Patents Issued in September 20, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010023305
    Abstract: Processes for the preparation of haloalkylamines and tertiary aminoalkylorganometallic compounds are disclosed. The haloalkylamines can be prepared by direct reaction of an amine with an &agr;, &ohgr;-dihaloalkane or an &agr;, &ohgr;-dihaloalkene. Tertiary aminoalkylorganometallic compounds can be prepared by reacting selected tertiary haloalkylamines with an alkali metal at a temperature greater than 45° C. in hydrocarbon solvents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: James Anthony Schwindeman, Randy W. Hall, Sonia S. Stryker
  • Publication number: 20010023306
    Abstract: The present invention is a process for preparing C4-25 aldehydes by hydroformylating the corresponding C3-24 olefins in the presence of a cobalt hydroformylation catalyst, and catalytically decomposing the formic acid formed in the hydroformylation reaction or in the subsequent catalyst work-up. The aldehydes so produced may be hydrogenated to form alcohols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: OXENO Olefinchemie GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Kaizik, Walter Toetsch, Wilfried Bueschken, Felix Gosmann
  • Publication number: 20010023307
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rubber process oil in which the content of polycyclic aromatics (PCAs) as determined by the IP 346 method is less than 3% by mass and which is rich in aromatic hydrocarbons, and a method for producing the same. The aniline point of the rubber process oil is 80° C. or less, and the %CA value as determined by ring analysis according to the Kurtz method is from 20 to 50%. The rubber process oil is produced by using extraction of lube oil fraction with a solvent having a selective affinity for aromatics. The extraction conditions are determined so that the extraction yield is regulated to a predetermined requirement defined by the PCAs content of the lube oil fraction. Alternatively, the extract is cooled to further separate into the extract and the raffinate, and the second raffinate is used for the rubber process oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Japan Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kaimai, Kazumitsu Fujihara, Yoshiyuki Morishima
  • Publication number: 20010023308
    Abstract: An intravascular radiation delivery system including a catheter, a radiation source disposed in an open-ended lumen in the catheter and a closed-ended sheath surrounding the radiation source so as to prevent blood and other fluids from coming into contact with the radiation source. Preferably, the open-ended lumen is centered in the balloon for uniform radiation delivery. The catheter may include a blood perfusion lumen under the balloon or around the balloon. The open-ended lumen in the catheter may have a reduced diameter adjacent the distal end of the catheter to prevent the radiation source from exiting the lumen. Methods of using the radiation delivery system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Roger N. Hastings, Thomas R. Hektner, Stewart M. Kume
  • Publication number: 20010023309
    Abstract: A method for graphical visualization of a measured magnetic field on an imaging volume of a MRI magnet includes providing data values measured at selected points of the measured magnetic field, converting each of the data values to a visualizable value based on where the data value lies within a predetermined range of data values and thus within a range of visualizable values corresponding to the range of data values, and plotting each visualizable value corresponding to each data value at a position on a grid corresponding to the position of the selected point of the measured magnetic field such that the visualizable values once plotted on the grid provide a graphical visualization of the condition of the measured magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Johannes Martinus van Oort, Bruce Campbell Amm
  • Publication number: 20010023310
    Abstract: An artificial insemination system and its use requires a sheath which has a first lumen for receiving and holding an endoscope, and a second lumen through which semen can be injected into the uterus of the animal to be inseminated. Additionally, the sheath includes a blunt guide probe which extends distally from the distal end of the sheath. A window covers the distal end of the first lumen so that the user can use the endoscope to view the guide probe and the general area surrounding the guide probe. When using the system, the endoscope is initially inserted into the first lumen of the sheath. The combination of sheath and endoscope are then inserted into the vagina of the animal and, using the endoscope, the guide probe is position at the cervical os. While continuing to view the guide probe with the endoscope, the guide probe is directed through the cervix until the distal end of the second lumen is positioned in the uterus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Dennis D. Gourley, Debra N. Gourley, David D. Kloostra, George H. Middle, Algis R. Banys, Allen G. Freiman
  • Publication number: 20010023311
    Abstract: A heart stabilizer that may include a wrist which couples an end effector to a first linkage. The end effector and wrist may be inserted through an incision in the chest of a patient to assist in performing a minimally invasive coronary procedure. The wrist provides dexterity so that the end effector can be placed on the heart to stabilize the same. The end effector may include a pair of paddles that are moved between open and closed positions by a pair of manually actuated levers. The paddles may have cleats that allow sutures to be attached to the stabilizer during a minimally invasive procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Edward Ramsey Snow
  • Publication number: 20010023312
