Patents Issued in November 1, 2016
  • Patent number: 9480560
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of enhancing the securing of an intralumenal frame assembly to intralumenal tissue at an in situ target location. The method can comprise delivering an intralumenal frame assembly mounted on a delivery device to a treatment location. The intralumenal frame can be deployed to expand in situ so that anchors on the intralumenal frame atraumatically grasp intralumenal tissue at the target location. A radially inward force can be exerted on the frame assembly to cause the proximal and distal anchors to grasp more forcefully the intralumenal tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: Arshad Quadri, J. Brent Ratz, Robrecht Michiels
  • Patent number: 9480561
    Abstract: An assembly for guiding a medical apparatus within a patient includes an elongated shaft and a balloon affixed to the shaft and movable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. A mesh material may be affixed to the shaft and movable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The balloon may project away from the shaft when the balloon is in the expanded condition. The mesh material may project away from the shaft when the mesh material is in the expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracee Eidenschink
  • Patent number: 9480562
    Abstract: A system includes a pre-sized prosthetic chordae, a papillary penetration member, and a female securing member. The pre-sized prosthetic chordae is directly connected to an attachment member. The papillary penetration member extends through both the chordae and the attachment member. The female securing member receives the penetration member. The penetration member is an axis about which the chordae pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: A. Marc Gillinov, Michael K. Banbury, Jeremy Hemingway, Craig B. Berky, Jonathan Bauer
  • Patent number: 9480563
    Abstract: An implantation device for a prosthetic heart valve includes a valve holder for maintaining the prosthetic heart valve in a closed configuration and at least one protective sheet coupled to the valve holder, the at least one protective sheet being configured to cover a leaflet of the heart valve during implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Xue Mei Li
  • Patent number: 9480564
    Abstract: A delivery system and method for percutaneous aortic valve (PAV) replacement and apparatus used therein. A temporary aortic valve including a reversibly expandable occluder surrounds a central catheter mechanism. The temporary valve is positioned within the ascending aorta, just above and downstream from the coronary ostia. The occluder is configured such that, when fully expanded against the aortic wall, gaps are left that promote continuous coronary perfusion during the cardiac cycle. The temporary valve substitutes for the function of the native aortic valve during its replacement. The native aortic valve is next dilated, and then ablated through deployment of low profile, elongated, sequentially delivered stents. The stent(s) displace the native tissues and remain within the aortic annulus to receive and provide a structure for retaining the PAV. The PAV is delivered, positioned and deployed within the stent(s) at the aortic annulus with precision and relative ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: HOCOR Cardiovascular Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Paul C. Ho
  • Patent number: 9480565
    Abstract: An embodiment includes an apparatus comprising: a hollow needle with a narrowed inner diameter in a distal third of the needle; and a flexible chord coupled to proximal and distal conduits; wherein the distal conduit is in the needle and distal to the narrowed inner diameter and the proximal conduit is in the needle and proximal to the narrowed inner diameter; wherein: (a)(i) long axes of the proximal and distal conduits are substantially parallel to a long axis of the needle when the proximal and distal conduits are in the needle, and (a)(ii) the proximal and distal conduits are configured to rotate when deployed from the needle such that their long axes are not parallel to a long axis of the chord when the chord is fully extended. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: On-X Life Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Medema, Mark Seeley
  • Patent number: 9480566
    Abstract: A tool for implanting an inflatable penile prosthetic cylinder includes a barrel having a solid central portion and a groove formed in an exterior side surface of the barrel between a first convex curved exterior surface and a second convex curved exterior surface of the barrel. The groove extends to and forms an opening at the distal end of the barrel and forms a cavity extending into the barrel from the exterior side surface toward the solid central portion. The cavity has a first gap dimension measured at the exterior side surface that is smaller than a second gap dimension measured inboard relative to the exterior side surface of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventor: Neal Poucher
  • Patent number: 9480567
