Patents Issued in March 8, 2016
  • Patent number: 9277931
    Abstract: An oral care implement for cleaning a user's tongue and/or soft tissue surfaces. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis; first and second prong members extending from a distal end of the handle, each of the first and second prong members diverging from the longitudinal axis and having a distal end; a blade for scraping soft tissue, the blade extending between the distal ends of the first and second prong members; and the blade integrally formed with the first and second prong members, the first and second prong members transitioning into the blade at the distal ends of the first and second prong members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventor: Eduardo J. Jimenez
  • Patent number: 9277932
    Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes an end effector assembly having first and second scissors blades mounted on the clevis. Laterally offset from the cutting edges a tissue stop is provided on each tissue receiving surface to hold and/or put traction on tissue. The tissue stop may include tenaculum or saw-like projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Slatr Surgical Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Charles R. Slater
  • Patent number: 9277933
    Abstract: Methods for dissecting tissues are provided. The methods comprise selecting a tissue site comprising dermis and subdermal fat connected to the dermis, and applying ultrasonic energy to the tissue to remove at least a portion of the subdermal fat from the dermis, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied to minimize damage to the dermis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: LIFECELL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Israel James Jessop, Benjamin T. Kibalo, Adrian F. Barbieri
  • Patent number: 9277934
    Abstract: Liquid to be injected from an injection nozzle is supplied through a liquid supply channel toward the injection nozzle. Negative pressure for sucking the liquid injected from the injection nozzle through a suction port is produced by a suction unit and guided through a suction channel toward the suction port. A bypass channel which bypasses the liquid supply channel on the upstream side with respect to the injection nozzle and connects with the suction channel is provided. The bypass channel is opened and closed by an opening and closing unit. According to this structure, flow of unnecessary liquid from the injection nozzle can be reduced by opening the opening and closing unit while injection of liquid is stopping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kojima, Hideyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9277935
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating a target site in a body lumen are provided. A medical device includes a stent-like structure including a plurality of scoring and non-scoring filaments interwoven with one another. Generally, the stent-like structure will have more non-scoring filaments than scoring filaments to provide greater structural support and to focus the scoring forces on only a few select areas. The stent-like structure is expanded within the target site to score the target site and to provide temporary structural support while the target site is infused with a therapeutic agent. Such therapeutic agent infusion occurs with the use of a drug eluting or drug coated balloon disposed within the stent-like structure or by occluding the target site and introducing a drug into the occluded target site to sit for a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Quadra Endovascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Eustis Fulton, III
  • Patent number: 9277936
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle portion having a distal end, a proximal end, and a substantially hollow body defining a valve chamber therein; a curved incising tube partially housed within the handle portion adjacent the handle portion proximal end, extending a predetermined distance from the handle portion, and in fluid communication with the valve chamber; a local anesthetic inlet tube partially housed within the handle portion adjacent the handle portion distal end, extending a predetermined distance from the handle portion, and in fluid communication with the valve chamber; a local anesthetic delivery actuator disposed on the handle portion, whereby the local anesthetic delivery actuator is selectively operative between opened and closed valve chamber positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth Finkelstein
  • Patent number: 9277937
    Abstract: An external fixation clamp for receiving a fixation element includes an inner jaw and an outer jaw movable between an open position that permits the fixation element to be placed between the inner and outer jaws and a closed position that restricts removal of the fixation element from between the inner and outer jaws. A latch assembly may cooperate with the inner and outer jaws to secure the jaws in a closed position. The latch assembly may comprise a latch and a latch biasing member. The latch may be configured to translate linearly relative to one of the inner and outer jaws, and the latch biasing member may have a first higher level of stored energy when the inner and outer jaws are in the open position and a second lower level of stored energy when the inner and outer jaws are in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventor: Michael W. Mullaney
  • Patent number: 9277938
