Patents Issued in November 20, 2007
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Patent number: 7297124Abstract: A massage device comprising two compression rods on a stable base with a cushioned circumferential barrier to properly position the user's head. When activated, an internal motor moves the two rods together to provide cranial massage to the user. Additional user controls or heating can be included.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Jorge Fernandez
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Patent number: 7297125Abstract: A chest brace and method of using same that prevents the chest wall from buckling inwards during patient breathing by providing a distending force on the patient's thorax. The chest brace also restores the normal anterior-to-posterior chest dimensions by providing a distending force in this direction. The chest brace includes an anterior member adapted to overly a patient's chest. An adhesive mechanism secures the anterior member to a surface of such a patient. A support structure is coupled to the anterior member such that, in use, the support structure imparts a force on the anterior member in a manner so as to distend a thorax of such a patient.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventors: Charles Palmer, Jerome Matula, Jr., Lance Busch, Eugene N. Scarberry
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Patent number: 7297126Abstract: A portable massager adaptable for foot and wrist applications. An elongated resonator plate is formed from a plurality of contiguous hollow flutes oriented in a longitudinal direction. One or more vibrator cutouts are provided in the resonator plate, passing from its upper side to its lower side. A vibrator, preferably capable of operating from low voltage DC, nests within each cutout. A lower sheet covers the lower side of the resonator plate and lower face of the vibrator. An upper sheet accommodates the upper face of the vibrator and covers at least a portion of the upper side of the resonator plate. Top and bottom vinyl covers encase the massager construction. A vibrator control switch may be included in the power line extending from an external electrical connector to the vibrator. The massager may be powered by a wall transformer or by alternative mobile power sources.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Gary W. Kries
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Patent number: 7297127Abstract: A cervical immobilization device is disclosed and includes at least one and, preferably, at least two opposite arms that can be folded between a flat and an upright position to engage and support a patient's head. A reversible actuating device folds the arms to the supporting position, and can lock the arms in the folded supporting position. Alternatively, a locking device for locking the position of the arms in the folded supporting position can be provided. The reversible actuating device can be coupled to the arms for folding the arms to an upright position symmetrically and uniformly. In one embodiment, the reversible actuating device is a flexible member that passes around a guide to a position which can be gripped by the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Ambu Inc.Inventors: Freddy T. Lee, Sanjay H. Parikh, Ronald M. Rudy, Jr., Thomas Murphy
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Patent number: 7297128Abstract: A multi-layer wrap, for providing more comfortable gel treatment to skin while providing orthopedic support having a first layer of gel for contacting the skin and a second layer of an elastic and supportive loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, the wrap allowing for migration of moisture away from the skin. The wrap can be used as part of a suspension sleeve for use during arm surgery or post-operative recovery. The product is economically manufactured in the form of long rolls or as a sheet and is easily cut to any desired shape.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Gelzone, Inc.Inventors: William J. Binder, Edward C. Leicht
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Patent number: 7297129Abstract: An object of invention is to display necessary information on a screen and display predicted information obtained by predicting the progression of the necessary information. In a bed-side information system, a body information monitor 11 measures arterial blood pressures of a patient 14. The body information monitor 11 measures systolic arterial blood pressures and diastolic arterial blood pressures, and calculates average values thereof. A Hematocrit monitor 12 calculates Hematocrit, change blood volume rate, and Venous Blood Oxygen Saturation. The body information monitor 11 transmits arterial blood pressure information to a desktop PC 15 and the Hematocrit monitor 12 transmits Hematocrit, change blood volume rate, and Venous Blood Oxygen Saturation to the desktop PC 15. The desktop PC 15 displays arterial blood pressure, Hematocrit, change blood volume rate, and Plasma Refilling Rate on a screen of a display using these information items.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Yohsuke Kinouchi, Yasuhiro Kuroda, Masatake Akutagawa, Toshiya Okahisa, Yoshiaki Ohnishi
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Patent number: 7297130Abstract: Surgical methods and related devices for treating glaucoma are described. The methods include trabecular bypass surgery, which involve bypassing diseased trabecular meshwork with a seton implant. The implant is used to limit a healing process known as filling in, which has a tendency to close surgically created openings in the trabecular meshwork. In addition to bypassing the diseased trabecular meshwork, existing outflow pathways are also used or restored. The seton implant is positioned through the trabecular meshwork so that an inlet end of the seton implant is exposed to the anterior chamber of the eye and an outlet end is positioned into fluid collection channels at about an exterior surface of the trabecular meshwork or up to the level of aqueous veins.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Glaukos CorporationInventors: Olav B. Bergheim, Morteza (Mory) Gharib
