Patents Issued in January 31, 2017
  • Patent number: 9554843
    Abstract: An adapter includes a coupling mechanism that mates with a protruding nozzle of a gas-enhanced electrosurgical coagulation handpiece to convert the coagulation handpiece into a gas-enhanced electrosurgical cutting instrument. An adapter electrode and flow passageways of the adapter conduct electrical energy and gas from the nozzle of the coagulation handpiece to a protruding cutting end portion of an adapter electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: CONMED CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Taylor, Stephen N. Donnigan, Alan R. Lee
  • Patent number: 9554844
    Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps is provided and includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A cutting mechanism is adapted to selectively and removably couple to one of the first and second shaft members. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting trigger for selectively advancing a knife blade extending therefrom through a knife channel defined along one or both of the jaw members. The first shaft member includes a stop feature formed thereon and the second shaft feature includes a stop member formed thereon. The stop feature and stop member configured to selectively engage one another to limit rotation of the first and second shaft members with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Duane E. Kerr
  • Patent number: 9554845
    Abstract: An end effector assembly includes a first jaw member defining a wedge configuration having first and second planar surfaces angled inwardly to an apex, and a second jaw member defining a nest configuration having a cut-out defined by third and fourth planar surfaces angled inwardly to a trough. The jaw members are movable between spaced-apart position and approximated positions. In the approximated position, the first and third and second and fourth planar surfaces are disposed in parallel orientation relative to one another imparting a first grasping pressure to tissue disposed therebetween, while the apex is received within the trough imparting a second grasping pressure to tissue disposed therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of energy for conducting energy between the parallel planar surfaces to create a pair of tissue seals, and between the apex and trough to cut tissue between the tissue seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Gene H. Arts
  • Patent number: 9554846
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a shaft, end effector and movable cutting member. The movable cutting member may comprise a first band comprising a first band slot having a distal portion and a proximal portion. A width of the first band slot at the distal portion may be larger than a width of the first band slot at the proximal portion. The movable cutting member may comprise a second band comprising a second band slot having a distal portion and a proximal portion. A width of the second band slot at the proximal portion may be larger than a width of the second band slot at the distal portion. The movable cutting member may comprise a pin positioned within the first band slot and the second band slot. The pin may comprise a middle portion having a middle portion diameter and at least one outer portion having an outer portion diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventor: Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 9554847
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an intra-body probe and a processor. The intra-body probe includes an electrode, which is configured to contact tissue in a heart. The processor is configured to receive an electrical signal from the electrode, to distinguish a local component, due to the tissue with which the electrode is in contact, in the electrical signal from a remote-field contribution to the signal, and to control a therapeutic procedure applied to the tissue responsively to the distinguished local component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Athanassios Papaioannou
  • Patent number: 9554848
    Abstract: An ablation catheter assembly including an elongate catheter body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen therethrough. A helical structure associated with the catheter distal portion carries a plurality of independently operable electrodes and is transformable between a low-profile configuration wherein a straightening element is positioned in the lumen and an expanded configuration wherein the straightening element is at least partially retracted from the spiral structure. When the helical structure is in the expanded configuration, a laterally offset tip portion extends distally therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Stewart, David Francischelli, Rahul Mehra, James Skarda
  • Patent number: 9554849
    Abstract: An intravascular catheter for peri-vascular and/or peri-urethral tissue ablation includes multiple needles advanced through supported guide tubes which expand around a central axis to engage the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the injection an ablative fluid for ablating tissue, and/or nerve fibers in the outer layer or deep to the outer layer of the vessel. A method of treating hypertension involves injecting an ablative fluid such as ethanol deep into zones in the wall of the renal artery such that the zones of fluid merge to form a circumferential ablation ring at a depth which ablates sympathetic nerves while minimizing injury to interior layers of the vessel wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ablative Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Fischell, Tim A. Fischell, Robert Ryan Ragland, Darrin James Kent, Andy Edward Denison, Eric Thomas Johnson, Jeff Alan Burke, Christopher Scott Hayden, Robert E. Fischell
