Patents Issued in December 31, 2013
  • Patent number: 8617080
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for reducing the amount of data, processing and/or power required to analyze hemodynamic signals such as photoplethysmography (PPG) signals, pressure signals, and impedance signals. In response to detecting a specific event associated with a cyclical body function, a hemodynamic signal is continuously sampled during a window following the detecting of the specific event, wherein the window is shorter than a cycle associated with the cyclical body function. The hemodynamic signal is then analyzed based on the plurality of samples. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Turcott
  • Patent number: 8617081
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for recovering a patient's cardiac pulse rate from a sequence of video images recording of that patient. In one embodiment, a reference signal of a particular frequency is generated at predetermined frequency intervals and a constrained source separation is performed on the source data to obtain an estimation of the source signal intended to be recovered. The reference signal is updated and constrained source separation is again performed. These operations are repeated for all frequencies of the reference signal. The frequency at which a minimum error is achieved is determined to be the subject's recovered cardiac pulse frequency. In such a manner, the source signal is extracted and recovered reliably from captured multi-channel RGB signals or multispectral signals. The teachings hereof find their uses in a variety of medical solutions including various military, security and telemedicine applications. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lalit Keshav Mestha, Survi Kyal, Gill Rafael Tsouri, Sohail A. Dianat, Beilei Xu
  • Patent number: 8617082
    Abstract: An implantable medical device receives both heart sound and electrogram signals. A processor within the implantable medical device extracts physiologically relevant information from both the heart sound signal and the electrogram signal. Based on the extracted physiologically relevant information a set of pacing parameters is evaluated. In certain examples, the values of the pacing parameters may be changed by the implantable medical device in response to the physiologically relevant information extracted from the heart sound signal and the electrogram signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Xusheng Zhang, Aleksandre T. Sambelashvili, David A. Anderson, Zhendong Song
  • Patent number: 8617083
    Abstract: A method of creating a non-invasive predictor of both physiologic and imposed patient effort from airway pressure and flow sensors attached to the patient using an adaptive mathematical model. The patient effort is commonly measured via work of breathing, power of breathing, or pressure-time product of esophageal pressure and is important for properly adjusting ventilatory support for spontaneously breathing patients. The method of calculating this non-invasive predictor is based on linear or nonlinear calculations using multiple parameters derived from the above-mentioned sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil R. Euliano, Victor L. Brennan, Paul B. Blanch, Michael J. Banner
  • Patent number: 8617084
    Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy device, a control module, a control module interface, at least one wireless data communication link, and an encoder. The biopsy device is operable to capture a tissue sample and includes a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The reusable portion includes an MR compatible motor. The disposable portion is adapted to be releasably joined with the reusable portion. The control module interface is configured to provide an interface between the control module and the reusable portion of the biopsy device. The at least one wireless data communication link includes a first data link configured to permit communication of data between the reusable portion of the biopsy device and the control module interface. The encoder is operationally coupled with the MR compatible motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, Todd M. Dahling, Patrick A. Mescher, John A. Hibner, Trevor W. V. Speeg, Jessica P. Leimbach, Raj G. Raghavendran, Gavin M. Monson
  • Patent number: 8617085
    Abstract: A bone tissue extracting device operable with one hand comprises an ergonomic handle containing a forward and reverse cannula driver and a vacuum source. The device uses a disposable sterile single use cannula/trocar and disposable vacuum containers. The device and method for use improve the ability of a physician to locate accurately the target tissue in a patient, increase the probability that one or more suitable samples will be recovered from the patient at a single attempt, decrease attendant tissue trauma and patient discomfort, and decrease the chance of infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Antonio Moran, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8617086
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a full thickness biopsy of the wall of a hollow organ, comprising obtaining an apparatus comprising a cannula comprising a proximal cannula end comprising a cutting edge; and a distal cannula end comprising a biased spring, the biased spring being coupled to a needle carrier and a releasable lock; and a needle disposed within the cannula and carried on the needle carrier, the needle comprising: a tip; a flange; a notch portion comprising a notch thickness; and a shaft comprising a shaft thickness; where the shaft thickness is greater than the notch thickness and the releasable lock is configured to hold the cannula in a withdrawn position relative to the needle; obtaining a patient having skin, a first wall, and a second wall; creating an incision through the skin of the patient; inserting the apparatus into the incision; advancing the apparatus through the first wall and the second wall; withdrawing the cannula relative to the needle; locking the cannula with the releasable lock; align
