Patents Issued in February 7, 2017
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Patent number: 9561327Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to lockable syringe assemblies and related devices and methods. The syringe assembly may include a barrel, a plunger, and a locking mechanism. In some arrangements, the locking mechanism is an elastomeric locking ring or a rigid partial ring. The plunger may include a plurality of ribs and is longitudinally moveable within the barrel. Once the plunger is disposed at a desired longitudinal location, the plunger can be axially rotated and locked in such a way that further longitudinal movement is restricted.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jim Mottola, Darla Gill, Gregory R. McArthur
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Patent number: 9561328Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a syringe plunger formed of a polymeric material. The syringe plunger includes a pressurizer disposed at a proximal end, and a distal end bifurcated into a first plunger arm having a first conical surface and a second conical surface, and a second plunger arm having a first conical surface and a second conical surface. The distal end includes a first contact surface defined by the first conical surface of the first plunger arm and the first conical surface of the second plunger arm, the first contact surface configured to initially contact a firing engagement mechanism, the first contact surface disposed at a first angle of between about 40° and about 80° relative to a longitudinal axis of the syringe plunger.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: ABBVIE BIOTECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Sherwin S. Shang, Esra Ozdaryal, Marc M. Plew, William P. Szechinski
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Patent number: 9561329Abstract: Disclosed are a piston for a micro-volume syringe and a plunger. The micro-volume syringe has a syringe barrel with a space defined in it. The piston is slidable on and along a wall of the space. A leading member to be arranged on a side where the piston comes into contact with a solution filled in the space and a trailing member to be arranged on a side where a plunger rod is to be connected, the latter side being opposite to a solution side of the leading member, have been integrated with each other. The trailing member has a higher hardness than the leading member. With the micro-volume syringe in which a drug solution can be filled in a very small quantity, the piston makes it possible to perform smooth drawing and ejection of the drug solution without leakage. Even if the small piston connected to a tip of the plunger rod is operated in a direction that the piston is to be pulled out of the syringe, the plunger rod does not slip off from the piston accidentally.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: DAIKYO SEIKO, LTD.Inventor: Hideaki Kawamura
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Patent number: 9561330Abstract: A method of decoding encoded information is presented where one or more sensors are controlled to periodically check for motion of a movable component of a drug delivery device having encoded information thereon. If motion of the movable component is detected, preventing a first encoded information reading and decoding process from being performed, when motion of the movable component is not detected, performing the first encoded information reading and decoding process.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Paul Richard Draper, Anthony Paul Morris, Stephen Francis Gilmore
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Patent number: 9561331Abstract: A drive mechanism suitable for use in drug delivery devices is disclosed. The drive mechanism may be used with injector-type drug delivery devices, such as those permitting a user to set the delivery dose. The drive mechanism may include a housing, a dose dial sleeve, and a drive sleeve. A clutch is configured to permit rotation of the drive sleeve and the dose dial sleeve with respect to the housing when the dose dial sleeve and drive sleeve are coupled through the clutch. Conversely, when the dose dial sleeve and drive sleeve are in a de-coupled state, rotation of the dose dial sleeve with respect to the housing is permitted and rotation of the drive sleeve with respect to the housing is prevented. In the de-coupled state, axial movement of the drive sleeve transfers force in a longitudinal direction for actuation of a drug delivery device.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbHInventors: Robert Frederick Veasey, Robert Perkins, David Aubrey Plumptre
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Patent number: 9561332Abstract: A decoding system for use with a drug delivery device having a drug dose dialing mode and a drug dose delivery mode is presented where the decoding system comprising has a first sensor configured to read encoded information from a first rotatable component of a drug delivery device, a second sensor configured to read encoded information from a second rotatable component of a drug delivery device, wherein the second sensor comprises an optical sensor configured to be directed at the second rotatable component, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive signals from the first and second sensors, and to determine from the received signals whether the drug delivery device is in a drug dose dialing mode or a drug dose delivery mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Joseph Butler, Paul Richard Draper
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Patent number: 9561333Abstract: A medicament dispensing mechanism is disclosed that is configured to eject successive doses of the medicament from a medicament chamber. An embodiment of the dispensing mechanism includes a housing and a plunger rod configured for ejecting the doses of medicament from the chamber. The dispensing mechanism further includes an actuation mechanism that comprises a trigger associated with the housing and having a ready and a fired position with respect thereto. The trigger is configured for manipulation by a user for successive movement in a generally axial dosing motion from the ready position to the fired position in which the trigger is associated with the plunger rod to cause the plunger rod to eject one of the doses of a predetermined volume and a resetting motion from the fired position to the ready position that comprises axial rotation, wherein the trigger is uncoupled from the plunger rod during the resetting motion.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Antares Pharma, Inc.Inventors: Janice L. Cox, Matthew H. Rust, Thomas E. Kramer, Peter A. Hoeft
