Patents Issued in March 2, 2004
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Patent number: 6699171Abstract: A modified Fletcher-Suit tandem tube applicator includes a balloon which can be inflated to both positionally secure the applicator within the vaginal canal and to distend the confronting vaginal wall thereby increasing the distance of such tissue from the radioactive source contained in the tandem tube of applicator and correspondingly reducing radiation damage to nearby tissues and organs such as the rectum and bladder.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Paxton Equities, LLCInventor: Michael B. Harmon
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Patent number: 6699172Abstract: A generator (10) of electromagnetic waves for medical use for personal physical and psychological wellbeing, generating a succession of electromagnetic waves, at least one oscillating circuit (12; 15a-15g) to generate one or more wave harmonics from one or more oscillating waves at one or more fundamental pre-determined frequencies, as well as a control device for mixing the waves and an emitter (14) for emitting the waves into a room which can be occupied by one or more users; each wave generated by mixing of said waves is made up of the sum of a series of fifth, ninth, thirteenth, seventeenth, twenty first, twenty fifth and twenty ninth order harmonics with respect to a fundamental frequency.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Marco Bologna
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Patent number: 6699173Abstract: An infant care apparatus having a canopy movable vertically with respect to an infant platform. The canopy has a lower edge mating with upper peripheral edges of a plurality of vertical walls forming an infant compartment. At least one of the vertical walls is a door pivotally affixed to the infant platform and rotates between open and closed positions. A seal is located on the lower edge of the canopy to seal against the upper peripheral edge of the vertical walls. An elongated flange of the seal is affixed to the canopy by hardware and a cover flap extends downwardly from the upper edge of the flange to cover the hardware. A sealing flap extends downwardly and inwardly toward the infant compartment from the lower edge of the flange. A flexible material is co-extruded with the seal for the sealing flap and a hinge between the flange and the cover flap.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Datex Ohmeda, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Boris
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Patent number: 6699174Abstract: A female urinary incontinence management device having a base member that adhesively attaches to the patient, and a bag member that is sealingly and releasably attached to the base member. The base member is generally triangular having a top portion that, when attached to the patient, extends across and above the symphysis pubis, side portions that extend down along the groin area, and a short bottom portion that extends across the perineal area. The base member includes an upraised ridge portion into which is integrated a “female” part of a means for sealing the bag member with the base member. The bag member includes a similar upraised ridge portion into which is integrated a “male” part of the means for sealing the bag member with the base member. The bag member may be releasably and sealingly coupled to the base member by interlockingly squeezing the “male” and “female” parts together.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Patricia A. Bennett
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Patent number: 6699175Abstract: A urinary apparatus includes a catheter system for pressurizing either a bladder cavity or a urethral canal within a female urinary system and an endoscope device for observing a urethral sphincter muscle within the female urinary system for assessing the sling tension of an implant support adapted to restore female urinary continence. The catheter system includes a obturator occlusion member for plugging the urethral canal during the performance of a sling tensioning procedure.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventor: Gary Miller
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Patent number: 6699176Abstract: A soft tissue expander comprises a frame comprised of inflatable members having in several embodiments a peripheral restrictor to force the frame to expand in only two dimensions. Various embodiments include frames arranged to be comprised of different polygonal shapes, frame members having internal mechanical restrictors, frames comprised of fusiform or cellular construction, and frames contained within two membranes that may also be filled with fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Brava, LLCInventor: Roger K. Khouri
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Patent number: 6699177Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive medical procedures. This system includes one or more robotic arms that can be attached to the operating table. The robotic arms can be controlled by input devices such as handles and a foot pedal to perform a minimally medical procedure.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Computer Motion, Inc.Inventors: Yulun Wang, Darrin Uecker, Keith P. Laby, Jeff D. Wilson, Charles S. Jordan, James W. Wright, Modjtaba Ghodoussi
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Patent number: 6699178Abstract: The invention intends to provide an ear-pick, which is capable of safely and securely remove earwax, and foreign objects such as insects and water. Endoscopic auditory canal cleaning apparatus comprising: an ear-pick main body, which is equipped with a scraping part at its distal end and is formed to guide light to said distal end; a light source, which generates said light; a light source generates light; a fiber scope, which captures images in the inside of the auditory canal; a display unit, which displays the images captured by the fiber scope; and a holding part, which holds the ear-pick main body and the fiber scope; wherein the fiber scope passes through a hollow opening provided in the holding part; and the holding part holds the fiber scope to be able to rotate freely.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Coden Co. Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiharu Koda
