Patents Issued in January 31, 2017
  • Patent number: 9555144
    Abstract: A system and method for disinfecting hard surfaces in an area such as a hospital room including a light source emitting UV light and a reflector mounted behind the light source for concentrating and directing the light toward a target. The light source and reflector rotate to direct the concentrated beam around a room, thereby making more efficient use of the energy being emitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SURFACIDE, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Scott Garner, Thomas Smigelski, Timothy Mathew G. Escolin, Waldemar John Lyslo
  • Patent number: 9555145
    Abstract: A method for removing biofilm from a lumen of a medical implant is disclosed. The method includes the steps of inserting a plasma applicator into a lumen defined in a medical implant, the lumen having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion having an opening therein, positioning the plasma applicator adjacent a biofilm formation, generating a selectively reactive plasma effluent at the plasma applicator and directing the selectively reactive plasma effluent at the biofilm formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Arlen K. Ward, Joe D. Sartor
  • Patent number: 9555146
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing an object having at least first and second openings toward an inner space of the object includes connecting the first opening to a feed line for a sterilization agent, connecting the second opening to an outlet line for the sterilization agent, and conducting the sterilization agent through the feed line into the inner space, through the inner space, and out of the inner space through the outlet line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Thorsten Fehr, Franz Kugelmann, Tobias Veit
  • Patent number: 9555147
    Abstract: The invention describes a color-developing composition that contains at least four major components: (1) a leuco dye or a combination of leuco dyes, (2) an electron-withdrawing color-developer agent or a combination of color-developers that can form colored complexes with the leuco dyes, (3) a separator or combination of separators that when present in sufficient amounts, can prevent the formation of the colored complexes between the color-developer and leuco dyes, all contained within (4) an encapsulation matrix that includes at least one film-forming and one aqueous-insoluble polymer. All of the foregoing components are dissolved together in a volatile organic solvent medium to form a homogeneous solution that can be applied as an ink on substrates, which can be incorporated as part of absorbent articles or personal care products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Xuedong Song
  • Patent number: 9555148
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing a water-absorbing polymer, including the following steps: (i) mixing (?1) 0.1 to 99.999 wt % polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated, acid-group-containing monomers; (?2) 0 to 70 wt % polymerized ethylenically unsaturated, monomers copolymerizable with (?1); (?3) 0.00 1 to 10 wt %, cross-linking agent(s); (?4) 0 to 30 wt % water-soluble polymers; and (?5) 0 to 20 wt % additive(s), wherein the total quantity by weight of (?1) to (?5) amounts to 100 wt %, (ii) radical polymerization while cross-linking, in order to form a hydrogel polymer, (iii) drying the hydrogel polymer, (iv) grinding and sifting the water-absorbing polymer, (v) surface post-cross-linking the hydrogel polymer, and (vi) drying and processing the polymer, wherein, before the admixture of the initiator and the start of radical polymerization, 0.01 to 5 wt % of a surfactant, relative to acrylic acid, 0.01 to 5 wt % foaming agent, are added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Laurent Wattebled, Jorg Harren, Matthias Naumann, Franck Furno, Matthias Lobert, Rainer Teni
  • Patent number: 9555149
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a medical material which, while retaining high liquid absorbency and styptic properties through gelation of CMC, can maintain shape stability even after absorbing a liquid; which has excellent conformance to the skin; and through which the body surface to which it is to be applied is visible. This medical material is a structure comprising regenerated cellulose fibers including carboxymethyl cellulose fibers in which the degree of substitution of the hydroxyl groups in the glucose units making up the cellulose molecule is at least 0.1 but less than 0.5, wherein the medical material is characterized in that the structure has the form of a woven and/or nonwoven fabric, and when the structure is impregnated with physiological saline, the range of the 10% modulus in both the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the structure is 0.2 N/50 mm-5.0 N/50 nm, inclusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ASAHI KASEI FIBERS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mika Shinohara, Kyoko Machioka, Masaya Fuke
  • Patent number: 9555150
    Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, panty diaper, sanitary napkin or incontinence device includes a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core enclosed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes an anti-bacterial agent or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride in combination with an organic zinc salt, in particular, zinc ricinoleate. The combination of antibacterial or (earth) alkali metal chloride and organic zinc salt exerts a synergetic effect in the suppression of malodours, such as ammonia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Birgitta Yhlen, Catarina Linnér, Jan Petrusson, Jan Wästlund-Karlsson