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Patent number: 9561334Abstract: A method and an apparatus for applying an anesthetic include an elongated tubular housing having an upper end, a substantially hollow interior, and a lower end having an injection needle extending therefrom. A first chamber is formed within the housing interior for holding an anesthetic cartridge therein. A second chamber receives a cannister containing an endothermic gas that rapidly absorbs heat when released to the atmosphere. The cartridge is penetrated by a plunger that forces the anesthetic through the injection needle. A depressible trigger propels the gas through an outlet nozzle that is oriented to project a stream of gas along a delivery axis that intersects a delivery axis of the needle; therefore, the gas and anesthetic can be successively delivered to an injection site with minimal repositioning of the housing. Accordingly, a dental practitioner can initially disperse the endothermic gas onto the injection site to minimize any pain and discomfort associated with an injection.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Leibovici LLCInventor: Jacob Leibovici
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Patent number: 9561335Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, devices, and methods for delivering distending media to an organ of a patient with a dispensing device for acquiring an image of the organ while distended. In one embodiment, an insufflating device comprises a controller for detecting a pressure level of the distending media within an organ of a patient, wherein the controller is configured to signal an operator to acquire an image of the organ when the pressure level is within a predetermined pressure range for a predetermined period of time. Further, the insufflating device comprises a valve assembly in communication with the controller and in fluid communication between the source of distending media and the organ of the patient, wherein the valve assembly is configured to adjust a flow rate of the distending media delivered to the organ of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics Inc.Inventors: Allyson Barish, Jeffrey B. Cushner, Christopher R. Stebbins
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Patent number: 9561336Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a dose unit for a dry powder inhaler including: a dose carrier including a plurality of pockets each adapted to contain a dose of medication powder suitable for inhalation, the pockets being sequentially arranged such that the content of the pockets can be sequentially exposed to a flow of air for successive inhalations and a plurality of medication powder doses arranged in the pockets of the dose carrier. The doses are regularly distributed in the pockets according to a sequence of identical groups, each group including at least one blank pocket and one pocket containing a dose of medication powder. Various embodiments also relate to a pack including one such dose unit and one further dose unit with all pockets containing a medication powder. Various embodiments further relate to a dry powder inhaler including such a pack of dose units.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: PFIZER LIMITEDInventor: Ian Smith
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Patent number: 9561337Abstract: A device for removing secretions from an artificial tube is provided. The device may include a clearing catheter and a driving mechanism that may apply repetitive motion to the clearing catheter. In another version of the device, the clearing catheter may dispense irrigation fluid and aspirate the irrigation fluid. The clearing catheter may have an irrigation and an aspiration lumen that may both reciprocate with the clearing catheter. In another version a compliant member into which irrigation fluid is located may be present.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Actuated Medical, Inc.Inventors: Ryan S Clement, Roger B Bagwell, Katherine M Erdley, Brian M Park, Casey A Scruggs, Maureen L Mulvihill, Gabriela Hernandez Meza
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Patent number: 9561338Abstract: A mask assembly for use as part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user is disclosed. The mask assembly includes a mask body having an inlet through which said flow of respiratory gases are provided to the interior of said mask body. A mask seal assembly comprising a seal of flexible material and a clip of rigid material is attached to the body. The seal has a first side and a second side. The first side of the seal is shaped to approximately match the contours of a user's face and in use substantially seal against a user's face. The second side is attached to the clip. The clip provides an interface extending substantially the full perimeter or periphery of the mask seal assembly for releasably attaching the mask seal assembly to the mask body. The clip comprises a bridging portion spanning outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body to space at least a portion of the second side of the seal outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare LimitedInventors: Alastair Edwin McAuley, Gregory James Olsen, Roheet Patel
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Patent number: 9561339Abstract: A nasal cannula for use in a system for providing a flow of respiratory gases to a user is described. The nasal cannula comprises a body made from a pliable material. The body has an inlet and at least one nasal prong fluidly connected to the inlet. In use a conduit providing a flow of gases to the cannula is connected to the inlet, and the nasal prong is inserted into a user's nostril. The cannula is arranged to direct the flow of gases from the nasal prong towards the front wall of the user's nasal passage within the user's nose.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare LimitedInventors: Alastair Edwin McAuley, Jason van Beurden, Craig Karl White, Tristan Andrew Leslie, Christopher Earl Nightingale