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Patent number: 7297131Abstract: An ultrasound system has a catheter including an elongate flexible catheter body having at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. The catheter further includes an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter body, the ultrasound transmission member having a proximal end connectable to a separate ultrasound generating device and a distal end coupled to the distal end of the catheter body. The distal end of the catheter body is deflectable. The ultrasound system also includes a sonic connector that connects the ultrasound transmission member to an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound system also provides a method for reverse irrigation and removal of particles.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Flowcardia Inc.Inventor: Henry Nita
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Patent number: 7297132Abstract: A shape memory shutter device for controlling the rectum of a disabled person, comprises a section of conduit to be connected to the rectum of the disabled person, and a shutter which controls the passage through the conduit section and actuated by a shape memory actuator. The shutter comprises a plurality of petals positioned circumferentially around the conduit section and able to move between a closed and an open position. The actuator comprises shape memory wires associated to the petals which are supplied with electrical current to cause opening of the petals.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per AzioniInventors: Piero Perlo, Valentina Grasso
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Patent number: 7297133Abstract: A surgical irrigation system is suitable for endoscopic and other surgical procedures. A hand held handpiece has a forward protruding hollow tip for supplying irrigation liquid to a surgical site, a hand actuable control for controlling irrigation liquid flow to the tip, and an irrigation liquid inlet. A self contained pumping unit is locatable adjacent a source of irrigation liquid and remote from the handpiece. The pumping unit comprises a housing containing an outlet for irrigation liquid, a pumping member for pumping irrigation liquid through the outlet, a motor for driving the pumping member, and an electric battery assembly for energizing the motor. An elongate tube connects the pumping outlet to the handpiece irrigation liquid inlet for supplying pumped irrigation liquid to the handpiece.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Stryker CorporationInventors: Charles L. Nelson, Heber Saravia, John Nguyen, William P. Pennybacker
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Patent number: 7297134Abstract: A catheter assembly and method includes a multi-lumen portion having a guide wire lumen and an inflation/deployment lumen. The guide wire lumen includes a distal guide wire lumen portion having a rapid exchange guide wire port, and a proximal guide wire lumen portion rotatable to selectively expose the rapid exchange guide wire port. The inflation/deployment lumen includes a rotatable seal which facilitates rotation of the proximal guide wire lumen portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.Inventor: Mike Krivoruchko
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Patent number: 7297135Abstract: A fluid filled cartridge having a fixed needle and a piston assembly for expression of its contents is mounted inside an applicator. In order to extend the needle from the body prior to cartridge contents expression and without premature leakage of fluid therefrom, an actuator is mounted in the body to drive the cartridge forwards. This is accomplished by co-operating driving and driven parts of the actuator and the cartridge (or any carrier it may have) which are decoupled by release formations in the applicator body after the cartridge has been moved sufficiently to extend the needle. The applicator also includes provision for automatic needle retraction after cartridge contents expression. A separate inventive feature is the deformability of the piston so that force transmission to the trigger means to initiate needle retraction only occurs upon full content expression when the piston has “bottomed out” within the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Safe-T LimitedInventor: Peter Jeffrey
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Patent number: 7297136Abstract: A reloadable medicine injector and methods are described in which a barrel with a receiving cavity is adapted to slidably receive a syringe subassembly for axial movement therein. Upon removal of a safety and release of a syringe driver, the syringe driver moves forward and injects the syringe needle. A plurality of penetration controls are shown for controlling injection needle penetration depth. The penetration controls have an abutment and various lengths to provide different needle penetration depth positions. In one form of penetration control a sleeve is used against which the syringe or related parts contact. In another form the front return spring is used as a penetration control. A cushioning ring may be used to reduce syringe breakage. A load distribution and guide ring may be used to distribute loading applied to the syringe and help guide the moving syringe.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Ronald E. Wyrick
