Patents Issued in January 6, 2004
  • Patent number: 6672995
    Abstract: The present invention is a variable resistance hand gripper ideally suited for use in exercising and strengthening the muscles of the hand and forearm. In order to provide optimum-strengthening capabilities, the present invention includes a plurality of removably resistance devices that are removably secured to the hand gripper device. The user can select the number of resistance devices so as to provide a device that includes adjusting capabilities. The device further comprises a pair of handles pivotally secured and having a upper section and a lower section. The upper section includes the resistance devices and the lower section receives the hands of the user. Adding or removing these conventional resistant elements will provide for the resistance to increase or decrease, as deemed necessary for peak muscle strengthening during utilization by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Oscar Baltodano
  • Patent number: 6672996
    Abstract: An improved apparatus is disclosed for use in diagnosing and treating pelvic floor musculature disorders. The device includes a head (10) mounted on a shaft (12), with a barrier (14) mounted on the shaft (12) between the handle (18) and head (10). An indicator (16) may be mounted on the shaft (12). The apparatus may provide magnetic resistance to pelvic floor musculature contraction to (1) measure and track the progress of pelvic floor musculature strength, and (2) exercise pelvic floor musculature to improve strength at a private, patient-determined frequency. Alternative embodiments are either spring biasing members or the biasing property of a stretched elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Anthony C. Ross, Peter A. Guagliano
  • Patent number: 6672997
    Abstract: The adjustable exercise therapy device of this invention has first and second handles suitable for manual grasp and a single bungee cord passing through both handles. The bungee cord is adjustably attached to one of the handles. Between the handles, a tube holds the two stands of the bungee cord together. The distance between the handles can be adjusted so that the device is suitable for use as an exercise device for people of limited strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Charles Allen Winkler
  • Patent number: 6672998
    Abstract: The present invention includes a bench mounted to a base frame. A foot truck is slidably mounted to the bench to secure the feet of the user. A tiltable upper body support is mounted to the base. A first belt is provided for securing the legs of a user to the bench. A second belt is provided for securing the pelvic area of the user to the base. A third belt is connected to a support slidably mounted to the upper body support for mounting in a vertical direction. The third belt is used to secure the user to the upper body support. A first pneumatic cylinder is provided for extending the foot track to a selected forward position. A second pneumatic cylinder is provided for tilting the upper body support to a selected tilt position. A third pneumatic cylinder is provided for forcing a pelvic pad toward the lower back area of a user. A fourth pneumatic cylinder is provided for forcing a seat pad against,the user at a selected position adjacent the upper back or neck of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Gerry Cook
  • Patent number: 6672999
    Abstract: A multi-element gudgeon assembly including (a) a sleeve element having a central bore of substantially uniform diameter, such bore being adapted to receive one end of a rotatable axle; (b) a circular flange element having a central collar portion slidably mounted on the outer surface of the cylindrical sleeve element, and having an outer rim portion adapted to engage, center and support an end of a cylindrical drum for rotation with axle; and (c) a stub axle element mounted on one end of the sleeve element and cooperating with structure on the outer surface of the sleeve element to position the flange element at a fixed desired location on the sleeve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: NexPress Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Jorge L. Chavez, Adolf Phillip Greiner
  • Patent number: 6673000
    Abstract: Scrap cuttings are separated from a panel that was punched or cut from a sheet of material by providing a transport device (22) that attracts a sheet of material (10), supported by a platen (15) of a machining device (16), that was punched or cut via the attractive force of a first attraction surface (28). Subsequently, the transport device (22) is moved toward a second attraction surface (39) of a cutting separator (18) until the sheet of material (10) is lying on top of the second attraction surface (39); and the attractive force exerted in this position by the second attraction surface (39) is greater in the area of the cuttings (14) than the attractive force exerted by the first attraction surface (28), and the attractive force exerted by the second attraction surface (39) in the area of the panel (12) is smaller than the attractive force exerted by the first attraction surface (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Karl Marback GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Marbach
  • Patent number: 6673001
