Patents Issued in July 24, 2007
  • Patent number: 7247117
    Abstract: A drive axle, in particular an industrial truck drive axle, has an electric motor (2), a differential (4) of a traction drive, which differential is oriented coaxially with the electric motor, and a planetary gear set (3) that is connected between the electric motor (2) and the differential (4). To reduce the effort and expense required to construct the drive axle, the electric motor (2) can be connected in a drive connection by means of a coupling device (5) that is in an operative connection with the planetary gear set (3), with the traction drive, and/or with a work drive. The electric motor (2) can thereby feed a work drive alternatively or in addition to the traction drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Franz Forster
  • Patent number: 7247118
    Abstract: A limited slip differential device has differential gears, a clutch to limit the differential function of the differential gears, and a electromagnetic solenoid including a plunger and a coil. The plunger is set to move forward to engage the clutch by electromagnetic force of the coil in a differential limit state and move backward by a return spring to disengage said clutch in a differential limitless state. The plunger contacts with a contacting member in at least one state of the differential limit state and the differential limitless state, and their contact area is set smaller than a facing area between them in at least the one state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., GKN Driveline Torque Technology KK
    Inventors: Yuya Haruki, Masaaki Fusegi
  • Patent number: 7247119
    Abstract: A power transmission for use in a powertrain has an input shaft, an output shaft, an input planetary gearset, and an output planetary gearset. The planetary gearsets are controlled through the selective engagement of seven torque-transmitting mechanisms, three of which are rotating-type torque-transmitting mechanisms and four of which are stationary-type torque-transmitting mechanisms. By selective engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanisms in combinations of three, the input planetary gearset and the output planetary gearset are combined to establish eight forward speed ratios between the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Andres
  • Patent number: 7247120
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and three interconnecting members. The powertrain includes an engine that is selectively connectable to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the input shaft and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7247121
    Abstract: A position sensor for an automatic transmission has multiple switches, each of which generates “ON” or “OFF” signal depending on a selected position of a shift lever. Signal patterns (“ON” and “OFF” signals) of the normal operation are memorized as a map of signal patterns in a first memory portion. A second memory portion memorizes the respective signal patterns at the respective selected positions of the shift lever. The signal pattern and the change of the signal patterns in the second memory portion are compared with those memorized as the map of the signal pattern in the first memory portion, and determines that a malfunction has occurred in the position sensor, if at least one of the signal patterns and the changes of the signal patterns does not coincide with any of those memorized the map of the signal pattern. The malfunction of the position sensor can be surely detected at an earlier stage of operation of the shift lever for the automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Takagi
  • Patent number: 7247122
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hydrostatic drive work machine, and a method and control module having a control algorithm for performing a downshifting event in the work machine. The method includes the step of inducing a retarded mode in the work machine, if upon commanding a downshift the work machine is not in a retarded mode. The method further includes the steps of adjusting a displacement of each of a variable displacement pump and a variable displacement motor in a hydrostatic drive of the work machine, and increasing pressure on a low clutch of the work machine. The control algorithm includes means for inducing a retarded mode in the work machine, if the work machine is not in a retarded mode upon commanding a downshift, with at least one of a variable displacement motor and a variable displacement pump in a hydrostatic drive of the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Vaibhav H. Shah
  • Patent number: 7247123
    Abstract: A system for controlling an idle-stop vehicle includes an ECU which carries out idle stop when the idle-stop permission conditions are established, and engine restart and engagement of a forward clutch when the idle-stop release conditions are established after engine stop. The ECU is so programmed as to estimate a heat generation amount of the forward clutch at engine restart after idle stop, permit next idle stop when the heat generation amount is smaller than a first set value, permit next idle stop, after a lapse of a predetermined time, when the heat generation amount is equal to or greater than the first set value and equal to or smaller than a second set value which is greater than the first set value, and prohibit next idle stop when the heat generation amount is greater than the second set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Jatco, Ltd