  • Patent number: 9555151
    Abstract: A system for managing female incontinence includes a body of biocompatible material configured to fit between the labia minora and the vestibule floor, the body having a surface configured to occlude the urethral meatus, an adhesive carried on at least a first portion of the surface and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the body and the urethral meatus, and wherein at least the adhesive includes a water gradient silicone hydrogel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SOFT HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Taylor, Thomas J. Berryman
  • Patent number: 9555152
    Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles assembled from a collection of components using an adhesive comprising an amorphous polyolefin composition and a heterophase polyolefin composition comprising amorphous character and crystalline blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: William L. Bunnelle, Robert Haines Turner
  • Patent number: 9555153
    Abstract: A cotton bud with a rod-like grip body and with a bud body that is arranged at least at one free end of the grip body. The rod-like grip body is a biologically degradable extrusion body, and includes natural fibers embedded into a material matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ROWEG HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Beat Häni, Christian Rytka, Guy Petignat
  • Patent number: 9555154
    Abstract: Implantable biocompatible polymeric medical devices include a substrate with a plasma-modified surface which is subsequently modified to include click reactive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Nadya Belcheva, Ferass Abuzaina, Amin Elachchabi, Mbiya Kapiamba, Ahmed Robert Hadba
  • Patent number: 9555155
    Abstract: Resorbable multifilament yarns and monofilament fibers including poly-4-hydroxybutyrate and copolymers thereof with high tenacity or high tensile strength have been developed. The yarns and fibers are produced by cold drawing the multifilament yarns and monofilament fibers before hot drawing the yarns and fibers under tension at temperatures above the melt temperature of the polymer or copolymer. These yarns and fibers have prolonged strength retention in vivo making them suitable for soft tissue repairs where high strength and strength retention is required. The multifilament yarns have tenacities higher than 8.1 grams per denier, and in vivo, retain at least 65% of their initial strength at 2 weeks. The monofilament fibers retain at least 50% of their initial strength at 4 weeks in vivo. The monofilament fibers have tensile strengths higher than 500 MPa. These yarns and fibers may be used to make various medical devices for various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: Amit Ganatra, Fabio Felix, Bhavin Shah, Matthew Bernasconi, Said Rizk, David P. Martin, Simon F. Williams
  • Patent number: 9555156
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for making germanium-based glass polyalkenoate cements. Also disclosed are methods for their use as bone cements for bone augmentation procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Victoria Dickinson, Daniel Boyd, Brett Dickey, Sharon Kehoe
  • Patent number: 9555157
    Abstract: A method of inducing hemostasis in a wound. A hemostatic product is applied to a wound. The hemostatic product includes at least one hemostasis component. The hemostatic product is retained with respect to the wound by positioning a hydrogel material at least partially over the hemostatic product. At least a portion of the hemostatic product is dissolved. Hemostasis is induced in the wound with the at least one hemostasis component. The hydrogel material is separated from the wound. Substantially all of the hemostatic product remains on the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: St. Teresa Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Olson, Tim Floyd, Phil Messina
  • Patent number: 9555158
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a largely nickel-free iron alloy or a nickel-free stainless steel having the following composition: 14.0% by wt.-16.5% by wt. chromium 10.0% by wt.-12.0% by wt. manganese ?3.0% by wt.-4.00% by wt. molybdenum 0.55% by wt.-0.70% by wt. nitrogen 0.10% by wt.-0.20% by wt. carbon 0.00% by wt.-2.00% by wt. impurities, such as other metals, semimetals, metal salts and/or non-metals the rest up to 100% by wt. is iron, which is in particular suitable for the production of stents as well as to stents made of this alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: MeKo Laserstrahl-Materialbearbeitungen e.K
    Inventors: Clemens Meyer-Kobbe, Mark Rosentreter
  • Patent number: 9555159
    Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides articles of manufacture comprising biocompatible nanostructures comprising PolyEther EtherKetone (PEEK) surface-modified (surface-nanopatterned) to exhibit nanostructured surfaces that promote osseointegration and bone-bonding for, e.g., joint (e.g., knee, hip and shoulder) replacements, bone or tooth reconstruction and/or implants, including their use in making and using artificial tissues and organs, and related, diagnostic, screening, research and development and therapeutic uses, e.g., as primary or ancillary drug delivery devices. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides biocompatible nanostructures that promote osseointegration and bone-bonding for enhanced cell and bone growth and e.g., for in vitro and in vivo testing, restorative and reconstruction procedures, implants and therapeutics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Sungho Jin, Garrett Smith, Chulmin Choi