    Abstract: A system for creating and dispensing cushioning dunnage is small and permits flexible installation configuration options for a single or multiple packing stations. A compact apparatus of the system is capable of being pivotally mounted as a unit on a stand and includes a motor and a material feeding arrangement driven by the motor for pulling material from a supply roll of the material supported on a stand of the system, and feeding it through the apparatus. A plurality of material shaping members upstream of the feeding arrangement shape the material in the apparatus to convert it into a continuous strip of cushioning product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Zsolt Toth
  • Patent number: 6673002
    Abstract: A system for folding sheet material, including a fold blade, a fold roller, and a driver for moving at least one of the fold blade and the fold roller along a first path into operative communication with one another. The operative communication causes displacement of the fold roller along a longitudinal axis of the fold blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven W. Trovinger, Ross R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6673003
    Abstract: An elongate rail for an equal path folder that has a hollow tube having a a longitudinal axis and a vacuum applied thereto, and a first and second substantially planar surfaces parallel to the longitudinal axis and forming a folding edge therebetween. The hollow tube has at least one opening positioned angularly away from both the first and the second surfaces. The vacuum causes a negative pressure to be applied to the opening so that a web substrate passing over the first and second surfaces has at least a portion of the vacuum applied to a face of the web substrate when the web substrate is proximate to at least one of the first and second surfaces thereby substantially reducing particulate matter build-up on the folding equipment and substantially reducing the undesirabie particulate matter left on the out-going web product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: David Alan Harnish
  • Patent number: 6673004
    Abstract: A continuous web of printed paper is cut by a cutting cylinder into discrete sheets on being wrapped around part of a folding cylinder. The folding cylinder has sets of the folding blade in the cavity each aligned parallel to the cylinder axis and all arranged at constant circumferential spacings. Each folding blade is movable radially of the folding cylinder for pushing one sheet of printed paper off the cylinder surface in the middle of the sheet. Disposed opposite the folding cylinder, a jaw cylinder has cavities opening to its surface at constant circumferential spacings, each for receiving the midpart of the sheet being pushed by the folding blade in the cavity. Each cavity has a movable jaw arranged therein for pivotal motion toward and away from a fixed jaw in order to crease the sheet. An indentation is formed in the fixed jaw so as to be in opposed relationship to the insert part of the folding blade on the folding cylinder in the cavity as the folding blade is inserted in the cavity with the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takeo Nanba, Keiichiroh Ohta, Toshio Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6673005
    Abstract: A device for guiding signatures in a folder of a rotary printing machine includes at least one guide belt disposed near a transporting path of the signatures, and extending transversely to a transporting direction of the signatures, the at least one guide belt being formed with guide surfaces defining the transporting path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Alain Blanchard
  • Patent number: 6673006
    Abstract: A spacing apparatus for use with radiation therapy devices, and in particular, for use with a brachytherapy device. The spacing apparatus is useful in that the instrument is effective to limit the amount of radiation that comes into contact with the sensitive tissue proximate to the extraction site, and thereby protect sensitive tissue from overheating or hotspots, and/or protect against radiation exposure outside of the patient's body which may affect healthcare providers or others who might come close to the patient. In particular, the spacing apparatus is effective to control the proximity of a brachytherapy device to the outer surface of the sensitive tissue proximate to a surgical extraction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Proxima Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Rance A. Winkler
  • Patent number: 6673007
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating an infant including an upper radiant element integrated with the hood and a lower radiant element integrated with the mattress. The upper radiant element comprises a resistive ink printed on the underside of the hood. The mattress is transparent to infra-red wave length radiant energy, and includes a temperature sensor on its topside. The hood includes a liquid crystal panel for controllably viewing the infant, whereas the rest of the hood is opaque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Maxwell Salmon, Matthew Jon Payton
  • Patent number: 6673008
    Abstract: A device for the in vitro development of an embryo in a fluid. A method for the in vitro development of an embryo in a fluid is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald J. Thompson, Michael J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6673009
