Patents Issued in August 23, 2016
  • Patent number: 9421105
    Abstract: A humeral component of a shoulder prosthesis encloses a stem module which has a shank and an upper shank portion with a stem support surface. A joint adapter is adapted to hold either a liner or a spherical cap. The joint adapter has an adapter support surface which interfaces with the stem support surface. Further, the stem support surface and the adapter support surface have corresponding radial arc shaped sections which allow positioning of the joint adapter against the stem module at different inclination angles. For fastening the joint adapter to the stem module, a bolt or screw is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick J. T. Metcalfe, Gerlinde Michel, Gregory A. Guederian, Peter Habermayer, Anthony A. Romeo, Stefan Krupp, Steven L. Vandermeulen, Kevin J. Gallen
  • Patent number: 9421106
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implant assembly including an alignment guide for aligning the engagement between a glenosphere and baseplate via a central screw engaged to the baseplate. The glenosphere includes first and second recess portions. The first recess portion of the glenosphere is configured to engage a tapered side surface of the baseplate and the second recess portion of the glenosphere is configured to engage a portion of a head of the central screw projecting outwardly from a top surface of the baseplate when engaged thereto. The portion of the head of the central screw projecting outwardly from the baseplate is slip-fit into the second recess of the glenosphere. This engagement aids the alignment of the glenosphere and the baseplate and helps to ensure the accurate alignment of the tapered engagement of the side surface of the baseplate and the first recess of the glenosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Roy Splieth, James David Lorek
  • Patent number: 9421107
    Abstract: An intervertebral disc includes a superior endplate having an upper vertebral contacting surface and a lower bearing surface, wherein the upper vertebral contacting surface of the superior endplate has a central portion that is raised relative to a peripheral portion of the superior endplate, and wherein the lower bearing surface has a concavity disposed opposite the raised central portion. The disc includes an inferior endplate having a lower vertebral contacting surface and an upper surface, wherein the lower vertebral contacting surface of the inferior endplate has a central portion and wherein the upper bearing surface has a concavity disposed opposite the central portion. A core is positioned between the upper and inferior endplates, the core having upper and lower core bearing surfaces configured to mate with the bearing surfaces of the upper and inferior endplates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Simplify Medical Pty Limited
    Inventor: Yves Arramon
  • Patent number: 9421108
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an implant for interfacing with a bone structure includes a web structure including a space truss. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes accessing an intersomatic space and inserting an implant into the intersomatic space. The implant includes a web structure including a space truss. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: 4WEB, Inc.
    Inventor: Jessee Hunt
  • Patent number: 9421109
    Abstract: One implementation of the present disclosure may take the form of a sacroiliac joint fusion system including a joint implant and a delivery tool. The joint implant includes at least one integral anchor configured to move relative to a body of the implant when being brought into anchoring engagement with bone defining a sacroiliac joint space in which the body of the implant is located. In one embodiment, the at least one anchor extends distally and laterally relative to a body of the implant when being brought into anchoring engagement with the bone. In another embodiment, the at least one anchor rotates relative to the body of the implant when being brought into anchoring engagement with the bone. The delivery tool is configured to support the implant off of a distal portion of the tool. The delivery tool is further configured to cause the displacement of the at least one anchor relative to the implant body so as to cause the at least one anchor to be brought into anchoring engagement with the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: JCBD, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Jeffrey Donner, Christopher Thomas Donner
  • Patent number: 9421110
    Abstract: A device, system, and method for performing a spinal procedure. The device includes first and second shape-memory outer platforms, the outer platforms expanding at a temperature greater than the transformative temperature, a core member having first and second expansion bodies and first and second wedge members, the first expansion body being coupled to the first outer platform and the second expansion body being coupled to the second outer platform, and a screw rotatably disposed within the core member, the screw passing through at least a portion of each of the first and second wedge members. Rotation of the screw causes the first and second wedge members to move toward each other and the first and second expansion bodies to move away from each other. Thus, reaching a transformation temperature and rotating the screw expands the device to come in contact with and anchored against both of the adjacent vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Sidewinder Medical Products LLC