  • Patent number: 9555160
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing an (ultra) high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) article comprising: incorporating into the HMWPE resin a Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS) and cross-link the (U)HMWPE during or after molding the (U)HMWPE resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventors: Harold Jan Smelt, Pieter Gijsman, Martin Van Duin
  • Patent number: 9555161
    Abstract: Oxidation resistant crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is described, wherein at least two different additives in the manufacture synergistically increase the oxidation resistance of crosslinked UHMWPE. This allows the manufacture of oxidation resistant crosslinked UHMWPE using lower levels of additives and/or lower levels of crosslinking irradiation or chemicals. The lower levels of additives and/or crosslinking produce crosslinked UHMWPE having desired physical properties not possible without the synergistic interaction of the additives. This crosslinked UHMWPE may be used in medical prostheses such as in bearing components having desired physical properties such as wear resistance and oxidation resistance not possible without the synergistic interaction of the additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Morrison, Vivek D. Pawar, Lorenz Brunner, Shilesh C. Jani
  • Patent number: 9555162
    Abstract: A method of reducing phospholipid concentration in biological tissue. The biological tissue is immersed in an isopropyl alcohol solution for an effective period of time. After the effective period of time, the biological tissue has a phospholipid concentration that is at least 10 percent by weight less than an initial phospholipid concentration of the biological tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura McKinley, Monique Poon, Will Wei Wang, Benjamin Wong
  • Patent number: 9555163
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogels comprising a plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids capable of self-assembling into three-dimensional macromolecular nanofibrous networks, which entrap water and form said hydrogels, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids is chemically cross-linked. The present invention further relates to methods for preparing such hydrogels and to various uses of such hydrogels, e.g. as cell culture substrates, for drug and gene delivery, as wound dressing, as an implant, as an injectable agent that gels in situ, in pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions, in regenerative medicine, in tissue engineering and tissue regeneration, or in electronic devices. It also relates to a method of tissue regeneration or tissue replacement using a hydrogel in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH
    Inventors: Charlotte Hauser, Wei Yang Seow
  • Patent number: 9555164
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a porous scaffold for tissue engineering. It is another object of the present invention to provide a porous scaffold obtainable by the method as above described, and its use for tissue engineering, cell culture and cell delivery. The method of the invention comprise the steps consisting of a) preparing an alkaline aqueous solution comprising an amount of at least one polysaccharide and one cross-linking agent b) freezing the aqueous solution of step a) c) sublimating the frozen solution of step b) characterized in that step b) is performed before the cross-linking of the polysaccharide occurs in the solution of step a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: INSERM (INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE)
    Inventors: Catherine Le Visage, Didier Letourneur, Frederic Chaubet, Aude Autissier
  • Patent number: 9555165
    Abstract: Tubing made of two or more polymers circumferentially arranged around the perimeter of the tubing in a single layer may be useful as medical tubing. Specifically, such tubing may be useful in catheters, sheaths, sheath introducers, implant delivery systems, and other medical devices having elongated tubular components. Selection of the two or more polymers based on the durometer and melting temperature permits optimization of axial strength and flexibility for particular applications. Such tubing may be extruded as a single layer tubing or a multi-layer tubing where the additional layers may be single material layers or more multi-polymer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventor: Huy Phan
  • Patent number: 9555166
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for healing blood vessels by stimulating the formation of a confluent endothelial autologous cell layer in vivo on an implantable metallic stent having a lumen and a luminal surface, and an exterior surface. More specifically, the method includes implanting the stent with a coating in a patient in need of thereof; wherein the coating includes one or more layers of a matrix covalently adherent on said luminal and exterior surface of said stent containing one or more pharmaceutical substances on said exterior surface and a therapeutically effective amount of a single type of antibody, antibody fragments or combinations thereof being compatible to binding selectively to a specific cell surface antigen of circulating autologous endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood. In addition, genetically engineered endothelial progenitor cells can be captured on said luminal surface of stent in vivo, to proliferate to form rapidly a confluent endothelium in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: OrbusNeich Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Bradley Kutryk, Robert John Cottone, Jr., Stephen Maxwell Rowland