    Inventors: Isamu Ohtake, Yoshiaki Katou
  • Patent number: 7247124
    Abstract: An automated method for controlling a vehicle having an engine and a transmission includes sensing knock activity in the engine. A transmission ratio applicable to the transmission is selected based on the sensed knock activity. This method allows a vehicle to be operated in a fuel-efficient manner while knock-sensitive operating conditions are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Goro Tamai
  • Patent number: 7247125
    Abstract: A device and method for fluid delivery in a continuously variable transmission that includes a valve assembly, configured to distribute a fluid, having a first position and a second position. A forward clutch, a reverse clutch, and a torque converter are connected to the valve assembly. The valve assembly in the first position regulates either the forward clutch or the reverse clutch and opens the torque converter. In the second position, the valve assembly closes the forward clutch or the reverse clutch and regulates the torque converter. A controller commands the valve assembly to the first position and detects if the valve assembly is stuck in the second position. The controller is able to detect the valve assembly stuck in the second position and attempt to unstuck it while the continuously variable transmission is in drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Herve Scelers
  • Patent number: 7247126
    Abstract: Whenever a 4 to 3 shift condition is satisfied during a 3 to 4 upshift, 4 to 3 shifting is started before the 3 to 4 shifting is finished. The 4 to 3 shifting is executed according to a predetermined hydraulic control pattern. Therefore, responsiveness in shifting is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyun Soo Shim, Byeong Wook Jeon
  • Patent number: 7247127
    Abstract: A method for shifting gears of a transmission of a vehicle, which, during a shift, a first shift element opens and a second shift element closes. To increase the spontaneity and reduce the shifting frequency a downshift from a first gear to a second gear is interrupted without delay and the first gear returned to when an interruption criterion is recognized. The interruption criterion is established when the driver upshifts before a current transmission input speed deviates from a synchronous speed of the first gear or before a time interval, which begins when the speed deviates from the synchronous speed of the first gear, has exceeded a predefined, time-related limit value or before the current transmission input speed has deviated from a synchronous speed of the first gear by a predefined, speed-related limit value or before a pressure of the first shift element falls below a pressure-related limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Christian Popp, Klaus Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 7247128
    Abstract: An exercise assisting instrument assists the user's knee-bending exercise, and lightens a burden and maintains safety of the user. It has a base 10, supporting columns 20, lifting mechanisms 30 consisting of lifting arms, lever arms 40, and a chair 50. A three-member linkage system is formed by the supporting columns 20 and the lifting mechanisms 30, so that the chair 50 may move upward and downward. Further, it is equipped with an upward movement assisting device 33, which provides a force in the raising direction to the hinge point 30a of the lifting arms, so that stand-up movement of the user is assisted and lightening the user's burden is possible. Moreover, a locking device 11 and a stopper 13 are equipped, so the user's safety may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Oga Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Oga
  • Patent number: 7247129
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming informational items such as outserts and booklets may include folding a sheet of paper having product information printed thereon by making a plurality of folds in the sheet of paper to form a first folded article; (b) making a fold in the first folded article to form a second folded article; (c) applying pressure at least about 30 psi and no greater than about 500 psi to the second folded article a first pressing unit having a pair of pressure rollers; and (d) making one or more folds in the second folded article to form an outsert using a third folding apparatus having a plurality of folding rollers having a nip therebetween and a movable blade member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: William C. Neubauer, Ilija Ilijevski, Roger Mattila
  • Patent number: 7247130
    Abstract: A method of forming a composite informational item having information regarding a pharmaceutical product printed thereon from a first informational item, such as a bidirectionally folded outsert or a booklet, and a second informational item, such as a bidirectionally folded outsert or a booklet, may comprise (a) forming the first informational item; (b) automatically conveying the first informational item from a location in a first feed apparatus to a bonding location; (c) providing a plurality of the second informational items in a second feed apparatus different than the first feed apparatus; (d) automatically depositing a releasable adhesive on a face of one of the informational items; (e) automatically conveying one of the second informational items from a location in the second feed apparatus to the bonding location; and (f) causing a face of the first informational item to make contact with a face of the second informational item so that the first informational item and the one second informational item