    Abstract: An adjustment clamp suitable for adjusting the tension of a material such as a cardiac support device. The adjustment clamp comprises a pair of interconnected, intersecting arms capable of rotating around a common axis. The arms each comprise a handle, a jaw and a shaft between the handle and jaw. The clamp also includes a latch operably mounted to the handle, wherein the latches of the two arms are capable of engaging each other to secure the clamp at a desired position. In one embodiment, the jaw comprises a flat contact surface. In another embodiment, at least one jaw of one arm comprises a roller assembly. Preferably, the clamp also includes a turning mechanism operably mounted to at least one roller assembly. Methods for using the adjustment claim to increase tension in a material are also described. In a preferred embodiment, the clamp is used to adjust the tension of a cardiac support device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Vanden Hoek, Jody Rivers, James Edgard Cox, Craig Robert Schlawin, J. Edward Shapland
  • Patent number: 6673010
    Abstract: A biological vessel suspending assembly is provided. The assembly includes a sling element and at least one anchoring device being attached to at least one end of the sling element, the at least one anchoring device being capable of self anchoring into a tissue to thereby enable suspension of the biological vessel from the sling element, wherein at least a portion of the sling element engaging the biological vessel is configured as a tubular sleeve-like structure capable of rolling upon the biological vessel thus decreasing the likelihood of frictional damage caused by movements of the biological vessel or the sling element at service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: T. A. G. Medical Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeff Skiba, Ran Oren, Dan Moor
  • Patent number: 6673011
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing and evaluating the condition of an endoscope. The apparatus includes a guide tube dimensioned to accommodate an endoscope, the guide tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axis. The apparatus also includes a lens assembly at the proximal end, the lens assembly defining an eyepiece, and an endoscope support disposed in the guide tube. The lens assembly has an optical axis aligned with the guide tube axis. The endoscope support is slidably movable within the guide tube along the guide tube axis. The apparatus may also include a manually-operable device to aid in moving the endoscope support, such as a ratchet wheel rotatably disposed in a wall of the guide tube which engages a groove disposed along a length of the endoscope support, such that when the ratchet wheel is manually rotated, the endoscope support is moved within the guide tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Claus Hilger
  • Patent number: 6673012
    Abstract: An endoscope having an elongated insertion portion provided at a distal end thereof with a steerable bendable portion, includes at least one steering member which is rotated to bend the steerable bendable portion; at least one locking member which is rotated to lock the steering member, the steering member and the locking member being rotated about a common axis; and at least one axially-movable lock member which moves relative to the steering member along the common axis without rotating about the common axis to lock and unlock the steering member when the locking member is turned in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Pentax Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Fujii, Akira Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6673013
    Abstract: Methods and devices used to stabilize a beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart and to expose a surgical site are disclosed. The stabilizing device is introduced through an opening through the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart, and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contractions of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated. Exposure members are actuable to reposition a portion of the surface of the heart to better expose a target artery or other surgical site. Accordingly, the heart is stabilized and movement of the site of the surgery is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Federico J. Benetti, Charles S. Taylor, Ivan Sepetka, Amr Salahieh, Robert C. Glines, William N. Aldrich, Brent Regan, John J. Frantzen
  • Patent number: 6673014
    Abstract: Noninvasive methods and apparatuses measuring the intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye using vibratory excitation are disclosed. Prior art methods teaches that the natural frequencies of the eye vary as a function of the IOP, with each natural frequency being zero at zero IOP. The present invention recognizes that the eye has different and separate classes of natural frequencies that vary as function of the IOP, which have non-zero values for a zero value of IOP, and which have curves that extrapolate to negative IOPs to obtain zero values of frequency. Preferred methods and apparatuses of the present invention measure a first natural frequency of this class at an unknown IOP value, and thereafter compare it to one or more known values of the first natural frequency measured at corresponding known IOPs to estimate value of the unknown IOP. Preferred embodiments include measuring one or more additional natural frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Itonix, Inc.
