Patents Issued in November 18, 2008
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Patent number: 7452319Abstract: An apparatus for producing double-walled composite tubes, which have an outer wall with wave peaks and wave valleys and a smooth inner wall, includes two of rows first and second shaping-jaw halves which, along a common shaping section, form a shaping tunnel. The first shaping-jaw halves are located opposite each other in the shaping section and have an inner contour forming a tube socket portion. The second shaping-jaw halves, also located opposite each other, include transverse grooves alternating with transverse fins. A sizing mandrel, which defines narrow vacuum grooves spaced apart from one another in the axial direction on its outer lateral surface, projects into the shaping tunnel and forms the smooth inner wall of the composite tube. A vacuum control valve device provides for defined closure and reopening of the vacuum grooves when positioned in correspondence with the tube socket portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Unicor GmbHInventor: Gerhard Neubauer
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Patent number: 7452320Abstract: A panel of a material is transported in operative proximity to an air knife having a nozzle and a curved Coanda surface, such that the panel is folded over the curved Coanda surface as the material is transported in a machine direction. The panel can be folded to a variety of angles and can comprise a refastenable fastening component. Air knives are employed in various methods for folding garment side panels and forming prefastened garments, such as refastenable pants.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jason Gene Csida, Lloyd Carl Hietpas, Michael Lee Lohoff, Charles Robert Tomsovic, Brian Robert Vogt
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Patent number: 7452321Abstract: An interfolding apparatus including a knife roll rotatable about an axis and operable to cut successive sheets from a stream of web material issuing from a source in a downstream direction. A folding roll is positioned downstream of the knife roll and is rotatable in a first direction at a first roll speed. An additional roll is disposed adjacent to the folding roll and is rotatable about an axis in a second direction at a second roll speed. The additional roll is operable to receive the successive sheets and release the successive sheets in the downstream direction toward the folding roll. The folding roll and the additional roll define a nip therebetween, the successive sheets passing through the nip. The first roll speed of the folding roll is different from the second roll speed of the additional roll, the difference in speed between the folding roll and the additional roll operable to overlap adjacent portions of the successive sheets onto the folding roll.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventor: Greg Kauppila
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Patent number: 7452322Abstract: A rotor for collecting and centrifuging biological fluids in a range of volumes. The rotor includes an elastic impermeable diaphragm which defines at least a portion of a variable-volume processing chamber, where the fluid is centrifuged. The rotor includes a rigid mounting member, to which the diaphragm is mounted and which is held and spun by a chuck. Preferably, this rigid mounting member includes a boundary wall which together with the elastic diaphragm defines the chamber. The boundary wall may be a substantially imperforate circular wall which extends to the periphery of the processing chamber but defining one opening, preferably near the axis of rotation, permitting a conduit or conduits to pass therethrough so as to be in fluid communication with the processing chamber. The rotor may include a separate structure for controlling the flow of liquid out of the chamber into the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Haemonetics CorporationInventors: Thomas D. Headley, Edward T. Powers
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Patent number: 7452323Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge including a first rotatable mechanism having a rotation axis with a fluid retentive housing being coaxially mounted on the first rotatable mechanism for co-rotation therewith; a second rotatable mechanism having a rotation axis with the first and second rotatable mechanisms being coaxially interconnected for co-rotation around a common axis; and fluid tubing connected to the axis of the fluid retentive housing and having a distal length that extends axially outwardly from the fluid retentive housing. A support arm is mounted to the second rotatable mechanism, a support tube receives therethrough at least a part of the distal length of the fluid tubing, and a bearing member rotatably supports the support tube in the support arm, whereby upon rotation of the first and second rotatable mechanisms, the fluid tubing is free to one of rotate with and rotate relative to the support tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: ZymeQuest, Inc.Inventors: William Aitkenhead, Glen Jorgensen, Robert L. Standley
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Patent number: 7452324Abstract: A syringe injection shield (100) is formed primarily from a radio-opaque substance, such as tungsten, to shield medical personnel from exposure to radiation during administration of radiopharmaceuticals to patients. Safety syringes (22) typically have a needle sheath that can be positioned around a needle (24) after administration of the radiopharmaceutical. The syringe injection shield of the present invention allows medical personnel to make the syringe “safe” before the used syringe is removed from the syringe injection shield. The syringe is safe when the needle sheath is positioned and locked in place around the needle to reduce the risk of needle stick. The syringe injection shield includes a toggle element (110) that can assume four different positions as follows: neutral; ready; hold; and release.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.Inventor: Quent Besing