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: UTI Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Christopher Andrews
  • Patent number: 8617087
    Abstract: A medical device has a distal member with a configuration that can be changed by means of a control handle with a control assembly employing a rotational cam, a shaft, and a pulley, where the rotational cam is rotationally mounted on a portion of the control handle for rotation by a user. The rotational cam operates on the shaft to move it proximally or distally depending on the direction of rotation which in turn rotates the pulley to draw or release a puller wire to change the configuration of the distal member of the medical device. The shaft is oriented along a diameter of the control handle. The shaft has two ends which extends through two axial guide slots in the portion of the control handle to sit two opposing helical tracks formed on inner surface of the rotational cam. The guide slots are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the control handle and therefore maintain the shaft's diametrical orientation as the rotational cam is rotated to move the shaft proximally or distally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8617088
    Abstract: Medical guide wire assembly comprising a guide wire having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one physiology parameter sensor, and that the proximal end of the guide-wire is provided with an elongated connector part, having connection electrodes, for insertion into a connector housing provided with an elongated tubing adapted to achieve electrical and mechanical connection to the elongated connector part, the connector housing is in its turn electrically or wirelessly connectable to a physiology monitor. The guide wire is provided with a core wire running essentially along the entire guide wire. A sensor signal processing circuitry is arranged in connection with the physiological sensor and is adapted to generate a processed sensor signal in response of a sensed parameter. The sensor signal processing circuitry comprises a modulation unit arranged to modulate the processed sensor signal and to generate a modulated sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignees: St. Jude Medical Systems AB, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Magnus Samuelsson, Antonia Cornelia van Rens
  • Patent number: 8617089
    Abstract: Transducers and resonators are embedded in body support structures in contact with a user to for the purpose of conveying musical sound energy to a user's body at selected frequencies and in selected patterns. Body support structures include beds, pillows, chairs, and other structures typically used to support people. The sound may be audio tones and/or music. The transducers and resonators may be incorporated into a foam component or in a coil spring component of the body support structure. Latex-type foams and beds made with springs are candidate body support structures for receiving transducer's and resonators. Electro-active polymers are also used as transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: So Sound Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Richard Barry Oser, Suzannah Long
  • Patent number: 8617090
    Abstract: An oral care device suitable for use in providing a beneficial effect to an oral cavity of a mammal, which device includes means for providing reciprocation of a liquid effective for providing the beneficial effect of the oral cavity when the liquid is contacted with a plurality of surfaces thereof under conditions effective to provide the beneficial effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Fougere, Robert W. Fusi, II, Justin McDonough, Harold D. Ochs
  • Patent number: 8617091
    Abstract: An animal spine brace is described. In one or more implementations, a brace is comprised of an upper panel and a lower panel that extends from the upper panel. The lower panel is configured to be releasably secured to the upper panel to form a sleeve around an animal. The upper and lower panels may be made of a breathable material that is configured to stretch, wick moisture from the animal, and/or control odor. Additionally, both the upper panel and lower panel are configured to include supportive stays, which may be arranged on a respective panel to fan out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Cory Michael Brannon, Veronica Claire Brannon
  • Patent number: 8617092
    Abstract: A stabilizing belt for use by a person in need of assisted mobility or in recreation, the stabilizing belt comprising a pad, a belt to secure the pad to a wearer, and a pair of handles attached to the pad. The pad may be uniquely contoured to provide support and comfort for the wearer. A strap may be provided for added security and comfort. The belt may further comprise handle supports for reinforcement, a cover for durability, and a pocket for versatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Grip-n-Ride LLC
    Inventors: Mario Horvath, Jack Khorsandi
  • Patent number: 8617093
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring a fluid system of an extracorporeal blood treatment device. In the method according to the present invention and the device according to the present invention, the pressure in a ventilation line branching off the venous drip chamber in the venous blood line is measured, a hydrophobic filter being disposed in the ventilation line. A fault in the fluid system is determined in the absence of pressure variations in the segment of the ventilation line remote from the venous drip chamber. The pressure variations in the ventilation line can be generated downstream of the hydrophobic filter by alternately ventilating the ventilation line that is closed downstream of the hydrophobic filter during blood treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Pascal Kopperschmidt, Thomas Nuernberger
  • Patent number: 8617094