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Patent number: 6699179Abstract: A self propelling catheter introducer system for exploring a body cavity is disclosed which includes a flexible tubular catheter, a propulsion section and a steering section located near the end of the catheter that is introduced in a body cavity. The propulsion section includes a flexible everting tube designed to push the catheter from inside the body cavity. The catheter can thus be made very flexible in bending, and a larger diameter catheter can be used without discomfort to the patient.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Michael Wendlandt
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Patent number: 6699180Abstract: A rotation restricting section is provided at an inner surface of a cap attached to a distal end portion of an insertion section of an endoscope and is set in abutting contact with a treating tool projected from the distal end of the inserting section to restrict the treating tool from being rotated about an axial direction of the insertion section.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Tsukasa Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6699181Abstract: The LG connector is composed of the proximal portion and the case body. The frame is supported by the proximal portion, and the universal cable and the control cable are fixed to this frame. Watertightness between the universal cable and the case body is maintained at an abutting surface which is orthogonal to the axis thereof, and watertightness between the control cable and the case body is maintained at the outer peripheral surface thereof. Thereby, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the assembly operation without deteriorating the watertightness of the LG connector. Also, the proximal portion is provided with the joint to be connected to the optical apparatus, and on this joint, the light guide bar is projectedly provided. Inside the proximal portion, the guide portion which guides the light guide to the insertion port of the light guide bar is projectedly formed. This guide portion enables the light guide to be easily installed without damaging the light guide.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Fumihide Wako
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Patent number: 6699182Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope-type device, particularly an endoscope for emergency intubation, comprising a holding portion (7) and a shaft (1) which is configured to be flexible at least in partial areas, with at least two longitudinal bendable pulling and/or pushing elements acting on said shaft (1) in the axial direction at different distances from the proximal end, with said pulling and/or pushing elements extending as far as the proximal end and being lockably received in a fixing device, and with said endoscope-type device comprising an endoscope tip (50) whose movement is controllable via control means (54) and a control device (52) arranged in the proximal portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Xion GmbHInventor: Tönis Pilvisto
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Patent number: 6699183Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope comprising a first quick-acting closure (3) for a traction wire (13) of a Bowden wire device, which closure is arranged at the proximal end to be pivotable or displaceable, with a locking position of the quick-acting closure (3), in which an attachment unit for loosening and attaching the traction wire (13) of the Bowden wire device can be actuated and with a working position of the quick-acting closure (3), in which the attached traction wire of the Bowden wire device can be displaced within a working area which is defined by end positions (15′, 15″) of the quick-acting closure (3), in order to actuate a mechanism which is arranged at the distal end of the endoscope together with the traction wire (13) of the Bowden wire device in such a way that it can be loosened.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: XION GmbHInventor: Viktor Josef Wimmer
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Patent number: 6699184Abstract: A system is provided for aspirating fluid from a surgical site. The system includes an outlet tube that leads to a suction canister or other suitable receptacle for collecting fluid. The outlet tube includes an anti-siphon adapter which defines an atmospheric vent downstream of the outflow connection to an endoscopic device. The vent allows atmospheric pressure to enter the outlet tube to increase the pressure at the outflow of the endoscopic device.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Augustus Felix, Debra Ranucci
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Patent number: 6699185Abstract: An endoscopic instrument is provided comprising a shaft having an endoscope optical system arranged therein, which has a distal front face. The instrument also comprises a working element arranged in the shaft. The shaft provides for the supply of an irrigation fluid. Flow-influencing means are provided, such that the irrigation fluid reaches in front of the front face of the endoscope optical system and can eliminate contaminations, which obstruct the view through the endoscope optics.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Frank Gminder, Horst Dittrich, Frank Doll
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Patent number: 6699186Abstract: An implantation device for delivering a biosensor to an implantation site in a patient's body comprises an elongate catheter equipped with a distally located cavity sized to house a biosensor. Once the distal end of the catheter is positioned adjacent the implantation site, the biosensor is released through an opening from the cavity into the site. A removable cover, such as a thin adhesive film, may be used to retain the biosensor in the cavity, while the catheter is guided through the body to the implantation site. The implantation device may include an actuator for displacing the biosensor from the cavity into the implantation site. By way of one example, the actuator may be a piston inserted through a lumen of the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Remon Medical Technologies LTDInventors: Lone Wolinsky, Avi Penner