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Patent number: 7297137Abstract: A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Alcon, Inc.Inventors: Raphael Gordon, Michael D. Morgan
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Patent number: 7297138Abstract: An infusion set comprises a base member (60), an introducer cap (64), and an infusion cap (54). The base member (60) preferably comprises a soft cannula (52) extending from a lower side (118) of the base member (60), and a port (62) on an upper side (92) thereof. The port (62) is configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula (52). The port (62) also comprises a septum (130) adapted to seal the port (62) against unwanted fluid flow. The introducer cap (64) is adapted to be mounted to the base member (60) and has a needle (66) adapted to extend through the septum (130) and said soft cannula (52) in an assembled position. The infusion cap (54) comprises a lumen (160) adapted to receive an elongate flexible tube (162). The infusion cap (54) also comprises a hard cannula (170) adapted to be inserted through the septum (130) and to place said soft cannula (52) in fluid communication with said lumen (160).Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
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Patent number: 7297139Abstract: A refastenable absorbent garment comprises a body panel comprising a non-woven material, and preferably a non-woven spunbond material having a pattern of discrete bonded areas. The body panel has a non-elasticized area. A hook-type fastener member comprises a high-density array of hooks with a hook density of at least about 60 hooks per square centimeter. At least a portion of the array of hooks is engaged with the non-woven material at the non-elasticized area of the body panel. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, between about 5% and 25% of the non-woven spunbond material comprises the bonded area. In another preferred embodiment, the non-woven spunbond material has a basis weight of between about 0.3 osy and about 2.0 osy. A method for making the absorbent garment, and for securing the absorbent garment to a user, also are provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Cindy L. Price, Suzanne M. Schmoker, Lori S. Schutkoske, Paul T. Van Gompel, Jesse Paul Sorenson, Jerome S. Veith
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Patent number: 7297140Abstract: A connector according to the invention comprises a hollow needle fastened to a body. A first tubular receptacle provided with a first foil surrounds a first end section of the needle. A second tubular receptacle provided with a second foil surrounds a second end section of the needle. The tubular receptacles are able to slide on the body. The holding sleeve moves the body toward the first foil over a first piercing stroke to pierce it, and then moves the second foil toward the body over a second piercing stroke to pierce it. In this way there may be obtained simultaneous piercing of the foils and foils or stoppers of containers such as flasks or sachets pressed against the foils, to provide a connection under optimum conditions of sterility.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: P2A MedicalInventors: Alain Orlu, Pierre-André Commaret
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Patent number: 7297141Abstract: The invention provides, in one embodiment, a method for accessing an operative space within a patient. The method can employ a multifunctional, multi-piece medical device, such as for use with a vacuum lift shell. The method provides flow communication between the external environment and operative field inside the patient's body during medical procedures, including diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical procedures. The invention allows entry and exit of air or gas to help create and maintain the operative field. The invention can be used to provide an open and unobstructed working path, and allows the operative space to be maintained at ambient conditions of pressure and temperature.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Biten K. Kathrani, Tehemton E. Udwadia, Mangesh Patankar
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Patent number: 7297142Abstract: A system and associated method for delivering to an internal body site a selected one of a plurality of instruments. An instrument storage chamber is providing having passages for separately accommodating a plurality of instruments. An outlet guide tube couples from the instrument storage chamber and receives a selected one of these instruments for delivery to an internal operative site. An indexing mechanism is provided associated with the chamber for causing relative displacement between the instruments and the outlet guide tube. An instrument driver displaces the registered instrument from the chamber into the outlet guide tube for delivery to the internal operative site.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventor: David L. Brock
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Patent number: 7297143Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for monitoring temperature at a region near a surgical site during a procedure. A temperature-indicating element of an electrosurgical device comprises an indicator composition adapted to undergo a change in appearance in response to a pre-defined temperature range. The change in appearance of the temperature-indicating element indicates to the operator of the device a temperature condition at the working end of the device.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, Robert H. Dahla, Michael A. Baker, James L. Pacek