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Patent number: 9561340Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body. The main body provides an orifice therethrough for the introduction of breathable gas into a nasal breathing cavity and a collar that substantially surrounds the orifice. At least one of the side frame members includes an integrally formed locking clip receiver assembly. The frame is formed by molding such that mold components of a mold can be withdrawn along a single plane to separate the mold from the collar and the locking clip receiver assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Memduh Guney, Timothy Tsun-Fai Fu, Gary Christopher Robinson
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Patent number: 9561341Abstract: Devices disclosed herein relate to humidification systems for making humidified ventilator air. The humidification system provides an elongated air path that increases both the surface area and time for air-water interaction, and thus increases efficiency of humidification. The humidification system also enables even distribution of heat and inhibition of bacterial growth within the system, thus improves comfort and safety for patients receiving respiratory therapy. Device disclosed herein also relates to tubing for delivering humidified ventilator air. The tubing includes an air passage and a heat blanket that envelops and warms up the air passage. The tubing thus prevents or decreases water condensation and loss of humidity of humidified air.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Inventors: Nadarasa Visveshwara, Stanley Stumpf, Paul Barghouth, Kin-Tong Gao, Katarina Short, Michael Urner
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Patent number: 9561342Abstract: A ventilator including an inspiration flow control unit and an expiration flow control unit coupled to the inspiration flow control unit. The ventilator also includes a nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation (NIMV) control system coupled to the inspiration flow control unit and the expiration flow control unit. The NIMV control system is configured to automatically and simultaneously adjust an inspiration flow and an expiration flow. A pressure of the inspiration flow is increased from a baseline pressure to a control pressure. A pressure of the expiration flow is returned to the baseline pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: CareFusion 207, Inc.Inventor: Yong Liu
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Patent number: 9561343Abstract: A package configured for storing and dispensing a tubular section of a urinary catheter includes a wall forming a spiral pattern on an interior surface of the package, a cavity, an outlet, a channel connecting the outlet and the cavity, and a by-pass flow path connected with the outlet. The spiral pattern extends from a central region of the package to an outer periphery of the package, with the spiral pattern of the wall forming a spiral space located between the wall and an adjacent section of the wall. The cavity is formed in the outer periphery of the package. The outlet is formed in the outer periphery of the package separate from the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Coloplast A/SInventors: Lars Olav Schertiger, Kim Becker
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Patent number: 9561344Abstract: A catheter including an outer conduit and an inner conduit positioned within the outer conduit, the inner conduit having a smaller diameter that that of the outer conduit. A volume between the outer conduit and the inner conduit define a first lumen which may deliver a first fluid to a patient, and an inside diameter of the inner conduit defines a second lumen which may deliver a second fluid to the patient such that the fluid flow of the first fluid and the second fluid exiting the catheter has a flow profile where the first fluid surrounds the second fluid and the second fluid is prevented from contact with inner walls of a blood vessel of the patient in a vicinity of a tip of the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLCInventors: Arthur E. Uber, III, Alan D. Hirschman, David M. Griffiths, Frederick W. Trombley, III, David M. Reilly
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Patent number: 9561345Abstract: A system of devices for treating an artery includes an arterial access sheath adapted to introduce an interventional catheter into an artery and an elongated dilator positionable within the internal lumen of the sheath body. The system also includes a catheter formed of an elongated catheter body sized and shaped to be introduced via a carotid artery access site into a common carotid artery through the internal lumen of the arterial access sheath. The catheter has an overall length and a distal most section length such that the distal most section can be positioned in an intracranial artery and at least a portion of the proximal most section is positioned in the common carotid artery during use.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Route 92 Medical, Inc.Inventors: Michi E. Garrison, Tony M. Chou
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Patent number: 9561346Abstract: A containing catheter for facilitating sequential treatment operations therethrough, is provided. The containing catheter comprises a median portion comprising an elongated, substantially tubular member, and a distal portion, comprising a distal stiff member. A catheterization apparatus is provided, comprising the containing catheter and an elongated inner catheter insertable into the containing catheter. A method of catheterization is provided, comprising providing the containing catheter, stiffening a portion of the containing catheter and inserting the stiffened containing catheter into a body conduit of a patient.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: UC-CARE LTD.Inventors: Roni Zvuloni, Shaike Schatzberger