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Patent number: 6699187Abstract: A system is described for allowing medical data obtained at a local site to be transferred to a data processing system located at a remote site. This medical data may include video data and/or data obtained from one or more medical devices such as a fluoroscopy device or an electrocardiograph (ECG) signal monitoring device. The data may be viewed on one or more display windows of the remote data processing system to allow a remotely-located expert to participate in an examination or medical procedure being conducted at the local site. In one embodiment, the remote data processing system also receives screen data from an implantable medical device programmer that is located at the local site. This screen data may include data associated with the configuration of the programmer, the configuration of an implantable medical device, and other information obtained from a patient such as physiological waveforms. Routing of all data may be performed by a communication hub operating as a stand alone device.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: James D. Webb, C. Gary Nelson, James G. Thies, Ronald A. Stauffer
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Patent number: 6699188Abstract: A patient is rewarded for performing a medical test or for maintaining medical test results within desired levels. Medical test data is generated and transferred for use by reward firmware in a cartridge, for example. Reward information is provided to the patient to motivate or encourage the patient to conduct medical tests and/or to maintain medical test results within certain levels. The cartridge can be inserted into an electronic controller, e.g. a handheld video-game controller, cellular telephone, or other device. Transmission of data and/or encouragement to and from a remote location provides additional advantages.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Guidance Interactive TechnologiesInventor: Paul Wessel
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Patent number: 6699189Abstract: Aberrations in ultrasound imaging are modeled as a linear filter bank. The response of each linear filter is determined through blind system identification and is used to correct the aberration by applying a predistortion to the transmit signals and a compensation to the receive signals. To reduce computation, the blind system identification can be done through multiple levels. In a two-level implementation, the transducers in the array are grouped into subapertures. The blind system identification is applied in each of the subapertures to obtain the first-level response to each element. Using these responses, a common input is found for each subaperture, and blind system identification is applied to find the second-level responses. From the first-level and second-level responses, the response at each filter in the bank is determined.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: University of RochesterInventors: Feng Lin, Robert C. Waag
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Patent number: 6699190Abstract: A control panel for a diagnostic ultrasound system includes a keyboard with a wrist pad that stows beneath the control panel, and extends from the control panel when needed. The keyboard wrist pad integrates smoothly into the front of the control panel when the keyboard is in the stowed position. The keyboard wrist pad can also be integrated into the top surface of the edge of the control panel and can serve as a wrist pad for either the control panel or the keyboard when the keyboard is extended.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Robert Mesaros, Yas Matsui
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Patent number: 6699191Abstract: An ultrasound device having a transducer propagating and receiving sound signals to/from a blood vessel of a person being examined for caisson's disease where the blood vessel is at above normal surface atmospheric pressure and a controller determining onset of the caisson's disease by analyzing the received sound signals from the transducer to determine presence of naturally occurring bubbles in the blood vessel during decompression of the blood vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: George A. Brock-Fisher
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Patent number: 6699192Abstract: In a photo-detection type ultrasonic receiving apparatus, the image quality of ultrasonic image has been enhanced by reducing multiple reflection of the ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic detecting element for modulating light on the basis of a received ultrasonic wave, a backing portion directly or indirectly connected to the ultrasonic detecting element propagating the ultrasonic wave to be applied to the ultrasonic detecting element, the backing portion having optical transmissibility and guiding the light used for detecting ultrasonic wave, and a photoelectric conversion unit that detects the light output from the ultrasonic detecting element.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Eiji Ogawa
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Patent number: 6699193Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for assessing blood flow in blood vessels, for assessing vascular health, for conducting clinical trials, for screening therapeutic interventions for adverse effects, and for assessing the effects of risk factors, therapies and substances, including therapeutic substances, on blood vessels, especially cerebral blood vessels, all achieved by measuring various parameters of blood flow in one or more vessels and analyzing the results in a defined manner. The relevant parameters of blood flow include mean flow velocity, systolic acceleration, and pulsatility index. By measuring and analyzing these parameters, one can ascertain the vascular health of a particular vessel, multiple vessels and an individual. Such measurements can also determine whether a substance has an effect, either deleterious or advantageous, on vascular health. The present invention further provides an expert system for achieving the above.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: New Health Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Crutchfield, John Davidson, Robert Mozayeni, Simon Fitall