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: Roger B. Mattila, William C. Neubauer
  • Patent number: 7247131
    Abstract: The invention relates to a folding machine for the graphics industry. The machine has a folder, at least one pair of blade shafts following the folder, and a separate roll frame that supports the pair of blade shafts. In order to be able to perform changeover operations on the pair of blade shafts as ergonomically as possible without partial dismantling of the folding machine, the folding machine is equipped with a guide for the roll frame and with an actuating device (e.g., tooth rack, pinion, crank) for displacing the roll frame along the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Markus Belmann, Jürgen Kübler
  • Patent number: 7247132
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a flexible holding system for transporting piece goods, consisting of an outer envelope (1, 1?, 1?, 1??, 1??) and intermediate elements (2) which each consist of a flexible web material, which are connected to one another such that compartments (3, 3?, 3?, 3??, 3??) are formed within the envelope (1, 1?, 1?, 1??, 1??). In order to provide a process for the cost-favorable and time-saving production of a flexible holding system, it is proposed according to the invention that firstly a long continuous tubular envelope (1, 1?, 1?, 1??, 1??) with intermediate elements (13, 14, 2?, 13??, 14??, 19??) is made which is then divided transversely to the tube axis into at least two parts, so that at least two flexible holding systems result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: ConTeyor Multibag Systems N.V.
    Inventor: Patrick Hugenholtz
  • Patent number: 7247133
    Abstract: A decanter centrifuge has a hollow, rotatable drum with a screw conveyor comprising a core body (1), in which an inlet opening for material into the drum from an inlet chamber (3) is provided, the inlet opening having a delimitation surface (7) which is rear relative to the direction of rotation and extending substantially axially, said delimitation surface being provided with a wear reinforcement member (8). The wear reinforcement member extends along the rear delimitation surface (7) into the inlet chamber (3). The wear reinforcement member (8) is provided with abutment surfaces (11; 19) in abutment against abutment surfaces associated with the core body, which during operation prevents the wear reinforcement member (8) from moving tangentially forwards in the in the direction of rotation and radially out of the core body (1). At least one of said abutment surfaces associated with the core body (1) is constituted by a removable blocking member (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Copenhagen A/S
    Inventors: Erland Gronnegaard, Jacob Hyldegaard
  • Patent number: 7247134
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning an implantable device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device alters the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve. The implantable device may alter the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve by applying an inward force and/or by circumferential shortening (cinching). The shape change of the heart wall acting on the valve is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example, to reduce regurgitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Myocor, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Vidlund, Craig Ekvall, David Kusz, Cyril J. Schweich, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7247135
    Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus has a light source, a luminance calculator, a controller, and a brightness adjuster. The light source illuminates an object. The luminance calculator calculates a luminance level indicating a brightness of an object image on the basis of image-pixel signals corresponding to the object image. The controller calculates and outputs a manipulated value in accordance with a luminance-difference between the luminance level and a reference luminance level indicating a standard brightness of the object image. The controller sets a non-sensitive band including a standard point corresponding to the reference luminance level. The brightness adjuster adjusts the brightness of the object image in accordance with the manipulated value. When the manipulated value is inside the non-sensitive band, the controller outputs a non-activating manipulated value so as not to activate the brightness adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Iriyama
  • Patent number: 7247136
    Abstract: A medical monitor is disclosed for implantation in a human body for monitoring biological activity and states as detected by implanted sensors. The medical monitor includes at least one hard disk drive. A transmitter and receiver produces and receives signals. The medical monitor is in communication with the sensors, by which information on biological activity and states is stored on the at least one disk drive. An enclosure surrounds the at least one hard disk drive. An alert mechanism which is used to signal the user of medical and maintenance conditions is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands, B.V.