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring system includes a receiving part having an accommodation space, a first anchoring element having a first head, a sleeve-like insert piece configured to be arranged around a portion of the first head and to be arranged in the accommodation space, a second anchoring element having a second head, and a pressure member configured to exert pressure onto the first head or the second head, wherein when one of the first anchoring element or the second anchoring element is connected to the receiving part, the connected anchoring element is pivotable relative to the receiving part and can be locked at an angle relative to the receiving part by exerting pressure with the pressure member onto the respective head of the connected anchoring element, and wherein the first bone anchoring element and the second bone anchoring element are configured to be interchangeably connectable to the receiving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Martin Meer, Wilfried Matthis
  • Patent number: 9277939
    Abstract: A spinal correction system includes at least one longitudinal element extending between a first portion and a second portion. At least one fixation element includes a first end and a second end that is configured for penetrating tissue. A coupling member is configured for disposal about the at least one longitudinal element. The coupling member includes a first part and a second part being movable relative to the first part between a first orientation and a second orientation such that an inner surface of the parts are fixed with the at least one longitudinal element. The parts include an outer surface such that in the second orientation, the coupling member is configured for a snap fit engagement with the at least one fixation element such that the parts are fixed with the first end. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
  • Patent number: 9277940
    Abstract: A method of inserting a spinal stabilization system into a patient generally comprises inserting a first positioning tool through a first location on a patient's skin and along a path generally toward a first vertebral anchor, coupling an end of the first positioning tool to the first vertebral anchor, positioning at least a portion of a delivery device over a connecting element, and inserting the delivery device and the connecting element through the patient's skin at the first location and along at least a portion of the first positioning tool. The first positioning tool is configured to facilitate directing the delivery device and connecting element generally toward a second vertebral anchor within the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Darst Rice, Emmanuel Zylber
  • Patent number: 9277941
    Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element including a shaft and a head, a receiving part for coupling a rod to the bone anchoring element, the receiving part including a rod receiving portion having a channel with a bottom for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion to allow introduction and clamping of the head, and a locking ring including at least one projection, wherein the rod receiving portion has at least one cutout, wherein when the head is not locked, the projection is configured to extend through the cutout and into the channel, and wherein a first engagement portion is provided on the locking ring for engaging a second engagement portion at an inner wall of the cutout to hold the locking ring in a first position where the head is pivotable in the head receiving portion but is prevented from removal therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis, Berthold Dannecker
  • Patent number: 9277942
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a receiving part to receive a rod for coupling the rod to a bone anchoring element, the receiving part having a top end and a bottom end, a first passage at the bottom end with a first longitudinal axis, and a second passage at the top end with a second longitudinal axis that intersects the first longitudinal axis, and a compression element, wherein at least one of the receiving part or the compression element has a seat with an opening facing the bottom end, and wherein the compression element is movable relative to the receiving part along the first longitudinal axis between a first position wherein the seat is expandable and configured for insertion of a head of a bone anchoring element and pivoting of the head, and a second position wherein the seat is compressed to lock an inserted head therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Biedermann Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis
  • Patent number: 9277943
    Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a wall extending between a first end and a second end and defining a longitudinal axis. The wall has a first surface and a second surface configured to engage tissue. The wall defines at least one opening configured for disposal of a bone fastener. The first end includes an inner surface comprising a first linear side and a second linear side. The linear sides are disposed in substantial alignment with the axis. The inner surface further comprises an arcuate side connected to the linear sides to define a cavity configured for disposal of a fastener. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Langston Holly, Mark Dace, Kevin R. Humphreys
  • Patent number: 9277944
    Abstract: A bone filler delivery system comprises a longitudinal channel incorporates a perforated segment at least partially along, at or near its distal end. The channel can be sealed at its distal end so the filler material may be delivered only by the lumen and through the perforated segment. Optionally, said system comprises a permeable bag capable of being inserted into a bone while in collapsed configuration and then expanded when filled with bone voids filler. The mesh structure is designed to allow such permeable bag to expand to a predetermined size or shape under certain pressures and allows exudation of bone void filler through its walls. Extracting the permeable bag out of a treated body promotes flow of bone void filler through its pores into cancellous bone and/or cavity in the bone. The procedure promotes height restoration of the bone and introduces filler in a controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mordechay Beyar, Oren Globerman