    Abstract: Bone implant compositions and methods are provide that have an outer surface, the outer surface comprising demineralized bone and having a cavity disposed in the outer surface, the cavity having a demineralized bone material coated therein; and an inner surface of the bone implant comprising cortical bone, the inner surface contacting the outer surface. The bone implant compositions and methods provided are osteoinductive and allow rapid bone fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. McKay
  • Patent number: 9480569
    Abstract: The invention relates to a base that includes a unit for osseous attachment onto a tibia, and a plate having posterior, anterior, medial and lateral edges; a posterior pin and an anterior pin having a posterior flat section and an anterior flat section; two posterior lugs protruding above the plate and arranged on the posterior edge of each side of the posterior pin; and two anterior lugs arranged on each side of the anterior pin. The posterior flat section and the anterior flat section are arranged so as to simultaneously engage with the insert. Each posterior tab includes a support extension for inserting, in an anteroposterior direction, a complementary support tab of the insert. Each anterior lug includes a unit for snap-coupling the insert onto the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ANATOMIC
    Inventors: Alain Roisin, William Van Hille, Michel Yvroud, Etienne Peronne, Philippe Piriou, Olivier Guingand, Frederic Borrione, Vincent Oget, Jean-Pierre Piton, Luc Lhotellier, Olivier Guyen, François Bonnomet, Jean-François Potel, Michel Boussaton
  • Patent number: 9480570
    Abstract: A porous metal glenoid component, comprising a thin solid nonporous region having a first side and a second side; a first porous metallic substrate formed on the first side of the nonporous region; a polymeric body fabricated onto the first porous metallic substrate, the polymeric body having an articulating surface configured to engage a humeral component to permit rotational and translational movement therewith; and a second porous metallic substrate formed on the second side of the nonporous region, the second porous metallic substrate being configured to interface with a glenoid cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan A Winslow
  • Patent number: 9480571
    Abstract: A position adjustment device having a tool holder is locked to at least two pins projecting from respective anterior facing locations near a distal end of a tibia of a patient. The position adjustment device is adjusted. The position adjustment device is locked with the tool holder at first coordinates in the proximal-distal and medial-lateral directions. The distal end of the tibia is resectioned with a tool positioned on the tool holder, while the tool holder is in the first coordinates in the proximal-distal and medial-lateral directions. The tool is removed from the tool holder. A tibia trial is placed on the resectioned tibia using the tool holder, while the tool holder is in the first coordinates in the proximal-distal and medial-lateral directions. The tibia trial has a size and shape of a tibial tray of an ankle replacement system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn E. McGinley, Braham K. Dhillon, Ramon Luna, Robert M. Howles
  • Patent number: 9480572
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an intervertebral disc prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis may be provided with an insertion adapter, such as a head, holder, or other carrier of the prosthesis. The insertion adapter may be configured to retain the prosthesis and to engage an insertion tool body. In various embodiments, the prosthesis and the insertion holder are provided in a sterile pack, with the prosthesis components and the insertion holder sterilized and packaged in one or more types or layers of sterile packaging. In various other embodiments, the prosthesis and an insertion tool are provided in a sterile pack, with the prosthesis components and the insertion tool sterilized and packaged in one or more types or layers of sterile packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: LDR Medical
    Inventors: Alexandre Jodaitis, Herve Dinville, Alexis Mercier
  • Patent number: 9480573
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating one or more damaged, diseased, or traumatized portions of the spine, including intervertebral discs, to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. In one or more embodiments, the present invention relates to an expandable interbody spacer. The expandable interbody spacer may comprise a first jointed arm comprising a plurality of links pivotally coupled end to end. The expandable interbody spacer further may comprise a second jointed arm comprising a plurality of links pivotally coupled end to end. The first jointed arm and the second jointed arm may be interconnected at a proximal end of the expandable interbody spacer. The first jointed arm and the second jointed arm may be interconnected at a distal end of the expandable interbody spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Perloff, William Rhoda, Mark Weiman, Chad Glerum, Edward Dwyer, Victoria Alexander, Brian Garvey, Daniel Waite, Conor Fleming, Samuel Petersheim, Bria Howell, Marcin Niemiec, Vipin Kunjachan, Jason Gray, Christopher Saville, James Himmelberger, Kevin Gahman