    Inventors: Norbert Feliss, Donald Ray Gillis, Karl Arthur Flechsig
  • Patent number: 7247137
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring skin permeable gas, which can be used to obtain clinical information by noninvasive and bloodless operations and are useful for in-home medical care and health management. The device for collecting skin permeable gas includes a cylindrical member including a spiral groove, a cover disposed on the upper surface of the cylindrical member, a gas-introducing section connected to the cover, a gas delivery section connected to the cover, and a sealing member for sealing the groove of the cylindrical member and for maintaining air contained in the groove at a predetermined temperature. After components in the air maintained at a predetermined temperature are analyzed, the sealing member is detached from the cylindrical member and the cylindrical member from which the sealing member is detached is then brought into intimate contact with skin of a subject to collect the skin permeable gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Tsuda, Ken Naitoh, Kazutoshi Nose
  • Patent number: 7247138
    Abstract: A reusable analyte sensor site for use with a replaceable analyte sensor for determining a level of an analyte includes a site housing material and a resealable insertion site coupled to one end of the site housing material. Preferably, the site housing material is formed to have an interior cavity with an opening. The site housing material is selected to promote tissue ingrowth and vascularization, and yet be free of tissue ingress. Also, the site housing material permits the analyte to pass through the site housing material to the interior cavity to permit measurement by the replaceable analyte sensor. The resealable insertion site provides a for inserting the replaceable analyte sensor into the interior cavity of the site housing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Bahar Reghabi, Rajiv Shah, Eunjoo Jin, Rebecca Gottlieb, Michael E. Miller, Nannette M. Van Antwerp, Bradley J. Enegren, William P. Van Antwerp, John J. Mastrototaro
  • Patent number: 7247139
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing voice control of a device, an ultrasound device for example. One embodiment of the present invention comprises an apparatus for providing voice control of the ultrasound device having a plurality of features. The apparatus comprises a memory device adapted to store a plurality of voice commands for controlling the ultrasound device, where the plurality of voice commands has at least two different voice commands that active a single feature of the ultrasound device; a selection module adapted to selecting at least one of the at least two different voice commands; and a translator module adapted to derive a signal from the selected voice command and transmit it to the ultrasound device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Laurence M. Yudkovitch, Farshid Farrokhnia, Richard Chiao
  • Patent number: 7247140
    Abstract: A product dispenser incorporating radiation sensor preferably for ultra violet radiation and preferably with an alarm or notification mechanism which provides indications of ultra violet radiation levels and which may activate the alarm and notification mechanism and/or the product dispenser having regard to ultra violet radiation levels sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Gotohti.com Inc.
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • Patent number: 7247141
    Abstract: A method for medically employing ultrasound within a body cavity of a patient. An end effector is obtained having a medical ultrasound transducer assembly. A biocompatible hygroscopic substance is obtained having a non-expanded anhydrous state and having an expanded and fluidly-loculated hydrated state. The end effector, including the transducer assembly, and the substance in substantially its anhydrous state are inserted into a body cavity (such as endoscopically inserted into a uterus) of a patient. The transducer assembly is used to medically image and/or medically treat patient tissue (such as stopping blood flow to, and/or ablating, a uterine fibroid). A system for medically employing ultrasound includes the end effector and the substance. In another system, the end effector includes the substance. The substance in its hydrated state expands inside the body cavity providing acoustic coupling between the wall of the body cavity and the transducer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Inder Raj S. Makin, Yoav Avidor, Michael H. Slayton, Peter G. Barthe
  • Patent number: 7247142
    Abstract: Techniques for diagnosing peripheral vascular disease using oxygen saturation are provided. Changes in oxygen saturation in tissue during recovery from induced ischemia are measured. The changes are then utilized to diagnose whether a patient has peripheral vascular disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Elmandjra, William O'Keefe, Jian Min Mao, Robin Bush, Linda Christenson
  • Patent number: 7247143