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Patent number: 6699194Abstract: A method and an apparatus to analyze two measured signals that are modeled as containing desired and undesired portions such as noise, FM and AM modulation. Coefficients relate the two signals according to a model defined in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, a transformation is used to evaluate a ratio of the two measured signals in order to find appropriate coefficients. The measured signals are then fed into a signal scrubber which uses the coefficients to remove the unwanted portions. The signal scrubbing is performed in either the time domain or in the frequency domain. The method and apparatus are particularly advantageous to blood oximetry and pulserate measurements. In another embodiment, an estimate of the pulserate is obtained by applying a set of rules to a spectral transform of the scrubbed signal. In another embodiment, an estimate of the pulserate is obtained by transforming the scrubbed signal from a first spectral domain into a second spectral domain.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Masimo CorporationInventors: Mohamed K. Diab, Rex McCarthy
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Patent number: 6699195Abstract: In a blood pressure monitor, time habit data representing daily time habits of a patient and a plurality of timings for blood pressure measurement determined by a medical doctor are inputted. The predetermined timings are variably adjusted based on the daily time habit data, and results of blood pressure measurements at the specified timings are stored in a memory. A personal computer for the doctor of a medical facility receives and outputs information read out from the memory of the blood pressure monitor. Accordingly, blood pressure measurements can be performed in timings adjusted in accordance with the daily habit pattern of the patient, so that more accurate measurement can be achieved. Because information including such measurement data is presented to the doctor with diagnostic authority via the personal computer, the doctor can acquire useful information for assisting diagnosis and treatment of hypertension symptoms of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Fumio Nakazawa, Kiyoshi Sakai, Koichi Takizawa
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Patent number: 6699196Abstract: Simulative electronic blood pressure meter in which by means of internal program, a central processor/controller converts and outputs the sensed blood pressure signal to a liquid crystal display to show a column-type indication simulating the mercury column of a traditional blood pressure meter. A digital counting circuit is combined, whereby when simulating the mercury column, an auxiliary display of digital change is provided for the user to easily know the value. The central processor/controller cooperates with a sound emitting unit which synchronously emits a sound simulating the sensed pulse from the start to the end. The volume of the emitted sound is varied with the strength of the pulse. The electronic blood pressure meter is used in a state like the mercury column-type blood pressure meter for a user to more accurately and lively judge the measured value.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: George Hung
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Patent number: 6699197Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining information related to a velocity at which a pulse wave propagates in a living subject, the apparatus including a pulse-wave sensor which is adapted to be worn on a body portion of the subject and detects the pulse wave from the body portion, an incident-wave-peak determining device for determining a peak of an incident-wave component which is contained in the pulse wave detected by the pulse-wave sensor, a reflected-wave-peak determining device for determining a peak of a reflected-wave component which is contained in the pulse wave detected by the pulse-wave sensor, and an information obtaining device for obtaining the information based on a time difference between the peak of the incident-wave component determined by the incident-wave-peak determining device and the peak of the reflected-wave component determined by the reflected-wave-peak determining device.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Colin CorporationInventor: Kiyoyuki Narimatsu
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Patent number: 6699198Abstract: An ocular blood-flow meter includes an optical system for applying measuring light to a blood vessel of a subject eye, and for receiving light scattered by the blood vessel of the subject eye. A mechanism is provided for changing a direction in which the measuring light is applied and a direction in which the scattered light is received so as to enable a plurality of measurements in different directions. A controller performs the plurality of measurements in the different directions by using the optical system and the mechanism so as to obtain information concerning a blood flow. An output device provides a received-light signal obtained by the optical system or the information concerning the blood flow. An input device enables an operator to select a re-measurement operation in a desired direction from the different directions and to instruct the selected re-measurement operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuyuki Numajiri
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Patent number: 6699199Abstract: A ring plethysmograph having a pressure adjustment for locally pressurizing one side of a finger thereby biasing the pressure on an artery wall so that the plethysmograph is optimally sensitive without interfering with blood flow. An auxiliary photodetector, possibly with a second light source, is disposed on the low-pressure side of the finger for two purposes: providing a noise reference for canceling noise on the plethysmograph signal, and also for providing a separate motion signal for monitoring the activity level of a patient.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Haruhiko H. Asada, Reginald C. Hutchinson, Phillip Shaltis