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Patent number: 7452325Abstract: Devices and methods utilizing a catheter to remodel soft tissue of a patient and, in a preferred embodiment, to reduce the volume of the left ventricle of a heart. In one embodiment, one or more sutures are passed through a wall of the ventricle. The ends of the one suture and, more preferably, the multiples sutures are drawn together to draw tissue portions towards one another. In another embodiment, tissue remodeling clip is implanted into a wall of the ventricle. Ends of the clip are resiliently biased to move relative to one another to draw tissue portions towards one another. In yet another embodiment, a tissue remodeling anchor includes a base and a plurality of legs attached to the base. The legs of the tissue anchor are implanted into a wall of the ventricle and moved toward one another to draw tissue portions toward one another. A retaining member is positioned on the tissue anchor to prevent the legs from moving apart.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Benvenue Medical Inc.Inventor: Laurent Schaller
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Patent number: 7452326Abstract: A vibrostimulation device for slidingly communicating with tactile receptors in a human body. The device comprises an elongate vibrator module and a handle component configured for releasably engaging and rotationally communicating with the vibrator module. The vibrator module comprises a vibrating end portion containing therein an electrically controllable vibratory apparatus interconnected by a resilient shock-absorbing coupler to a power supply module. The resilient shock-absorbing coupler is configured to extend the vibrating portion away from the power supply module at an acute angle. The handle component comprises a base portion configured for releasably engaging and rotationally cooperating with the power supply module of the vibrator module, a vertical member pivotably cooperating with the base portion, and a cantilevered upper portion extending outward from the vertical portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: British Columbia Institute of British ColumbiaInventors: Theresia (Thevan) Fladl, Brian Keane, Thomas (Llyod) Bellaire, Daniel Leland, Ernest Janzen
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Patent number: 7452327Abstract: A hemostatic clip assembly for mounting on a delivery device comprises a capsule and a clip slidably mounted within the capsule so that, when the clip is drawn proximally into the capsule, arms of the clip are drawn together to a closed position, an abutting surface of at least one of the arms contacting a corresponding surface of the capsule when the clip is drawn to a predetermined position within the capsule to provide a first user feedback indicating closure of the clip in combination with a tension member connected to the clip arms and biasing the clip arms toward an open, tissue receiving configuration and a yoke slidably received within the capsule and releasably coupled to the tension member, the yoke including a ball cavity for receiving a ball connector of a control element of the delivery device to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the delivery device, wherein the control element is frangible to detach the yoke from the delivery device and to provide a second user feedback and, wherein releaseType: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Russell F. Durgin, William C. Mers Kelly, Lance Alan Wolf, Brian Keith Wells, Vasily P. Abramov, Gregory R. Furnish
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Patent number: 7452328Abstract: A capsule endoscope apparatus includes an illuminating device, an image pick-up device which picks up an image of an illuminated portion, and a radio transmitting device. The illuminating device in the capsule endoscope apparatus has a switching device which switches two or more light-emitting amount or light-emitting time. The radio transmitting device in the capsule endoscope apparatus transmits by radio waves image data obtained by the image pick-up device upon sequentially switching the two or more light-emitting amount or light-emitting time.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Masatoshi Homan, Wataru Ohno
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Patent number: 7452329Abstract: The invention describes a disposable device for operations on the arteria haemorroidalis, which comprises a retractor tube (1), closed and rounded on the end (101) which is inserted in the anal cavity, and open and diverging on the external end (201) to which is connected a griping handle (M) which removable houses a luminous source (F). In the connection zone of the handle to the external mouth of the retractor there is provided a channel (C) which contains a parabola (5) which reflects the light supplied from said luminous source (F) and which sends the reflected light inside of the same retractor, to illuminate a lateral window (8) through which appears the rectal mucosa upon which the operation must be made for the ligature of the arteria haemorroidalis.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: THD S.p.A.Inventors: Filippo Bastia, Carlo Tagariello, Pier Paolo Dal Monte
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Patent number: 7452330Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of intraocular pressure determination is disclosed in which applanation tonometry is done with an ultrasonic transducer. The method allows for increased accuracy of intraocular pressure determination based upon adjustment of applanation tonometry for subjacent corneal thickness. The device allows for the operator to view the corneal surface and the pattern of dye to determine the precise endpoint of applanation.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: SUBLASE, Inc.Inventor: Francis E. O'Donnell, Jr.