  • Patent number: 9480574
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. The distraction device defines a generally annular configuration, with a locking member secured to one of the elongated members at a plurality of locations to maintain the distraction device in the generally annular configuration. The augmenting elongated member may be shorter than the first and second elongated members such that a window is defined between the proximal and distal ends of the augmenting elongated member when the distraction device and the first and second elongated members are in the generally annular configuration. Bone graft material or bone filler may be introduced into the interior of the distraction device through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Benvenue Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James Lee, Jeffrey L. Emery, Timothy McGrath, Laurent Schaller, Andrew Huffmaster, Ebrahim Mohammad Quddus
  • Patent number: 9480575
    Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a first member including a wall that defines a first cavity and a second member including a wall defining a second cavity. At least one first expandable bone graft is disposable within the second cavity. The second member is axially translatable relative to the first member between a first configuration and a second, expanded configuration such that at least a portion of the at least one first graft is disposed within the first cavity and the first cavity includes a substantially void portion. At least one second bone graft has a selective configuration and dimension for disposal within the substantially void portion. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Julien J. Prevost, Charles A. Britt, Kyle A. Hess, David R. Kaes, Kelly W. Schlachter, Guobao Wei
  • Patent number: 9480576
    Abstract: A bone graft system for providing bone graft material to a site of interest includes a multiple unit bone graft material loading device and a conduit. The multiple unit bone graft material loading device may be configured to accept a plurality of pre-formed bone graft material units and includes a plurality chambers configured to accept a pre-formed bone graft unit. The conduit may include a first opening and second opening. The first opening may be operably connected with the multiple unit bone graft material loading device to accept bone graft material from the multiple unit bone graft material loading device. The second opening may be configured to deliver bone graft material to a site of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: THOMPSON MIS
    Inventors: John R. Pepper, Daniel K. Farley, Christopher T. Martin, Stephanie Zalucha, Miguelangelo J. Perez-Cruet
  • Patent number: 9480577
    Abstract: A retaining mechanism is disclosed, which comprises a plate including a first surface adapted to engage with an implant and a second opposing surface, the plate having mechanically-weakened areas, such that the plate is compressible from a first dimension to a second reduced dimension via the weakened areas, wherein the plate includes at least one ledge adapted to engage with a recess in the implant to prevent a fixation member inserted into the implant from backing out. A tool is also disclosed for compressing and inserting the retaining mechanism into engagement with the implant, as are respective methods of compression and insertion of the retaining mechanism into engagement with the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Despiau, Cédric de Coninck, Tan-Loc Pham
  • Patent number: 9480578
    Abstract: An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior plates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers in interlocking engagement. The superior and inferior plates have openings therethrough in communication with aligned holes through the wafers for receipt and containment of bone graft to promote fusion between opposing vertebral bodies. One of said superior and inferior endplates has a multi-contoured opening extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SPINE WAVE, INC
    Inventor: Fabio Amaral Pinto
  • Patent number: 9480579
    Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Davenport, Duncan Sibson, Chad Glerum, Jason Gray, Jason Pastor, Derek Martzall
  • Patent number: 9480580
    Abstract: A method for inserting an acetabular implant into the acetabulum of a patient. The method includes engaging a patient-specific surface of acetabular alignment guide to a complementary rim surface and periacetabular area of a patient. A plurality of alignment pins are inserted through corresponding alignment apertures of the acetabular alignment guide and into the periacetabular area of the patient. The acetabular alignment guide is removed without removing the alignment pins from the patient. An alignment adapter is coupled to an acetabular inserter over the alignment pins and an acetabular implant is implanted using the acetabular inserter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: John R. White, Lance D. Perry, Aaron P. Smith, Jason D. Meridew, Bryan Morrison, W. Jason Slone, Tyler D. Witt, Mark A. Bollinger, Robert Metzger
  • Patent number: 9480581