    Inventors: Robert Masson, James Scott Hay, Ryan Singh
  • Patent number: 9421111
    Abstract: A spinal implant formed from a hinged distractor having an upper and lower support body that is hinged by use of pinions. An insert body is constructed and arranged to slide between the section to expand and maintain a space therebetween. The insert body includes a leading edge that is tapered to allow ease of insertion. A trailing edge that extends beyond a front edge of the upper support body will cause the insert body to be locked into position. A trailing edge engages the rear of the upper support body to prevent over insertion. A lower surface of the insert body may include locking surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Atlas Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew G. Baynham
  • Patent number: 9421112
    Abstract: A fixation system, which is developed for the treatment of diseases on a cervical, thoracal or lumbar spine and especially to maintain the distance between two vertebras on the spine and achieve fusion, is disclosed herein. The system preferably comprises a main cage (2), at least one dynamic shaft (3) fitted into the main cage (2) in parallel with cage axis, at least one sharp blade (5) fixed with a fixation pin (4) on to the shaft (3), and at least two imaging pins (6) located in two different axis- which helps to locate/identify the structure under X-Ray imaging during a surgery. A preferred sharp blade (5) is configured to turn 90° in the main cage (2) with the help of the shaft (3), and to penetrate into the vertebras with the help of sharp side surfaces (5.3) of the blade (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Tria Spine Meikal Ltd. Sti.
    Inventors: Kamil Bal, Ibrahim Ozgur Bektas
  • Patent number: 9421113
    Abstract: A surgical inserter for use in inserting an implant into a vertebral space may include: (a) a handle; (b) a gripper having one end attached to the handle and a second end having a pair of arms; and (c) a grip activator having an opening that threadingly receives the gripper. The grip activator can be rotated in a first direction with respect to the gripper to cause the arms to move toward each other to grip the inserter and in a second direction with respect to the gripper to cause the arms to move away from each other to release the inserter. In one embodiment a compression force activator is used to deploy the implant and in another embodiment a tension force activator is used to deploy the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Henry F. Fabian
  • Patent number: 9421114
    Abstract: The invention relates to an intersomatic cage comprising a body (3) and a part (2) that is designed to dilate the intersomatic space between two vertebrae (8, 8?) by rotating the cage so that the cage (1) can be inserted into the space. The body (3) has a prism shape with a substantially planar upper surface (6) which can bear against the superior vertebral endplate (8) and a substantially planar lower surface (6?) which can bear against the inferior vertebral endplate (8?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: CARPE CONSULTANTS SARL
    Inventor: Michael Perisic
  • Patent number: 9421115
    Abstract: A device for moving an elongate member relative to an elongate body through which it extends, the device including a housing, a mover, and a pre-mover. The housing is connectable to the elongate body. The mover is associated with the housing and is connectable to the elongate member for moving the elongate member relative to the housing. The pre-mover is associated with the housing and is connectable to the elongate member for adjusting the elongate member in preparation for moving the elongate member with the mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Wübbeling, Michael Vogel, Jürgen Dorn
  • Patent number: 9421116
    Abstract: A digestive tract device is configured to reduce the burden on a living body associated with the adjustment of the length of a tubular portion retained inside the living body and simplify a retention operation after introducing the digestive tract device into the living body. The digestive tract device includes a tubular portion provided with a main body having a through hole extending in the longitudinal direction and a tip opening continuous with the through hole and a folded-back portion formed by folding back the main body in the longitudinal direction, a holding unit which holds the folded-back portion in a folded-back state with the tip opening open, and a retention unit which is provided on the base end side of the tubular portion and retains the tubular portion inside a living body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki Aramaki, Ryou Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 9421117
    Abstract: An ankle brace including a foot portion, an ankle portion with a strap for securing the brace to the user and a single pneumatic air bladder system. The air bladder system includes a distal U-shaped chamber which surrounds the user's plantar fascia connected via two tapered communicating channels to two proximal chambers positioned on either side of the user's Achilles tendon. Pressure applied to the distal U-shaped chamber results in air flow to the proximal chambers. Air flows back to the distal chamber when that pressure is released. Expansion and contraction of the distal and proximal chambers massages the underlying plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Hames