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Patent number: 9561347Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a valve having a first end and an opposite second end; a sheath fixedly secured to and extending axially from one of the first and second ends of the valve; a dilator extending through the valve and sheath; and a lock knob rotatable between locked and unlocked positions to releasably axially lock the tool relative to the sheath without causing corresponding rotation of the tool therewith.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2012Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Brian C. Holm, Shane P. Rogers
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Patent number: 9561348Abstract: A catheter securement device holds a medical article such as a catheter hub or a connector fitting in position upon the body of a patient and at least inhibits longitudinal movement of the medical article. The securement device includes a retainer and at least one anchor pad. The retainer forms a central channel into which at least a portion of the medical article is inserted. The retainer includes at least one abutment that can abut against a contact point or surface on the medical article. The abutment, in conjunction with a second abutment and/or a tapering shape of the central channel, inhibits motion of the medical article in proximal and distal directions through the central channel. For this purpose, the abutment surface(s) can lie either within or outside the channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Venetec International, Inc.Inventor: Steven F. Bierman
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Patent number: 9561349Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate member configured to have a longitudinal axis and formed of a thermoplastic resin; an elongate guide wire holder section configured to include a cavity into which a guide wire is insertable at an interior of the elongate member; a cross-linked section configured to have a high cross-linked section and a low cross-linked section which is adjacent to the high cross-linked section in a radial direction of the elongate member and in which the cross-linking degree is relatively lower than that of the high cross-linked section; and an opening section configured to communicate with the cavity of the guide wire holder and an outer circumferential surface of the guide wire holder in the low cross-linked section of the cross-linked section and formed in a slit shape along the longitudinal axis of the guide wire holder.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Masahiro Ishikawa
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Patent number: 9561350Abstract: A paranasal sinus access implant device to provide an artificial fluid path in fluid communication with the lacrimal apparatus may be implanted through a fistula opening into the lacrimal apparatus. The implant device may have a conduit with a first longitudinal portion having a larger minimum wall thickness than a minimum wall thickness of a second a second longitudinal portion of the conduit located distal of the first longitudinal portion. Various kits may include a paranasal sinus access implant device and one of more other components for a procedure involving implantation. A method involves use of a cutting tool to cut away tissue to prepare a fistula sized for implantation.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: SINOPSYS SURGICAL, INC.Inventors: Brian James Willoughby, Christopher Lee Oliver, Harry Ross, William W. Cimino
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Patent number: 9561351Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed having a helical construct including a set of spiral coils for local in vivo application of a therapeutic substance in a biological lumen. The helical construct is configured to apply less than 0.75 Bar of pressure to the biological lumen wall. The helical construct can have at least two sets of spiral coils having opposing helical directions. The device can be used for the treatment of vascular disorders such as restenosis and vulnerable plaque.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Klaus Kleine, David C. Gale, Fozan El-Nounou, Syed F. A. Hossainy, Florian Ludwig
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Patent number: 9561352Abstract: A device for sustained delivery of a poorly water soluble drug is described. A drug reservoir within the device, when in operation, contains an aqueous suspension of the drug mixed with a suspension of an excipient that, in one embodiment, generates acidic groups for a sustained period of time to maintain a desired pH in the aqueous suspension that in turn provides a constant concentration of a soluble form of the drug.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Delpor, Inc.Inventors: Francis J. Martin, Ling-Ling Kang
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Patent number: 9561353Abstract: Implant devices for intravesical administration and local drug delivery. The device has a body which includes a hollow tube formed of a biocompatible material; at least one reservoir in the tube which contains a drug; and one or more apertures through which the drug can be released. The device is configured for minimally invasive insertion into a body cavity, such as the bladder. The hollow tube may be elastomeric to permit the device to be elastically deformed from its initial shape into an elongated shape for passage through a catheter, where following such passage the device can return to or toward its initial shape to facilitate retention of the device in the body cavity. The body may have a narrow, elongated shape effective to permit insertion of the drug delivery device through a catheter without necessarily deforming the body, yet include flexible projections which effect retention within the body cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Children's Medical Center CorporationInventors: Heejin Lee, Karen Daniel, Hong Linh Ho Duc, Michael J. Cima, Mario Castillo, Steven Froelich, Jordan Dimitrakov, Grace Y. Kim