    Abstract: Methods of treating ocular disorders are disclosed, such as a method that includes inserting an implant in eye tissue, using a delivery instrument, such that an inlet portion of the implant is in an anterior chamber of an eye and an outlet portion of the implant is in a physiological outflow pathway; removing the delivery instrument from the eye without removing the implant; and conducting fluid comprising a therapeutic substance through the implant and into the physiological outflow pathway. Another method includes inserting an instrument into a physiologic outflow pathway through which aqueous humor drains from an anterior chamber of an eye; separating first and second walls of tissues which comprise the physiologic outflow pathway by injecting a fluid comprising a drug from the instrument while the instrument remains in the physiologic outflow pathway; and withdrawing the instrument following the injection with said fluid remaining within the eye such that the drug has a therapeutic effect on the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Glaukos Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Smedley, David Haffner, Hosheng Tu
  • Patent number: 8617095
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a patient's health condition by diverting pancreatic exocrine secretions include a flow diverter of material compatible with chronic residence within a small intestine of the patient. The flow diverter has a cover end and a discharge end. The flow diverter is sized to be placed within the small intestine with the discharge end placed distally from said cover end and with said flow diverter further sized so permit passage of chyme through the small intestine and past the flow diverter. The cover end is sized to cover a discharge papilla of the pancreatic duct. The diverter is adapted to divert at least a portion of pancreatic exocrine secretion from the papilla to the distal discharge end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: EnteroMedics Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Knudson, Timothy R. Conrad
  • Patent number: 8617096
    Abstract: Ultrasound catheter devices and methods provide enhanced disruption of blood vessel obstructions. Generally, an ultrasound catheter device includes an elongate flexible catheter body with one or more lumens, an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the catheter body lumen and a distal head coupled with the transmission member and positioned adjacent the distal end of the catheter body for disrupting occlusions. A proximal housing of the catheter device may include one or more features for dissipating heat from the ultrasound transmission wire, such as a fluid inlet aperture for passage of fluid, use of heat conductive materials in the proximal housing, surface features to increase the housing's surface area, heat conductive members disposed adjacent the transmission member and the like. Various irrigation fluids may be used, such as cooled, oxygen supersaturated or lubricious fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Flowcardia, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Nita, Jeff Sarge, Richard Spano
  • Patent number: 8617097
    Abstract: An implantable drug-delivery sleeve for an elongate component of an implantable medical device. The sleeve includes a tubular substrate having a lumen configured to receive the elongate component so as to allow relative displacement of the substrate and the elongate component, wherein the substrate is shaped so as to be retained stationary at a desired position along the elongate component, and a drug releasably carried by the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Fysh Dadd, Jane Rapsey, Peter Gibson, Peter Schuller, Carrie Newbold
  • Patent number: 8617098
    Abstract: A device is employed that can be retrofit onto existing feed pumps to remediate the problem of fluid aspiration in patients being fed through a feeding tube from the pump. In one embodiment the feeding pump is plugged into the device which is plugged into a power outlet. A patient angle sensor triggers power cutoff to the pump and stoppage of fluid flow. The angle sensor and operating program may be part of a smart phone. Power to the pump may be shut off due to a BLUETOOTH® signal from the smart phone to a BLUETOOTH® controlled power strip into which the pump is plugged to receive power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Allen Gerber
  • Patent number: 8617099
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a needle-free injection device. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle body including an injectate chamber and one or more outlet orifices and a plunger configured to move through the injectate chamber toward the one or more outlet orifices. In some embodiments, the plunger includes a first portion and a second portion removably joined by a frangible region. In some embodiments, the plunger includes extensions configured to couple the plunger to a drive assembly of a needle-free injection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Bioject Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Williamson
  • Patent number: 8617100
    Abstract: A device for delivery of a foamable composition to a body cavity includes a pressurized composition reservoir; a hollow body having a longitudinally extending wall and having at least one aperture provided through a wall of said body, the proximal end in fluid communication with the reservoir for receiving a foamable composition from said composition reservoir; and an actuator operatively connected to the composition reservoir for effecting release of a foamable composition from said composition reservoir into a body cavity through said hollow body; wherein said body has a length less than about 125 mm and internal diameter in the range of about 1.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, wherein said length and internal diameter are selected to provide a delivery of at least about 70% of the foamable composition during operation. The foam delivery device can have multiple apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Foamix Ltd.