  • Patent number: 9555167
    Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions comprising aliphatic polyester, and an antimicrobial component effective for antimicrobial activity, and, in some embodiments, an enhancer. Example: blend of poly(lactic acid) polymer (55g) with propyleneglycol monolaurate antimicrobial component (9g), and benzoic acid enhancer (1g). Inventive resin compositions are effective against gram negative and gram positive bacteria, mold and mildew. Preferred compositions comprise materials that are GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Schmid, Ronald W. Ausen, Jay M. Jennen, Kelly S. Anderson, Matthew T. Scholz, Robert W. Peterson, Erin A. Satterwhite, Francis E. Porbeni
  • Patent number: 9555168
    Abstract: A system for delivery of medication in treatment of disorders of the pelvis is disclosed. The system includes a medicament applied to an implantable device and an insertion tool. The implantable device has a first end opposite from a second end, with the first end of the implantable device insertable into tissue within the pelvis. A retrieval string is coupled to the second end of the implantable device. The insertion tool includes a shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle coupled to the proximal end of the insertion tool and the distal end of the insertion tool is adapted to couple with the implantable device. The handle includes a notch adapted to releasably secure the retrieval string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventor: James Browning
  • Patent number: 9555169
    Abstract: The present invention provides for the harvesting of specific materials in multiple stages of filtration of bone graft materials from a reaming device, specifics of interconnected stages, related filtration materials, and techniques. The harvesting process collects large material in a first stage, and other materials of a limited geometric size in at least a second stage of filtration. Such material captured in the second stage may contain plasma, cellular elements including stem cells as well as growth factors and other particulate matter of a specific geometrically limited size, using various filtration approaches including centrifugation in some embodiments. Further embodiments of the invention provide for an improved tubing interface and management approach to ease use in the operating room. Filtration materials may include biodegradable-material based filters and may allow direct implantation of small scale and larger scale matter in specific portions within the biodegradable-material itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Genesis Medical Devices, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Nick Segina, James Arthur Proctor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9555170
    Abstract: A method of wound treatment can comprise providing a wound treatment device with a wound surface cover and a wound insert. The method can also include positioning the wound insert in contact with the wound, covering the wound insert and wound with the wound surface cover, affixing the wound surface cover to the skin surrounding the wound and compressing the wound insert by applying pressure to the wound surface cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Wilhelm Fleischmann
  • Patent number: 9555171
    Abstract: A method provides for procuring platelet rich plasma (PRP) from a sample of whole blood in a vial. The method includes the steps of: separating the whole blood into layers through centrifugation with an upper layer containing platelet poor plasma (PPP) and a PRP layer below the upper layer containing PRP; adjusting an end point of a first range of motion of an extractor relative to a position of the PRP layer; moving the extractor through the first range of motion through the vial, PPP passing out from the upper layer through the extractor; and after the extractor reaches the end point of the first range of motion, extracting the PRP through the extractor and collecting the PRP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: DEPUY MITEK, LLC
    Inventors: Mehmet Ziya Sengun, William Parrish, Brooks J. Story, Kristian DiMatteo, Gregory R. Whittaker, Douglas Allen Fifolt
  • Patent number: 9555172
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of determining a strategic expression regime for a pump-dependent mother that optimizes the mother's milk production while minimizing the demands on the mother. The regime takes into account the impact of the interval between breast expressions on milk yield for individual breasts within the mother.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Medela Hodling AG
    Inventors: Peter Hartmann, Ching Tat Lai, Leon R. Mitoulas
  • Patent number: 9555173
    Abstract: An extravascular pulsation blood pump possesses a bidirectionally acting pumping system (P, M) having a pump (P) which is connected via a first conduit (L1) to the left ventricle (LV) and via a second conduit (L2) to the aorta (AO). By means of a control means (St), the pump (P) is operated alternately in one and the other direction according to a given cardiac rhythm, so that alternately blood is sucked through the first conduit (L1) and simultaneously blood ejected through the second conduit (L2) to the same extent, on the one hand, and blood is sucked through the second conduit (L2) and simultaneously blood ejected through the first conduit (L1), on the other hand. The pulsation blood pump combines the functions and advantages of an extravascular copulsation pump with those of an extravascular counterpulsation blood pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ABIOMED EUROPE GMBH