    Inventors: Avner Pierre Badehi, Raphael Klein, Arieh Glazer
  • Patent number: 6673015
    Abstract: In an IVUS system, units are located outside or remote from the patient except for the display monitor (12), the catheter interface module (4) and the catheter (3) which are located adjacent the patient together with a control arrangement (13) to enable the said units to be remotely controlled from a position adjacent the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Peter Glover, Anthony David Stenning, Robert Julian Dickinson
  • Patent number: 6673016
    Abstract: A transducer system and method for harmonic imaging is provided. At least one transducer element is provided. The transducer element comprises two or more stacked piezoelectric layers. Information from each of the layers is independently processed during one of a transmit event, a receive event, and both transmit and receive events. Information from the transducer element is provided to a filter. The filter isolates harmonic information for imaging. By providing a multi-layer transducer element with independent processing for each layer, a wide bandwidth transducer for harmonic imaging is provided. The null associated with most transducers at the second harmonic of a fundamental frequency is removed or lessened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Mirsaid Bolorforosh, Todor Sheljaskow, Stephen R. Barnes, Peter Guo, Sevig Ayter, Timothy L. Proulx, Amin M. Hanafy
  • Patent number: 6673017
    Abstract: Two or more temporal indicators are used for interleaving frames from a plurality of physiological cycles. For example, frames of one cycle are separated from the frames of another cycle based on an ECG signal. Data representing an imaged region for each of the frames is then used for temporally aligning the frames. For example, average velocity waveforms calculated from the frames of each of the cycles are fitted together. The temporal position of each of the frames within a base physiological cycle is determined based on the fitting. The interleaved frames provide a higher effective frame rate with improved temporal resolution which is based on the accurate interleaving of the data from the plurality of physiological cycles. Course alignment is provided using one event or temporal indicator. A more refined temporal alignment is provided in response to a second temporal indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Acuson Corporation
    Inventor: John I. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6673018
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in a diagnostic ultrasound system are disclosed. A display device has a first window for displaying live ultrasound images and a second window for displaying a reference cine image. The reference cine image is an image captured prior to the currently displayed live ultrasound images. The images of the first and second windows are synchronized by ECG gating. The apparatus and methods may be employed to image the heart, providing operators with a way to monitor the heart and detect subtle changes in heart condition from the time that a reference image was captured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company LLC
    Inventor: Zvi M. Friedman
  • Patent number: 6673019
    Abstract: In a diagnostic ultrasound apparatus, an ultrasound pulse signal is transmitted two times in each of the rasters on a region to be scanned. Subtraction between echo signals received at each time of transmission is made to obtain a difference signal. Either one of the echo signals and the difference signal are produced into individual tomographic images, independently of each other. The produced individual tomographic images are displayed with a superposed manner one on the other or parallel-arranged manner. This allows contrast echo imaging to be conducted on a rate subtraction imaging technique. Minute blood flows are depicted distinguishably from tissue surrounding those flows in a steady manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Naohisa Kamiyama
  • Patent number: 6673020
    Abstract: To accurately measure wave intensity as an evaluation value using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a measurement line is set in a tomogram and anterior and posterior walls of a blood vessel are tracked on the measurement line, so that a change waveform concerning a blood vessel diameter is prepared. A tracking gate S is set on the measurement line, so that a blood velocity change waveform is prepared based on echo data concerning a part within the tracking gate S, the change waveform indicating averaged blood velocity. Wave intensity is calculated based on the blood vessel diameter change waveform and the blood velocity change waveform. Prior to the calculation of wave intensity, the blood vessel diameter change waveform is calibrated based on the maximum and minimum blood pressure values into a blood pressure waveform. A beam for Doppler measurement may be set intersecting with the displacement measurement beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Aloka Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Okada, Akimitsu Harada