    Abstract: The configuration and arrangement of the instrument greatly facilitate safe placement of the instrument and an associated endotracheal tube. The instrument includes a handle with an arm extending therefrom. The arm includes a base portion and a distal lifter portion preferably having an angle between 5° and 85°, inclusive, and the lifter is sized and shaped to engage or lift the patient's epiglottis, thereby to expose the glottis. In a preferred embodiment, the base portion and lifter portion are substantially the same length, and a viewing device, which is preferably a CCD or CMOS camera positioned near the transition portion between the base and lifter portions, is aligned to provide a perspective view toward the distal end of the lifter. Lights, which are preferably LED units, are positioned toward the distal end of the lifter to facilitate viewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: John A. Pacey
  • Publication number: 20010023313
    Abstract: In an endoscopic insertion instrument having a rigid tip end section with an observation window and an illumination window, an elongated flexible body, and an angle section connected between the rigid tip end section and the flexible body, there is provided a joint construction for connecting the angle section to the fore end of the flexible body. A couple of connecting rings are provided opposingly at joining ends of the angle section and the flexible body for fitting engagement with each other. An aperture or a plural number of apertures are provided in an outer one of the two connecting rings to feed a flux to overlapped joining surfaces of the rings at the time of soldering the angle section fixedly to the flexible body. At least one angle section operating wire which is connected from the angle section is passed through the connecting ring and led into the flexible body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Fuji Photo Optical Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Ide
  • Publication number: 20010023314
    Abstract: The present invention is a modularly structured endoscope with an interchangeable image transmission unit and an endoscope casing which includes the optical fiber system. Due to the modular design, the light transmission unit can be repaired independently of the image transmission unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Zoltan Bodor, Matthias Zapletal
  • Publication number: 20010023315
    Abstract: A medical telemetry system is provided for collecting the real-time physiologic data of patients (including ambulatory patients) of a medical facility, and for transferring the data via RF to a real-time data distribution network for monitoring and display. The system includes battery-powered remote telemeters which attach to respective patients, and which collect and transmit (in data packets) the physiologic data of the patients. The remote telemeters communicate bi-directionally with a number of ceiling-mounted RF transceivers, referred to as “VCELLs,” using a wireless TDMA protocol. The VCELLs, which are hardwire-connected to a LAN, forward the data packets received from the telemeters to patient monitoring stations on the LAN. The VCELLs are distributed throughout the medical facility such that different VCELLs provide coverage for different patient areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Terry E. Flach, Michael D. Stoop
  • Publication number: 20010023316
    Abstract: A computer site includes a data generating source. In one implementation, the source includes a device that can be manipulated by a patient to sense some function or condition of the patient. One example is a heart monitor that a patient can hold against his or her chest. The device outputs an audible signal responsive to the function or condition, such as the beating of the heart. A computer that can be operated by the patient or other initial user at the site runs a program that processes an electric signal generated in response to the audible signal as received through a microphone connected to the computer. The program is downloaded or otherwise accessed through a computer communication network, such as the Internet. The computer sends resulting data signals over the computer communication network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: David E. Albert, Carl J. Rieger, Mac L. Reiter, Rik Slaven
  • Publication number: 20010023317
    Abstract: This invention provides a needle with electrodes for delivery of nucleic acid or therapeutic agents for medical use in gene therapy. This invention also provides an apparatus which has one injection needle in the middle and two electrode needles on each side of the injection needle. Finally, this invention provides methods for delivering the nucleic acid using said needle or apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Albert Wai-Kit Chan
  • Publication number: 20010023318
    Abstract: A medical unit including a unit main body having an upper face and a circuit therein. The unit main body further including an input means arranged on the upper face and connected to the circuit, and a connected section arranged on the upper face to which the connector section of an external device is connected. Preferably, the medical unit includes: an ultrasonic probe having a probe element at its distal end and an electrical connection section at its proximal end; and an ultrasonic diagnostic unit main body having an upper face and a circuit therein for processing ultrasonic signals transmitted from said ultrasonic probe element, said ultrasonic unit main body further including an input means arranged on said upper face and connected to said circuit, and a connected section arranged on said upper face to which said electrical connection section is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hironaka Miyaki
  • Publication number: 20010023319