    Inventor: Gerd Spanier
  • Patent number: 9555174
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rotary blood pump with a double pivot contact bearing system with an operating range between about 50 mL/min and about 1500 mL/min, wherein the force on the upper bearing is less than 3N during operating speeds up to 6000 rpm. The disclosure also relates to a method of using a blood pump system for persistently increasing the overall diameter and lumen diameter of peripheral veins and arteries by persistently increasing the speed of blood and the wall shear stress in a peripheral vein or artery for period of time sufficient to result in a persistent increase in the overall diameter and lumen diameter of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: FLOW FORWARD MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: F. Nicholas Franano, Howard M. Loree, II, Geoff Tansley, Steve Woodard, Barrett Hutto
  • Patent number: 9555175
    Abstract: The invention is a next generation miniature heart assist device developed in order to maintain the blood circulation in patients with severe heart failure, and is applied endovascularly to the large arteries. This device is technically a kind of synchronous servo electric motor using “direct drive technology”. It provides longer battery life and high blood flow. Small volume and very low energy consumption provide a much longer battery life and a high blood flow. As the outer surface of the parts placed into the blood vessel will be completely covered with the endothelial cells and the intima layer of the arteries in time, there will be no foreign surface contacting directly with blood. As a result, no thromboembolic event or any negative effect on the cellular components of blood is expected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventors: Oran Bulent, Oran Omer Faruk, Avci Elif Oran
  • Patent number: 9555176
    Abstract: The present invention relates to deforming a patient's artery. In a preferred embodiment, the deformation pressure is applied to the outer wall of the artery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Sunshine Heart Company Pty, Ltd.
    Inventors: William Suttle Peters, Scott Hugh Miller, Peter Andew Watterson
  • Patent number: 9555177
    Abstract: A needle guard is used when suturing the cuff of an attachment ring to the heart. The needle guard is disposed in the attachment ring to prevent other parts of the attachment ring from being punctured by a suturing needle. The needle guard can include one or more grooves to inhibit relative movement between the needle guard and the attachment ring during suturing. The needle guard is removed upon completion of suturing and to allow insertion into attachment ring of an inflow conduit of a heart assist device. An articulated clamp is used to compress the attachment ring into engagement with the inflow conduit. The attachment include an annular rib that grabs the inflow conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: THORATEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald Curtis, Alicia Baumberger, John Mark Di Paola, Carine Hoarau, Nathan Harold, Fabian Franco
  • Patent number: 9555178
    Abstract: According to at least one example embodiment, a system of monitoring blood leaks during hemodialysis therapy includes a wetness sensing device and a hemodialysis machine. The wetness sensing device is configured to transmit information wirelessly, the information being indicative of an absence of a liquid or a presence of a liquid. The hemodialysis machine includes, or is coupled to, a wireless receiver having two or more antennas. Signals received at the two or more antennas are decoded at the wireless receiver. If decoded signals indicate a detected wetness, the hemodialysis machine is caused to halt blood flow in and out of the machine and generate an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Emmanuel Kotsos, Alexander J. Brown, Roland Levin, Fei Wang, Donovan Halliburton
  • Patent number: 9555179
    Abstract: Disclosed are hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems including fluid flow circuits. Hemodialysis systems may include a blood flow path, and a dialysate flow path including balancing, mixing, and/or a directing circuits. Preparation of dialysate may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit and/or the various fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply may be provided that, when activated, is able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and blood back to the patient. Such a system may be useful during a power failure. The hemodialysis system may also include fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, mixers, etc., actuated using a control fluid. The control fluid may be delivered to the fluid handling devices using a detachable external pump. The fluid handling devices may have a spheroid shape with a diaphragm dividing it into two compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael J. Wilt, Jason A. Demers, Kevin L. Grant, Brian D. Tracey, James D. Dale
  • Patent number: 9555180
    Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis (“PD”) connection apparatus includes a first connector for connecting to a PD fluid fill line; a second connector in fluid communication with the first connector, the second connector including a filter configured to allow air but not fluid to pass through the filter; and an air-tight cap manually removeable and resealable to the second connector so as to selectively expose the filter to allow air trapped in a patient's peritoneum to be vented to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventor: Bijan Elahi