  • Patent number: 9277945
    Abstract: Apparatus for treating a bone fracture, the apparatus including an anchoring tube having a hollow elongated shaft adapted for disposition in a hole formed in a bone and having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween, and a substantially planar plate mounted to the proximal end of the hollow elongated shaft and adapted for disposition against the outer surface of the bone; wherein the plate has a top surface and a bottom surface, and further wherein the bottom surface of the plate is convex, such that when the anchoring tube is disposed in a hole formed in a bone and is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongated shaft, the convex bottom surface of the plate maintains supporting contact with the outer surface of the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: MNR Device Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis McDevitt, Vince Novak, Hadley Callaway
  • Patent number: 9277946
    Abstract: A spinal fusion system for positioning between two vertebral bodies is presented. The system can have a substantially rigid body and a substantially rigid plate connected to a portion of the posterior face of the substantially rigid body that extends away from and substantially transverse to the posterior face of the substantially rigid body. The system also has a first implant body and a second implant body configured to matingly connect to one another with at least a portion of the substantially rigid plate positioned therebetween. The combination of the first and second implant bodies and the substantially rigid plate is configured for insertion between the two vertebral bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Amendia, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Hooper, Jeff Radcliffe
  • Patent number: 9277947
    Abstract: A bone fixation element includes a threaded head and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, an outer surface of the head being one of carburized and nitrided and including a first groove extending into an outer surface of the head along a path interrupting the threading and extending along an angle counter to an angle of the threading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Kenny Koay, Rod McMillan, Kenneth Kobayashi, Rene Haag, Robert Limouze, Mike Wahl, Mirko Rocci
  • Patent number: 9277948
    Abstract: An implant for use in orthognathic surgery of a mandible may include a longitudinal plate member and a plurality of pre-configured guides coupled to the plate member. The longitudinal plate member is pre-bent to correspond to the post-operative shape of the mandible; and the guides are pre-configured to align the plate member with the mandible when the implant is positioned against the mandible after the mandible has been separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Furrer, Timo Zillig, Frank Wilde
  • Patent number: 9277949
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Werner Schneider, Hallie E Brinkerhuff
  • Patent number: 9277950
    Abstract: A bone screw that is a low-profile, uniplanar bone screw is provided. The bone screw is for adjusting a position of a rod. The bone screw includes a main body, a rocker and a rod-securing element. The main body has a shaft with a threaded part. The rocker is coupled to and moveable relative to the main body. The rocker is configured to at least partially receive the rod. The rod-securing element is configured to secure the rod between the rocker and the rod-securing element and relative to the main body. The rod-securing element includes a fulcrum serving as an axis of rotation about which the rod rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Dynamic Spine, LLC
    Inventor: Glenn R. Buttermann
  • Patent number: 9277951
    Abstract: An arthroscopic tenodesis kit, including a guide with an elongate member having a length with a distal portion having a notch configured to releasably engage a suture; a cannulated fixation screw having a longitudinal cannula configured to receive the guide; and an inserter. The inserter includes an elongate cannulated body having an interior bore having a blind end and an open end configured to slidingly receive the guide. The body of the inserter has a length that is shorter than the length of the guide, so that the distal portion of the guide remains spaced from the bore when the guide is fully received within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: W. David Hovis
  • Patent number: 9277952
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Channel Medsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Burnett, Ric Cote, William W. Malecki, Brian M. Neil, David Beaulieu, Benjamin D. Voiles
  • Patent number: 9277953
    Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue comprises an elongated tube (3) having a proximal end and a distal end, and constituting a conduit though which ionizable gas can be supplied to the distal end of the tube. The tube (3) includes one or more apertures (9) in the tube such that the ionizable gas is capable of exiting the tube in a plurality of different directions. The tube includes at least one electrode (4) for ionizing the ionizable gas exiting the one or more apertures, and a shield (11) associated to with the tube (3) and movable so as to obscure at least part of the one or more apertures (9) so as to vary the direction or directions in which the ionized gas exits the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Wayne Williams, Teo Heng Jimmy Yang, Jack Dunkley