    Abstract: A guide wire for medical treatment has a flexible main wire and a coil spring in which the main wire is inserted. The coil spring has an untransmissive part and a transmissive part and is manufactured by welding together under a proper welding load a wire made of a material through which radiation cannot pass and a wire made of a material through which radiation can pass to form a base wire, which is coiled to form the coil spring. The guide wire can be smoothly curved and smoothly inserted or extracted into or from the blood vessel without injuring the blood vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: ASAHI INTECC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naohiko Miyata, Masashi Momota, Satoshi Nagano
  • Publication number: 20010023320
    Abstract: A heart rate measuring arrangement comprising measuring means (500A to 500B) for measuring a person's heart rate during exercise and a calculating unit (532) for calculating an assessment of the person's energy consumption during exercise using at least two calculating parameters, one of which is a heart rate parameter included in the person's measured heart rate information, the heart rate measuring arrangement further comprising presenting means (530) for presenting the formed assessment of the person's energy consumption. The calculating unit is arranged to use an energy consumption reference value as a calculating parameter, which reference value is obtained by using one or more performance parameters representing the person's physical performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Hannu Kinnunen, Seppo Nissila
  • Publication number: 20010023321
    Abstract: Cervical cells can be sampled in such a way as to retain the spatial relationships that existed between the cells prior to sampling. The cells can be collected by using a cervical cell collector that includes sampling means for sampling a cervix in a spatially resolved manner, supporting means for supporting the sampling means, and inflation means for reversibly inflating and deflating the sampling means. The cervix is sampled by placing a sampling balloon in position adjacent to a cervix and inflating the sampling balloon to force a sampling surface of the sampling balloon into contact with the cervix, thereby transferring cervical cells from the cervix to the sampling surface of the sampling balloon. The sampling balloon is then deflated and withdrawn. Then, the adhered cervical cells are treated with a marker and are optically analyzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Peter P. Gombrich, Richard A. Domanik, George Gorodeski
  • Publication number: 20010023322
    Abstract: A site marker device and marker are provided. The site marker device includes a housing and a distally extending delivery tube. A pusher rod is movably positioned within the delivery tube to eject a marker from the distal end thereof. An elongated tubular body is positioned about the delivery tube. An actuator is provided to provide two stage advancement. During the first stage, the delivery tube and the pusher rod are advanced through the distal end of the elongated tubular body. During the second stage of advancement, the pusher rod is advanced independently of the delivery tube to eject a marker from the distal end thereof. The marker is formed from a shape memory material and has a circular or hoop configuration in the relaxed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Felix Espositio, Frank J. Viola, Mitchell J. Palmer, John Pellicano
  • Publication number: 20010023323
    Abstract: An instrument for collecting body tissue includes a tubular cutting member having an exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end capable of penetrating body tissue; and a flexible cutting extension coaxially and slidably disposed around the exterior surface of the cutting member; the flexible cutting extensions having a proximal end and distal end capable of cutting tissue located at the distal end of the cutting member and covering the distal end of the cutting member so that tissue that has entered the cutting member is retained in the cutting member. A first tubular member may be connected to the cutting member, and a second tubular member mayb connected to the cutting extension, the second tubular member being coaxially disposed on the first tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivas Nishtala, Tim E. Ward, James S.us Bates, Stephane Gobron
  • Publication number: 20010023324
    Abstract: A non-invasive glucose monitoring device includes a mechanism for stimulating salivary glands secretion of saliva into oral fluid prior to collecting a sample of the oral fluid. A mechanism is provided for detecting the amount of glucose in the sample, a mechanism also being provided for quantitating blood glucose level based on the amount of glucose detected. A method of non-invasively monitoring glucose includes the steps of stimulating salivary glands secretion of saliva into oral fluid, collecting a sample of the oral fluid, detecting an amount of glucose in the sample, and then quantitating the blood glucose level based on the amount of glucose detected. These methods and devices are used to diagnosis individuals with glucose levels that indicate a diabetic disease state. The present invention is also usable to monitor the blood glucose levels of subjects who are being treated for diabetes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: ALLAN PRONOVOST, JON BOOHER
  • Publication number: 20010023325
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to emplacable devices for interventional therapeutic treatment or vascular surgery, and more particularly concerns a stranded micro-cable with enhanced radiopacity that can be used to fabricate a vascular device, a stent, a guidewire or the like. The micro-cable is made of strands of a material exhibiting super-elasticity or shape memory properties, such as nickel-titanium, and includes a strand of radiopaque material, such as platinum or gold, in order to provide a radiopaque marker during interventional therapeutic treatment or vascular surgery. The micro-cable can be used to form occluding coils which can be used in devices to restrict, reinforce, or to occlude areas of small diameter vasculature such as an aneurysm or malformation in an artery or vein in the brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: David A. Ferrera