  • Patent number: 9555181
    Abstract: A medical device having a heater with at least one heating element which has mains voltage applied to it by a heating control unit. The heating control unit includes a monitoring arrangement and a switching arrangement. The monitoring arrangement can recognize the zero crossings of the mains voltage, and the switching arrangement can switch the at least one heating element on or off in the zero crossing. The heating control unit controls the power of the heating by switching on and off of one or more half cycles of the mains AC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Frank L. Hedmann, Sven Sebesta, Ulrich Wernicke
  • Patent number: 9555182
    Abstract: A system and method for removing gas bubbles from blood during circulatory assist procedures. An active filter apparatus forces the bubbles to the center of the system where they are removed from the blood before the blood exits the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Indian Wells Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Wieting, Jay A. Lenker
  • Patent number: 9555183
    Abstract: A method of delivering a medicament to a limb of a patient body includes isolating a circulatory system of the limb from a circulatory system of the patient body, wherein the limb circulatory system is substantially all limb arteries and substantially all limb veins located between an isolation region and an end of the limb. A perfusion catheter is inserted into a limb artery in an antegrade position, while a collection catheter is inserted into a limb vein in a retrograde position. The blood flow of the limb circulatory system is then circulated by collecting the blood flow with the collection catheter and delivering the blood flow with the perfusion catheter. A medicament is perfused into the limb circulatory system with the perfusion catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: OSPREY MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: David Martin Kaye
  • Patent number: 9555184
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system may treat blood outside the body of a patient. The system may include one or more pumps configured to draw blood from a patient into a fluid flow path at a rate, for example, of 5-7 liters per minute. The system may include one or more heat exchangers coupled to the fluid flow path and configured to heat the blood, for example, to a temperature above 42 degrees Celsius and below 43.2 degrees Celsius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Patrick Richard Spearman
  • Patent number: 9555185
    Abstract: A biomedical haemostatic powder dispenser (1) by which individual doses of powdered medication that are stored in respective chambers of a rotatable carousel (22) are fluidized for delivery to a targeted treatment site (e.g., a wound in order to stop bleeding). In particular, a squeeze handle (7) is activated (i.e., depressed) so as to cause a blast of gas under pressure to be applied from a gas reservoir (30) to a particular one of the powder-filled chambers of the medication carousel so that a single measured dose of medication is entrained and delivered to the patient. At the same time that the squeeze handle is activated, the medication carousel is rotated so that a different powder-filled chamber is moved within a fluid path between the gas reservoir and an outlet nozzle tube (10) of the dispenser and a kit for dispensing a powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: BIOM'UP
    Inventors: Clark Foster, David Mishelevich, Eric Warner, Aaron Gifford
  • Patent number: 9555186
    Abstract: Systems and methods of venting a cartridge of an infusion pump system are disclosed. The system can be actively vented. A interior volume of the system can be actively vented at times when a drive mechanism of the system is inactive. Such an active venting system can include a valve that seals a volume of the cartridge that can be vented from the ambient when pressure measurements in the cartridge are made by a pressure sensor for greater measurement and calculation accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Kruse
  • Patent number: 9555187
    Abstract: A device (100) for delivering a medicament into a patient's body by injection into or through the patient's skin includes a body (104, 116) having a reservoir (160) disposed therein for containing the medicament, an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of the patient, the needle (152) having a lumen and communicating with the reservoir (160), and a pressurizing system for pressurizing the reservoir (160). The device also includes indicator means (124) visible outside the device (100) for indicating that delivery of the medicament is substantially complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Ralph Sonderegger, Jason Alexander, Corey Christensen, Ryan George, J'Lynn Ingleby, Patty Chase, Curt Bingham
  • Patent number: 9555188
    Abstract: An implantable infusion device includes a pump, a charge storage unit, and a charging circuit configured to supply current to the charge storage unit from a battery in preparation for actuating the pump. The implantable infusion device also includes a pump actuator circuit configured to actuate the pump using energy from the charge storage unit, and a voltage boost circuit configured to provide a boosted battery voltage generated from the battery. The charging circuit is configured to supply current to the charge storage unit from the voltage boost circuit instead of directly from the battery in response to (i) a comparison of a voltage of the battery with a predetermined threshold and (ii) a comparison of a voltage of the charge storage unit with the voltage of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Sarkinen, Christopher Ambri, Charles Randall Rogers, Naveed Alam