  • Patent number: 9554850
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for performing an ablation procedure on tissue with flow monitoring using flow sensors. The devices include a catheter, and at least one flow sensor disposed on the catheter, and a component for applying the ablation procedure. An assessment module provides an indication of the efficacy of the ablation procedure based on the flow measurement from the flow sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: MC10, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Lee, Clifford Liu, Roozbeh Ghaffari, John Work, Fernando Quivira, Lauren E. Klinker, Yung-Yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 9554851
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and method that allows a therapeutic device, such as an atrial fibrillation microwave ablation catheter or ablation tip to be guided to a remote location within a body cavity and then accurately immobilized on the tissue, including that of a moving organ, such as the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ABLACOR MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin J. Sklar, Howard Ring
  • Patent number: 9554852
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ventral only ablation of the tongue, for use in treating sleep apnea and related breathing disorders. An RF ablation probe or wand is inserted in ventral surface of a patient's tongue in a superior plane along a longitudinal (i.e., anterior to posterior) axis of the tongue, to a predetermined depth. The wand is withdrawn, RF energy is applied, creating a lesion predominantly in the interior of the tongue in an anterior to posterior plane, thereby resulting in less scarring but appreciable movement of the posterior tongue base away from the posterior pharyngeal wall. Also disclosed is a tongue retractor device used for measuring the depth of wand insertion, lifting the tongue to expose the ventral surface of the tongue for the procedure, and providing a stop surface to inhibit further wand insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: David G. Dillard
  • Patent number: 9554853
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation of organs and other tissues includes a radio frequency generator which provides a radio frequency signal to ablation electrodes. The power level of the radio frequency signal is determined based on the subject area of ablation. The radio frequency signal is coupled with the ablation electrodes through a transformation circuit. The transformation circuit includes a high impedance transformation circuit and a low impedance transformation circuit. The high or low impedance transformation circuit is selected based on the impedance of the ablation electrodes in contact with the subject tissue. Vacuum level, impedance level, resistance level, and time are measured during ablation. If these parameters exceed determinable limits the ablation procedure is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno Strul, Csaba Truckai, Russel M. Sampson, Mark L. Kane
  • Patent number: 9554854
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an electrosurgical systems and methods for providing an electrosurgical signal to a patient. An electrosurgical signal defining a plurality of pulses may be provided to first and second electrodes. A first reading may be received indicating an impedance between the first and second electrodes taken at a first point of a first pulse of the electrosurgical signal. A second reading may indicate the impedance a first point of a second pulse of the electrosurgical signal, where the first point of the first pulse and the first point of the second pulse are at equivalent positions within the first and second pulses. Based on a comparison of the first reading and the second reading, a short circuit may be determined and a signal indicating the short circuit may be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Yates, Eitan T. Wiener, Robert A. Kemerling, Benjamin J. Danziger, Gavin M. Monson
  • Patent number: 9554855
    Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an energy source adapted to generate microwave energy and a power splitting device having an input adapted to connect to the energy source and a plurality of outputs. The plurality of outputs are configured to be coupled to a corresponding plurality of energy delivery devices. The power splitting device is configured to selectively divide energy provided from the energy source between the plurality of energy devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Robert J. Behnke, II, Mani N. Prakash, Jeffrey L. Jensen, Francesca Rossetto, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9554856
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical assemblies having thin, low profile shapes. These optical assemblies may be used with fiber coupled lasers and other light sources, including high power sources, to irradiate tissue at a wavelength suitable for inducing ablation or coagulation to a target depth, denaturation, thermal modification of a tissue, and/or preferential injury to a target tissue structure. Example optical assemblies can produce substantially uniform illumination patterns that are useful for treating superficial tissue, including the internal or luminal (e.g., esophageal) tissue. Some examples may have capability for cooling superficial tissue or skin, such as a detachable, reusable heat sink for active cooling without consumables, fluid pumps, or other cooling equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GRADIANT RESEARCH, LLC
    Inventors: Kathleen McMillan, Anurag Gupta, James Patrick McGuire, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9554857