  • Patent number: 6673021
    Abstract: Attached to a proximal end portion of a flexible cord of an ultrasound probe of an ultrasound examination system, to be introduced into a body cavity through a narrow guide passage, is a flexible wiring film which can be coiled into a helical roll of a narrow cylindrical shape extending along an axial extension line of the flexible cord at the time of passing same through the narrow guide passage. Formed on a surface of the flexible wiring film are a plural number of wire connection points for connection of signal lines from transducer elements of an ultrasound transducer which is provided at a fore distal end of the flexible cord of the probe, and a corresponding number of electrodes which are electrically connected with the wire connection points through a wiring pattern. The electrodes on the flexible wiring film are disconnectibly connected to corresponding contact points on a contact assembly of a relay means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromu Itoi
  • Patent number: 6673022
    Abstract: A catheter has a pressure sensitive bladder at a distal end and a pressure transducer at a proximal end with the proximal end attached to a mammalian body and the bladder inserted within the mammalian body. The bladder partially filled with a gas responds to pressure changes within the body and the pressure transducer senses the changes via gaseous communication with the bladder. In one embodiment, the bladder is inserted in a human brain with the transducer mounted on a bolt affixed to the skull. Initial dissection of the brain tissue is effected by over-inflation of the bladder by a manual piston pump or a blunt ended slender rod. The transducer may be mounted on a bolt inserted within a hole drilled in the skull. An antimicrobial agent may be dispersed from openings in a seal between the bolt and the skull, from a porous seal, or from a ribbed or threaded outer surface of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: InnerSpace Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Bobo, James Gerg
  • Patent number: 6673023
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing tissue and/or other material from a patient, particularly a breast of a patient, is provided. The apparatus generally includes a handpiece and a tissue removal mechanism connected thereto. The tissue removal mechanism includes a cannula having an open distal tip and an outer diameter of less than about 5 mm, or less than about 2 mm. The mechanism further includes a rotatable element having a distal portion with helical threading. The distal portion of the rotatable element extends beyond the open distal tip of the cannula in order to allow tissue to prolapse between turns of the helical threading. The apparatus is designed to draw soft tissue into the cannula upon rotation of the rotatable element and without the need for supplemental sources of aspiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Stryker Puerto Rico Limited
    Inventor: D. Russell Pflueger
  • Patent number: 6673024
    Abstract: Methods and systems for cytologically evaluating breast duct epithelial cells retrieved by ductal lavage by morphology and other parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Angela Soito, Britt-Marie Ljung, Karen Chew
  • Patent number: 6673025
    Abstract: A guidewire or section thereof, that has a core member or the like with a plurality of contiguous tapered segments having taper angles that are configured to produce a linear change in stiffness over a longitudinal portion of the device. The device may also have a core section with a continuously changing taper angle to produce a curvilinear profile that is configured to produce a linear change in stiffness of the core over a longitudinal portion of the device. An embodiment has a plurality of radiopaque elements that may be intermittent, continuous or in the form of a helical ribbon for scaled measurement of intracorporeal structure under flouroscopic imaging. Another embodiment has at least one layer of polymer over the distal end of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Richardson, David M. Anderson, Emmanuel C. Biagtan, Lawrence E. Brennan, David H. Burkett, Wayne E. Cornish, Robert C. Esselstein, James Jacobs, Marc M. Jalisi, Daryush P. Mirzaee, Olin J. Palmer, John Schreiner, Kent C. Stalker
  • Patent number: 6673026
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for measuring force, primarily due to fatigue. In one embodiment, a finger fatigue measuring system is provided which measures the force output from fingers while the fingers are repetitively generating forces as they strike a keyboard. Force profiles of the fingers are generated from the measurements and evaluated for fatigue. The system can be used clinically to evaluate patients, to ascertain the effectiveness of clinical intervention, pre-employment screening, to assist in minimizing the incidence of repetitive stress injuries at the keyboard, mouse, joystick, and to monitor effectiveness of various finger strengthening systems. The system can also be used in a variety of different applications adapted for measuring forces produced during performance of repetitive motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: San Diego State University Foundation