  • Patent number: 9277954
    Abstract: Cartilage and other tissues are treated by generating a plasma in an interior space of a probe and exposing the tissue to the plasma. The plasma is released through a gap in a working end of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: ARQOS Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Germain, Balazs Lesko, Benedek Orczy-Timko
  • Patent number: 9277955
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for the generation and control of energy delivery in a dosage to elicit a therapeutic response in diseased tissue. A balloon catheter can have electrodes attached to a power generator and controller such that the balloon and electrodes contact tissue during energy treatment. Energy selectively may be applied to tissue based on measured impedance to achieve gentle heating. Calibration of the apparatus and identification of attached accessories by computing the circuit impedance prior to energy dosage facilitate regulation of power delivery about a set point. Energy delivery can be controlled to achieve substantially uniform bulk tissue temperature distribution. Energy delivery may beneficially affect nerve activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Vessix Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Herscher, David Krawzsenek, Aaron LaBarge, Joseluis Espinosa, Michael Perry
  • Patent number: 9277956
    Abstract: A system provides heart ablation unit control. The system includes an input processor for acquiring electrophysiological signal data from multiple tissue locations of a heart and data indicating tissue thickness at the multiple tissue locations. A signal processor processes the acquired electrophysiological signal data to identify location of particular tissue sites of the multiple tissue locations exhibiting electrical abnormality in the acquired electrophysiological signal data and determines an area of abnormal tissue associated with individual sites of the particular sites. An ablation controller automatically determines ablation pulse characteristics for use in ablating cardiac tissue at an individual site of the particular tissue sites in response to the acquired data indicating the thickness of tissue and determined area of abnormality of the individual site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Hongxuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 9277957
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system may generally first and second electrodes coupled to an energy source operative to generate and deliver pulses of a biphasic radio frequency (RF) waveform to treat undesirable tissue in a patient. The pulses may induce non-thermal cell death in the patient's tissue while causing no or minimal muscle contractions in the treated patient. The pulses may be grouped in bursts wherein the pulses within a burst repeat at a particular pulse frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Long, Gregory J. Bakos, David N. Plescia, Peter K. Shires, William J. Bowers
  • Patent number: 9277958
    Abstract: A skin surface is treated with RF energy (e.g., unipolar, monopolar, bipolar or multipolar RF delivery). A first semiconductive cap disposed on a first distal end of a first electrode and, optionally, a second semiconductive cap disposed on a second distal end of a second electrode are applied to the skin surface. RF energy is delivered from the first electrode and the second electrode through the first semiconductive cap and the second semiconductive cap, respectively, through the skin surface. The first semiconductive cap and/or the second semiconductive cap have an electrical conductivity matched or substantially matched to the skin's electrical conductivity (e.g., about 0.1 to about 2 times that of the skin).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Candela Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin T. Schomacker, Avner Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 9277959
    Abstract: A medical treatment instrument operation unit includes a sliding portion capable of advancing and retracting to a body portion and rotating around a longitudinal axis of the body portion and connected to a proximal end portion of the operating member, and a regulating portion switchable to a movable state where regulating portion is capable of advancing, retracting, and rotating to the body portion and a limited state where the advance, retraction, and rotation of sliding portion to the body portion is limited. The regulating portion includes a rotatable dial portion, and a shaft-shaped member screwed to the dial portion to be relatively advanceable and retractable thereto in a direction in which the shaft-shaped member is brought close to and separated from the body portion. Movable and limited states are switched as the shaft-shaped member comes close to and separates from the body portion with the turning of the dial portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tsutomu Okada
  • Patent number: 9277960
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices allow percutaneous mapping, orientation and/or ablation in bodily cavities or lumens. Such may include a structure that is percutaneously positionable in a cavity, such as an intra-cardiac cavity of a heart. Transducers carried by the structure are responsive to blood flow. For example, the transducers may sense temperature, temperature being related to convective cooling caused by blood flow. A controller discerns positional information or location, based on signals from the transducers. For example, blood flow may be greater and/or faster proximate a port in cardiac tissue than proximate tissue spaced from the port. Position information may allow precise ablation of selected tissue, for example tissue surround a port in the intra-cardiac cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: KARDIUM INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Weinkam, Jeffery Charles Brewster