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, system, computer-accessible medium, procedure and method are provided which can be used for providing laser steering and focusing for, e.g., incision, excision and/or ablation of tissue in minimally-invasive surgery. For example, the exemplary apparatus can include at least one optical element which can be configured to refract and/or diffract light provided in a structure which can be configured to be inserted into a body, where at least one of the optical element(s) is structured to receive the light at a first angle and generate a refracted and/or diffracted light at a second angle which can be different from the first angle relative to an optical axis. For example, an actuating arrangement can be provided, which can be configured to control the optical element(s), can be provided and situated at least partially within the at least one structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: MEMORIAL SLOAN-KETTERING CANCER CENTER
    Inventors: Ricardo Toledo-Crow, Snehal Patel, Milind Rajadhyaksha
  • Patent number: 9554858
    Abstract: A tool for a distal end or on a distal end of a shaft of a medical instrument includes a basic body, a mouth part which is pivotable about a pivot axis in relation to the basic body, and a bearing which defines the pivot axis, wherein the bearing includes two axle journals which are spaced apart from one another, each with a radial surface which is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Blocher, Robin Merz
  • Patent number: 9554859
    Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and/or surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods employ surgical robotic linkages that may have more degrees of freedom than an associated surgical end effector n space. A processor can calculate a tool motion that includes pivoting of the tool about an aperture site. Linkages movable along a range of configurations for a given end effector position may be driven toward configurations which inhibit collisions. Refined robotic linkages and method for their use are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Nowlin, Paul W. Mohr, Bruce M. Schena, David Q. Larkin, Gary S. Guthart
  • Patent number: 9554860
    Abstract: A path-following robot, such as for creating a path to a target surgical site, includes a series of interconnected elements including a lead element at one end thereof, and a plurality of actuators each operably coupled to one of the plurality of elements. Each actuator is capable of effecting rotational and spherical motion of one element with respect to another element. The actuators are arranged to receive commands which individually control the relative position of one element compared with another element, where a position of the lead element determines a path and corresponding positions for all subsequent elements to create a path-following motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Barry M. Fell
  • Patent number: 9554861
    Abstract: A medical instrument holding apparatus includes a shaft slidably engaged into a housing and movable into and out of the housing, the housing includes a guiding member engaged with the shaft for guiding and limiting the shaft to slide relative to the housing only and for preventing the shaft from being rotated relative to the housing, a locking device is engaged onto the shaft and includes a positioning member for engaging with an anchoring member of the shaft and for locking the shaft and the housing together, and one or more fasteners are engaged with the housing and the locking device for securing the shaft and the housing together with the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Zong Sian Jiang, Wuteng Hsieh, Yan Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 9554862
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of designing and fabricating prosthetic implants having a sagittal wall in which at least a portion thereof traverses a non-linear path. A method of fabricating such a prosthetic implant may include generating a virtual bone model based on image information obtained from at least one bone, determining a proposed height of the prosthetic implant at a first location on the virtual bone model, determining a proposed resection depth into the at least one bone at the first location based at least in part on the proposed height of the prosthetic implant, and determining a curved resection path across a portion of the virtual bone model. The curved resection path may intersect the first location and the prosthetic implant may have a curved sagittal wall corresponding to the curved resection path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Mako Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Davignon, Michael C. Ferko, Stuart L. Axelson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9554863
    Abstract: A system for calculating a position and orientation of an acetabular cup in computer-assisted surgery comprises a first trackable reference secured to a pelvis, with a frame of reference being associated with the first trackable reference. A device is positionable between a femoral neck and the acetabulum of the pelvis in a known relation, the device having a second trackable reference. Sensors track the trackable references for position and orientation. A position/orientation calculator calculates a position and orientation of the frame of reference and of the device and for determining an orientation of the neck axis with respect to the frame of reference from the known relation at a desired position of the femur. An implant position/orientation calculator provides cup implanting information with respect to the orientation of said neck axis as a function of the tracking for position and orientation of at least the first trackable reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ORTHOSOFT INC.