    Inventors: Meir Eini, David Schuz, Helen Shifrin, Yohan Hazot, Dov Tamarkin
  • Patent number: 8617101
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for generating a negative pressure in a vacuum chamber (32/132) of a breast pump (10/110), the drive mechanism comprising a housing (12/112), a motor (14/114) coupled to a rotatable drive element within the housing, a resilient membrane (28/128) coupled to the housing and, a flexible strap (50/150) coupled between the drive element and the resilient membrane. Rotation of the drive element causes the flexible strap to pull and resiliently deform the resilient membrane to create the negative pressure in a vacuum chamber of a breast pump. Also, a breast pump including such a drive mechanism together with a vacuum chamber (32/132) coupled to the housing (12/112). The vacuum chamber comprises a receptacle and a breast-receiving funnel (40/140) in fluid communication with the receptacle, wherein when a woman's breast is placed in the breast-receiving funnel, the vacuum chamber is sealed closed such that deformation the resilient membrane (28/128) creates a negative pressure in the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Willem Tack
  • Patent number: 8617102
    Abstract: The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, Daniel T. Wallace, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Kenneth M. Martin, Robert G. Younge, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer, David C. Lundmark
  • Patent number: 8617103
    Abstract: A catheter having improved ability to cross body passage obstructions and that more easily allows backloading of a guidewire into the lumen of the catheter is comprised of a tip, a shaft, and a lumen. The distal end of the catheter tip is oriented at an angle other than 90° to the lengthwise axis of the catheter tip. A guidewire may be easily backloaded into the elongated catheter lumen at the location of the angled catheter tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Daniel J. Vreeman
  • Patent number: 8617104
    Abstract: The present invention relates to balloon catheters for treating a luminal system of a patient. Specifically, the invention relates to catheters having a flexible membrane positioned at a distal portion of the catheter, the flexible membrane retained in a substantially unexposed conformation prior to deployment. Preferably the flexible membrane is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent to a localized environment when deployed to an exposed conformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis R. Yribarren, Randolf von Oepen, Kevin J. Ehrenreich, William E. Webler, Jr., Richard R. Newhauser
  • Patent number: 8617105
    Abstract: A safety support device for a syringe comprises a support sheath for the body of the syringe and an inner sheath suitable for sliding relative to the support sheath between a waiting, retracted position and the extended position for protecting the needle of the syringe. The device has means for holding the syringe body relative to the support sheath and retaining means suitable for being activated to retain g the inner sheath in the waiting, retracted position inside the support sheath and for being deactivated by the piston of the syringe to allow the inner sheath to extend into its protective, extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis
    Inventors: Stephane Chevallier, Jean-Michel Chevallier
  • Patent number: 8617106
    Abstract: A post-occlusion chamber collapse canceling system for a surgical apparatus that detects the breaking of occlusions by tissue fragments in the distal end of the aspiration path and produces a response comprising a transitory blockage of the distal end the aspiration path to terminate the chamber collapse and a simultaneous transitory venting of the aspiration line to relieve the vacuum, in a way that post-occlusion chamber collapses are cancelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jaime Zacharias
  • Patent number: 8617107
    Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Larry B. Gray
  • Patent number: 8617108
    Abstract: A lifter assembly for actuating a needle of an automatic medication delivery device, includes a motor, a speed reduction device driven by the motor, an output shaft driven by the speed reduction device via a rigid transmission device, a driving lever configured to move the needle, the driving lever being connected to and driven by the output shaft, and a sensing device configured to sense the rotation position of the output shaft. The speed reduction device comprises a worm in mesh with a worm gear. The output shaft, the worm gear and the rigid transmission device cooperatively constitute a four-bar linkage mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Mohanlal Ramadoss, Wai To Li, Yue Fu Zhu, Xiang Dong Jiang
  • Patent number: 8617109
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the delivery of predetermined doses of liquid medicament to a patient, which medicament is intended to be inhaled by the patient or intended to be injected into the body of the patient. The device is adapted to be in a medicament delivery state and in a medicament non-delivery state. When the device is in a medicament delivery state, said device is adapted to drive a piston into a cartridge containing the liquid medicament to be delivered, with a force that is above or equal to a predetermined minimum force value and below a predetermined maximum force value. The minimum force value is the lowest force value needed to deliver the predetermined dose and the maximum force value is the first force value at which it exists a risk of damaging the cartridge or the components of the device. Further, more of the spring force is brought to an efficient output torque ensuring that a predetermined volume of medicament is expelled from a cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: SHL Group AB
    Inventors: Victor Kronestedt, Lennart Brunnberg, Stephan Olson, Tomas Deurell, Anders Karlsson
  • Patent number: 8617110
    Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump are provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump may be measured. Based on measurements of one or more variables, such as force, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system. The methods of detecting occlusions may be dynamic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, Ian B. Hanson, Cary D. Talbot