  • Patent number: 9555189
    Abstract: A fluid management system adapted to automatically supply fluid for injection into a patient is disclosed. The fluid management system includes a fluid management device, a fluid transfer system and a fluid injector. The fluid management device serves to store and administrate multi-dose containers. The fluid transfer system connects an outlet of these containers to the injector which withdraws a fluid from the containers via the fluid transfer system and injects the fluid to an administration device at the patient. The fluid management device includes at least one rotating carousel having a vertical axis of rotation, at least two container holders attached to the rotating carousel and adapted to position the container vertically with a septum covered end facing downwards, and a spike holder mounted below the rotating carousel and oriented so the spike holder axially aligns a spike connected to the spike holder with the axis of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: BAYER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBH
    Inventors: Claus-Peter Reisinger, Klaus Urich, Matthias Burg, Andreas Kalitzki, Samantha Anne Patterson, Kathryn Anne Louise Farrell, Andrew Murray Gow, Scott Alexander Lewis, Mark Jeffrey Edhouse
  • Patent number: 9555190
    Abstract: A method of seating a fluid reservoir in a housing of a fluid infusion device is presented here. The method is performed prior to establishing an outgoing fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir. The method begins by detecting insertion of the fluid reservoir into the housing of the fluid infusion device. In response to detecting the insertion, the method determines whether the fluid reservoir is in need of depressurization. When the fluid reservoir is in need of depressurization, the drive motor assembly of the fluid infusion device is rewound to depressurize the fluid reservoir. After depressurizing the fluid reservoir, an equalization state for the fluid reservoir is achieved. After achieving the equilibrium state, the drive motor assembly is advanced to obtain an initial seated state for the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan M. Alderete, Jr., Salman Monirabbasi
  • Patent number: 9555191
    Abstract: A medicament delivery device includes a housing, a medicament container disposed within the housing, an activation mechanism, a cover and an electronic circuit system. The activation mechanism includes an energy storage member configured to produce a force to deliver the dose of a medicament and/or vaccine. The cover is configured to receive at least a portion of the housing. The electronic circuit system is coupled to the housing such that a protrusion of the cover electrically isolates a battery from a portion of the electronic circuit system when the portion of the housing is received by the cover. The electronic circuit system is configured to be electrically coupled to the battery and to produce a recorded speech output when the portion of the housing is at least partially removed from the cover. The electronic circuit system configured to produce a signal when the activation mechanism is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: kaleo, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Edwards, Evan T. Edwards, Mark J. Licata, Paul F. Meyers, David A. Weinzierl
  • Patent number: 9555192
    Abstract: The instant application is directed to an assembly for a drug delivery device which is arranged to operate in two distinct modes, a priming mode starting from a pre-priming state and a dispense mode operating in a post-priming state, and a drug delivery device comprising this assembly. The assembly comprises a dose member, an actuating member and a piston rod which is configured to act on a bung of an assembled cartridge containing the drug. In the pre-priming state the actuating member is configured to be moved by a user such that the movement of the actuating member causes a movement of the dose member and such that the movement of the dose member causes a movement of the piston rod. In the post-priming state the dose member is configured to be moved by a user without causing a movement of the actuating member in order to perform a set and dispense action of the drug delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Catherine Anne Macdonald, Robert Veasey, Garen Kouyoumjian, Christopher Jones, Alexander Ian Bailey
  • Patent number: 9555193
    Abstract: A syringe includes a holding portion that accommodates an injection objective substance, a driving portion that applies injection energy, and a nozzle portion that includes a passage for injection, with these portions being loaded into a housing independently, whereby a state where the injection objective substance can be injected is established. The syringe includes a regulating means for regulating a loading position of the holding portion and the driving portion within the housing so that a loading state, where the holding portion and the driving portion are always loaded in the same order into the housing, is established for injection of the injection objective substance. Due to this, it is possible to facilitate injection of injection liquid ideal for various purposes and to improve user's convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiki Yagi, Masayuki Ueda