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Patent number: 9561354Abstract: An orthopedic implant system includes an external fixation device implantable at a selected location within a corporeal body and configured for delivering at least one therapeutic agent to the corporeal body. The external fixation device includes an implantable pin, a sheath coupled with the pin, a reservoir coupled with the sheath and a plurality of channels. The pin defines the plurality of channels. The reservoir is configured for receiving the at least one therapeutic agent. The plurality of channels are configured for conveying the at least one therapeutic agent from the reservoir to a treatment site relative to the corporeal body.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: SMed-TA/TD, LLCInventors: Paul S. Nebosky, Sarah L. Zimmerman, Gregory C. Stalcup, Troy D. Knapp
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Patent number: 9561355Abstract: There is described a method for making an array of micro-needles, comprising the steps of: depositing a plurality of drops of a liquid substance comprising a polymer on a surface of a starting substrate; positioning a pyroelectric substrate at a certain distance from the starting substrate in such a way that the drops deposited are positioned between said surface of the starting substrate and a surface of the pyroelectric substrate; varying the temperature of the pyroelectric substrate or a part thereof to induce on said surface of the pyroelectric substrate a charge density such that starting from the drops deposited, under the effect of an electrodynamic force, respective cones are formed having a tip facing towards the pyroelectric substrate; determining a consolidation of the cones, to form said micro-needles, preventing the tip of said cones from contacting said surfaces of the pyroelectric substrate.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignees: CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE, FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIAInventors: Pietro Ferraro, Sara Coppola, Andrea Finizio, Simonetta Grilli, Veronica Vespini, Paolo Antonio Netti, Raffaele Vecchione, Eliana Esposito
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Patent number: 9561356Abstract: Out-of-plane microneedle manufacturing process comprising the simultaneous creation of a network of microneedles and the creation of a polygonal shaped hat (2) above each microneedle (1) under formation, said process comprising the following steps: providing bridges (3) between the hats (3), maintaining the bridges (3) during the remaining microneedle manufacturing steps, removing the bridges (3), together with the hats (2), when the microneedles (1) are formed.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2016Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Debiotech S.A.Inventors: Astrid Cachemaille, François Cannehan
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Patent number: 9561357Abstract: A device for delivering light and ultrasound across a skin surface is provided. The device has a layered structure comprising a light source and an ultrasonic transducer. The light source comprises a flexible light emitter layer electrically coupled to a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is transparent. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a flexible ultrasound emitter layer electrically coupled to a third conductive layer and a fourth conductive layer. In one embodiment, the light source comprises an organic light emitting diode or a plurality of printed light emitting diodes and the ultrasonic transducer comprises a piezoelectric coating. The device may be provided with a therapeutic or cosmetic composition to be applied to the skin surface, wherein the light and ultrasound emitted from the device cause transdermal transport of the composition through the skin surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: SONOVIA HOLDINGS LLCInventors: Michael R. Hall, John C. Castel, Dawn Castel
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Patent number: 9561358Abstract: A venous access port assembly (10) having a housing (12), a septum (14), a discharge stem (16) at a distal end thereof for connection to a catheter (50), and an interior chamber (18). The housing includes a pair of recesses (28) along both sides thereof between the distal end and a proximal port end (24), where the recesses facilitate pushing the assembly by the practitioner into a subcutaneous pocket (104) of a patient (100) for implantation into the pocket.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Medical Components, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Linden, John W. Timko
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Patent number: 9561359Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a medical connector assembly comprising a male port plug and a female port plug that is releasably lockable with the male port plug. The male port plug can include a first end portion adapted to mate with a fluid source, and a tapered second end portion. The second end portion can include a twistable locking mechanism comprising a plurality of crescent-shaped flanges that extend annularly about less than the entire outer circumferential surface of the second end portion. The female port plug can include a central channel configured to receive the male port plug. The central channel can have a tapered portion adapted to friction fit with the second end portion of the male port plug. The female port plug can further include a receptacle portion adapted to receive the plurality of flanges comprising the locking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Inventor: Iris Way
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Patent number: 9561360Abstract: A writing utensil for providing active nerve stimulation to the fingertips of a user. The writing utensil has a body portion, a tip portion with a marking tip, and an active stimulator with active stimulation surfaces retained adjacent to the distal end of the body portion to be engaged by the fingertips of the user. The active stimulator has an active state where active stimulation is provided to the fingertips of the user and an inactive state where active stimulation is not provided. The active stimulator can comprise mechanical movement mechanisms where nodules, such as rotatable cam nodules with eccentric portions, periodically extend in relation to the active stimulation surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the active stimulator can comprise electrical pulse mechanisms for imparting electrical impulses to fingers disposed in contact therewith. Active nerve stimulation can be provided simultaneously, in series, or in some other pattern.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Inventor: Raymond M. Messina