  • Patent number: 9277961
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems for energy delivery to targeted tissue comprise a catheter with an ablation member, a radiometer configured to detect temperature data from the targeted tissue, a processor configured to determine a calculated temperature (e.g., an extreme temperature, such as a peak or trough temperature) within the tissue by applying at least one factor to the temperature data detected by the radiometer, the processor configured to compare the calculated temperature to a setpoint and an energy source configured to energize the ablation member and to regulate delivery of ablative energy to the targeted tissue of the subject based at least in part on the comparison. In some embodiments, the factor depends on at least one characteristic of the targeted tissue. Information regarding a tissue characteristic can be provided using information from an imaging set (e.g., intracardiac echo) or an electrical signal of the subject (e.g., electrocardiogram).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignees: Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics, Inc., Meridian Medical Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Dorin Panescu, Josef Vincent Koblish, John F. McCarthy, Robert Chris Allison
  • Patent number: 9277962
    Abstract: A method of controlling electrosurgical power delivery is based on a comparison of sensed tissue impedance to various impedance threshold values. Energy is delivered to tissue in a sealing cycle as a series of pulses. A pulse has a profile with a preset energy starting value that increases at a ramping rate to a preset end value. Sensed impedance data are monitored throughout each pulse and compared to each of an impedance threshold value for RF setpoint, an impedance threshold value for cumulative time, and an impedance threshold value for energy cutback. Based on sensed impedance during a pulse, the profile of a subsequent pulse can be modified. In the event of a high impedance event that reflects low tissue presence, energy may be cutback. A sealing cycle is stopped when a cumulative amount of time with an impedance value over the impedance cumulative time threshold value reaches a limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Tim Koss, Miriam H. Taimisto, Roseanne Varner
  • Patent number: 9277963
    Abstract: A radiation treatment bra is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the bra includes adjustable elements and a medial window. During radiation treatment planning, the elements are adjusted to establish a reference breast geometry. The reference breast geometry is reproduced prior to an actual treatment session by repeating the original adjustment of the elements, as necessary. The medial window enables a light field to be projected onto the patient's chest, and read therefrom, thereby establishing proper alignment of the patient to the radiation treatment machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Elizabeth Chabner Thompson, MD, MPH
    Inventor: Elizabeth Chabner Thompson
  • Patent number: 9277964
    Abstract: Wave energy is directed into a body. A condition within the body is observed by reflection from effects within the body. An internal target is located. Wave energy is focused on the target within the body and is increased in intensity to treat the target. A hand held instrument passivates or moves scalp from a skull, and converges, diverges or collimates near infrared laser beams through a skull and into interior tissue. Reflected energy reveals vessels edema or bleeding. Vessel targets are identified. Infrared laser beams are directed, triggered and intensified to coagulate or constrict the vessel. The hand held instrument is a wand connected to a laser source, processor, display and power source. The power supply, processor, infrared laser, display and laser director are mounted on a hand held unit for field use by technicians and medics to prevent time delay and further injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: OCEANIT LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Alan Hasling
  • Patent number: 9277965
    Abstract: An adjustable tibial trial insert includes an upper plate having an upper articular surface and a lower plate. A height-adjustment mechanism of the insert is coupled to and positioned generally between the upper plate and the lower plate and is configured to move between a closed position where the upper and lower plates are adjacent each other and an opened position where the upper and lower plates are spaced-apart from each other in order to adjust a height or thickness of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Terry L. Dietz
  • Patent number: 9277966
    Abstract: A multifunctional enclosure is described having an elongated sleeve configured with an enlarged opening for the insertion of an elongated member of a medical probe. The multifunctional enclosure is configured to prevent the elongated member of the medical probe from swinging and becoming damaged during transport. The multifunctional enclosure may further comprise at attachment component for securing the medical probe to the multifunctional enclosure. Furthermore, at least one vent may be configured onto the multifunctional enclosure, such as on a first end closure portion. The vent may allow for adequate flow for sterilization and/or drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: John Russell Seitz, III
  • Patent number: 9277967