    Inventors: Robert S. Pozos, Jose L. Agraz
  • Patent number: 6673027
    Abstract: A posture measurement and feedback instrument comprising a signal source and a receiver attached to either half of a hinge. When the hinge is applied to the skin covering the xyphoid process, it pivots in response to slumping, changing the receiver output accordingly. Software is installed on a telecommunication device to store a posture threshold value and generate a feedback signal when the output of a posture sensing means reaches or exceeds the threshold. Software may also be installed on a computer to store posture data and generate posture feedback, while the computer is being used for an unrelated purpose. A person is alerted when sampled posture data meet or exceed a threshold of immobility. When sampled posture data reach or surpass a threshhold of postural dysfunction, exercises suited to reverse that particular dysfunction are selected from a menu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Fischer
  • Patent number: 6673028
    Abstract: A passive movement deivce for exercising a patient's joint is provided. The device includes a resilient foam section and a casing enclosing the foam section within a sealed chamber. The patient's joint is held in position relative to the sealed chamber by a suitable retainer. A vacuum pump is operatively connected with the sealed chamber to selectively provide application and non-application of a reduced pressure, i.e. below atmospheric, to the sealed chamber. The application of the reduced pressure causes the foam section to collapse thereby exerting a force on the joint which causes the joint to move or bend from a predetermined position. The non-application of the reduced pressure to the sealed chamber causes the foam section to expand thereby exerting a force on the joint which causes the joint to move or bend toward the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
    Inventors: Louis C. Argenta, Michael J. Morykwas
  • Patent number: 6673029
    Abstract: An orthopedic casting material made from layers of resin impregnated fiberglass fibers that are shaped, cut, and formed into a skeletal hexagonal cellular mesh array. The material forms a sheet with an array of aligned apertures that permit the flow of air. The size of the apertures may vary but is generally large in comparison to the fiberglass sections that define the sides of the apertures. The mesh may optionally include reinforcing strands and a lining. The material may be cut and trimmed in both its pliable and rigid states. The apertures additionally serve to receive the fingers or toes of the individual receiving the cast. The apertures also serve to allow continuous monitoring of the condition of the patient's skin. The skeletal structure of the material reduces the weight of the cast without sacrificing strength and protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Spheric Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard L. Watson
  • Patent number: 6673030
    Abstract: An Orthopaedic Plaster of Paris bandage (10) comprising a water resistant layer of material (50; 60) on at least one face of the bandage (10) which allows the bandage (10) to be cured by water but once the bandage (10) is set, the bandage (10) is water resistant against disintegration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: BSN Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Claire Peel
  • Patent number: 6673031
    Abstract: A liquid applicator includes an elongated hollowing body having opposed first and second open ends in fluid communication with one another, and a tip attached to the first open end and including a porous material. A closed, frangible ampule is supported within the second open end of the body and contains a liquid to be disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Phillip Mark
  • Patent number: 6673032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripping member for use on a tubular insertion member of an applicator for inserting an object into a body cavity. The gripping member includes a plastic sleeve having a longitudinal axis, first and second ends, an outer surface, and a bore extending from the first end to the second end. It also includes a plurality of raised features disposed on the outer surface of the body, extending away from the longitudinal axis. At least one of the raised features is proximate the first end, and at least one of the raised features is proximate the second end. Finally, at least one notch defined by side edges is disposed at one of the first and second ends to impart flexibility to the associated end. The plastic sleeve is arranged and configured to be affixed to the associated tubular insertion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Herve Buzot
  • Patent number: 6673033