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Patent number: 7452331Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a needle in conjunction with a biopsy using a medical imaging device, where an open-ended needle guide with an adjustable pivoting multi-gauge needle stop is used to guide a needle during insertion and during a tilting of the needle with respect to the medical imaging device.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Inventor: Rick L Pruter
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Patent number: 7452332Abstract: A report on changes over time is generated and outputted that presents, in addition to the changes of blood vessel elasticity indexes, the changes over time of other measured values of bioinformation related to vascular disease such as a blood pressure value in time series. This report is useful for a diagnosis with respect to vascular disease from various aspects.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Fukuda Denshi Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsuneo Suzuki, Norio Sato
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Patent number: 7452333Abstract: One or more cardiovascular parameters is estimated as a function of the arterial pressure waveform, in particular, using at least one statistical moment of pressure waveform having an order greater than one. Arterial compliance, the exponential pressure decay constant, vascular resistance, cardiac output, and stroke volume are examples of cardiovascular parameters that can be estimated using various aspects of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, not only are the first four moments (mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) of the pressure waveform used to estimate the cardiovascular parameter(s) of interest, but also heart rate, statistical moments of a set of pressure-weighted time values, and certain anthropometric patient measurements such as age, sex, body surface area, etc.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventor: Luchy Roteliuk
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Patent number: 7452334Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stent device useful for maintaining the patency of a lumen while monitoring an intraluminal characteristic. The device includes a structure having a set of extendible bands that are capable of plastic deformation to form a scaffolding having an inductance, and further includes a capacitance coupled to the set of extendible bands and responsive to the intraluminal characteristic. The capacitance and the inductance form a tank circuit after the plastic deformation of the set of extendible bands to enable wireless transmission of an indication of the intraluminal characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Yogesh B. Gianchandani, Kenichi Takahata, Kensall D. Wise, Andrew D. DeHennis
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Patent number: 7452335Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing neuromuscular pathology in an individual, by (a) applying a plurality of stimuli to a peripheral nerve; (b) recording from the peripheral nerve, or from a muscle innervated by the peripheral nerve, at least one response to each stimulus; (c) processing each response into at least one response characteristic; (d) compiling the response characteristics from all of the responses into a plurality of descriptive parameters of the response characteristics; and (e) analyzing the plurality of descriptive parameters according to a function specific to the neuromuscular pathology so as to yield an indicator of the pathology.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: NeuroMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Martin D. Wells, Shai N. Gozani
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Patent number: 7452336Abstract: An apparatus and method for rehabilitating patients and assessing tactile skills in response to visual stimuli generated from a portable neural training device. The device generates a visual output to elicit tactile response (hand movement) from the patient. The device preferably automatically adjusts the difficulty of a session in response to demonstrated patient skill level (i.e. combination of correct responses, speed, and accuracy of responses). The invention evaluates and challenges the patient to control tactile response, overcome visual perception difficulties, or practice simple multi-tasking or reasoning skills. The invention also provides information which is valuable to those administering the rehabilitation program or assessing patient skill and/or progress. By way of example the neural training device is described with an embodiment having discrete fixed keys and an embodiment utilizing a touch sensitive display screen.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Interactive Neuro Technology, Inc.Inventor: James W. Thompson
