculus of the eyelid. The insert further includes a collarette connected to the body portion and sized to rest on the exterior of the lacrimal punctum, the collarette having a pore provided therein. A reservoir is contained at least partially within the body portion and in fluid communication with the pore, wherein the reservoir is designed to store and release medication through the pore and onto the eye over time in a controlled manner while the insert is positioned in the eyelid. Preferably, the pore is constructed with a specific geometry appropriate to control the rate of release of the medication onto the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Eyelab Group, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce E. Cohan, Howard Diamond
  • Patent number: 6196994
    Abstract: A balloon occlusion device for aspirating embolic material from a blood vessel, such as from the aorta during cardiac surgery. The device includes an arterial cannula having a proximal end adapted to receive blood from a bypass-oxygenator machine, a distal end adapted to enter an artery, and a blood flow lumen extending between the proximal end and an outlet on the distal end. The cannula has an aspiration port proximate to the outlet, which communicates with an aspiration lumen. The cannula also includes an inflatable balloon attached to the cannula between the outlet and the aspiration port and capable of assuming an inflated condition for occluding a blood vessel. To use the device, the distal end of the cannula is introduced into a blood vessel, such as the aorta, the outlet is oriented downstream for delivering blood, and the balloon is inflated to occlude the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Embol-X, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracy D. Maahs
  • Patent number: 6196995
    Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter and guidewire exchange system in which the guidewire is contained within an indwelling portion of the catheter and with the guidewire and the catheter being separated externally of the patient. The catheter includes a guidewire lumen and a longitudinal slit which penetrates through the catheter wall and into the guidewire lumen. The catheter walls adjacent the slit are provided with reinforced edges which function to maintain the slit in a normally closed position during the catheterization procedure, when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Medtronic AVE, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Fagan
  • Patent number: 6196996
    Abstract: A catheter for use with a radioactive source within the catheter to irradiate a selected area of a blood vessel in combination with angioplasty procedures, to prevent restenosis of that area of the blood vessel. The catheter has a guidewire channel formed near its distal end to facilitate use of the catheter as a rapid exchange catheter, allowing insertion of the catheter over a guidewire also used in performance of an angioplasty procedure. The catheter also has a radiation lumen with a sealed end to retain the radioactive source within the catheter. The radiation lumen is sufficiently longer than the guidewire channel to extend into a non-sterile field, keeping the radiation source segregated from the blood, allowing the use of a non-sterile radiation source. The catheter can also be provided with a centering balloon or a set of centering wire loops to center the radioactive source radially within the blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Paul S. Teirstein
  • Patent number: 6196997
    Abstract: A disposable syringe mainly used in medical treatment facility and formed so that the piston (4) is pulled into the inside of the syringe body (21) with the needle support (6) by pulling out the piston (4) after the locking projection (9) of the piston *tip is inserted into and engaged with the locking hole (70) of the needle support (6) by pressing in the piston (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Yoshikuni Saito