  • Publication number: 20010023326
    Abstract: A pressure-pulse therapy apparatus of the present invention includes a dome-shaped reflector, at least one ring section, a central x-axis, an open end, a flexible diaphragm capping the open end, a fluid medium within the reflector and diaphragm, a pressure-pulse source immersed in the fluid medium and located on said x-axis for generating a primary pressure pulse, and a power supply for the pressure-pulse source. The reflector includes a center section that has a predetermined first curvature and associated reflective characteristics to reflect the primary pressure pulse to form a first subordinate pressure pulse of a compound pressure pulse. The ring section is substantially concentric with said center section and has a predetermined second curvature and associated reflective characteristics to reflect the primary pressure pulse to form at least one additional subordinate pressure pulse of the compound pressure pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Avner Spector
  • Publication number: 20010023327
    Abstract: An immediate and visible temporary cosmetic improvement in skin condition is obtained by a multi-stage exfoliation method having one of several visible end points. Preferred methods involve repeatedly attaching specularly reflective exfoliation sheets having a pressure sensitive adhesive to a selected part of the user's body and then removing each sheet by grasping one edge and pulling it along the user's body. After each repetition the user inspects either the sheet that has just been removed, or a blemished area of the body to monitor the amount of exfoliated tissue. When the amount of tissue on a sheet is discernibly less than that removed in the immediately previous repetition, when a pattern of tissue on a sheet matches a pattern on a comparison strip, or when the blemish has been substantially reduced in size, the process is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: John M. Hill
  • Publication number: 20010023328
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a temporary tattoo used for aesthetic and reconstructive purposes to match one member of a paired body part that has been lost or to cover a portion of the body that is aesthetic unappealing or undesirable. The present invention also includes the method of making a customized temporary tattoo used for either reconstructive or aesthetic purposes such as scar coverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Felton, R. Coleen Stice
  • Publication number: 20010023329
    Abstract: An adhesive bandage having at least one soft, three-dimensional toy. In one form, a soft, three-dimensional toy figure, such as a stuffed character, animal or play object, is attached to the top surface of a flexible backing that is coated with adhesive on its skin-contacting, bottom surface and an absorbent pad is attached to the bottom surface and central portion of the flexible backing for application directly to a body wound. In another form, the toy could cover the wound directly, using either soft, three-dimensional appendages coated with adhesive or appendages made of flexible backing material coated with adhesive to attach the bandage to the skin. The bandage could also be designed so that the toy could be easily removed from the rest of the bandage components to allow for play with the toy away from the wound site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: John Patrick Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20010023330
    Abstract: A transdermal iontophoresis electrode assembly includes one or more arrays of electrodes separated by dividing members. The spacing between the electrodes and/or the size of the electrodes is adjusted for controlling depth of penetration and current density. An alternative electrode assembly includes a housing, an electrode within the housing, a membrane covering an open end of the housing, a drug to be administered disposed within the housing, and an insulating layer covering the open end of the housing. The insulating layer includes apertures for channeling current passed through the electrode. The sizes of the apertures may be adjusted for achieving a desired depth of penetration or current density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Yoram Palti
  • Publication number: 20010023331
    Abstract: An irrigation/aspiration apparatus for ophthalmic surgery, includes: an irrigation fluid supplying unit, which supplies irrigation fluid into a patient eye; an aspiration unit provided with a hand piece having an aspiration hole, which aspirates through the aspiration hole a removed tissue along with the irrigation fluid supplied into the patient eye; a pressure sensor which detects vacuum pressure caused by the aspiration unit; and a control unit connected to the irrigation fluid supplying unit and the pressure sensor, which varies at least one of irrigation rate and irrigation pressure by controlling the irrigation fluid supplying unit based on the detected vacuum pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Hidenori Kanda, Hideyuki Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20010023332