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Patent number: 7452337Abstract: A hearing screener apparatus is disclosed and may include a housing and a testing probe operatively coupled to the housing. The testing probe may generate electrical signals based on otoacoustic emissions of the inner ear of a test subject, when the testing probe is inserted into the ear canal of the test subject. The hearing screener apparatus may also include a housing, a digital signal processor (DSP) within the housing, and a testing probe operatively coupled to the housing. The DSP may generate measurement data based on the electrical signals. At least one microphone may be mounted with the testing probe for generating the electrical signals based on the otoacoustic emissions. The testing probe may be vibrationally isolated from the housing. The testing probe may be elastically coupled to the housing. The hearing screener apparatus may also include an isolation body elastically coupled between the testing probe and the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Etymotic Research, Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Iseberg
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Patent number: 7452338Abstract: An intracoelomic mobile body comprising: a capsule body which has a body to be rotated and can be introduced into the human body; and a rotation drive unit which has a rotation shaft for freely rotating the body to be rotated back and forth. The rotation drive unit is arranged in the capsule body in such a way that a first line obtained by linking the positions of center of gravity of cross-sections formed up to a limit of the formation when the capsule body is cut along a plane perpendicular to the rotation shaft does not overlap a second line obtained by extending the rotation shaft as the same line.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Yuko Taniguchi
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Patent number: 7452339Abstract: A therapeutic article is provided which includes an enclosure containing at least a single structure for overlaying a pressure point, and a viscous fluid substantially surrounding the at least a single structure. The at least a single structure is free to be selectively positionable within the viscous fluid, and along a length and width of the elongate enclosure. The viscous fluid is suited for selectively heating or chilling in furtherance of therapy enhancement. The article is further adapted for use as a wrap structure for affixation about an body portion for receipt of therapy.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Core Products International Inc.Inventor: Philip H. Mattison
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Patent number: 7452340Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of an impulse therapy garment for use in pump therapy for enhancing venous and arterial blood flow. The garment may be advantageously fitted to a human foot, and may include a rotationally positionable heel-strap, an air inlet connector, separate dorsum straps, or other features. For example, other garments may include a washer having a center hole locatable around the stem and configured to be forcibly retained against the outer surface of the fabric by snap-fit using annular stem protrusions extending from an external surface of the stem. In further embodiments, a garment may include a bladder retention fastener configured to retain an end of the bladder to the fabric to allow substantially differential movement between the fabric and non-retained portions of the bladder during inflation and deflation of the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Novamedix Distribution LimitedInventors: Gordon J. Cook, Graeme Follett, David G. Portsmouth, Ben Davies
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Patent number: 7452341Abstract: A medical bandaging product, including a package formed of a moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture. A medical bandage is positioned within the package in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against moisture until use. The medical bandage is constructed of a fabric having a pair of opposed, major surfaces and a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the fabric. The reactive system remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardens upon exposure to sufficient moisture to form a self-supporting structure having an immobilization value of less than about 43. The fabric is preferably knitted.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: BSN Medical, Inc.Inventor: John C. Evans
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Patent number: 7452342Abstract: The present invention provides an orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. The second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member and travels through the first extension member along an arcuate path when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first arm member.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Bonutti Research Inc.Inventors: Boris P. Bonutti, Peter M. Bonutti, Kevin R. Ruholl, Glen A. Phillips
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Patent number: 7452343Abstract: An ankle support utilizes a strap having a first end and a second end. The first end forms a loop adapted to go around a user's foot and the second end is adapted to go around the user, proximate the user's ankle. A loop member is operatively connected to the first end and the second end passes through the loop member, whereby pulling on the second end tightens both the first end and the second end. In other embodiments, the ankle support may utilize a body being operatively connected thereto. In other embodiments, the ankle support is operatively connected to a shoe.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Swede-O, Inc.Inventor: Frank W. Campbell