    Abstract: A cuff for measuring volume and change in volume of a body appendage includes a hollow, rigid tube having an inner surface; and a bladder having an inner surface and an outer surface, the ends of the bladder being sealed to the ends of the tube to create an enclosed internal volume between the inner surface of the bladder and the inner surface of the tube and an external volume defined by the outer surface of the bladder and surrounded by the internal volume, the bladder having a normal, relaxed state, in which the internal volume is filled with a fluid and a retracted state in which the fluid is evacuated from the internal volume. Two stiffener ribs placed on the inner surface of the bladder, parallel to each other and to the lengthwise axis of the tube at diametrically opposite positions. A plurality of emitters and detectors arranged in a linear array are embedded in one of the ribs, so as to emit and detect light through the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hema Metrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry N. Law, Douglas L. Cox, David R. Miller, David A. Bell
  • Patent number: 7247144
    Abstract: A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel S. Douglas, Jeffrey N. Roe, Ryszard Radwanski, Brent G. Duchon
  • Patent number: 7247145
    Abstract: An improved treatment apparatus and method of using in which the device has plural protruding contact elements, each preferably having an undulating contact surface with one or more peaks. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of contact elements are positioned spaced apart from one another in columns. In another device an elongated single column is provided. Mounting brackets are provided that enable a user to position the device easily and to adjust mounting straps and/or belts to a particular body shape. In one example, the device may include bracket apertures into which mounting brackets can be positioned. In another aspect of the invention, adjustable buckles and/or binders are provided can be used to adjust the length of the straps and secure the device to the wearer in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Studio Moderna SA
    Inventors: Toni Kancilja, Stef Harley, Sandi {hacek over (C)}e{hacek over (s)}ko
  • Patent number: 7247146
    Abstract: The invention relates to support element (4) comprising a main body (6) having a front wall (25) and a peripheral wall (32) projecting away from the front wall. The front wall and the peripheral wall define a housing compartment (33) designed to receive a fluid distribution circuitry cooperating with a treatment unit for defining an integrated blood treatment module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Claudio Tonelli, Vincenzo Baraldi, Massimo Zaccarelli, Annalisa Delnevo, Francesco Ribolzi, Jacques Chevallet, Jacques Duchamp, Aziz Aberkane, Gabriel Meyssonnier, Dominique Pouchoulin
  • Patent number: 7247147
    Abstract: The medical balloon catheter of the present invention comprises a catheter shaft composed of a distal end shaft and a proximal end shaft and a balloon on the distal end of the distal end shaft, wherein the proximal end shaft is composed of a single member and the distal end portion of the proximal end shaft is lower in rigidity than the other parts thereof. The present invention also provides a medical balloon catheter having a structure in which a tube for passing a guidewire inside thereof is arranged so as to pass inside the balloon and the balloon and tube are fused together in the vicinity of the distal end of the catheter, wherein the ratio of the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion on the distal end side of the tube to the outer diameter of the proximal end portion is no less than 0.85.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Takuji Nishide, Kohei Fukaya, Masato Hashiba
  • Patent number: 7247148
    Abstract: The present invention provides a protector and an indwelling needle assembly which are capable of accommodating a needle tip of a used needle body by a simple operation to ensure a high level of safety during needle disposal or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takato Murashita
  • Patent number: 7247149
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a needle to contact and penetrate tissue. The apparatus also includes a device coupled to the needle, wherein the device detects the needle contacting the tissue, and measures depth of tissue penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dagmar Bettina Beyerlein
  • Patent number: 7247150
    Abstract: An anchoring system includes a simply-structured device which permits a portion of a catheter tube or similar medical article to be easily anchored to a patient, desirably without the use of tape or needles and suturing. A unitary retainer desirably includes a base connected to a cover by way of a flexible hinge. The retainer is attached to a flexible anchor pad including an adhesive bottom surface, which can be attached to the patient's skin. A catheter is secured to a fitting, which in turn mounts to the retainer. Mounting the fitting to the retainer can be accomplished by inserting posts of the retainer through holes of the fitting, or by mounting the fitting within a channel defined by mounting structures integral to the retainer. The cover is then positioned over the base, by bending the flexible hinge, and latched to the base. Several embodiments of the latching mechanism are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Venetec International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven F. Bierman
  • Patent number: 7247151