    Inventors: Francois Paradis, Louis-Philippe Amiot, Daniel Odermatt
  • Patent number: 9554864
    Abstract: A system and method for tool exchange during surgery for cooperatively controlled robots comprises a tool holder for receiving a surgical tool adapted to be held by a robot and a surgeon, a tool holding element for constraining downward motion of the tool while allowing low force removal of the surgical tool from the holder, a first sensor for detecting if the surgical tool is docked within the tool holder, and a selector for automatically selecting different movements or actions of the tool holder to be performed based upon information detected by the first sensor. The system and method of the present invention provides an advantage to an often slow moving cooperative robot, by increasing the speed by which the tool holder may move in the direction away from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Russell H. Taylor, Marcin Arkadiusz Balicki, James Tahara Handa
  • Patent number: 9554865
    Abstract: A cooperative-control robot includes a base component, a mobile platform arranged proximate the base component, a translation assembly operatively connected to the base component and the mobile platform and configured to move the mobile platform with translational degrees of freedom substantially without rotation with respect to said the component, a tool assembly connected to the mobile platform, and a control system configured to communicate with the translation assembly to control motion of the mobile platform in response to forces by a user applied to at least a portion of the cooperative-control robot. The translation assembly includes at least three independently operable actuator arms, each connected to a separate position of the mobile platform. A robotic system includes two or more the cooperative-control robots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kevin C. Olds, Russell H. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9554866
    Abstract: A system and method for using a remote control to control an electrosurgical instrument, where the remote control includes at least one momentum sensor. As the surgeon rotates their hand mimicking movements of a handheld electrosurgical instrument, the movements are translated and sent to the remote controlled (RC) electrosurgical instrument. The surgeon uses an augmented reality (AR) vision system to assist the surgeon in viewing the surgical site. Additionally, the surgeon can teach other doctors how to perform the surgery by sending haptic feedback to slave controllers. Also, the surgeon can transfer control back and forth between the master and slave controller to allow a learning surgeon to perform the surgery, but still allow the surgeon to gain control of the surgery whenever needed. Also, the surgeon could be located at a remote location and perform the surgery with the assistance of the AR vision system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: James S. Cunningham, Peter M. Mueller
  • Patent number: 9554867
    Abstract: A light attachment device for removable attachment to an electrosurgical pencil and/or an electrosurgical pencil attachment such as a shroud for an electrosurgical pencil. The light attachment device may be automatically turned on and off in conjunction with the activation and deactivation of the electrosurgical pencil and/or electrosurgical pencil attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: I.C. Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Ioan Cosmescu
  • Patent number: 9554868
    Abstract: A method and system for intraoperative, image-based reduction control for long bone shaft fracture treatment. The method includes preoperative steps of a) implanting markers into the proximal fragment and into the distal fragment of the broken bone, b) creating a 3D reference model of bone by taking a CT scan of the healthy bone, a CT scan of the broken bone and c) defining landmarks in the reference model based on the marker positions. The method further includes intraoperative steps of d) extracting the 3D position of the same landmarks from a series of 2D fluoroscopic images, using a reference object and e) comparing the positions the preoperatively defined landmarks and the positions of the intraoperatively extracted landmarks to calculate the malalignment of the fracture fragments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Luca Regazzoni
  • Patent number: 9554869