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Patent number: 7452344Abstract: A single-use system for separating blood and producing platelet concentrates includes an elongated container for receiving blood from a patient. The container has a movable plunger mounted within the blood container for expressing blood fractions separated during centrifugation of the container through a first port mounted at one end of said container, a second port mounted on the plunger, and a third port mounted on a plunger rod attached to the plunger.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Glen E. Jorgensen, Bruce Berckmans, III
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Patent number: 7452345Abstract: A multi-lumen endotracheal tube has means for coating an inside and an outside surface of the endotracheal tube with antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents; means for releasing antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents from the endotracheal tube; means for using electrical current to enhance the efficacy of the antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents; and means for using ultrasound energy to enhance the efficacy of the antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents. In another feature of the present invention, the multi-lumen tube further has an outer lumen, and a concentric inner lumen, and the outer lumen contains the means for coating, the means for releasing, the means for using electrical current, and the means for using ultrasound energy. In another feature of the present invention, the inside and outside surfaces have a surface coating to reduce the buildup of bacteria and biofilm on the surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Baylor College of MedicineInventors: Rabih O. Darouiche, Randall A. Prince
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Patent number: 7452346Abstract: The present invention refers to a medical line set (10) having a breakable coupling device (90), and to such a coupling device (90). More particularly the present invention refers to an medical dialysis line set (10), such as a peritoneal dialysis (PD) line set, including a liquid introducing portion (20), a liquid distribution portion or PD portion (40) and a drain portion (80), for introducing and extracting dialysis liquid from a patient, the line set particularly including said coupling device (90) for connecting and disconnecting the liquid introducing portion (20) in order to introduce and extract spent medical solution.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Gambro Lundia ABInventor: Mikael Axelsson
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Patent number: 7452347Abstract: An improved mechanism for attaching a feeding tube to a feeding delivery system is presented. The feeding delivery system is attached to an elongated connecting member that is pivotally attached to a bolster. After attachment, the elongated connecting member is rotated to engage another tube at the base of the pivot. Before pivoting, the passageway is blocked by the interference of the elongated connecting member. As the elongated connecting member is rotated, the conduit system aligns and becomes a passageway to and from the stomach. The device provides a three part rigid plastic fit that does not wear out over a number of uses. The device prevents splash events, which occur when a feeding adapter is opened or when the adapter or valve is forced open by a cough or gastric pressure build up.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Hammerhead Design and Development, Inc.Inventor: Rebecca DeLegge
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Patent number: 7452348Abstract: A transfer needle assembly including a cap-like outside guide member; a tubular inside guide member; and a puncture member. The puncture member has a tip fitting portion at a proximal end and a puncture needle at a distal end. The inside guide member can slide along an inner wall of a skirt portion of the outside guide member from a position where a distal end of the needle is receded in the inside guide member, to a position where the distal end of the needle projects outside of the inside guide member. At the position where the distal end of the needle is receded in the inside guide member, the outside guide member and the inside guide member are engaged so as to be incapable of sliding, with the engagement being releasable by inserting a mouth portion of a vial into the inside guide member.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Nipro CorporationInventor: Mitsuru Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7452349Abstract: There are provided a male type connector (1), a protective cap (2), an inner cap (3) that supports a disinfectant-impregnated member therein and is retained in the protective cap, and a female type connector (4) in which an inner cylinder is fixed at an end of an outer cylinder, the inner cylinder including an internal end portion located inside the outer cylinder and an exposed external end portion. The inner cap includes engaging legs at each of which an engaging convexity is formed. A front end portion of the male type connector allows the engaging convexities at the engaging legs to engage therewith from inside. An inner cap retaining portion is formed on an inner wall surface of the protective cap, and a force exerted by the engagement between the inner cap and the male type connector is larger than a force exerted by the inner cap retaining portion to retain the inner cap.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiseyasu Miyahara