    Abstract: A grommet device and method of using a grommet device is provided. The device includes a base structure having a base surface and a top structure having a top surface. A middle portion is connected between the top structure and the base structure, wherein an aperture is positioned through the middle portion, the aperture having an interior space defined by an aperture sidewall extending from the base surface to the top surface. A protruding structure is affixed to a portion of the aperture sidewall at a first end and extending towards a central axis of the aperture along a protrusion axis, wherein the protrusion axis is substantially aligned with a length of the protruding structure from the first end to the second end, and wherein a second end of the protruding structure is flexibly movable in at least one direction substantially perpendicular to the protrusion axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Symmetry Medical Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Kraig Herman Allen
  • Patent number: 9277968
    Abstract: A medical robot system and a method for controlling the same. The medical robot system includes a trocar, inserted into an incision of a patient, to guide a surgical apparatus and transmit at least one of position information of the surgical apparatus and pressure information of the surgical apparatus, and a console to display a screen including at least one of the position information and the pressure information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Ki Min, Woong Kwon
  • Patent number: 9277969
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for enabling user preview and control of the size and shape of an electromagnetic energy field used in a surgical procedure. The disclosed system includes a selectively activatable source of microwave surgical energy in the range of about 900 mHz to about 5 gHz in operable communication with a graphical user interface and a database. The database is populated with data corresponding to the various surgical probes, such as microwave ablation antenna probes, that may include a probe identifier, the probe diameter, operational frequency of the probe, ablation length of the probe, ablation diameter of the probe, a temporal coefficient, a shape metric, and the like. The probe data is graphically presented on the graphical user interface where the surgeon may interactively view and select an appropriate surgical probe. Three-dimensional views of the probe(s) may be presented allowing the surgeon to interactively rotate the displayed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Kyle R. Rick
  • Patent number: 9277970
    Abstract: A method and system for patient-specific planning and guidance of an ablation procedure for cardiac arrhythmia is disclosed. A patient-specific anatomical heart model is generated based on pre-operative cardiac image data. The patient-specific anatomical heart model is registered to a coordinate system of intra-operative images acquired during the ablation procedure. One or more ablation site guidance maps are generated based on the registered patient-specific anatomical heart model and intra-operative patient-specific measurements acquired during the ablation procedure. The ablation site guidance maps may include myocardium diffusion and action potential duration maps. The ablation site guidance maps are generated using a computational model of cardiac electrophysiology which is personalized by fitting parameters of the cardiac electrophysiology model using the intra-operative patient-specific measurements. The ablation site guidance maps are displayed by a display device during the ablation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Tommaso Mansi, Olivier Ecabert, Saikiran Rapaka, Bogdan Georgescu, Ali Kamen, Dorin Comaniciu
  • Patent number: 9277971
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a one crystalline phase lithium silicate glass ceramic and the manufacture of machinable blocks for dental appliances using a CAD/CAM device. The resulting glass ceramic contains a thermodynamically stable lithium silicate crystal through each of the steps of the process due to its specific material formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: Rodolfo Castillo
  • Patent number: 9277972
    Abstract: Methods and devices utilizing a dental appliance for dental retainer wire attachment are disclosed. One such wire attachment appliance includes a shell having one or more cavities formed therein and shaped to receive one or more teeth, at least two wire attachment members provided on the shell, and at least one attachment material reservoir provided on the shell, wherein the attachment material is provided to attach a wire to a tooth adjacent to a particular reservoir of the at least one attachment material reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Brandt, Rick M. Matty
  • Patent number: 9277973
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket is described and which includes a base member defining an archwire slot having an opening, and at least one projection extending outwardly from the base member; a ligating slide moveable between a first position which is clear of the archwire slot, and second position where the ligating slide projects over the opening of the archwire slot; and a biasing member borne by the ligating slide, and resiliently cooperating with the projection, and wherein the biasing member has a first portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the first position, and a second portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventor: Dwight H. Damon
  • Patent number: 9277974