  • Patent number: 9421118
    Abstract: A digital strapping system comprising an alternatively configurable hallux strap system for positioning and exercising a hallux of a foot, and/or an alternatively configurable osteotomy strap system for positioning and exercising a second and/or third digit of a foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Royal Patents, LLC
    Inventors: Dean F. Cropper, Lowell Scott Weil, Sr., Lowell Scott Weil, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9421119
    Abstract: A cervical collar brace including a main body collar, a first chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar, and a second chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar. A cable adjuster adjustably secures the first and second chin side supports to the main body collar and includes a rotatable wheel, one or more cables, and one or more lift effectors for lifting the chin side supports in response to rotation of the rotatable wheel in a first rotation direction. A chin piece is provided for supporting a wearer's chin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: OPTEC USA, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Suarez, Brent Rosendahl
  • Patent number: 9421120
    Abstract: A nasal opening device. The nasal opening device includes a vertical splint configured to extend from an upper portion of a nose to a lower level of nasal bones and a horizontal splint configured to extend from a first lateral wall to a second lateral wall of a nose. A vertical flexible member is integrated with said vertical splint and positioned such that upon attachment of the vertical splint to a nose the flexible member is adjacent to a nose tip and assists with maintaining a nose tip in an elevated position, said vertical splint having an adhesive layer for attachment to a nose. A flexible member is integrated with said horizontal splint and extends from said first lateral wall to said second lateral wall of a nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Marcelo Obando
  • Patent number: 9421121
    Abstract: Contraceptive devices that provide substantially immediate and permanent sterilization are described herein. Systems and methods for transcervically delivering the contraceptive devices are also described herein. The contraceptive device may include an expandable implant. The implant includes hydrogel to provide substantially immediate sterilization, and tissue in-growth fibers to provide permanent sterilization. As an alternative or in combination to hydrogel, the implant may include copper or cupric ions to provide substantially immediate sterilization. The implant may also include hydrogel to improve trackability of the implant through an ovarian pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Vidya Gopal, Christopher Stout, Betsy Swann
  • Patent number: 9421122
    Abstract: Disclosed is a thermotherapy in which a thermal gas such as hot vapor which is warm vapor is inhaled through a mouth or a nose, and the inhaled thermal gas spreads to every alveolus of lungs. Due to such a thermotherapy, the whole respiratory organ is warmed and, at the same time, heat energy is applied to blood through the alveoli of the lungs so that human body tissues are easily warmed within a short time by transferring the heat energy to whole parts of a human body by making use of the circulation of blood. Accordingly, not only a healthy person but also a patient can easily enjoy advantageous effects of a thermotherapy which is equal to or higher than advantageous effects of a sauna or hot spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: Kumamoto Health Science University (60%), Nexus Co., Ltd. (10%), Kagoshima University (30%)
    Inventors: Junichi Iiyama, Kazumi Kawahira
  • Patent number: 9421123
    Abstract: A portable device for alleviating menstrual pain through transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and thermal stimulation includes a transcutanous electrical nerve stimulating electrode pad and a planar heater embedded in the stimulating electrode pad. The stimulating electrode pad is a patch type one which is attachable/detachable to/from any body part with menstrual pain. The device further includes a power portion for supplying power to the menstrual pain alleviating unit, and an operation processing portion for generating a transcutaneous stimulating electrode control signal for controlling the transcutaneous stimulating electrode pad and a planar heater control signal for controlling the planar heater. The device further includes a temperature sensor mounted on the planar heater to sense the temperature of the planar heater, and an A/D converter for converting the signal output from the temperature sensor into a digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventors: Won joon Lee, Hyun jung Kim, Chang Sun Han, Shin won Kang
  • Patent number: 9421124