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bite tray having fiducial markers for head scan registration and method of use. The bite tray is held by a patient in his teeth while the scan of his head and the fiducial markers is made by x-ray, CT, or MM and the scan is entered into a computer to register the scan to the fiducial markers. Instrument optical markers are placed on a dental instrument and it is observed by a camera and the observation is entered into the computer to register the instrument optical markers to the dental instrument. Patient optical markers are placed on the patient and it is observed by the camera and the observation is entered into the computer to register the patient optical markers to the patient. The tip of the dental instrument is then touched to one of the fiducial markers making the location of the tip and the fiducial marker the same. The computer then registers the scan to the instrument and the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: EPED Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry T. Huang, Ta-Ko Huang
  • Patent number: 9554870
    Abstract: A dentists' preparation instrument (1) comprises a turbine (4) for driving a tool (3) using compressed air, and a rotor (6) that is arranged in a turbine compartment (5), rotates about a longitudinal axis (7), and has blades (11) extending to a face (13) of the rotor (6). The turbine compartment (5) has a discharge port (12) for the compressed air towards a returning air duct (8). Said discharge port (12) is disposed in such a way that both the face (13) of the rotor (6) and parts of the blades (11) sweep past the discharge port (12) as the rotor rotates about the longitudinal axis (7). For deceleration purposes, the rotor (6) has a deceleration contour (9) on the face (13), said deceleration contour being formed by projections (14), and the turbine compartment (5) has a deceleration contour chamber (15) inside which the deceleration contour (9) is accommodated. The discharge port (12) in part also extends across the deceleration contour chamber (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SIRONA DENTAL SYSTEMS GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Rein, Siegfried Goisser, Metin Ertugrul, Ralf Sutter, Alexander Muhlbeyer
  • Patent number: 9554871
    Abstract: A method for controlling a magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducer of the type used in a magnetostrictive ultrasonic dental scaler includes generating a drive signal for a resonant circuit using a full bridge synchronous class D amplifier. The electrical signal output by the resonant circuit drives an excitation coil that generates an electromagnetic field that causes the magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducer to vibrate. A feedback wire is rendered unnecessary by measuring current and voltage outputs of the resonant circuit and quadrature sampling the measured current and voltage outputs at the same sampling rate as used for the generation of the electrical signal by the resonant circuit. A pulse width modulated signal is generated from the quadrature sampled sensed current and voltage that represents a pulse train approximation of a sine wave of the drive signal for, in turn, being applied to the full bridge synchronous class D amplifier to generate the drive signal for the resonant circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Dentsply International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilya Kovnatsky, Michael C. Dietrich, Peter H. Werner, David C. Klunk, Kenneth R. Guaragno
  • Patent number: 9554872
    Abstract: The invention relates to an intraoral device for automated preparation of the teeth with a view to performing partial or peripheral dental restoration, which includes: a splint (1) suitable for being positioned in the mouth of a patient, said splint including a means (13) for maintaining the position thereof inside said mouth; at least one mobile cutting tool (2) combined with said splint; and an electronic management unit which makes it possible to control said cutting tool, characterized in that: said cutting tool (2) is configured so as to cut at least the labial surface of the tooth (D1) to be prepared, said tool being mounted on a mobile carriage (23) moving along a rail (24) attached to the splint (1), opposite the labial surface of the tooth (D1) to be prepared, said rail having a curvature that matches the dentition (D) of the patient; said splint (1) includes at least one 3D digitization tool (4) arranged such as to digitize at least the labial surface of said tooth to be prepared, said digitization
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen Koubi, Galip Gurel
  • Patent number: 9554873
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an apparatus and method for supporting a maxillo-mandibular fixation by securing the maxillary teeth and mandibular teeth together in a faster and less harmful manner, includes a floss-wire component for circumdental wiring a tooth initially by flossing the interproximal space of a tooth therewith and thereafter causing circumdental wiring of a tooth when the floss-wire component is pulled, the floss-wire component having a distal portion composed of a floss-like material and a proximal portion composed of a wire-like material, a clip having an anchoring point and grasping point, the clip interacts with the floss-wire component, thereby causing the clip and the floss-wire to secure tightly to a tooth, and a bar positioned between the buccal surface of one or more teeth and one or more clips, the bar having a plurality of indices to increase the stabilization of one or more clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventors: Russell B. Walther, Charles C. Hanley