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Patent number: 9561361Abstract: A cochlear implant includes a processor, an array of electrodes disposed along a flexible body and a lead body connecting the processor to the array of electrodes. The lead body includes a first tube having a first outside diameter, a second tube having a second outside diameter smaller than the first diameter, a portion of the second tube being disposed within the first tube, and wires passing through the first tube and the second tube, the wires comprising a helically coiled portion. A method for forming a lead body is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Advanced Bionics AGInventors: Chuladatta Thenuwara, Rosa Gallego, Lidia Vasquez, Mark B. Downing
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Patent number: 9561362Abstract: A segmented-contact set of a lead includes segmented contacts extending around less than an entire circumference of the lead and not in electrical contact with one another. The segmented-contact set includes first and second segmented contacts that each include a stimulation portion and a retention member. The stimulation portion has a stimulation surface exposed along an outer surface of the lead. The retention member is coupled to the stimulation portion. The stimulation portion and the retention member collectively form a loop of material that extends around a center transverse axis of the lead beneath the outer surface. A first insulating member is disposed between the stimulation portion of the first segmented contact and the retention member of the second segmented contact. A second insulating member is disposed between the stimulation portion of the second segmented contact and the retention member of the first segmented contact.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventor: Zdzislaw Bernard Malinowski
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Patent number: 9561363Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
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Patent number: 9561364Abstract: Strain relief loop holders maintaining strain relief loop formed in a lead while also addressing excessive heating at the point in the loop where the medical lead intersects itself. The strain relief loop includes a body section that the medical lead passes through where the intersection occurs. The body section may be a thermal non-conductor and isolate from excessive heating at the intersection point or may be a thermal conductor and distribute the excessive heating. The strain relief loop may include features such as arms or a coil extending from the body segment with arm segments at the ends of the arms defining lead passageways that assist in maintaining the strain relief loop. The body segment may have a single lead passageway where the intersection point occurs or may have multiple lead passageways. The body itself may house the loop by forming a loop or a capsule.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Spencer M. Bondhus, Bryan D. Stem
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Patent number: 9561365Abstract: Sample and hold circuitry for monitoring electrodes and other voltages in an implantable neurostimulator is disclosed. The sample and hold circuitry in one embodiment contains multiplexers to selected appropriate voltages and to pass them to two storage capacitors during two different measurement phases. The capacitors are in a later stage serially connected to add the two voltages stored on the capacitors, and voltages present at the top and bottom of the serial connection are then input to a differential amplifier to compute their difference. The sample and hold circuitry is particularly useful in calculating the resistance between two electrodes, and is further particularly useful when resistance is measured using a biphasic pulse. The sample and hold circuitry is flexible, and can be used to measure other voltages of interest during biphasic or monophasic pulsing.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jess W. Shi, Emanuel Feldman, Jordi Parramon
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Patent number: 9561366Abstract: In general, the disclosure describes techniques for providing conditional electrical stimulation to a patient for pelvic health. An implantable medical device (IMD) may adjust the delivery cycle of the electrical stimulation applied to a patient in response to receiving a delivery cycle parameter associated with one or more of the following: a time in a time schedule, a control device output from a control device, and physiological information from a physiological information sensing device. As an example, the IMD may monitor a status of one or more inputs of the IMD and adjust the delivery cycle of the electrical stimulation applied to the patient based on the status of the input(s).Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Xuan K. Wei, Eric H. Bonde
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Patent number: 9561367Abstract: The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: EndoStim, Inc.Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, Matt Joseph Gani, Paul V. Goode, Bevil Hogg, Jay Miazga, Shai Policker
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Patent number: 9561369Abstract: This disclosure is directed to extra, intra, and transvascular medical lead placement techniques for arranging medical leads and electrical stimulation and/or sensing electrodes proximate nerve tissue within a patient.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: John E Burnes, Mary M Morris, Matthew David Bonner, Michael R. S. Hill, Avram Scheiner, Ruth N Klepfer