    Abstract: An eye mask with an internal heating mechanism worn over the eye and sinus regions of the wearer. The eye mask provides heat and pressure to the face. A plurality of heating wires internal to the mask provide heat, the heating wires being driven by temperature and time controls contained in an external enclosure that may also contain batteries or other connections to a power source. The mask may have pockets for weighted pebbles, magnets or other material for adding weight to the mask to bring the heat closer to the face of the wearer. The mask may have a reflective material in an internal layer to reflect heat from the heating wires back to the face of the wearer. The mask may have a memory foam for molding the mask to the contours of the face, bringing heat to a greater portion of the face of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventors: Michelle E. Carey, Angela T. M. Hays
  • Patent number: 9421125
    Abstract: A head cooler (10) comprises a thermal exchange cap (11) and an outer insulating cover (12) to be arranged on a patient's head. The cap (11) has a channel system (31, 32) for a cooling fluid forming an inside heat exchange surface to be applied on said head for cooling the head. The thermal exchange cap (11, 60) is adjustable and/or adaptable to compensate for a discrepancy in shape and size between the inside surface of the head cooler (10) and the head. The head cooler (10) may further comprise an eyebrow cooler (140) for cooling the area of the eyebrows. The head cooler (140) is used in medicine. A method for preventing hair loss of a patient is provided by arranging the head cooler (10) on the head of said patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Dignitana AB
    Inventor: Johan Stormby
  • Patent number: 9421126
    Abstract: A therapeutic system comprises an ocular insert placed on a region outside an optical zone of an eye. The ocular insert comprises two structures: a first skeletal structure and a second cushioning structure. The first structure functions as a skeletal frame which maintains positioning of the implant along the anterior portion of the eye and provides support to the second, cushioning structure. This first structure maintains the attachment of the therapeutic system to the anterior portion of the eye for at least thirty days. In some embodiments the first structure remains a constant size and shape, e.g. a ring shape, a ring with haptics, or a curvilinear ring that is confined to and restrainingly engages the inferior and superior conjunctival fornices so as to retain the implant within the tear fluid and/or against the tissues of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: ForSight Vision5, Inc.
    Inventors: Yair Alster, Eugene de Juan, Jr., Cary J. Reich, Stephen Boyd, David Sierra, Jose D. Alejandro, K. Angela Macfarlane, Douglas Sutton
  • Patent number: 9421127
    Abstract: Punctal plugs for delivering therapeutic agents have a body, a portion into which the therapeutic agent is held, a winding about the body, and an enlarged portion or anchor at an end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Lust, Phillip King Parnell, Sr., Vincent G. McAteer, Brian Schwam, Hassan Chaouk
  • Patent number: 9421128
    Abstract: The invention provides a positioning device for use in an examination, procedure or surgery of the eye. The positioning device includes an incurvate body with an upper peripheral edge having a first arc length, a lower peripheral edge having a second arc length, and a curved lateral portion therebetween. The lower peripheral edge has an arc length that is longer than the first arc length, as well as one to eight indentations of a size effective to receive a surgical instrument. The incurvate body of the positioning device of the invention is configured to engage at least a portion of the eye posterior to the corneal limbus and beneath which the pars plana is located. The positioning device can also include a handle pivotably attached to the incurvate body. The positioning device can be used to stabilize the eye as well as assist in accurate positioning of instruments during eye examination, procedure or surgery involving the anterior or posterior segment of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Samir Sayegh
  • Patent number: 9421129
    Abstract: Injection devices for delivering pharmaceutical compositions into the eye are described. Some devices include a resistance component for controllably deploying an injection needle through the eye wall. The resistance component may be disposed on a removable injector attachment or on a portion of the injection device housing. Other devices may include a filter for the removal of air, infectious agents, and/or other particulate matter from the composition before the composition is injected into the eye. Related methods and systems comprising the devices are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: OcuJect, LLC
    Inventor: Leonid E. Lerner
  • Patent number: 9421130
    Abstract: Methods and devices are adapted for implanting into the eye. An incision is formed in the cornea of the eye and a shunt is inserted through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye. The shunt includes a fluid passageway. The shunt is passed along a pathway from the anterior chamber through the scleral spur of the eye into the suprachoroidal space and positioned in a first position such that a first portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the anterior chamber and a second portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid passageway between the suprachoroidal space and the anterior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: NOVARTIS AG.