  • Patent number: 9554874
    Abstract: A dental device (such as a temporary dental crown or dental space maintainer), which may be fabricated in an intra-office process while the patient is located onsite, for use in securing to one or more teeth during a dental restoration procedure or another dental procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hegland LLC
    Inventor: Lindsay Hegland
  • Patent number: 9554875
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a self ligating orthodontic bracket system that includes a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of a bracket. Embodiments of the orthodontic bracket system disclosed herein include a bracket body containing the archwire slot as well as tie wings for attaching various orthodontic devices (e.g., elastomeric bands) to the bracket. The rotatable member is rotatable in a first direction (e.g., counter clockwise) relative to a body of the bracket for securing or locking the archwire within the slot, and for rotating in an opposite direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) relative to the bracket body for unsecuring or unlocking the archwire so that it is substantially unrestrained from exiting the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: RMO, Inc.
    Inventor: Christophe Gualano
  • Patent number: 9554876
    Abstract: A connecting wire is a wire having a circular cross-section and made of shape memory alloy or the like. Individual blocks have a cross-section configured to engage with an orthodontic bracket and have a through hole to insert the connecting wire. Because a torque is applied separately to each of the individual blocks after the connecting wire and individual blocks are formed according to an arch form on a Monson sphere, the torque can be applied keeping a three-dimensional curve such as the Monson sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Hiroshi Jinnouchi
  • Patent number: 9554877
    Abstract: A regenerative device can include a first side section, a second side section, and a top section extending between and connecting the first side section and the second side section. The top section and the first and second side sections can each be formed from a porous material that retains its structure after implantation in the patient. The regenerative device can be used for ridge augmentation of a maxilla or a mandible. The top section can include an opening configured for receiving an implant. The porous material can be permanently implanted in the mouth and promote bone regeneration or ridge augmentation. One or both of the first and second side sections of the device can include one or more openings or apertures for receiving a fastener to secure the device to the alveolar ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bassett, Leonard Conner, Edward M. Willis, Ken Varner, Michael Scott Collins
  • Patent number: 9554878
    Abstract: A method (30) for manufacturing a dental superstructure or part thereof is provided. The method comprises the steps of (i) making (31) a dental imprint from the mouth of a subject; (ii) mounting (32) an analog in the imprint to obtain a working model; (iii) attaching (33) a screw channel directing device (10, 20), comprising a screw channel part (11, 21) and an implant cooperating part (12, 22), said screw channel part (11, 21) being tiltable in relation to the implant cooperating part (12, 22), to the working model; (iv) tilting (34) the screw channel part (11, 21) in relation to the implant cooperating part (12, 22) into a desired angle; (v) shaping a mold creating a master superstructure or part thereof onto the screw channel directing device (10, 20); (vi) forming (37) a mold based on the master superstructure or part thereof; and (vii) casting (38) or CAD/CAM shaping of the dental superstructure or part thereof. Embodiments of screw channel directing devices are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH
    Inventor: Sture Benzon
  • Patent number: 9554879
    Abstract: A cradle, assembly, system and method for installing a prosthesis at a surgical site. The cradle temporarily engages the prosthesis and holds it in the correct orientation and position adjacent the surgical site. An aperture is defined in the cradle and a portion of the prosthesis is received therein. In one embodiment, the cradle, assembly and system are used to install a final dental prosthesis in a patient's mouth in a single visit to the dentist's office. A securement member pins the surgical template and subsequently the cradle to the jaw. A reinforced sub-structure on the final dental prosthesis is received in the aperture in the cradle. Cylinders attached to implants anchored in the jaw extend through holes in the sub-structure and are bonded to the prosthesis. The cradle is detached from the jaw and from the prosthesis prior to screws being re-inserted through the cylinders and into the implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: James Harrison