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Patent number: 6699200Abstract: A medical device for multi-vector sensing of cardiac depolarization signals is disclosed. Specialized algorithm is implemented to enhance multi-vector electrode sensing. Further a geometric shape is optimized to enable space-volume efficiencies for deployment and navigation of the medical device for implant in a patient.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Jian Cao, Brian B. Lee, Spencer R. Hurd
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Patent number: 6699201Abstract: Methods for identifying and/or visualizing an acoustic window suitable for passive acoustic coronary heart disease evaluations by mapping the relative SNR distribution on the channels on an array of a plurality of sensors to nominal locations on a person's chest of each sensor in the acoustic sensor array and identifying a plurality of sensor locations that correspond to the highest channel SNR's is described and/or sizing the acoustic sensor array to correspond with the identified acoustic window.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: MedAcoustics, Inc.Inventor: Scott Donaldson Stearns
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Patent number: 6699202Abstract: A new method and a device are disclosed to determine physiologic parameters of a subject by analyzing it's breathing gas with an electrochemical sensor. The measured components of the breathing gas allow for many conclusions about the condition of the subjects's pulmonary system. It is therefore an objective of this invention to determine physiologic parameters from measuring the partial pressure of oxygen in the mainstream of the breathing gas. According to the invention the measurement can be performed non invasive and allows for conclusions about the respiratory and metabolic system of a subject. The invention makes a continuous measurement of the oxygen partial pressure possible, that almost shows no time delay. The invention allows for instance the determination of parameters like the oxygen concentration in the breathing gas, the oxygen consumption of the subject, the heart frequency, the respiratory quotient, the compliance of the pulmonary tract and other physiologic parameters.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: IT Gambert GmbHInventors: Rudolf Gambert, Peter Schubert, Kerstin Wex
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Patent number: 6699203Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in determining the cardiac output. The method includes measuring a first parameter indicative of a patient's oxygen uptake and a second parameter indicative of the patient's fractional arterial oxygen concentration. The method also includes inducing a change in the patient's arterial oxygen concentration while taking these measurements to monitor the effects of the change in the patient's arterial oxygen concentration. The cardiac output is determined from the data collected regarding the effects of the change in the patient's arterial oxygen concentration.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Respironics, Inc.Inventors: Eric W. Starr, Bernard Pennock, Mouhyieldin Kandis
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Patent number: 6699204Abstract: The invention concerns a device for analysing medical sounds, in particular respiratory sounds, comprising an input receiving a sound signal sampled in intensity levels each associated with a selected time, and storage means (2, 4, 5) comprising a processing module for evaluating, in cooperation with computing means (3), a set of transformed intensity levels, each associated with a predetermined sound frequency. It further comprises an output (26) connected to the storage means (2) for delivering each transformed intensity level in correspondence with an associated frequency, and means for representing (6, 90, 91) intensity levels transformed on the basis of frequencies, to obtain a spectral representation of the auscultation sound.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventors: Georges Kehyayan, Ivan Kehayoff, Gérard Lenoir, Christian Avedissian, Bruno Roux
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Patent number: 6699205Abstract: A biopsy localization device made according to the invention includes a bioabsorbable element (34), such as a dehydrated collagen plug, delivered in a pre-delivery state to a soft tissue biopsy site (18) of a patient by an element delivery device (32). The bioabsorbable element preferably swells to fill the biopsied open region (26) and preferably is palpably harder than the surrounding soft tissue at the biopsy site. The bioabsorbable element permits the biopsy site to be relocated by palpation to eliminate the need to use metallic clips during biopsies and often eliminates the need for a return to the radiologist for pre-operative localization. In addition, the bioabsorbable element can be used as a therapeutic tool for treatment of the diseased lesion and for hemostasis.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Artemis Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard Eustis Fulton, III, William Richard Dubrul
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Patent number: 6699206Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for precisely isolating a target lesion in a patient's body tissue, resulting in a high likelihood of“clean” margins about the lesion when it is removed for diagnosis and/or therapy. This approach advantageously will often result in the ability to both diagnose and treat a malignant lesion with only a single percutaneous procedure, with no follow-up percutaneous or surgical procedure required, while minimizing the risk of migration of possibly cancerous cells from the lesion to surrounding tissue or the bloodstream. In particular, the apparatus comprises a biopsy instrument having a distal end adapted for entry into the patient's body, a longitudinal shaft, and a cutting element disposed along the shaft. The cutting element is actuatable between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: SenoRx, Inc.Inventors: Fred H. Burbank, Michael L. Jones, Paul Lubock