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Patent number: 7452350Abstract: A liquid oral medication dispensing system made up of an ampule configured to hold a pre-measured quantity of the selected medication and to dispense that quantity of oral medication through an opening in the ampule formed by a puncturing device. This dispensing system provides a system for storing and delivering oral medications that can be utilized in a broad variety of circumstances by individuals with little or no medical training and provides safe, effective use of the medication.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Inventor: Rourke M. Yeakley
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Patent number: 7452351Abstract: Methods, devices and systems facilitate diagnosis, and in some cases treatment, of back pain originating in intervertebral discs. Methods generally involve introducing one or more substances into one or more discs using a catheter device. In one embodiments, a patient assumes a position that causes back pain, and a substance such as an anesthetic or analgesic is introduced into the disc to determine whether the substance relieves the pain. Injections into multiple discs may optionally be performed, to help pinpoint a disc as a sources of the patient's pain. In some embodiments, the catheter device is left in place, and possibly coupled with another implantable device, to provide treatment of one or more discs. A catheter device includes at least one anchoring member for maintaining a distal portion of the catheter within a disc.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Kyphon SARLInventors: David R. Miller, Todd Alamin, Peter F. Campbell
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Patent number: 7452352Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having a catheter and one or more expandable constricting/occluding members. The catheter has a lumen communicating with a port at its distal end. The lumen and port are adapted for introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter and an atherectomy catheter, into a vertebral or basilar artery. The constrictor/occluder is mounted proximal to the port of the catheter. Manometers may be mounted distal to one or more constrictors for measuring pressure distal to the constrictor(s). Methods of using the devices for preventing distal embolization during vertebral and/or basilar procedures by reversing blood flow in the vertebral artery toward the subclavian artery are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: CoAxia, Inc.Inventor: Denise R. Barbut
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Patent number: 7452353Abstract: A catheter is provided for uniform distribution of fluid medication within an anatomical region. One embodiment of the catheter is comprised of an elongated, proximal tube defining a lumen and an elongated, distal tube having a closed end. The distal tube is constructed from a bio-absorbable material and also defines a lumen, which communicates with the lumen of the proximal tube. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the distal tube defines a porous side wall that permits fluid within the lumen to pass through the portion of the distal tube. In another embodiment, the proximal tube and the distal tube overlap one another and are secured to one another at the overlapping surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: James Dal Porto, Jose Castillo Deniega, Roger Massengale, Kenneth W. Rake
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Patent number: 7452354Abstract: A catheter system for locking a catheter to an implantable pump and for effectively flushing a catheter after implantation within a body. A locking component comprises an extension boot and catheter lock that together fluidly connect the catheter to the pump in a secure, safe and effective manner. A catheter component comprises a design having kink-resistant walls and a unique tip. A flushing component comprises a hub and stylet combination characterized by a hydrophilic coating on the stylet and a flush through hub to allow flushing of the stylet while inside the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: InSet Technologies IncorporatedInventors: Jeffrey D. Bright, Robert N. Gailey, Stephen D. Calder, Paul Burke
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Patent number: 7452355Abstract: The invention provides laser methods for treatment and prophylaxis of hemangioma, phlebectasia and other vascular lesions. The methods increase the effectiveness of blood vessel coagulation while diminishing the probability of trauma to surrounding soft tissue. Blood vessels are subjected to a pulse radiation having a wavelength of 500-600 nm and an energy density up to 10 Joules/cm2 for not more than 10 ms, and simultaneously are subjected to at least one more radiation of wavelength in the range of 800-1400 nm and an energy density not exceeding 100 Joules/cm2. The energy density and influence duration for the pulse radiations depend upon the size of the blood vessels to be coagulated. The pulse radiations may be applied either by single pulses with a duration of not more than 10 ms, or by a packet of several nanosecond pulses lasting not more than 10 ms.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Inventor: Vladimir Valentinovich Khomchenko