  • Patent number: 9554880
    Abstract: A reference member for determining a position of an implant analog can comprise a trapezoidal body including a first side and a substantially parallel second side. The first side can define a first dimension and the second side can define a second dimension that is greater than the first dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Zfx GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Geier
  • Patent number: 9554881
    Abstract: A coloring solution for dental zirconia ceramics and a method for using the same are provided. The coloring solution consists of coloring agents, a solvent, and an additive. The coloring agents are a combination of two or more rare earth metal compounds, wherein the rare earth metal compounds having rare earth metal ions selected from the group consisting of praseodymium (Pr) ions, erbium (Er) ions, cerium (Ce) ions, and neodymium (Nd) ions. The concentration of the rare earth metal ions in the solution is 0.05˜3 mol/liter solvent. The molar ratio of Pr ions:Er ions:Ce ions:Nd ions in the solution is 1:(10˜50):(0˜20):(0˜30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN UPCERA DENTAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hongjuan Wang, Qingyun Yan, Dongbin Huang, Lingling He, Yanchun Zheng
  • Patent number: 9554882
    Abstract: A method of making a calcium-fluoride layer formed on an object surface for more wear resistance includes the steps of coating sodium fluoride to a surface of an object having calcium, whereby the calcium fluoride and the calcium are inverted to become a calcium-fluoride layer on the surface of the object after a chemistry reaction; preparing a CO2 laser device having a CO2 laser emitter for emitting CO2 laser; and applying irradiation of the CO2 laser via the CO2 laser emitter to the calcium-fluoride layer for at least five seconds. In light of this, the wear resistance of the calcium-fluoride layer is enhanced for at least 34%, the absorption rate of the fluoride is increased for at least 23%, and the surface of the object has aesthetic and integral appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL CHUNG CHENG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yeau-Ren Jeng, Tsung-Ting Lin, Yu-Xian Huang, Dar-Bin Shieh
  • Patent number: 9554883
    Abstract: The present artificial insemination instrument may include a single use, hollow, elongate, metal pipette and a single disposable syringe that is not toxic to bovine sperm. The apparatus is used with any type of diluent that is not toxic to bovine sperm. In various embodiments, a technician may use non-sorted reduced sperm count semen straws from a bull stud, cut an unsorted semen straw into several pieces to use one piece at a time per cow, thaw one straw and mix the non-sorted semen with diluent, or use reduced sperm count semen straws filled with sex sorted semen by the manufacturer. A procedure is disclosed to use the artificial insemination instrument, reduced sperm count semen from any of the aforementioned sources, a non-toxic syringe, and a diluent to achieve conception rates at least as good as conventional prior art device and procedure conception rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Brad K. Stroud
  • Patent number: 9554884
    Abstract: Surgical instruments, implantable articles and surgical procedures disclosed for treating medical disorders, particularly incontinence. Improved surgical sling procedures are disclosed. Novel surgical instruments and kits for use in sling procedures are also disclosed. The present invention affords options for surgeons with concomitant advantages to the patient and the healthcare provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Astora Women's Health, LLC
    Inventors: Johann J. Neisz, Robert E. Lund, Kimberly A. Anderson, Vicki R. Vandersloot, Terence M. Moore, Mark S. Bouchier, Randy L. Morningstar, Gary A. Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 9554885
    Abstract: Implants for the treatment of pelvic support conditions and methods of implementing the same. The implants comprise relatively soft, flexible bodies and relatively strong arms extending in predetermined orientation therefrom. Methods and devices for placing the implants minimize trauma to the pelvic floor and provide well-anchored support to pelvic organs without interfering with sexual or other bodily functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Caldera Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Red Alinsod, Stephen Wang, Francois Blaudeau, Sandra Muhlfeld, Bryon Merade, Ty Erickson
  • Patent number: 9554886