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Patent number: 7297144Abstract: Devices for insertion into an atrial appendage of stasis reducing components such as mesh members, chemical bonding agents or expandable anchors are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: EP Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Sidney D. Fleischman, James G. Whayne, Thomas M. Bourne, David K. Swanson
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Patent number: 7297145Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to ablate, contract, coagulate, or otherwise modify a target tissue or organ. The closed configuration is adapted for clamping and coagulating a target tissue while the apparatus is operating in the sub-ablation mode, while the open configuration is adapted for ablating the target tissue via molecular dissociation of tissue components. A method of the present invention comprises clamping a target tissue or organ with an electrosurgical probe. A first high frequency voltage is applied between the active electrode and the return electrode to effect coagulation of the clamped tissue. Thereafter, a second high frequency voltage is applied to effect localized molecular dissociation of the coagulated tissue.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, Craig Tsuji, Theodore Ormsby
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Patent number: 7297146Abstract: An implant for stabilizing a bony segment includes a flexible body sized and shaped to extend intravertebrally between at least first and second bony portions. In use the body is attachable intravertebrally to each of the first and second bony portions to distract each of the first and second bony portions while allowing motion between each of the first and second bony portions.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: John T. Braun, Fred J. Molz, Jeff R. Justis
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Patent number: 7297147Abstract: An improved multi-bite bone cutting rongeur with an ultrathin foot plate and a disposable cutting element and storage chamber unit is disclosed. The present invention has an integrated cutting element and storage chamber unit that is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable. The present invention requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The chamber is simply placed onto the shaft whereby it is immediately locked into place by the use of the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Gary Karlin Michelson
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Patent number: 7297148Abstract: A safety device and procedure for use in correlating a patient and an intended surgical procedure uses a micro-chip programmed with specific information about the patient and the surgery. Part of the information lists an authorized person that may remove the micro-chip. The micro-chip is attached to the patient at the anatomical location of the intended surgery. The chip is scanned to retrieve the information before surgery and if the patient and the surgery are correlated, a printout is placed in the patient's chart. The authorized person removes the chip and surgery proceeds.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Bruce Waxman
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Patent number: 7297149Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Dario Vitali, Nicholas Molitor, Thomas Huitema, Robert Koch, Jr., Brian Bertke, Kevin Larson, Richard Fuchs, Mark Davidson
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Patent number: 7297150Abstract: An implantable device is provided for controlling the internal circumference of an anatomic orifice or lumen. The implantable device has an adjustable member configured to adjust the dimensions of the implantable device. The implantable device is configured to be coupled to a faster that provides for fastening of said implantable device to tissue around the anatomic orifice or lumen. An adjustment tool actuates the adjustable member and provides for adjustment before, during or after the anatomic orifice or lumen resumes near normal to normal physiologic function. The adjustment member of is positioned off plane relative to the implantable device to provide that the implantable device can be adjusted on a beating heart to cause leaflet coaptation. The adjustment member is positioned to enable attachment to and adjustment of the implantable device, and detachment from the implantable device and removal from the body under normal beating heart conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: MitralSolutions, Inc.Inventors: Richard G. Cartledge, Leonard Y. Lee
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Patent number: 7297151Abstract: A device is provided for use with a body fluid sampling device for extracting bodily fluid from an anatomical feature. The device comprises a cartridge having a plurality of cavities. The device may include a plurality of penetrating members each at least partially contained in the cavities of the cartridge wherein the penetrating members are slidably movable to extend outward from openings on the cartridge to penetrate tissue. The device may also include a plurality of analyte detecting members and a plurality of chambers. Each chamber may be associated with one of the cavities, the chambers positioned along an outer periphery of the cartridge, wherein at least one of said analyte detecting members forms a portion of one wall of one of said plurality of chambers. In one embodiment, the device may also include a fluid spreader positioned over at least a portion of said analyte detecting member to urge fluid toward one of the detecting members.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Elikan Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dirk Boecker, Dominique M. Freeman