    Abstract: The present invention provides an injector device that can be used to inject a medicament. The injector device includes a body having a syringe cavity and incorporating a syringe. The syringe includes a barrel defining a reservoir for an injectable medicament and an injection needle is in communication with the reservoir such that the medicament content in the reservoir can be expelled from the reservoir via the needle. The syringe includes an internal piston which can be moved in an injecting direction along inside the barrel toward the needle to inject the medicament content through the needle. The syringe is slidably moveable within the syringe cavity in the body between a first configuration in which the needle has its point shielded, and a second configuration in which the needle is exposed for use for an injection to be administered, and back again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Adam Slawson
  • Patent number: 7247152
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is disclosed that is partially defined by a pair of longitudinally extending side edges and a pair of end edges extending between the side edges, and includes a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The disposable absorbent article also has a pair of side wall structures each having a pair of oppositely positioned end portions. A first side wall structure extends generally longitudinally between the core and one of the side edges and the other side wall structure extends generally longitudinal between the core and the other side edge. Further, an end strip constructed from an elastic material is positioned substantially adjacent each one of the end edges, and extends laterally between the side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Associated Hygienic Products LLC
    Inventors: Walter V. Klemp, Paul M. Ducker, Daniel D. Gardner, Jr., Scott W. Sneed
  • Patent number: 7247153
    Abstract: Cannula with protection cap for medical infusion lines and the like, comprising a hollow body provided at one end with a female luer lock connector and at the other end with an axial tubular ferrule. The hollow body and the protection cap are provided with respective formations for mutual torsional coupling acting in the direction of rotation corresponding to the unscrewing of the female luer lock connector relative to a male luer lock connector of the medical line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Industrie Borla S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianni Guala
  • Patent number: 7247154
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for facilitating medical and/or procedures that are performed without “general anesthesia,” which is also described in the specification as the state of patient “unconsciousness” resulting from a drug administered by an anesthetist or anesthesiologist. The methods safely and effectively provide and maintain drug infusions that do not push the patient into unconsciousness and/or general anesthesia. Methods according to certain embodiments of the invention include the use of parameters and/or values that correlate to drug delivery during a procedure, and a patient health monitor to measure and send signals regarding a patient health condition to a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Scott Laboratories, Inc
    Inventor: Randall S. Hickle
  • Patent number: 7247155
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to liver, lung, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Hoey, Mark A. Christopherson, Steven M. Goetz
  • Patent number: 7247156
    Abstract: A humeral nail for the surgical care of fractures of the proximal humerus, with a shaft which has a longitudinal axis and is provided in a proximal portion with at least transverse bores spaced apart in the axial direction. The axis of the three bores are circumferentially offset in respect to each other in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The nail is provided with at least two additional transverse bores in a portion located towards the distal end of the nail, the proximal transverse bore running diagonally to the longitudinal axis and being located in the same plane as is the axis of the additional transverse bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma GmbH
    Inventors: Carl Ekholm, Anders Jonsson, Nils Zander
  • Patent number: 7247157
    Abstract: An implant for osteosynthesis, for example a bone nail, has an implant body which has at least one bore with a threaded portion and a bone screw which engages the thread when it is threaded into a bone for the fixation of the implant body. The threaded bore has an annular groove the diameter of which is larger than the thread outer diameter, and which receives a ring of a deformable material with an inner diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the thread of the bone screw so that the ring extends partially into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma GmbH
    Inventors: Ronald Prager, Nils Zander
  • Patent number: 7247158
    Abstract: An improved acetabular impactor, especially suitable for use in minimally invasive hip surgeries, is disclosed. The impactor is simple in design and operation and spatially optimized. In particular, the impactor is designed to remotely detach the acetabular shell from the impactor using one handed operation and have the capability to be used with different sized acetabular shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian R. Harris, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7247159
    Abstract: A vascular occlusive device, such as an embolic coil, having thrombogenic fibers extending from the coil and having an outer barrier which encapsulates and flattens the fibers along the sides of the embolic coil for preventing activation of the coil until the outer barrier has been dissolved, or removed, from the embolic coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Cordis Neurovascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan A. Lorenzo, Mark L. Pomeranz, Darren Sherman