    Abstract: A dental implant comprises an implant screw (1) with an external thread (5), an implant abutment (3) and a tightening screw (4) which can be screwed into the implant screw (1) and by which the implant abutment (3) is connectable or connected with the implant screw (1), wherein the implant screw (1) rests against a contact surface (14, 15) of the implant abutment (3) with a contact surface (10, 11). To improve such dental implant, the implant screw (1) and the implant abutment (3) are made of a ceramic material at least in the region of their contact surfaces (10, 11; 14, 15). The contact surface (14, 15) of the implant screw (1) and the contact surface (14, 15) of the implant abutment (3) are ground in against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Cera M GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Lutz, Stefan Ries
  • Patent number: 9277975
    Abstract: An interproximal dental tool for use by dental practitioners which contains several significant improvements over prior art interproximal dental tools which has an upper surface extending to a sidewall and a body section which in turn grasps a razor or blade member having a blade extending outwardly from the interproximal dental tool and which is placed between the patient's teeth to grind portions of teeth between two adjacent teeth. The tool is used for professional practice only and not by consumers. The significant improvements over the prior art interproximal dental tools are as follows: The exterior top surface and the exterior side surfaces of the present invention interproximal dental tool are made of grippable material which is primarily made of rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Kerr Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan Tapocik
  • Patent number: 9277976
    Abstract: A dental floss apparatus for cleaning the gaps between adjacent teeth which is comprised of a pair of handles that are configured for engagement with the fingers with strands of flossing substrate extending therebetween. The flossing substrate runs substantially parallel and extends within an opening formed between the ends of the two handles, during tensioned employment of the handles by a user. A dissolvable component is positioned within the opening through an engagement with one or both of the handles or the flossing substrate. The dissolvable component dissolves to a solution during use to deposit a residue on the surface of the teeth. The solution from the dissolving component may be colorized or fluorescent, and have an additive material such as mouthwash, breath freshener, cooling agent, or flavor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: Leonard G. Lorch
  • Patent number: 9277977
    Abstract: A dental floss apparatus for cleaning the gaps between adjacent teeth which is comprised of a pair of handles that are configured for engagement with the fingers and having one or a plurality of strands of flossing substrate extending therebetween. The floss extends within an opening formed between the ends of the two handles, during tensioned employment of the handles by a user. A dissolvable component may be positioned within the opening through an engagement with one or both of the handles or the flossing substrate. The dissolvable component dissolves to a solution during use to deposit a residue on the surface of the teeth. The solution from the dissolving component may be colorized or fluorescent, and have an additive material such as mouthwash, breath freshener, cooling agent, or flavor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: Leonard G. Lorch
  • Patent number: 9277978
    Abstract: A disposable dental valve device is disclosed which comprises a valve body having a tip receiving end, a hose receiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, and a partial opening formed in the valve body, and a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to being inserted into the partial opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, the rotatable valve body having a top and a handle portion connected to the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: STOMA VENTURES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Williams, Mark Ellis
  • Patent number: 9277979
    Abstract: The dental position tracking system includes a toothbrush (30) which has a system (20) for determining the orientation of the toothbrush in the mouth of a user relative to the earth, based on measured stored information. Information is stored in the toothbrush concerning target ranges of expected measured toothbrush orientations for each of a plurality of dental zones (22). A processor (24) compares the measured toothbrush orientation information with the target orientation ranges, following conversion of both the target orientation information and the measured toothbrush orientation information to the same coordinate system. The processor then determines which if any of the target ranges matches, within a selected tolerance thereof, with the toothbrush orientation information. Any difference between the target range and the measured toothbrush orientation information is then used to partially adjust the target information range, in order to compensate for a change of position of the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Teunis Jan Ikkink, Hans Marc Bert Boeve
  • Patent number: 9277980
    Abstract: The mouthpiece includes a plurality of individual thin layers of material forming a base or shell portion of the mouthpiece alternating with a plurality of individual bristle layers which are configured to the shape of bristles at the interior surfaces thereof. The base layers are comprised of a material which is sufficiently stiff to permit driving of the mouthpiece, while the bristle layers comprise material which is sufficiently flexible to produce an effective scrubbing action in operation without damage to the mouth tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jurriaan Bernhard Rudolf Leveling, Folkert Vrijburg, Geert Hendrik Westrup