    Abstract: A prosthetic limb and process to digitally construct a prosthetic limb which includes first, digitally producing a modified mold of a residual limb via 3d scanners and software; constructing a test socket from the digitally modified mold and be equipped with an alignable system; accurately scanning the test socket, along with finalized alignment that has been recorded and adjusted by a certified practitioner to provide a 3-D Image of the finalized prosthetic alignment; transferring the finalized digital alignment of the test socket to the finalized digitally modified mold; once the modified model has received the transferred alignment, fabricating the type of hookup in the socket; i.e., plug fit, four hole, support drop lock, or any other type of industry standard connection or accommodation via basic 3D software; and once the desired prosthetic attachment is finalized, sending finished file to a 3-D printer to produce the definitive prosthetic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventors: William Stratford Layman, W. Brian Layman
  • Patent number: 9480582
    Abstract: A system for conscious sensory feedback for a body extremity without sensation or a body extremity prosthesis is disclosed, as well as methods for conscious sensory feedback based on said system; a glove, a sock and a body extremity prosthesis comprising said system; and use of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventor: Göran Lundborg
  • Patent number: 9480583
    Abstract: A direct neural interface system comprised of electrodes for acquiring electrophysiological signals representative of a neuronal activity of a subject's brain; a pre-processor for conditioning, digitizing and preprocessing the electrophysiological signals; a processor for processing the digitized and preprocessed electrophysiological signals and generating command signals; and an output for outputting said command signals; wherein the processor is adapted for: representing the electrophysiological signals acquired over an observation time window in the form of a N-way data tensor, N being greater or equal to three; and generating command signals corresponding to the observation time window by applying a multi-way regression model over the data tensor. A method of calibrating the direct neural interface system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Tetiana Aksenova, Andriy Yelisyeyev
  • Patent number: 9480584
    Abstract: Novel devices and methods for implanting medical stents are provided. A novel apparatus, which may be in a first compressed position, may be inserted into the artery, such as by being positioned over a catheter. The apparatus may be expanded to a second position. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to expand away in two substantially opposing directions along a second axis away from the longitudinal axis. The second axis may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may include markers that are detectable to determine the orientation of the catheter or the apparatus and/or assist in the determination of the type or size of stent to utilize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: RBKPARK LLC
    Inventor: Richard Park
  • Patent number: 9480585
    Abstract: The invention concerns an endovascular implant comprising a biodegradable material and having a tubular main body which is open at the ends and which is dilatable from an unexpanded condition into an expanded condition. The implant is so designed that when the implant in the expanded condition is subjected to a radially acting compression pressure in the range of between 5 and 30 kPa (0.05-0.3 bar) a cross-sectional area of the implant is reduced to 70% or less of the original cross-sectional area, or an internal volume of the implant is reduced to 70% or less of the original internal volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK VI PATENT AG
    Inventors: Bodo Gerold, Claus Harder, Bernd Heublein, Eva Heublein, Nora Heublein, Christoph Heublein, Heinz Mueller
  • Patent number: 9480586
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method and technique for manufacturing a stent are disclosed. The stent is a non-metallic stent having a furled small-diameter state and an expanded large-diameter state where the stent, in the furled small-diameter state, includes a plurality of central lobes arranged at spaced-apart intervals and extending longitudinally defining a stent axis, the plurality of central lobes defining a cylindrical plane of the stent. The stent also includes at least one peripheral lobe formed on at least one of the plurality of central lobes, the peripheral lobe oriented along the cylindrical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Tre' Raymond Welch
  • Patent number: 9480587
    Abstract: A stent having an axial end to which is attached a ring of spoons of a material different from that of the stent. In one aspect, the ring of spoons is connected to the axial end through a plurality of complementary male-female form-fitting portions. In one aspect, the ring of spoons include parallel straight side edges. In one aspect, each of the side edges lies within a first distance from a facing side edge of an adjacent spoon in a stent delivery configuration, and each of the side edges lies within a second distance, greater than the first distance, from the facing side edge of an adjacent spoon in a stent deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ANGIOMED GMBH & CO. MEDIZINTECHNIK KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Supper, Walter Gamer