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a medical assembly including an implant, a first sleeve, a second sleeve and an elongate member. The implant has a first portion, a second portion and a mid portion. The first portion of the implant is configured to be enclosed by the first sleeve and the second portion of the implant is configured to be enclosed by the second sleeve. The elongate member is configured to couple the implant with the first sleeve and the second sleeve and is configured to respectively extend from the first portion to the mid portion of the implant and past the mid portion such that the elongate member exits the implant through the mid portion and forms a loop near the mid portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. H. Chu, Kenneth M. Flynn, Sharmad S. Joshi, James M. Goddard
  • Patent number: 9554887
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis (100) comprising an openworked three-dimensional knit (101) comprising a front face and a rear face, each face being formed with one or more laps of yarns defining pores on said face, the front face being bound to the rear face by connecting yarns defining a spacer, characterized in that the connecting yarns are distributed so that they define an entanglement of yarns crossing each other at the spacer, without obstructing the pores of the front and rear faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Sofradim Production
    Inventor: Julie Lecuivre
  • Patent number: 9554888
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing scaffolds are disclosed. The system includes a polymer solution and a non-solvent, which are sprayed into receiving portions of support elements. After scaffolds are formed on the support elements, the support elements permit elongation of the scaffolds. Composites formed from a plurality of scaffolds are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: James P. Kennedy, Robert Hitchcock
  • Patent number: 9554889
    Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing a wavefront-guided scleral lens prosthetic device customized for an eye of a patient include obtaining a first scleral lens prosthetic device with a central optic zone configured to vault over the eye's cornea and a peripheral haptic zone configured to align with the eye's sclera, collecting measurements of any offset and/or rotation of the first scleral lens prosthetic device relative to the eye's pupil and of any aberrations, particularly higher-order aberrations, generating a wavefront-guided profile from the measurements, and fabricating a second scleral lens prosthetic device with the profile on a surface of a central optic zone configured to vault over the eye's cornea and a peripheral haptic zone customized to align with the eye's sclera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: Boston Foundation for Sight, University of Rochester
    Inventors: Lynette K. Johns, Geun-Young Yoon, Olga Tomashevskaya
  • Patent number: 9554890
    Abstract: A prosthetic capsular device configured to be inserted in an eye includes a housing structure and a ring structure. The housing structure includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, a fourth side opposite the third side, a posterior side including a refractive surface, an anterior side opposite the posterior side, and a longitudinal axis. The first side, the second side, the third side, the fourth side, the posterior side, and the anterior side at least partially define a cavity configured to contain an intraocular device (e.g., an IOL). The anterior side includes an opening. The ring structure includes a ring structure portion extending radially outward from proximate one of an end of the first side and an end of the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Omega Ophthalmics LLC
    Inventors: Gary N. Wortz, Rick William Ifland
  • Patent number: 9554891
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for constricting a cornea of a human eye are disclosed. A control device external to the subject eye, such as an induction generator, may be configured to create a stimulus, such as a magnetic field, for an implanted ring that, when stimulated, may change the curvature, and thus the dioptric power, of the eye, thereby approximating natural accommodation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: AMO Groningen B.V.
    Inventors: Luuk Franssen, Hendrik A. Weeber, Marrie H. van der Mooren, Carmen Canovas Vidal, Kaccie Y. Li, Sieger Meijer, Richard Hartman
  • Patent number: 9554892
    Abstract: An ophthalmic lens for providing enhanced vision includes a finished optic comprising a base optic and a membrane. The base optic has an anterior surface and an opposing posterior surface, at least one of the surfaces having a first value of a surface quality parameter. The base optic also includes a membrane including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface covering one or more of the surfaces of the base optic. The outer surface has a second value of the surface quality parameter, wherein the second value is greater than the first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Bumbalough, Daniel G. Brady