    Inventor: Eugene de Juan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9421131
    Abstract: System and method of photoaltering a region of an eye using an enhanced contrast between the iris and the pupil of the imaged eye. The system includes a laser assembly outputting a pulsed laser beam, a user interface displaying one of a first digital image of the eye and a second digital image of the eye, and a controller coupled to the laser assembly and the user interface. The first digital image has a first contrast between the pupil and the iris, and the second digital image has a second contrast between the pupil and the iris. The controller selectively increases the first contrast between the pupil and the iris to the second contrast between the pupil and the iris and directs the pulsed laser beam to the region of the eye based on one of the first and second digital images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Watanabe, Jesse Buck
  • Patent number: 9421132
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue grasping elements to apply a wound closing force to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventor: Raymond Dunn
  • Patent number: 9421133
    Abstract: A surgical tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a collection chamber. The sealant layer functions so as to create a sealed enclosure or space between it and the surface of a patient by forming, preferably, an airtight seal around a surgical area of skin trauma. The closed incision tissue therapy device also comprises a collection chamber, which may comprise an elongate tubular chamber with a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings. The collection chamber may be configured to be in fluid communication with the sealant layer and the area of skin trauma and functions as to distribute the negative pressure applied to a surgically closed area of skin trauma. Preferably, the pressure under the sealant layer is reduced by expanding the volume of the enclosure space and thereby decreasing the density of air molecules under the sealant layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Hu, Moshe Pinto, Kenton Fong, Akshay Mavani, Kenneth Wu
  • Patent number: 9421134
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an absorbent article includes directing a web of side panel material and a waist elastic material separate from the web of side panel material to travel. The waist elastic material is bonded to the web of side panel material. The web of side panel material having the waist elastic material bonded thereto is cut to form a side panel having a waistband portion. The side panel having the waistband portion is attached to a chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Schlinz, WenTong Lay, Nancy E. Dawson
  • Patent number: 9421135
    Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel includes an insertion tip at a forward end of the barrel, a main body section that extends from the insertion tip, and a reverse taper section that is joined to the main body section so that the main body section is between the insertion tip and the reverse taper section. The main body section tapers toward the insertion tip section. The reverse taper section tapers in a direction away from the insertion tip section. A finger grip section extends from the reverse taper section to a plunger receiving end of the barrel opposite the forward end. The barrel is straight from the forward end to the plunger receiving end that receives a plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC.
    Inventors: Jessica E. LeMay, Kathryn G. Bennett, Keith J. Edgett, Dane R. Jackson, Mario A. Turchi, Susanne Weber
  • Patent number: 9421136
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, panty diaper, panty liner, a sanitary napkin, an incontinence protection or the like, having in this order a liquid-permeable coversheet, optionally at least one further layer of a web or foam material, optionally an absorbent layer, and a liquid-impermeable coversheet, characterized in that at least one part of this absorbent article has a polymer that is hydrophilic when dry, but shows a reduced hydrophilicity upon wetting; and to the corresponding liquid-permeable or -impermeable coversheet and web or foam material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Shabira Abbas, Carolyn Berland
  • Patent number: 9421137
    Abstract: Absorbent articles of the disclosure may comprise first and second belt webs, a fastening tab member comprising first and second fastening elements, first and second mating fastening elements, and laterally opposing permanent side seams directly or refastenably joining the first and second belt webs. The fastening tab member may be joined to the first and second fastening elements. And, the absorbent article may be packaged in refastenably closed form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gary Dean LaVon, Jacob Alan Barnhorst
  • Patent number: 9421138
    Abstract: The present invention provides a self-propelling standing commode wheelchair that can be positioned over a standard toilet seat. The present invention includes a wheeled frame, and an inverted U-shaped seat pivotally mounted thereon. The wheeled frame includes a pair of armrests, which is attached to a pair of gas struts that allows the present invention to be erected into a standing configuration. The present invention also includes a plurality of footrests and straps to stabilize the user in an upright position. The present invention further includes stabilizers, wherein the stabilizers are attached to the armrests, and are adapted to contact the ground when the present invention erects into the standing configuration. The stabilizers are configured to prevent the present invention from tipping over, and can be elevated above the ground when the present invention is lowered into a sitting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Neil Slater
  • Patent number: 9421139
    Abstract: A chair assembly includes a pair of bases that are spaced apart. A primary arm is coupled between the pair of bases. A seat is coupled to the primary arm. The seat may support a user in a position that allows the user to stand with a minimal amount of effort. A rest arm is coupled to the primary arm. A backrest is coupled to the rest arm. The backrest may support the user in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Dexter Wilson
  • Patent number: 9421140
    Abstract: A patient lift for transporting patients having a hoist assembly, a lift assembly and an integrated flexible load-bearing supporting member. The flexible load-bearing supporting member is retractable into the hoist assembly and has integrated load-bearing, data communications, and power components to transmit data and/or power to/from the hoist assembly and lift assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: ARJOHUNTLEIGH MAGOG INC.