  • Patent number: 8617111
    Abstract: A rotational orientation indicating hollow needle assembly having a needle, stylet, and hub. A hub sidewall has at least one external surface with at least one humanly tactilely discernible surface feature indicating the rotational relationship between the hub and the needle. Any portion of any of the assembly may bear indicia, or may be color-coded, to represent the size (gauge) of the needle, or needle type as an additional guide. In an exemplary embodiment the hub may be configured with two bevel face orientation features and two bevel orthogonal orientation features alternately spaced in a radial manner about the hub. An operator pinching the hub between a thumb and forefinger thus immediately feels these orientation features. When the assembly is rotated between the thumb and forefinger, these differing orientation features rotate as well, and the difference in tactile sensation immediately alerts the operator to the position of the needle bevel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Jon R. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 8617112
    Abstract: An indwelling needle assembly has a hollow outer needle, an outer-needle hub fixed to the base end of the outer needle, an inner needle inserted into the outer needle, an inner-needle hub fixed to the base end of the inner needle, a tube connected to the base end (or a side section) of the outer-needle hub so that the inner cavity of the tube is communicated with the inner cavity of the outer needle, and a protector that, when the inner needle is removed from the outer needle, covers at least the point of the inner needle and disconnectably connected to the outer-needle hub. A finger hold is formed in a projecting manner on a protector cover of the protector, and the finger hold is pressed by a finger to move the outer needle in the direction of its tip relative to the inner needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidenori Tanabe, Ryoji Kobayashi, Kazuhiro Hashimoto, Takato Murashita
  • Patent number: 8617113
    Abstract: An insertion head for medical or pharmaceutical applications includes a base having a lower side which can be positioned on organic tissue; an insertion means movably mounted by the base and insertable into the tissue; where the insertion means is movable relative to the base from a protective position in which a free end of the insertion means is short of the lower side of the base, into an insertion position in which the free end protrudes beyond the lower side; a handle which projects from the base and includes a first handle component and a second handle component movable relative to the base and the first handle component; and a coupling that transmits a movement of the second handle component into a movement of the insertion means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Christian Thalmann, Simon Scheurer
  • Patent number: 8617114
    Abstract: The present invention relates to balloon catheters for treating a luminal system of a patient. Specifically, the invention relates to catheters having a flexible membrane positioned at a distal portion of the catheter, the flexible membrane retained in a substantially unexposed conformation prior to deployment. Preferably the flexible membrane is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent to a localized environment when deployed to an exposed conformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Randolf von Oepen, Travis R. Yribarren, Kevin J. Ehrenreich, William E. Webler, Jr., Richard R. Newhauser
  • Patent number: 8617115
    Abstract: A medical catheter or tube clamp or support structure that is secured to an infant and holds a medical tube in place to prevent the tube from pistoning (axially moving within the infant relative to the entry point). In one embodiment, the medical tube claim comprises a catheter securing system that further includes a base that further includes at least one base member, a tube support member integrally formed with at least one base member that allows the tube to be inserted into an umbilical cord or stub in a relationally secure manner to prevent the tube from pistoning within an infant, and at one least channel for receiving a tube or catheter of a specified size and for securely holding the tube or catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Clay Kennard, James A. Harrison
  • Patent number: 8617116
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an implantable subcutaneous port for anchoring a transcutaneous treatment component. The implantable subcutaneous port comprises a body portion and one or more frangible lines formed within the body portion. The body portion is adapted for receiving the transcutaneous treatment component beneath the point of entry into the physiology of a patient and routing the transcutaneous treatment component. The body portion is produced from a deformable material and has an area footprint and defines a support wall through which the transcutaneous treatment component enters the body portion. Fracturing the one or more frangible lines formed within the body portion enables removal of the body portion from the physiology of a patient through a transcutaneous opening defining an area of less than thirty percent of the area footprint of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Marvao Medical Devices Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Davey
  • Patent number: 8617117
    Abstract: The invention concerns a medical tubing assembly (100) comprising: finned medical tubing (10) formed from an elongate tubular member (20) disposed with one or more longitudinal fins (21, 21?, 21?), a collar (200), slidably mountable on the finned tubing (10), equipped with a locking means and optionally one or more suture eyelets (250, 250?), said locking means configured to provide a locking force against one or more of the longitudinal fins (21, 21?, 21?). The invention allows securing of a medical tubing in situ that prevents slippage or damage to the tubing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Acrostak Corp.