    Abstract: An expandable lumen cannula which includes an elongate tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate flexible region, and a lumen therebetween. The cannula further includes a balloon occluder mounted on the distal end of the tube. The intermediate flexible region of the tube further includes an elongate generally cylindrical balloon disposed circumferentially about the flexible region which, upon inflation, expands the luminal diameter of the intermediate region. First and second inflation ports are in fluid communication with the balloon occluder and the cylindrical balloon. The cannula may optionally include a cardioplegia port disposed within the distal region of the tube, proximal the balloon occluder and distal the generally cylindrical balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin Hahnen
  • Publication number: 20010023333
    Abstract: Enabled or activated closure and sealing devices in the form of closure balloons, and related methods, are disclosed, which substantially preclude entry and clotting of blood at the distal end of a lumen of an indwelling catheter tube during times when flow therein is not occurring. The closure and sealing balloon is disabled or deactivated to accommodate flow, without clotting, through the lumen of the catheter tube when flow therein is resumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Marcia A. Wise, H. Robert Moorehead
  • Publication number: 20010023334
    Abstract: A catheter system is provided for accessing the coronary ostia transluminally from a peripheral arterial access site, such as the femoral artery, and for inducing cardioplegic arrest by direct infusion of cardioplegic solution into the coronary arteries. In a first embodiment, the catheter system is in the form of a single perfusion catheter with multiple distal branches for engaging the coronary ostia. In a second embodiment, multiple perfusion catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single arterial cannula. In a third embodiment, multiple perfusion catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single guiding catheter. In a fourth embodiment, multiple catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single guiding catheter which has distal exit ports that are arranged to direct the perfusion catheters into the coronary ostia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: HEARTPORT, INC.
    Inventors: Frederick G. St. Goar, William S. Peters, Philip C. Evard, Stephen W. Boyd, Craig L. Adams, Richard L. Mueller, John H. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20010023335
    Abstract: Disclosed is a balloon on a distal portion of a balloon angioplasty catheter. The section of the balloon onto which a stent can be mounted has a central segment that is substantially cylindrical in shape that is centered between two segments each having the shape of a sector of a prolate spheroid. This shape for a balloon for a stent delivery catheter provides a more cylindrical shape for the stent after it is implanted in an artery that has a typical distribution of plaque in an arterial stenosis, which distribution of plaque is greatest for some limited length at a central region of the stenosis and then decreases somewhat uniformly as one approaches the edges of the stenosis. Another embodiment of the invention utilizes two segments that are frustums of a cone instead of sectors of a prolate spheroid, which conical segments surround the central cylindrical segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Robert E. Fischell, David R. Fischell, Tim A. Fischell
  • Publication number: 20010023336
    Abstract: An adapter includes a syringe carrier adapted to seat at least a portion of the syringe. The syringe carrier includes at least one rearward facing abutment member to abut at least one forward facing surface on a syringe. The syringe carrier includes an opening therein to allow a drive member of an injector to communicate forward force to the plunger through abutment without connective engagement between the drive member and the plunger. The adapter further includes a releasable mounting mechanism positioned to the rear of the syringe carrier to mount the adapter in a desired position relative to the front wall of the injector. An adapter includes a first section and a second section that are rotatable relative to each other about a hinge axis generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: William J. Nolan, Michael A. Spohn, John Haury, Anthony S. McCoppin, Frank A. Lazzaro, Robert J. Ashcraft, James Albert Dedig, Christopher J. Blue, David H. Berry
  • Publication number: 20010023337
    Abstract: A waste evacuator (2) to vacate waste products from a stoma having an inlet (3) adapted to seal over the stoma and when operated to vacate waste products from the shortened bowel. The waste evacuator could be battery or manually operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: MILOS LAPCEVIC
  • Publication number: 20010023338
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a topsheet, backsheet, an absorbent core and an odour control system. The odour control system comprises a zeolite and silica, wherein said zeolite and silica are in close physical proximity within said absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: MARIO GUARRACINO, ALESSANDRO GAGLIARDINI
  • Publication number: 20010023339
    Abstract: A sanitary article having a multi-layered absorbent member includes a panel stacked in two layers each having a plurality of openings extending through this member in its thickness direction and a plurality of fibrous assembly regions extending between each pair of the adjacent openings, the openings in the upper layer of the panel are out of alignment with the corresponding openings in the lower layer of the panel and each of the openings in the upper layer of the panel is divided in two or more sections by the fibrous assembly regions in the lower layer of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Kazuaki Onishi
  • Publication number: 20010023340