  • Patent number: 9480588
    Abstract: A biodegradable stent prosthesis formed from a degradable material, having a plurality of luminal, abluminal, and side surface regions, wherein a surface portion extending between the abluminal and luminal surface region of at least some structural elements is convex or bulbous and optionally, where at least some of the abluminal surface regions may be concave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Elixir Medical Corporation
    Inventors: John Yan, Vinayak Bhat
  • Patent number: 9480589
    Abstract: Implantable medical endoprosthesis delivery systems as well as related systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Debbie Breyer, Michael Gerdts
  • Patent number: 9480590
    Abstract: Endoluminal sleeve device (1) for internally lining a section of the GI tract, comprising a sleeve (2) configured for deployment inside a GI tract, the sleeve (2) having walls of a flexible material defining a sleeve lumen (3), a proximal end (4) defining a proximal lumen opening (5), and a distal end (6) defining a distal lumen opening (7), a tubular anchoring portion (8) forming said proximal lumen end (4) and defining anchoring seats (9) delimited each one by an annular collar (11) forming an opening through which adjacent tissue portions (12) can be pulled into the anchoring seats (9), expansion means adapted to act on the tissue portions (12) arranged in the anchoring seats (9) such that the tissue portions (12) expand to a dimension greater than the opening of the annular collar (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Ortiz, Mark S. Zeiner, Jason L. Harris, Matthew D. Holcomb, Michael J. Stokes
  • Patent number: 9480591
    Abstract: An adjustable limb protective assembly has a main body, a first covering frame and a second covering frame. The main body has a first extending arm, a second extending arm, two holding bases, two operating elements and a jointing connector. Each extending arm has a connecting board. The holding bases are respectively connected to the extending arms adjacent the connecting boards. The operating elements are respectively and securely mounted on the connecting boards, and each one of the operating elements has an operating mount and an operating stem. The jointing connector is connected to the extending arms. The first covering frame is connected to the first extending arm and has a first supporting arm and a first covering base. The second covering frame is connected to the second extending arm and has a second supporting arm and a second covering base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Tung-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 9480592
    Abstract: A topical proprioceptive tube and method of use for at least activating muscle, reducing muscle fatigue, enhancing performance, or reducing a risk of knee injury. The tube includes a flexible sleeve having at least: a hamstring buttress, a knee buttress, or both, wherein the hamstring buttress and the knee buttress are configured to be coupled to the interior of the flexible sleeve such that the hamstring buttress applies pressure to at least a portion of one of the subject's hamstring muscles and the knee buttress applies pressure to at least a portion of the subject's Vastus Medialis Obliquus (VMO) when worn by the subject to provide a desired effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Topical Gear, LLC
    Inventor: William D. Bue, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9480593
    Abstract: A back support device is provided herein. The device is configured to support a portion of a burden or load that would otherwise be borne by a user's spinal column and abdomen. The device includes an upper component that is dimensioned to be worn around the torso of the user, and a lower component that is dimensioned to be worn around the user's hips and waistline. The device further comprises a plurality of medial elements. Each medial element is operatively connected to the upper and lower components so that each medial element may support a portion of the burden, thereby transferring the burden from the upper component to the lower component. The medial elements provide support and simultaneous freedom of movement by providing a lifting distraction support upon the spinal column and abdomen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: University of Tennessee Research Foundation
    Inventors: Denis J. DiAngelo, John Simmons
  • Patent number: 9480594
    Abstract: Described are implants for placing in a body, tools for delivering the implants, and systems and methods for using implants and tools for placing in a body and more particularly to nasal implants, tools for delivering nasal implants, and systems and methods for using such implants and tools. A tool may include a hand-held implant delivery device that cuts, holds, moves, orients, inserts, or shapes an implant. An implant may be a biodegradable, longitudinal implant that may be oriented for implantation by an implant delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Spirox, Inc.