    Inventors: Youri Popowski, Erwin Berger
  • Patent number: 8617118
    Abstract: Improvements in a safety hypodermic needle and a method of making the same are disclosed. The improvements relate to a commercial embodiment of a patented safety needle and comprise a tubular member extruded from a flexible elastomeric or rubber-like polymeric material. The tubular member is extruded with two ribs extending from the outer wall of the tubular member and spaced apart 90° circumferentially. The wall of the tubular member is provided with through cuts to form a cutout on one wall portion and an elongated lever on the opposite wall portion in the 90° space between the ribs. The cuts separate the wall of the tubular member into two outwardly flexible arms, each having a single rib thereon adjacent an edge of the arm. One end of the tubular member is stretched over the needle hub of a hypodermic needle and the other end is stretched over a needle cup which houses the sharp needle point. The needle cup is provided with a needle opening through which the needle extends during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Lloyd A. Marks
  • Patent number: 8617119
    Abstract: A safety device having a tubular support for a needle mount end and a protective shield slidably mounted on the support from a set position, a retracted position and then to a locked position to covers the needle. A locking member mounted on the support, within the shield and a cam follower is engaged with a cam profile on the locking member. Forward axial movement of the support relative to the locking member causes the locking member to rotate relative to the support. The shield has a guide defining a shoulder towards its rearward end and an abutment on the locking member is receivable behind the shoulder when the shield is in its locked position. A spring acts such that when the locking member is turned to engage its abutment with the shoulder of the shield when the latter is in its locked position, so preventing subsequent rearward movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Tip-Top.Com Ltd.
    Inventor: Barry Peter Liversidge
  • Patent number: 8617120
    Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides an integrated syringe-device which can store a volume of fluid for infusion, can connect via an air-tight connector to another device (such as a luer connector), can flush fluid through the connector into the other device, and can deliver a cap that forms an air-tight closure to the device connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Arrow International, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Rowe, Rodney W. Denlinger, Joel S. Rosenblatt, Nisha Gupta, Joseph A. Runkle, Jeffrey M. Vitullo, Philip D. Schmidt, William J. Vojtasek
  • Patent number: 8617121
    Abstract: Drug delivery device, comprising a body unit having a first opening and a second opening, a plunger arranged such that its distal end is positioned inside the body unit, wherein the plunger is moveable in the distal direction with respect to the body unit, a needle assembly, with a proximal end and a distal end comprising a needle, wherein the proximal end of the needle assembly and the distal end of the plunger are configured such that they can get into a vacuum connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Irina Lanin, Bernhard Forys, Alastair Clarke, Matthew Ekman, Kirsten Goode, Michael Heald, John Hiles, Chris Smith
  • Patent number: 8617122
    Abstract: A syringe is provided which comprises a barrel (11) and a needle sheath (30) slidably located within the barrel, a plunger (20) with a plunger seal (23), a needle, a needle sheath (30) and a sheath seal (50), arranged so that depression of the plunger forces the needle sheath to move into a position where it covers or at least partly encloses the needle after delivery of fluid contents of the syringe. The needle sheath may be manually actuated or may be actuated by decompression of a spring. The syringe may further comprise a plunger disabling means operable to impede, prevent or otherwise hinder withdrawal of the plunger during or following depression of the plunger. The syringe may be a pre-filled syringe or a syringe which is filled by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Unitract Syringe Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Damien Judd, Joseph Hermes Kaal, Craig Stephen Thorley
  • Patent number: 8617123
    Abstract: A pre-filled vial assembly adapted for dispensing and delivering a fluid includes: a body member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior; and a transitionable stopper disposed within the interior of the body member. At least a portion of the body member is engageable with a source of air or fluid for advancing the transitionable stopper from an initial position to an activated position in which at least a portion of a fluid contained within the interior of the body member is advanced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France, S.A.S.