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Patent number: 6699207Abstract: A computer-based diagnostic system is provided to detect and analyze ground reaction forces produced by an animal passing through the diagnostic system, and includes, in one aspect, a first plate and a second plate disposed adjacent the first plate, a first plurality of load cells, and a second plurality of load cells. Each of the first and second plurality of load cells are configured to detect, respectively, a force applied to the first plate and the second plate along at least one axis and output signals representative of the detected force. A processor is provided to execute at least one force analysis instruction set, whereby the force analysis instruction set receives the signals output from the first and second plurality of load cells and calculates, a magnitude and location of a force applied to either of the first plate and the second plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: University of MarylandInventors: Uri Tasch, Benny Erez, Alan M. Lefcourt, Mark Varner
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Patent number: 6699208Abstract: A housing for an oral irrigator having a hand piece includes a base unit having an upper and lower portion, the lower portion engageable with a support surface and having an upper surface defining a recess for receiving the hand piece, and the lower portion defining a peripheral shoulder. The upper portion extends upwardly from the lower portion and defines a top surface, the top surface defining a port and a key structure, the upper portion being positioned inside the peripheral shoulder. A reservoir has a bottom surface defining an aperture and sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom surface to define a cavity having a peripheral rim, the sidewalls in part defining an indentation extending from the bottom surface up to a top end adjacent the peripheral rim at a position interior to the peripheral rim. A top wall extends from the top end of the indentation to the peripheral rim, the top wall forming an overhang.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Timothy A. Bachman, Tana Clare, Andrew Serbinski
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Patent number: 6699209Abstract: A foot splint for securing a heel and toes of the foot in an extended position comprising an elongated rigid plate including an elevated proximal region and an elevated distal region and an upper surface and a lower surface. At least one elongated member extends from the periphery of the plate for securing a mid-portion of the foot to the upper surface such that the elevated distal region elevates the toes and elevated proximal region elevates the heel of the foot for stretching the plantar fascia of the foot.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: MedAssist-OP, Inc.Inventor: Craig H. Turtzo
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Patent number: 6699210Abstract: A glaucoma shunt including first and second porous regions laminated together, and a third region having edge areas fused to edge areas of the second region so as to form a hollow reservoir therebetween. Also included is a catheter having a first end sandwiched between the second and third regions and a second end to be implanted into an anterior region of an eye. A method of making and surgically implanting such a glaucoma shunt is also included.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1999Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: The Arizona Board of RegentsInventors: Stuart K. Williams, Robert Snyder
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Patent number: 6699211Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for treating glaucoma is described herein. A device for directing aqueous humor from an anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal comprises a seton, and may further comprise a pump operatively connected to the seton. The seton conducts aqueous directly from the anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal so that it can drain directly into the aqueous veins leading to the venous circulation. The seton for lowering intraocular pressure of an associated eye comprises a first tube adapted to be inserted into an associated anterior chamber of the eye; and, two wing tubes extending from the first tube. The two wing tubes are adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. The two wing tubes and the first tube form a substantially continuous passageway, such that aqueous humor flows from the anterior chamber into Schlemm's canal through the substantially continuous passageway.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: James A. Savage
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Patent number: 6699212Abstract: Control apparatus for an ultrasonic phacoemulsification handpiece utilizes flow rates and temperature measurements as well as power provided to a handpiece for calculating a matrix of power level duty cycle combination that would not generate sufficient heat to create a burn in eye tissue and either prevent operation of handpiece in the matrix or alert a surgeon of such use.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Advanced Medical OpticsInventors: Kenneth E. Kadziauskas, Paul W. Rockley
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Patent number: 6699213Abstract: A prophylactic device for protecting the diaphragm of a pump, such as a diaphragm pump for a breastpump, from fluid (air/milk) is disclosed. A removably mounted flexible cover is located between the shell of the pump and the movable diaphragm membrane within the shell which isolates the membrane from fluid. The cover is removable for at least one of cleaning and disposal. The flexible membrane has a circumferential rim upon which the cover is received over the rim. The shell has an internal opening defined therein sized to encompass the rim with the cover mounted on the rim in a substantially airtight fit. The cover thereby forms a gasket between the rim and shell.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Medela Holding AGInventors: Larry D. Annis, Brian H. Silver, Michael Dettling