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Patent number: 7297152Abstract: The present invention relates to a lancing apparatus (A) comprising an apparatus body (1) including a housing (5) and a movable member for advancing a needle (40b), the movable member being arranged movably in the housing (5), and a plurality of front end covers (2, 3) each for coming into contact with a portion to be lanced in lancing. Preferably, the plurality of front end covers (2, 3) have different structures adapted for lancing different portions and are removably attachable to a same portion of the apparatus body (1) individually. A suitable cover (2 or 3) for the portion to be lanced is selectable from the front end covers (2, 3), and the selected front end cover (2 or 3) is attached to the apparatus body (1) in use.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Arkray, Inc.Inventors: Masahiro Fukuzawa, Masufumi Koike, Takatoshi Uchigaki
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Patent number: 7297153Abstract: An apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body comprises an introducer and a sheath. The tubular sheath may surround the introducer, and may have a weakened region along its longitudinal axis. A handle may be provided on the sheath. The handle may be adapted to be pulled proximally to separate the weakened region and allow the sheath to be removed from the introducer. The sheath may be secured to the introducer via detents or latches on the handle.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: General Surgical Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Maciej J. Kieturakis, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Michelle Y. Monfort, Helmut L. Kayan
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Patent number: 7297154Abstract: An optical apparatus and methods for monitoring temperature enabling detection and treatment of a vulnerable plaque of a patient comprising an elongate catheter, a plurality of outer optical fibers deployably disposed within the lumen of the catheter and suitably expandable in an outwardly radial manner configured for forming a basket shape, the outer fibers having at least one optical grating along an axis of the fiber wherein the at least one optical grating reflects a certain wavelength or intensity of the light beam, the certain wavelength or intensity of the reflected light beam being correlated to known temperature, and a longitudinal middle optical fiber emitting a light energy suitable for photodynamic therapy.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignees: Maxwell Sensors Inc., Hosheng TuInventors: Hosheng Tu, Winston Z. Ho
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Patent number: 7297155Abstract: A method of treating a patient having a condition selected from the group including hypertension, hypertensive crises, angina pectoris, chronic arthritis, erectile dysfunction, cerebral ischemia and chronic skin ulcers comprising the step of administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount or dose, or series of amounts or doses, of ultraviolet light.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventors: E. William Rosenberg, Karl T. Weber, Robert M. Sayre, John C. Dowdy, James G. Shepherd
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Patent number: 7297156Abstract: An apparatus is provided for deploying an endograft that maintains a fluid channel throughout deployment. A method for deploying an endograft maintaining a fluid channel through the deployment is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Boston Scientific CorporationInventor: Kristoff Nelson
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Patent number: 7297157Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Verivada Chandrasekaran, Karl Morris Schmidt, Christopher Torres Molina
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Patent number: 7297158Abstract: A multilayer composite vascular access graft and a method of constructing such a graft are disclosed. The mcVAG has improved performance characteristics, which include desirable handling characteristics such as ease of suturing, kink resistance and the ability to serve as a cannulation route soon after the implant procedure.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Thoratec CorporationInventor: Bjorn Jensen
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Patent number: 7297159Abstract: Methods for coating different regions of an implantable device are disclosed. An embodiment of the method includes dipping a first portion of the implantable device into a first coating substance, and then centrifuging the implantable device to provide an even coating. Next, a second portion of the implantable device is dipped into a second coating substance, and the implantable device is again centrifuged, resulting in an even second coating. In another embodiment, a first coating substance is applied to an interior surface of a cylindrical implantable device, such as a stent or graft, and a second coating substance is applied to an exterior surface. A centrifuge step is performed so that the first coating substance is preferentially and uniformly applied on the interior surface of the implantable device and the second coating substance is preferentially and uniformly applied on the exterior surface of the implantable device.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Syed F. A. Hossainy, Daryush Mirzaee