    Inventors: Iyad S. Saidi, Michael H. Rosenthal, Donald A. Gonzales, J. Cameron Loper, Marcus A. Hadley, Jamie L. Ingram, Cheng Q. Ren, Charles P. Luddy, Leon A. Marucchi, Bruce C. Gray, R. Andrew Carlton
  • Patent number: 9480595
    Abstract: A female urination aid to enable a female to urinate from a standing position. The invention, in one embodiment, has a disposable funnel, typically made of paper or similar material, which fits into a reusable holder, which enables the funnel to be held against the body. The funnel may include an attached pad of wiping paper. In a second, reusable or multi-use embodiment, the funnel portion of the apparatus is of a reusable material such as plastic. A fluid container for holding a cleaning solution conveniently snaps onto the funnel, forming an easy to carry kit. Wiping paper may be attached to the funnel, so as to form a readily usable kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: John Baham
  • Patent number: 9480596
    Abstract: A thermal breast pad device that comprises of two straps that connect to each other via hook and loop materials, each strap has a pear shaped thermal pad disclosed on one end of each strap, each thermal pad defines a pear shaped aperture within each thermal pad and is split at a central location of each pear shaped thermal pad. Each pear shaped thermal pad is segmented into pockets that are evenly distributed. The pockets may be filled with flax seeds. The device can be used by nursing mothers, menstruating women, or women suffering from breast cancer that need a hot or cold compress to be draped around their breasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Nicole Marie Vasconcellos
  • Patent number: 9480597
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus for intraocular injection comprising a body adapted to accommodate a syringe having a needle, an outer sleeve telescopically coupled to the body, and at least two arms hingedly coupled to the outer sleeve. Each of the arms comprises a medial portion adapted to encase at least a portion of the needle. When the body moves distally relative 10 to said outer sleeve, the body engages the arms separating the medial portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Alastair Robert Clarke, David Heighton
  • Patent number: 9480598
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods related to implants for treating one or more physiological conditions of the eye. Some embodiments disclosed herein include an expandable ocular implant for implanting in an eye. The expandable implant can include an implant having an elongate tubular body and an expandable sheath securely adapted to a part of the implant. Some embodiments of the expandable sheath can have at least one expandable feature that can assist the expandable sheath in forming a compact and an expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Luke Clauson, Michael Schaller, David Lari
  • Patent number: 9480599
    Abstract: An ophthalmic laser ablation system is described with various optional features, some especially suitable for non-penetrating filtration on an eye. In one example, focusing of an ablation laser uses a movable lens coupled to a pair of converging light sources, which converge at the focal distance of the lens. In another example, laser ablation settings are selected for optimal ablation and minimal amount of thermal damage of a layer of percolating scleral tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: I Optima Ltd.
    Inventors: Joshua Degani, Ami Eyal
  • Patent number: 9480600
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an actuation mechanism control of the handle, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and within the flexible housing tube. An actuation of the actuation mechanism control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube. A gradual curving of the flexible housing tube may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation mechanism control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube. A gradual straightening of the flexible housing tube may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
  • Patent number: 9480601
    Abstract: A system for ophthalmic surgery on an eye includes: a pulsed laser which produces a treatment beam; an OCT imaging assembly capable of creating a continuous depth profile of the eye; an optical scanning system configured to position a focal zone of the treatment beam to a targeted location in three dimensions in one or more floaters in the posterior pole. The system also includes one or more controllers programmed to automatically scan tissues of the patient's eye with the imaging assembly; identify one or more boundaries of the one or more floaters based at least in part on the image data; iii. identify one or more treatment regions based upon the boundaries; and operate the optical scanning system with the pulsed laser to produce a treatment beam directed in a pattern based on the one or more treatment regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Optimedica Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel V. Palanker, Mark S. Blumenkranz, David H. Mordaunt, Dan E. Andersen
  • Patent number: 9480602
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation structure of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. A compression of the actuation structure may cause the optic fiber to gradually curve. A decompression of the actuation structure may cause the optic fiber to gradually straighten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
  • Patent number: 9480603
    Abstract: A nomogram, a method for determining how to cut a cornea to produce a particular vision correction, and a system and method for determining how to make a vision correction when a precision cutting tool is being used as opposed to the performance of hand cuts. In a further embodiment, measurement of astigmatism to be corrected, calculation of the nomogram, and the actual cutting are mostly or completely automated eliminating human error from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: LASERARCS, LLC