    Inventors: Martin Faucher, Denis-Alexandre Brulotte
  • Patent number: 9421141
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a therapy apparatus includes a support, a body harness mounted to the body support, a gearbox positioned below the harness, the gearbox comprising at least one gear and supporting a crankshaft, crankarms mounted to the crankshaft, and pedals mounted to the crankarms, a driveshaft coupled to the at least one gear such that rotation of the driveshaft results in rotation of the crankshaft, crankarms, and pedals, and a motor that drives the driveshaft, wherein the apparatus is adapted to support part of the weight of an subject with the harness and part of the weight of the subject with the pedals and wherein rotation of the pedals due to operation of the motor provides therapy to the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Prodip K. Bose, Floyd J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9421142
    Abstract: A compression garment apparatus includes a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and pressurizes a support bladder on the compression garment to enhance the fit of the compression garment and maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The support bladder may be selectively pressurized when needed based at least in part on sensed physical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Arnaz S. Malhi, Manish Deshpande
  • Patent number: 9421143
    Abstract: An exoskeleton for a limb of a user utilizes an air bladder strap, which may be monitored and the pressure therein adjusted from time to time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventors: Thiago Caires, Michal Prywata
  • Patent number: 9421144
    Abstract: A system for patient rehabilitation is disclosed. The system includes a first movable frame including an articulating bed, wherein the bed is configured to be selectively articulated to an inclined position, a suspension system, wherein the suspension system is disposed within the articulating bed and is selectively adjustable to accommodate varying patient height, a harness, wherein the harness is selectively engageable with the suspension system, wherein the harness is selectively adjustable to accommodate varying patient sizes, a second movable frame including a walker, wherein the walker includes a pair of legs and a motor, wherein approximation of the two movable frames permits the patient to easily utilize the walker from the bed. A method of using the system for patient rehabilitation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Eugene Kalinowski
  • Patent number: 9421145
    Abstract: A device worn by a patient for maintaining pressure at appropriate points on a patient's abdomen for treating gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn. The pressure is applied by the utilization of two protrusions. The position of both of the protrusions can be adjusted laterally relative to one another to ensure that pressure is applied to the correct position on the patient's body. Alternatively, the protrusions can be inflated to a particular level, allowing the protrusions to apply pressure to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Heller
  • Patent number: 9421146
    Abstract: A cosmetic device includes a bubble generator configured to generate bubbles, a cosmetic unit configured to exert a cosmetic effect on a skin, and a motor configured to drive at least the cosmetic unit. The bubble generator includes an agitating and mixing mechanism configured to agitate a liquid foaming agent and mix the agitated liquid foaming agent with air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Muraki, Tetsuro Hashiguchi, Kazuyasu Ikadai
  • Patent number: 9421147
    Abstract: A controller is operable to selectively supply gas to, and evacuate gas from, regions of a hyperbaric wound treatment chamber. The controller operates to inflate a passage or rib of the device to provide that the device is made sufficiently rigid for inserting a limb therethrough, and inflate an inflatable cuff to create a seal against the limb. The controller also operates to evacuate ambient air trapped within the chamber, and optionally partially evacuate the passage or rib, after the seal is created by the inflatable cuff, and then introduce oxygen into the chamber, and optionally inflate the passage or rib. The cuff, when inflated and creating a seal against a limb, optionally is at least partially within the chamber, and the treatment gas is supplied to the chamber to maintain the seal of the cuff against the limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: AOTI, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Loori, George Hovorka
  • Patent number: 9421148