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Patent number: 7297160Abstract: Hydrophilic, arylsiloxy-containing macromonomers have at least a terminal hydrophilic group attached to an arylsiloxy group. The aryl groups attached to siloxy groups can be substituted with other hydrophilic groups. Polymers comprising such hydrophilic, arylsiloxy-containing macromonomers avoid or reduce the risk of forming vacuoles of absorbed water. Furthermore, such polymers have high refractive index, and, thus, are advantageously used for making ophthalmic devices, such as intraocular lenses, contact lenses, corneal rings, corneal inlays, and keratoprostheses.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedInventors: Joseph C. Salamone, Jay F. Kunzler, Richard M. Ozark
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Patent number: 7297161Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for implantation into a knee joint compartment between a femoral condyle and its corresponding tibial plateau without requiring bone resection. The prosthesis includes a body having a generally elliptical shape in plan and a pair of opposed surfaces where one of the surfaces is generally concave. The body further includes an exterior portion and an interior portion, where the exterior portion is constructed from a higher modulus material than the interior portion such that the body is at least slightly deformable.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Barry M. Fell
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Patent number: 7297162Abstract: An expandable implant having a helical body and first and second securing pieces. Ends of the helical body are connected to the first and second end pieces. The first and second end pieces can be rotated relative to one another to expand the implant from a first dimension to a selected second dimension. The implant further includes a locking arrangement to maintain the implant at the selected second dimension.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.Inventor: James R. Mujwid
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Patent number: 7297163Abstract: A system and method for installing a shoulder prosthesis. The method includes removing the original humeral head and shaping the proximal end of the humerus with one or more implements to prepare the humerus to receive the shoulder prosthesis.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Acumed LLCInventor: Randall J. Huebner
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Patent number: 7297164Abstract: A modular prosthetic knee system used to replace the natural knee. The system includes a femoral knee prosthesis and a tibial knee prosthesis. Both prostheses are formed of modular components that are connectable in-vivo to form the prosthetic knee system. The femoral knee prosthesis includes two separate components, a lateral condyle and medial condyle; and the tibial knee prosthesis includes a multiple separate components, a medial baseplate, a lateral baseplate, a medial insert, and a lateral insert. The medial and lateral baseplate are connectable to form a complete baseplate with the medial and lateral inserts connectable to the complete baseplate.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.Inventors: Erin M. Johnson, Joseph Saladino
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Patent number: 7297165Abstract: Joint prostheses are provided which may be used to replace, for example, knee, elbow or ankle joints. A knee prosthesis comprises a pin and a pivoting member. The pin bridges a gap between a medial condyle and lateral condyle of a femur. The pivoting member is positioned in the gap and the pin passes through the pivoting member to secure it in position and to allow it to pivot about the pin. The pin and pivoting member of the prosthesis represent a mechanically convenient system which is able to replace the function of a joint and can be positioned with less trauma to the joint whose function they replace than prostheses according to the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Ardemed Innovations LimitedInventor: Hans Rudolf Kriek
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Patent number: 7297166Abstract: An assembly tool (1) for assembly of a first component (2) of a prosthesis (4) to a second component (6) of the prosthesis (4) for use in joint arthroplasty is provided. The tool (1) includes a first member (8) operably associated with the first component (2). The first member (8) defines a first member longitudinal axis (10) of the first member (8). The tool also includes a second member (12) operably associated with the second component (6). The second member (12) defines a second member longitudinal axis (14) of the second member (12). The second member (12) is adapted to provide relative motion of the second member (12) with respect to the first member (8) when the second member (12) is rotated relative to the first member (8) about the second member longitudinal axis (14).Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Depuy Products, Inc.Inventors: Kimberly Ann Dwyer, David Wayne Daniels, Brad Alan Parker
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Patent number: 7297167Abstract: The invention relates to a composition useful for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibres, in particular of human keratin fibres and more particularly the hair, containing, in a medium that is suitable for dyeing, at least one oxidation dye, wherein it also comprises at least one polyoxyalkylenated carboxylic acid ether or a salt thereof, at least one mono- or polyglycerolated surfactant and at least one fatty alcohol (C8-C30) comprising at least one unsaturation. The invention also relates to the dyeing devices and processes using the said composition.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: L'OrealInventors: Patricia Desenne, Cecile Bebot, Florence Laurent