    Inventors: Bart A. Jones, Michael P. Jones
  • Patent number: 9480604
    Abstract: A protective eyewear device features a frame for supporting the protective eyewear on a user's head in a position placing one or more transparent or translucent viewing lenses of the eyewear device in front of the user's eyes, and one or more deposits of a radiation-reactive material located at or adjacent the one or more lenses and responsive to ionizing radiation exposure to produce a visual indication of said exposure to the user within a normally used field of vision of said user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Mason Zemlak
  • Patent number: 9480605
    Abstract: A device for removing mucus (dried or wet) from a nostril of a subject or for removing earwax (dry or wet) from an ear canal of a subject includes a handle portion or grip portion to facilitate manipulation of the device, at least one of a bowl or a loop at an end of the handle portion, and a stop located between the handle portion and the bowl or loop. The bowl or loop is sized and configured for insertion into a nostril or an ear canal of the subject, and the stop is sized to prevent insertion of the stop into the nostril or ear canal and to limit the extent that the bowl or loop can be inserted into the nostril or ear canal, thereby reducing or eliminating the potential for accidental injury or extreme discomfort to the subject during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Nina D. Farzin
  • Patent number: 9480606
    Abstract: A stretch laminate having a first substrate is adhesively attached to an elastic film. The adhesive is applied in a continuous manner to the substrate in a first tack down region which is disposed proximate to an end of the stretch laminate. The adhesive is applied as a plurality of adhesive stripes in an activation region which is interior of the first tack down region. The adhesive stripes have a width and a distance between adjacent adhesive stripes. The ratio of stripe width to distance between the adhesive stripes is in the range of less than about 1 or greater than about 0.33.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Anand Rudra Venkitaraman, George Stephen Reising
  • Patent number: 9480607
    Abstract: A pants-type wearing article in which at least a central segment of a crotch region has a desired degree of flexibility and a portion of a crotch region close to a front waist region has a desired degree of tensile strength. The front and rear waist regions and at least a portion of the crotch region close to the front waist region define a multilayer zone composed of a base sheet and a front waist sheet layered with each other and a central segment of the crotch region defines a monolayer zone formed of the base sheet alone. The multilayer zone includes corners each surrounded by a boundary, an inner end of the front waist region, a joint region in which a liquid-absorbent structure is bonded to a chassis and a concave lateral edge of the crotch region and the boundary extends across the joint region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Ichikawa, Nobuhiro Tagawa
  • Patent number: 9480608
    Abstract: An absorbent article having improved handling of body exudates can include a fluid-entangled body facing material including a support layer and a projection layer. The fluid-entangled body facing material can include a plurality of hollow projections formed from a first plurality of fibers in the projection layer. The hollow projections can extend from the outer surface of the projection layer in a direction away from the support layer. The absorbent article can minimize the amount of body exudates in contact with a wearer's skin and can minimize the incidence of leakage of body exudates from the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott S. C. Kirby, David Glen Biggs, Andrew Thomas Hammond, Eric Donald Johnson, Robert Lee Popp, Daniel Robert Schlinz, Kendell Jean Williams, Niall Finn, Andy R. Butler
  • Patent number: 9480609
    Abstract: An absorbent article having improved handling of body exudates can include a fluid-entangled body facing material including a support layer and a projection layer. The fluid-entangled body facing material can include a plurality of hollow projections formed from a first plurality of fibers in the projection layer. The hollow projections can extend from the outer surface of the projection layer in a direction away from the support layer. The absorbent article can minimize the amount of body exudates in contact with a wearer's skin and can minimize the incidence of leakage of body exudates from the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott S. C. Kirby, David Glen Biggs, Andrew Thomas Hammond, Eric Donald Johnson, Robert Lee Popp, Daniel Robert Schlinz, Kendell Jean Williams, Niall Finn, Andy R. Butler
  • Patent number: 9480610
    Abstract: In an absorbent part of an absorbent product, super absorbent materials located between two sheets in an absorbent area swell by absorption of moisture of excrement, and spaces extending in a longitudinal direction from an opening, which is formed at a portion of upper absorbent layer facing the crotch region of a wearer, are formed between a non-absorbent area where the super absorbent materials do not exist and the upper absorbent layer and between the non-absorbent area and a lower absorbent layer. In the absorbent product, through the spaces, moisture of excrement in the second excretion and later can be quickly diffused over a wide area along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent part, and the moisture of excrement can be absorbed in a wide area of the absorbent part. As a result, it is possible to maintain high absorbing ability in multiple excretions in the absorbent product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: LIVEDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ikuo Akiyama