    Abstract: An absorbent article which includes a thermal cell actuator capable of adding or removing heat to or from at least a portion of the absorbent article to perform a useful function on the article. The thermal cell actuator may be activated by an action of the wearer or caregiver or by environmental conditions between the article and wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Cornelia Sprengard-Eichel, Mark James Kline, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Tracey Elaine Beckman, Constance Lee Fisher, Mattias Schmidt, Donald Carroll Roe, Bruce Ernest Tepper
  • Publication number: 20010023341
    Abstract: A T-shaped diaper comprising two portions, a lateral portion (backwaist) having two lateral segments or wings for wrapping around the waist of a wearer of the diaper, and a second vertical portion or insert which is adapted to be passed under the crotch of the wearer and folded thereover. A uniquely designed tape tab located at the outer lateral end of one wing assures more perfect and comfortable fit. Tape tabs are also provided at the distal ends of vertical portion for engagement onto landing zones disposed on the surface of each wing. These tape tabs may have the same general construction as the tape tab on the diaper wing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: First Quality Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamzeh Karami
  • Publication number: 20010023342
    Abstract: A disposable diaper having a cover sheet lying above a topsheet thereof, the cover sheet being formed in a transversely middle zone thereof with an opening, the opening being surrounded by a first elastic member and a second elastic member, the first and second elastic members intersecting each other in proximity of the opening and further extending respective halves of leg-surrounding side edges and the other halves of the leg-surrounding side edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: MAKOTO SUEKANE
  • Publication number: 20010023343
    Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a main body; and leakage preventing side walls extending in the longitudinal direction of the main body and lying opposite one another in the widthwise direction of the main body. Each leakage preventing side wall has a raised portion which is joined at a root end onto a liquid-receiving side surface of the main body and raised therefrom to have a free end positioned apart from the liquid-receiving side surface. Each leakage preventing side wall is provided with a first elastically shrinking member for applying an elastic shrinking force along a shrinking action line approaching the free end from the root end as it extends from the two longitudinal end positions of the raised portion of the leakage preventing side wall toward the longitudinally midway position of the leakage preventing side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Mizutani, Tatsuya Tamura, Yuuki Noda
  • Publication number: 20010023344
    Abstract: A disposable pull-on undergarment including a front waist region and a rear waist region which define together a waist-opening at an upper end of the undergarment and having first fastening zones formed on the inner surface of the front waist region and extending from the vicinity of a lower end toward an upper end of the front waist region, a second fastening zone formed on the inner surface of the rear waist region in the vicinity of its lower end and a third fastening zone formed on the outer surface of the rear waist region and spaced apart from the second fastening zone toward the upper end so that the second and third fastening zones are releasably engaged with the first fastening zones to form the undergarment with a pair of leg-openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Toru Oba
  • Publication number: 20010023345
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method to analyze the pressure variation in a perfusion device including multiple perfusion modules each equipped with a pump to deliver a liquid to be perfused in a line placed downstream from the pump as well as a means to measure the pressure in the line, with junction points enabling connection of certain lines among each other or certain lines with lines from units outside the perfusion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: FRESENIUS VIAL SA
    Inventors: Remi Wolff, Jean-Claude Rondelet
  • Publication number: 20010023346
    Abstract: Devices and methods for effective administration of therapeutic drugs or gene therapy to the myocardium is achieved by creating a trap or pocket within the myocardium for confining the injected therapeutic. The pocket can be created using mechanical and light energy, or other means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Cardiodyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin P. Loeb
  • Publication number: 20010023347
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle and an elongated probe connected to the handle. The elongated probe has a terminus distal to the handle. At least one electrode that includes an electrode surface is positioned on the terminus so that a line from a geometric center of the electrode surface and substantially perpendicular to the electrode surface intersects at an angle a longitudinal axis formed by the elongated probe. A conductor is provided for attaching the at least one electrode to the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: ORATEC Interventions, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh R. Sharkey, Gary S. Fanton, Remberto J. Carranza, Douglas M. Lorang
  • Publication number: 20010023348
    Abstract: A catheter for delivering energy to a surgical site is disclosed. The catheter includes at a proximal end a handle and at a distal end a probe. The catheter includes at least one energy delivery device and an activation element. The at least one energy delivery device is located at the distal end of the catheter to deliver energy to portions of the surgical site. The activation element is located at the distal end of the catheter, to transition the probe from a linear to a multi-dimensional shape, within the surgical site. Methods for deploying the probe from the linear to multi-dimensional shape are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: John E. Ashley, Hugh R. Sharkey, Joel Saal, Jeffrey A. Saal