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Patent number: 7452356Abstract: A dermatologic treatment apparatus is disclosed which includes one or more housings with at least one housing configured for manipulation in a dermatologic treatment procedure, a light source, and an electrical circuit. The circuit energizes the light source to produce output light pulses. A light path includes an aperture through which eye-safe light pulses are propagated having properties sufficient for providing efficacious treatment. An optical diffuser is disposed along the light path to reduce the integrated radiance to an eye-safe level. The apparatus produces an output fluence not less than 4 J/cm2.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Tria Beauty, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Grove, Mark V. Weckwerth, Tobin C. Island
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Patent number: 7452357Abstract: A method and system for treating tissue with a surgical device includes the steps of displaying an image created by collecting imaging data from an imaging device, selecting at least one tissue target from the image, determining the effective treatment volume of the surgical device and determining a treatment modality for treating the tissue target with the surgical device, where the treatment modality is made up of at least one target treatment volume. The method may also include the steps of determining the position and orientation of the imaging device, the image and the surgical device, indicating the trajectory of the surgical device with respect to the image on the display screen, inserting the surgical device in the patient based upon the trajectory and treating the tissue target. The method may further include indicating the target treatment volumes on the display screen.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: James W. Vlegele, Robert P. Gill, Joyce A. Duell, Mary E. Schramm
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Patent number: 7452358Abstract: An RF device has a support structure. An RF electrode, coupled to the support structure, includes conductive and dielectric portions. A cooling member, coupled to the support structure, is configured to cool a back surface of the RF electrode. The cooling member is distanced from the back surface of the RF electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Thermage, Inc.Inventors: Roger A. Stern, Mitchell Levinson, Bryan Weber
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Patent number: 7452359Abstract: An artificial spinal implant is disclosed which when placed between two adjacent vertebrae directly participates and is incorporated in the ensuing fusion. Instrumentation and procedure is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventor: Gary Karlin Michelson
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Patent number: 7452360Abstract: Disclosed is a clamp for securing cables or other elongate members used in surgical fastening procedures. The clamp advantageously applies a clamping force to the cable without direct contact with the cable, thereby reducing abrasion and shear forces applied to the cable. The disclosed clamps have a saddle member, platen or both that are movably mounted with respect to the housing and a lever, in cooperation with a cam surface, that allows the saddle member, platen or both to selectively clamp the cable. The lever may have several locking positions to provide optimum clamping force to different sized cables.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Thomas S. Kilpela, Brian P. Janowski
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Patent number: 7452361Abstract: A system is provided with a screwdriver and a bone screw (30), wherein the screwdriver has a tool (4), which is provided with at least two radially and axially extending tool blades (5, 6, 7, 8), which can be caused to engage groove-like blade slots (36, 38) of the bone screw (30) in a positive-locking manner. To improve the handling of a bone screw (30) even in case of the smallest possible dimensions, provisions are made according to the present invention for the tool blades (5, 6, 7, 8) to form at least one elastic clamping section (20, 21, 22, 23), with which the tool (4) can be caused to clampingly engage the bone screw (30) in the area of the blade slots (36, 38).Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Richard Martin Medizintechnik GmbHInventor: Winfried Kreidler
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Patent number: 7452362Abstract: There are disclosed methods for preparing an intraocular lens for implantation in an eye. The methods can comprise (1) providing an intraocular lens having first and second viewing elements that overlap when viewed along an optical axis; and (2) preparing the lens for implantation by relatively moving the viewing elements such that the first viewing element moves at least substantially completely across said second viewing element to significantly reduce or eliminate the overlap. Additional methods and intraocular lens embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Visiogen, Inc.Inventors: Gholam-Reza Zadno-Azizi, Tuan Anh Nguyen