    Inventors: Tracy Ray Hottovy, Eric Schiller
  • Patent number: 8617124
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising an elongated housing arranged to contain a medicament container which medicament container contains a number of doses; a dose counter mechanism comprising a dose drum arranged with dose indicia on its outer surface and visible through a window on said housing; a rotatable driver connected to said dose drum; a plunger rod arranged to act on said medicament container for expelling a dose of medicament; an actuation mechanism connected to said rotatable driver and to said plunger rod when said medicament delivery device is actuated; wherein said dose drum is arranged with internal threads, in engagement with corresponding threads on said driver, wherein said threads have a certain pitch; wherein said dose drum is also arranged with external threads in engagement with corresponding threads arranged fixed in relation to said housing, wherein said threads have a certain pitch; and wherein the pitch of the threads between the dose drum and fixe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: SHL Group AB
    Inventors: Anders Wieselblad, Kenny Kai Fung Cheung
  • Patent number: 8617125
    Abstract: A medical delivery system wherein one of a container and a dosing assembly comprises a first fastening means (116) and the other one of the container and the dosing assembly comprises a second fastening means (114); and wherein the second fastening means is adapted to move at least a part of the first fastening means in a radial direction upon rotation of the container in a first rotational direction relative to the dosing assembly, whereby the first and second fastening means engage such that the container and the dosing assembly are locked for relative translational movement. A container and a dosing assembly for use in the medical delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventor: Asger Voss Christiansen
  • Patent number: 8617126
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with tissue (22) of a subject, including a substance (24) configured to be injected into the tissue, and first and second tissue-squeezing surfaces (20) configured to be placed on first and second sides of the tissue, to exert pressure on the tissue by being moved toward each other in response to a squeezing force (F), and to facilitate injection of the substance into the tissue by releasing the substance in response to application of the squeezing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: MEDIMOP Medical Projects Ltd.
    Inventors: Yossi Gross, Oz Cabiri
  • Patent number: 8617127
    Abstract: A medicament injection device in which the time elapsed is calculated from the end of a predetermined period during which medicament is permitted to disperse subsequent to completion of an injection stroke. The medicament injection device is particularly suitable for use by those with diabetes in which once a desired dosage of medicament has been selected and expelled from the medicament cartridge into the body of the patient, the injected medicament is allowed to disperse locally from the injection site within the patient's body before the needle arrangement is removed from the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: DCA Design International Limited
    Inventors: Robert Woolston, Shane Alistair Day, Christopher Nigel Langley, Robert Frederick Veasey
  • Patent number: 8617128
    Abstract: An interventional medical device, for example, a chronic implantable medical electrical lead or drug delivery catheter, or an acute medical therapy delivery and/or diagnostic tool, such as a guide catheter, includes a label formed by laser marking a TiO2-loaded silicone medical adhesive, which is primarily employed for filling and bonding in the device. A laser marking apparatus is employed to form marks of the label in the cured adhesive that forms a backfill and bond in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Kimmel
  • Patent number: 8617129
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for the provision of topical negative pressure therapy to a wound site are described, the apparatus comprising: vacuum generating means for generating a negative pressure at said wound site said vacuum generating means being operably connected to a dressing at said wound site by aspiration conduit means; pressure sensing conduit means in fluid communication with said aspiration conduit means at a junction adjacent said dressing; first pressure sensing means between said junction and said vacuum generating means; second pressure sensing means operably associated with said pressure sensing conduit means; diagnostic means in communication with said first and second pressure sensing means; and control means in communication with said diagnostic means for controlling pressure in said aspiration and said pressure sensing conduit means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventor: Edward Hartwell