  • Publication number: 20010023349
    Abstract: The invention provides surgical needles with a porous distal portion from which a liquid injectate will weep or ooze multidirectionally under injection pressure while the porous distal portion of the needle is inserted into a body surface. The porous distal portion of the needle can be fabricated from a porous carbon, metal, ceramic or polymer and preferably has a decreasing gradient of impedance to fluid flowing to the point of the needle to compensate for the falling off of injection pressure as fluid moves towards the point, thereby ensuring uniform weeping of the injectate along the injection course. The needle is adapted for attachment to a catheter or syringe. In another embodiment, a surgical assemblage is provided wherein a porous distal portion having similar fluid flow characteristics is located along the distal end of a catheter, and a needle point is attached to the distal end of the catheter (e.g., a steerable catheter) for piercing tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Tricardia, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. VanTassel, David R. Holmes, Robert S. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20010023350
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spine supporting system for correcting or fixing a spine to be a stable state at a diseased part in spine operation. The spine supporting system of the present invention, permits a inner bolt to be inserted in an outer cap preliminarily such that the initial centering of the inner bolt is achieved to a head only by inserting the outer cap to the head of the screw, and therefore makes the insertion of the outer cap and inner bolt to the head easy. Also, by forming a seat recess at an upper part of the outer cap, in which the a head part of the inner bolt could be seated, the head, rod, and outer cap are joined to be integrated with each other so that mutual fixation becomes rigid. Further, by forming a round cut part at a lower part of the outer cap in which the rod is inserted, the insertion of the outer cap to the head becomes easy if the rod is lifted in the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Gil-Woon Choi
  • Publication number: 20010023351
    Abstract: Rounded particles may be used as an abrasive during a microdermabrasion procedure. Rounded particles may be propelled against skin within a treatment area to treat the skin. The rounded particles may abrade portions of the skin within the treatment area. The rounded particles used in a microdermabrasion procedure may be mixed with other abrasives and materials. The rounded particles may be glass beads. The rounded particles may be coated with other materials such as coloring agents, vitamins, lotion, or antibacterial agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: George J. Eilers, Steven H. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20010023352
    Abstract: A method and device for the placement of sutures and for the purpose of approximating tissue. The invention relates to devices for approximation, ligation and fixation of tissue using a suture, to various constituent parts comprising said devices, and particularly to the placement of sutures into certain difficult to access ligamental structures, to the approximation of tissue separated by means of an endosurgical trocar being inserted into a body cavity, add to approximation, ligation, and fixation of body tissue using both traditional open surgical and endosurgical techniques and instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Norman S. Gordon, Robert P. Cooper, Richard L. Quick
  • Publication number: 20010023353
    Abstract: An anastomosis system and method uses an anvil to control and support a tissue site during an anastomosis procedure. The anvil is particularly useful for supporting a wall of a coronary artery during attachment of a graft vessel to the coronary artery because the wall of the coronary artery is very thin, difficult to grasp, and susceptible to tearing. In one method, the anvil is inserted into a pressurized or unpressurized target vessel and is pulled against an inner wall of the target vessel causing tenting of the thin tissue of the vessel wall. A graft vessel is then advanced to the anastomosis site and an end of the graft vessel is positioned adjacent and exterior of the target vessel. Staples are inserted through the tissue of the graft vessel and the target vessel by pivoting the arms of a staple holder towards the anvil. When the ends of the staples engage staple bending features on the anvil, the ends of the staples bend over securing the graft vessel and target vessel together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: JAIME VARGAS, MICHAEL HENDRICKSEN, STEPHEN YENCHO, JAMEY NIELSEN, BERNARD A. HAUSEN, BRENDAN DONOHOE
  • Publication number: 20010023354
    Abstract: Compression plate apparatus enables vessels to be joined together in various anastomosis configurations. The compression plates have locking components such as snap-fit components to maintain the plates together. The compression plate apparatus may be utilized with an intraluminally directed anvil apparatus or an eternally positioned anvil apparatus. One of the compression plates assists in the eversion of the anastomosis fenestra contour. One of the compression plates enables a graft vessel to be pre-everted so that the anastomosis fenestra contours are everted. The appparatus provides a structure that enables the vessels to be joined without being penetrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Duane D. Blatter, Kenneth C. Goodrich, Mike C. Barrus, Bruce M. Burnett