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Patent number: 7452363Abstract: Creating an anastomosis, or the surgical formation of a passage between two normally distinct vessels or lumens, is enhanced by an applier that introduces a ring device without the need for a separate anvil to form a hollow rivet shaped attachment. Moreover, the ring device may be advantageously formed in a cylindrical shape from molded polymer material or stamped from sheet metal with proximal and distal rings connected by proximal and distal arms that respectively form hinged, ring shaped so appose tissue walls. A center ring or portion sits in the attachment site. The applier causes actuating by moving the rings relative to one another. A latching mechanism locks the rings in the actuating state.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventor: Mark S. Ortiz
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Patent number: 7452364Abstract: A surgical marker/connector in the form of a ring includes a plurality of small suture attachments that are disposed about the ring. The suture attachments preferably are in the form of loops that lie in a plane that includes the ring itself. The loops are large enough to receive sutures which, in turn, can be used to connect the ring to a portion of a patient's body, or to connect separate portions of a patient's body to each other using the marker/connector as an intermediate connector. At least a portion of the marker/connector is made of a material that can be observed by fluoroscopic examination.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Inventors: Helmut Schreiber, Albert N. Santilli
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Patent number: 7452365Abstract: A skin incision device has a casing with a bottom surface and a slot formed therein, a cover positioned on the casing and slidable in a direction toward the bottom surface, a blade positioned in the casing adjacent the slot, an actuator cooperative to a position between the cover and interior of the casing, and a carriage. The actuator engages the blade by its horizontal displacement triggered by slidable movement of the cover toward the bottom surface of the casing. The carriage element guides movement of the blade between a pre-actuated position and a post-actuated position. The blade extends outwardly of the bottom surface with a fixed depth of cut during a horizontal movement of the blade through the slot.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Helena LaboratoriesInventors: Edward L. Galloway, Eric Petersen, Tipton Golias
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Patent number: 7452366Abstract: A safety lancet device has a casing, a driver assembly and a needle hub with a needle. The driver assembly and the needle hub are mounted within the casing. The driver assembly comprises a container, a pressing unit, a controller, a pushing unit and a resilient unit. The needle hub is controlled by the driver assembly to make the needle momentarily protrude. After the needle is used, the location of the driver assembly keeps the needle from protruding. When a new needle hub replaces the used needle hub, the driver assembly will return to the original location before use and can drive the needle momentarily from the casing. Users will not forget to change the used needle. Furthermore, the safety lancet device will decrease the danger of infection.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Eumed Biotechnology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tzer-Ming Chen, Fu-Yuan Li
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Patent number: 7452367Abstract: A hair transplant apparatus and method capture a hair graft into a hair graft chamber readily aligned for implantation into the human scalp. The hair graft can be placed into the hair graft chamber manually or mechanically (e.g., by vacuum). A hair transplant apparatus includes a gas-permeable stopper for utilizing gas flow to load and/or implant a hair graft. Another hair transplant apparatus includes a gas-permeable rod inside a housing. Vacuum may be utilized to load a hair graft into the hair graft chamber. The rod may be advanced toward an open distal end of the chamber so the end of the rod becomes substantially flush with the distal end, thereby pushing the hair graft out of the chamber and into the pre-made wound. Advantageously, the chamber is aligned with the direction of the pre-made wound allowing the hair graft to slide easily into the pre-made wound without damage.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Inventors: William R. Rassman, Jae P. Pak
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Patent number: 7452368Abstract: A system for holding surgical fasteners each having a first anchor, a second anchor and a connector extending therebetween upwardly from the first and second anchors, and a method for loading the same into an applicator. The system includes a shuttle having first and second channels dimensioned to slidably receive therein the first and second anchors, and having first and second grooves respectively forming openings into the channels along a portion of a length of the channels. When the first and second anchors are received within the first and second channels, the connector of the surgical fastener extends out of the shuttle through the first and second grooves. The system also includes a cartridge having at least a first channel dimensioned to slidably receive the shuttle therein, and having a first projection extending into the first channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Jessica Liberatore, Mark Howansky, Gene W. Kammerer, James J. Rudnick