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Patent number: 7297168Abstract: Five-membered heteroaromatic keratin dyeing compounds with one, two, or three heteroatoms. This invention further relates to a composition for the oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, comprising a medium suitable for dyeing and one or more 5-membered heteroaromatic keratin dyeing compounds with one, tow, or three heteroatoms. This invention further relates to a method for oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, comprising applying such compositions in the presence of an oxidizing agent, for a period sufficient to develop the desired coloration.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Bryan Patrick Murphy, Robert Wayne Glenn, Jr., Mu-Ill Lim, John Michael Gardlik, Stevan David Jones, William David Laidig, John David Shaffer, Charles Wayne Rees
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Patent number: 7297169Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus arranged to maximize heat utilization for a hydrocarbon steam reforming process to produce synthesis gas. The apparatus comprises a refractory lined vessel with partition walls that divide the inside of the vessel into (1) a combustion chamber(s) containing one or more burners, and (2) convection chambers used as a means to remove combustion products from the combustion chamber through one or more openings at the opposite end of the burner end. The combustion chamber contains one or more reformer tubes in which a mixed-feed of hydrocarbon and steam flow co-current with combustion products and receive direct radiant heat from the combustion flame through the tube wall. The convection chambers contain a tube-in-tube device filled with catalyst in the annuli.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Hoanh Nang Pham, David Hon Sing Ying, Shoou-I Wang, Scott David Madara, Joel Charles MacMurray
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Patent number: 7297170Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for making an abrasive product comprising providing a substantially horizontally deployed flexible backing having a first surface bearing an at least partially cured primer coating and an opposite second surface; providing a dry flowable particle mixture comprising abrasive particles and particulate curable binder material; depositing a temporary layer comprising said particle mixture on the at least partially cured primer coating of the first surface of the backing; softening said particulate curable binder material to provide adhesion between adjacent abrasive particles; embossing the layer comprising softened particulate curable binder material and abrasive particles to provide a pattern of raised areas and depressed areas and curing the softened particulate curable binder material to convert the embossed layer into a permanent embossed layer comprised of cured particulate binder material and abrasive particles and cure the at least partially cured primer coatiType: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Dennis G. Welygan, Jason A. Chesley, Louis S. Moren
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Patent number: 7297171Abstract: Methods for making glass-ceramics comprising Al2O3, REO, at least one of ZrO2 or HfO2 and at least one of Nb2O5 or Ta2O5. Glass-ceramics according to the present invention can be made, formed as, or converted into glass beads, articles (e.g., plates), fibers, particles, and thin coatings. Some embodiments of glass-ceramic particles according to the present invention can be are particularly useful as abrasive particles.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Anatoly Z. Rosenflanz
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Patent number: 7297172Abstract: A cyclone dust collector of a vacuum cleaner includes a lower cyclone body for initially separating dust entrained in air drawn in through an air suction port, an upper cyclone body for separating fine dust entrained in the air that has been initially filtered in the lower cyclone body, and a central air path for guiding the air which is filtered in the upper cyclone body along a center axis line, and discharging the air through an air discharge port in the lower cyclone body. The capability of the vacuum cleaner can be improved by circulating the drawn in air having the entrained dust in the lower and upper cyclone bodies, and separately and sequentially collecting the dust at least partially based on the particle size thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Byung-jo Lee
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Patent number: 7297173Abstract: A hopper arrangement includes a damper arrangement selectively moveable in a plurality of positions to manipulate access to the interior volume. A first position includes a standby position wherein the enclosure and the damper arrangement block access to the interior volume. Another position includes a pressure-relief position wherein the interior volume is open to a continuous airflow path through the container. In some arrangements, there is an evacuation position wherein the damper arrangement allows access to the interior volume and blocks a continuous airflow path through the container. A gas turbine intake system includes a hood, a filter arrangement downstream of the hood and a collection hopper. The collection hopper is in airflow communication with an upstream side of the filter arrangement and downstream of the hood. The collection hopper includes a standby position and a pressure-relief position. A method of filtering air includes drawing air into a hood and then into a filter arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.Inventors: Dominique Renwart, Michael Handley, Herman Vanormelingen