  • Patent number: 7247160
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for percutaneously implanting objects, such as radioactive seeds or markers, in patients. In one embodiment, a device for percutaneously implanting an object in a patient includes a handle, a cannula projecting outwardly from the handle, and an actuator movably disposed relative to the handle. In one aspect of this embodiment, the cannula can be configured to releasably hold the object and percutaneously penetrate the patient. In another aspect of this embodiment, the actuator can be operably connected to the cannula and operable to move the cannula relative to the handle and release the object within the patient. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the cannula can include a tip portion having a restriction configured to releasably hold the object for implantation in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Calypso Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Seiler, Eric Hadford
  • Patent number: 7247161
    Abstract: A powered surgical apparatus can be used with a source of irrigation fluid and a source of suction. The powered surgical apparatus can include a cutting blade assembly and a handle. The handle can include an upper portion defining a distal section connectable to the cutting blade assembly and a lower portion extending downwardly from the upper portion. The handle can be connectable to the source of irrigation fluid and the source of suction. The system can also include a manually actuable input device that provides at least one signal relevant to at least one operation of the system, and a controller that receives the at least one input signal and provides an output signal to perform the at least one operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Gyrus ENT L.L.C.
    Inventors: Constance Elaine Johnston, Phillip Andrew Ryan, Carrie Deanne Mills, Perry Robin Mykleby, Andrew Christopher Burroughs, Benjamin Leo Rush, Tasos George Karahalios, Jacob Shieffelin Brauer
  • Patent number: 7247162
    Abstract: An atherectomy device comprising cannula systems having lumens adapted for insertion of a blood filter and an atherectomy catheter useful for performing atherectomy directly on a patient's cardiovascular tissue. Other embodiments include a lumen for arterial perfusion useful in providing oxygenated blood to the aorta during cardiopulmonary bypass. The distal end of the atherectomy catheter includes an assembly that comprises a pincer, a loop with or without a mesh, laser, hydraulics, or other suitable mechanism adapted for removing atheroma from a cardiac or vascular tissue. Methods of using the systems for vascular atherectomy are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Thornton
  • Patent number: 7247163
    Abstract: The invention provides an air cushion unit (4) for use in conjunction with a compression device for stopping bleeding from puncture wounds. The air cushion unit (4) comprises a base plate (5), an inflatable air cushion (6), which is attached to the base plate (5), and an internal telescopic guide (7), the first end of which is attached to the base plate (5) and the second end of which is attached to the top of the air cushion (6). Throughout the pressurizing of the inflatable air cushion (6), the length of the telescopic guide (7) corresponds to the degree of expansion of the air cushion (6), thereby providing an internal support for the air cushion unit (4), which eliminates undesired, irregular movements of the air cushion (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Radiamedical Systems AB
    Inventor: Dan Åkerfeldt
  • Patent number: 7247164
    Abstract: An innovative bone anchor and methods for securing connective tissue, such as tendons, to bone are disclosed which permit a suture attachment which lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface, and wherein the suturing material between the connective tissue and the bone anchor is oriented in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bone anchor, so that axial pull-out forces exerted on the bone anchor are minimized. The suture attachment to the bone anchor involves the looping of a substantial length of suturing material around a shaft of the anchor, thereby avoiding an eyelet connection which requires a knot and which concentrates stress on a very small portion of the suturing material. Thus, failure rates are greatly decreased over conventional techniques, and the inventive procedures are significantly easier to perform than conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Ritchart, Seth A. Foerster
  • Patent number: 7247165
    Abstract: A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Radiant Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Machold, Nicole Denise Bloom, Alex T. Roth, Dave J. Scott, Jose Alejandro, Edward A. Oliver
  • Patent number: 7247166
    Abstract: An expandable stent for implanting in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen includes cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. The distal and proximal end ring have peaks that extend longitudinally when the stent is radially expanded. The end ring extensions reduce the likelihood of the development of peri-stent restenosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Carla Rosa Pienknagura