    Abstract: The present invention relates to unitary bottle for injection, more particularly, to a unitary medicine bottle having an integral structure where a medicine container is easily connected with a plastic container including a solution at a sterilized state so that powdered, freeze-dried or liquid medicine is mixed with the solution with one touch. The unitary medicine bottle for injection comprises: a plastic container equipped with a coupling member connected with a medicine container at one end and a releasing member for releasing a liquid medicine at the other end; a protection cap integrally formed with the coupling member to accept the medicine container; and a flue needle which moves forward in a direction of the medicine container, perforating a stopper of the medicine container and is inserted in the coupling member connecting the plastic container with the medicine container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: BNCP CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gi-Bum Oh
  • Patent number: 9421149
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a fluid collection bag comprises an inlet opening adapted to receive an inlet tube located on a first side of the fluid collection bag. The fluid collection bag has a length greater than the height. The first side of the fluid collection bag is generally parallel with a length of the fluid collection bag. The fluid collection bag further comprises an outlet opening located on a second side of the fluid collection bag. The fluid collection bag may be reversible such that a first surface or a second opposing surface of the fluid collection bag may face a support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Burgess, Kenneth S. Chua, Joseph B. Dunn, Dale F. Greeson, Jr., Jack E. Maze, Alberto C. Savage, Arlene A. Siavelis, Jennifer E. Tomes, Earl D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9421150
    Abstract: A bottle top for use with a baby bottle includes a ring bounding a mouth of the bottle top and being severed latitudinally between upper and lower portions. The upper portion has first and second lower contact faces. The lower portion has opposing first and second upper contact faces. The top includes a nipple coupled to the upper portion which moves between an open position, in which the nipple is away from the mouth and provides access to the mouth, and a closed position, in which the first upper and lower contact faces form a sealing engagement, the second upper and lower contact faces form another sealing engagement, and the nipple is in fluid communication with the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Elizabeth M. Burnett
  • Patent number: 9421151
    Abstract: A method of coating an article includes the steps of providing a powder comprising coated particles; and spray coating the powder onto a surface of the article to form a composite coating. The spray coating may be carried out by combustion spraying, gas plasma spraying, including vacuum plasma spraying (VPS), and cold spraying. The article may be an implant for surgical or dental use. The powder may include particles of metal coated calcium phosphates, especially metal coated hydroxyapatite. The particles may include bioactive agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Taragenyx Limited
    Inventors: Rehan Ahmed, Gerardus Hendricus Markx
  • Patent number: 9421152
    Abstract: A dental material, a dental mixture or a dental multi-component system for making the material of or core for a temporary superstructure for a dental implant by polymerization hardening, consisting of one, two or a plurality of polymerizable (meth)acrylates, and optionally further constituents. The dental material, the dental mixture or the multi-component system is hardenable to a product, and the maximum compressive modulus is 420 MPa, and is used in therapeutic treatments for accelerating the osseointegration of dental implants, in particular according to the method of progressive bone loading. Also described are temporary superstructures and cores themselves, and a temporary dental prosthesis, a kit for making a plurality of temporary superstructures for a dental implant or a plurality of cores for temporary superstructures for a dental implant. A corresponding method of preparing a temporary superstructure or a core is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: VOCO GMBH
    Inventors: Reinhard Maletz, Tobias Blömker, Klaus-Peter Hoffmann, Manfred Thomas Plaumann
  • Patent number: 9421153
    Abstract: A detergent product containing a detergent composition is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark Robert Sivik, Gregory Charles Gordon, Frank William Denome, Alyssandrea Hope Hamad-Ebrahimpour, Stephen Joseph Hodson, Brian Patrick Croll, John Gerhard Michael, Andreas Josef Dreher, Paul Dennis Trokhan
  • Patent number: 9421154
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to composition for straightening or relaxing hair containing: (a) at least one hydroxide-containing active ingredient; (b) at least one polyhydric alcohol having 4 or more carbon atoms and two hydroxyl groups; (c) optionally, at least one nonionic surfactant having an HLB of from about 8 to about 20; (d) optionally, at least one amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactant; and (e) remainder, to 100%, of a cosmetically suitable medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Angela Ellington, Eric Osei-Acquah, James Cooper, Darius Danielski