    Abstract: An injector for use in injecting a fluid in a medical injection procedure includes a drive mechanism to pressurize the fluid; a sensor to measure a variable that is proportional to fluid pressure (that is, a direct or indirect measurement of fluid pressure); and a pressure monitor (for example, including hardwired circuitry and/or software) in communication with the sensor and the drive mechanism to stop the injection procedure when the sensor measures a value of the variable that corresponds to a pressure hazard limit. Preferably, the pressure monitor further limits power input to the drive mechanism to a power limit once the variable reaches a value that corresponds to a power limiting pressure that is below the pressure hazard limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis J. Sciulli, David M. Griffiths, William J. Nolan, Jr., Richard G. Critchlow, Salvatore J. Dedola, Michael A. Spohn, Frank A. Lazzaro, Thomas P. Joyce, John R. Gardner
  • Patent number: 6673034
    Abstract: A needle-less injector suitable for injecting fluid through a skin surface of a patient includes a housing, a driver, an intruding gas chamber activating mechanism and a trigger. The housing containing the fluid and a sealed gas storage chamber containing a gas. The driver forces the fluid out of the housing at a sufficient speed to pierce the skin surface of the patient. The intruding gas chamber activating mechanism is mounted in the housing to intrude through the sealed gas chamber to release gas seal into the housing. The trigger is operatively coupled to the intruding gas chamber activating mechanism to release the gas from the gas chamber into the housing to activate the driver to force the fluid out of the housing. The trigger is activated by moving the trigger towards and orifice in the housing and/or upon application of a predetermined amount of pressure to the trigger that is opposed by a predetermined amount of resistance from the skin surface of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Penjet Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas P. Castellano
  • Patent number: 6673035
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a medical injector and medicament loading system for use therewith. The medicament loading system includes cap for a medicament cartridge. The cap has a post for causing movement of the cartridge stopper toward the seal when the cap engages the medicament cartridge to thereby eliminate adhesion between the medicament chamber and the stopper. The medical injector according to the present invention includes the medicament loading system, i.e. a cartridge assembly, a needle free syringe assembly, and a power pack assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Antares Pharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Rice, Paul R. Lesch, Jr., Sheldon J. Nelson, Timothy D. Byland
  • Patent number: 6673036
    Abstract: A portable, electric breast pump has an electronic controller adapted to track time and operate a solenoid to automatically maintain a predetermined suction and release rhythm as a function of time to mimic the natural sucking rhythm of an infant. Suction is produced by a continuously running diaphragm pump. A needle valve permits user vacuum level adjustment, but no other user control is required. A flapper valve in the top of the bottle reduces the suction rise time but incorporates a fixed amount of leakage to build a small amount of bottle pressure for pulling collected milk into the bottle during the release portion of the cycle. An improved bulkhead design helps to keep milk from entering the diaphragm pump if the unit is shaken or turned on its side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventor: James Joseph Britto
  • Patent number: 6673037
    Abstract: An improved breastshield for breastpumps has a tubular extension with a non-circular internal contour such as an oval, polygonal or fluted shape, among others. In another aspect of the invention, the non-circular contour is provided in the main breast-receiving part of the breastshield. Surface features, such as protuberances, are further provided for the breastshield which yield a non-smooth tactile feel to the breastshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventor: Brian H. Silver
  • Patent number: 6673038
    Abstract: A needleless injector cartridge, comprises an injection component (1) defining a void (17) therein for receiving medicament, and having an injection discharge orifice communicating with the void. The cartridge further comprises a transfer device (2) comprising a liquid-containing reservoir (4), and transfer means for causing the liquid (5) to flow from the reservoir, through a reservoir outlet, into the void in the injection component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Aradigm Corporation
    Inventor: Terence Edward Weston
  • Patent number: 6673039