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Patent number: 9561370Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a closed-loop therapy system for treating autonomic instability or a medical condition associated therewith in a subject. The therapy delivery system can include a sensing component, a delivery component, and a controller. The sensing component can be configured to detect at least one physiological parameter associated with autonomic instability or a medical condition associated therewith. The delivery component can be configured for implantation on or about an autonomic nervous tissue target or a spinal nervous tissue target. The controller can be configured to automatically coordinate operation of the sensing and delivery components. The controller can also be configured to deliver an electrical signal to the delivery component to modulate activity at the autonomic nervous tissue target or a spinal nervous tissue target and effectively treat autonomic instability or a medical condition associated therewith.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Inventors: Ali R. Rezai, Punit Agrawal
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Patent number: 9561371Abstract: A method for treating essential tremor or restless leg syndrome using spinal cord stimulation includes implanting a lead near a spinal cord of a patient. The lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on a distal end of the lead and electrically coupled to at least one contact terminal disposed on a proximal end of the lead. Electrical signals are provided from a control module coupled to the lead to stimulate a portion of the spinal cord of the patient using at least one of the electrodes. The electrical signals reduce, alleviate, or eliminate at least one adverse effect of essential tremor or restless leg syndrome.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Inventor: Ahmed A. Elborno
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Patent number: 9561372Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for positioning of an implantable lead in a patient with an integrated EMG and stimulation clinician programmer. The integrated clinician programmer is coupled to the implantable lead, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four electrodes, and to at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. The method comprises delivering a test stimulation at a stimulation amplitude level from the integrated clinician programmer to a nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead. Test stimulations are delivered at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each of the four electrodes of the implantable lead.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2016Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: AXONICS MODULATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, John Woock, Dennis Schroeder, Eric Schmid
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Patent number: 9561373Abstract: According to an embodiment of a method for providing neural stimulation, activity is sensed, and neural stimulation is automatically controlled based on the sensed activity. An embodiment determines periods of rest and periods of exercise using the sensed activity, and applies neural stimulation during rest and withdrawing neural stimulation during exercise. Other embodiments are provided herein.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Imad Libbus, Andrew P. Kramer
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Patent number: 9561374Abstract: Various embodiments intermittently deliver a sympathetic stimulus, including deliver a sequence of stress-inducing pacing pulses adapted to increase sympathetic tone during the stress-inducing pacing. The stress-inducing pacing results in a parasympathetic reflex after the sequence of stress-inducing pacing. The embodiment further delivers neural stimulation to elicit a parasympathetic response or a sympathetic response in a coordinated manner with respect to the sequence of stress-inducing pacing pulses.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Allan C. Shuros, Shantha Arcot-Krishnamurthy, Bruce H. KenKnight, Douglas R. Daum
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Patent number: 9561375Abstract: The various embodiments herein relate to systems and methods for controlling the operation of a pulsatile heart assist device in a patient. The systems and methods include utilizing sounds and electrical signals produced by the heart to control the operation of the heart assist device.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Sunshine Heart Company Pty, Ltd.Inventors: William Suttle Peters, Rodney Gordon Parkin
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Patent number: 9561376Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for estimating a change in an intracardiac distance between systole and diastole. A system includes a pacing electrode configured to generate a pacing pulse, a sensing electrode configured to measure an electrical artifact corresponding to the pacing pulse, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the pacing electrode and the sensing electrode, the computing device configured to determine a first amplitude of a first electrical artifact measured at the sensing electrode during systole, determine a second amplitude of a second electrical artifact measured at the sensing electrode during diastole, and calculate a mechanical index based on the first amplitude and the second amplitude, wherein the mechanical index is representative of the change in the intracardiac distance.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Fujian Qu, Hoda Razavi, Yelena Nabutovsky
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Method and apparatus for identifying lead-related conditions using prediction and detection criteria
Patent number: 9561377Abstract: A method for delivering therapy in a medical device includes a two-tiered approach of determining the presence of a lead-related condition, and determining, in response to a lead-related condition being present, the presence of oversensing. Delivery of therapy by the medical device is controlled in response to determining that both the lead-related condition and oversensing are present.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Bruce D. Gunderson