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Patent number: 6699214Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a shear-sensitive injectable material into the body of a mammal, such as a human being, acts as a mechanical feed that continuously mixes a shear-sensitive injectable material as it delivers the shear-sensitive injectable material to a target tissue, or to a site adjacent a target tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the delivery system comprises an injector system including a rotatable mixing member coupled to a driving system. The injector system comprises a housing defining a lumen and having an output end and a driving system connection end and includes a rotatable mixing member for coupling to the driving system and for mixing and delivering the shear-sensitive injectable material. The driving system comprises a drive mechanism, an actuator capable of actuating the drive mechanism, and an interfacing member coupled to the drive mechanism for coupling with the mixing member to rotate the mixing member when the interfacing member is driven by the drive mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventor: Barry N. Gellman
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Patent number: 6699215Abstract: A mixing/charging port for medical treatment capable of reliably absorbing air bubbles. The mixing/charging port for medical treatment includes a disc-like valve having an insertion hole at the center, a seating for supporting the lower part of the periphery of the valve with the center of the rear surface side of the valve not supported, and a cover for restraining the valve by covering at least the upper part of the periphery of the valve with the center on the front side surface of the valve left uncovered, wherein a fitting hole defined by an inner periphery of the cover works as an anchor for anchoring an insertion body to the mixing/charging port by fitting the insertion body to the fitting hole when the insertion body is inserted into the insertion hole; and the tip of the depressed part of the valve is brought into contact against the inner bottom surface of the seating when the valve is depressed by the insertion member.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ryoji Fujii
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Patent number: 6699216Abstract: This invention concerns a method of improving kidney function, whereby a negative pressure is induced in the kidney. One embodiment useful in this regard comprises a balloon catheter having at least one lumen therethrough where the proximal end of the lumen is connected to a vacuum source.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventor: Edward F. Ikeguchi
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Patent number: 6699217Abstract: The present invention is a safety shield assembly having a shield and a collar for connecting the shield to a fluid handling device whereby the shield may be pivoted with respect to the collar. Preferably, the safety shield assembly may be used with a needle assembly, an intravenous infusion set a syringe, a catheter or other fluid handling devices or assemblies that contain piercing elements. The shield includes a clip with a plurality of cannula finger locks for preventing re-exposure of the used needle.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Michael Bennett, Jamieson William Maclean Crawford, C. Mark Newby
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Patent number: 6699218Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a patient including a passageway having a proximal fluid transport tube, a distal fluid transport tube, and a tubular expansion member coupling the fluid transport tubes. A penetrating member is positioned within the expansion member for axial movement between the fluid transport tubes, and has a sharpened distal tip. The device also includes a dispenser for causing fluid from a reservoir to flow to the proximal fluid transport tube, a housing containing the dispenser and the passageway and including an exit port receiving the distal fluid transport tube, and a connecting member secured to the penetrating member. The connecting member is movable by a user from an exterior of the housing and arranged such that movement causes the penetrating member to move between an extended position for subcutaneously inserting the distal fluid transport tube into a patient, and a retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Insulet CorporationInventors: J. Christopher Flaherty, John T. Garibotto
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Patent number: 6699219Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivery of an injection fluid to a patient generally includes a pump system to pressurize the injection fluid, a patient interface in removable fluid connection with the pump system, and a connector in fluid connection between the pump system and the patient interface. The pump system is connected to an inlet of the connector, and the patient interface is removably connected to an outlet of the connector. The connector includes a sealing member at least partly disposed within a housing of the connector that is biased to close the outlet when the patient interface is removed.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Medrad, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Emig, Klaus Urich, Frederick Trombley, III, Joseph B. Havrilla, Edward J. Rhinehart, Gerald W. Callan
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Patent number: 6699220Abstract: An injector pack has a box which houses in separate positions a firing mechanism and a syringe housing. The firing mechanism has safe and cocked conditions and as it is located in the box it is constrained to adopt the safe condition by a sleeve grip being held against rotation while a protruding barrel co-operates with cams to rotate it. The firing mechanism when removed can be screwed by its barrel to the rear end of the syringe housing while that is held by the box, and then the whole injector can be withdrawn for use. The syringe is made operable by rotating the barrel to the cocked condition. Pressing the grip forwards then releases a plunger to act on the syringe. The previous retraction of the plunger can be done using a pillar formation upstanding within the box and over which the barrel can be sleeved.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Owen Mumford LimitedInventor: Steven Mark Guy Rolfe