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, kits, and apparatus are provided for delivering a macromolecular assembly such as a plasmid, virus vector, or other gene vector, to an extravascular tissue such as muscle tissue. The composition comprises the macromolecular assembly and a vascular permeability-enhancing agent. In another embodiment, the composition further comprises a vasodilating agent. The method of the invention comprises proving a vascular permeability-enhancing agent to a blood vessel and providing a macromolecular assembly to the vessel. An oxygenator useful for providing oxygen to a fluid extracorporeally prior to providing the fluid to a blood vessel of a mammal is included in the invention. Kits, apparatus, and methods for using the catheters described herein for isolating cardiac circulation, diverting caval blood flow from the right atrium, and for other purposes, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Charles R. Bridges, Hansell H. Stedman
  • Patent number: 6673040
    Abstract: A system and methods are described for performing catheter based procedures on high risk patients that mitigate the risk to the patient and extend the acceptable time window for response when emergencies or complications arise. The system is useful for stopped heart catheter procedures or as a safety backup in beating heart catheter procedures and is compatible with concurrent or sequential surgical interventions. The system combines a therapeutic or diagnostic catheter subsystem with a selective aortic perfusion and cardiopulmonary bypass subsystem. The catheter subsystem may include catheters for angioplasty, stent delivery, atherectomy, valvuloplasty or other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Cardeon Corporation
    Inventors: Wilfred J. Samson, John A. Macoviak
  • Patent number: 6673041
    Abstract: Described is a closed chest intravascular catheter system for a simultaneous biventricular approach to (1) intravascular cardiopulmonary surgery; (2) acute or prolonged mechanical circulatory support. The catheter system includes a left heart catheter and a right heart catheter with flow control members that segment the circulatory system into subcirculations of cardiopulmonary support. The left heart catheter has an elongated shaft with a first flow control member positioned at the entry site into a peripheral artery, a second flow control member positioned in the proximal descending aorta, a third flow control member positioned in the ascending aorta, and a fourth flow control member positioned within the left ventricle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Cardeon Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Macoviak
  • Patent number: 6673042
    Abstract: The cannula of the present invention is useful for standard gravity drainage or vacuum assisted/suction drainage. The cannula of the present invention has a flexible shaft composed of a tubular body and an expandable scaffolding. The expandable scaffolding has a contracted position, facilitating insertion into a vessel and an expanded condition configured to allow optimal drainage in a vessel. The cannula is inserted into a vessel and navigated into an operative position within the patient's venous system. Once the cannula is in the proper position, the scaffolding is expanded either through passive, active, mechanic, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal or electrical actuation. The cannula of the present invention is capable of expanding a collapsed vein to its normal diameter and/or capable of supporting the vein when suction is applied to the cannula to help increase fluid flow through the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Wilfred J. Samson, Brady Esch, Michael J. Lee, Janine Robinson
  • Patent number: 6673043
    Abstract: An incision in a ventricle wall is spread without applying axial force to the ventricle wall by inserting an array of pins and then spreading that array while a cannula is inserted along the track formed by the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Levram Medical Devices, Ltd.
    Inventor: Amir Landesberg
  • Patent number: 6673044
    Abstract: A disposable syringe (100) comprises an internally hollow syringe body (1) open at the front and rear, a plunger (40) slidable inside the syringe body (1) and provided at the rear with a shaft (50) operated manually through the rear end (80) thereof, an injection needle (10) integral with a needle carrier (11), a supporting body (20), accommodating the needle carrier (11) in a removable manner and engaging with the fore end (2) of the syringe body (1), a spring (30) disposed under compression between the needle carrier (11) and the supporting body (20), a diaphragm (62) removably mounted in the shaft head (51) to cover a shaft inner chamber and an opening (60) in the shaft head (51) cooperating with tongues (13) in the needle carrier (11) to cause disengagement of the needle carrier from the supporting body (20), when the plunger (40) reaches an injection stroke end, so that the spring (30), expanding, retract the needle carrier (11) which abuts against the diaphragm (62) causing disengagement or rupture ther
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Nardino Righi, Robèrto Rossi, Sergio Restelli