Patents Issued in March 21, 2017
  • Patent number: 9597444
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a red blood cell exchange procedure are disclosed. In one aspect, the flow rates of a replacement fluid (e.g., red blood cells from a healthy donor) and plasma being flowed to a blood source are calculated based on certain parameters of the procedure that are known, including the flow rate of blood being drawn from the source and the volume of replacement fluid to be used during the procedure. The replacement fluid flow rate and the plasma flow rate are calculated in a way that allows for simultaneous depletion of the supply of replacement fluid and achievement of another prescribed process parameter. The other prescribed process parameter depends on the nature of the procedure, namely whether the fluid volume and hematocrit of the source are to change by the end of the procedure or remain the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Zahra R. Ali, David E. Stude
  • Patent number: 9597445
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling fluid flow provided by an apparatus to a patient's eye during a surgical procedure. The method includes automatically adjusting an irrigation fluid source to a predetermined height during the surgical procedure using the apparatus, receiving a request either that the irrigation fluid source be moved to a different height from the predetermined height or that a manual adjustment mode be entered, and ceasing automatic adjusting and requiring manual adjustment of the height of the irrigation fluid source until the surgical procedure is completed or an indication received to resume automatic height adjustment of the irrigation fluid source. As an alternative, fluid flow rate or intraocular pressure may be maintained, and the design may include making adjustments to default values in other modes based on the adjustment made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine P. Ha, Wayne S. Wong, Michael J. Claus
  • Patent number: 9597447
    Abstract: A liquid injector registers the data of a variable pattern in which an injection rate of a contrast medium varies with time. The injection rate of the contrast medium varies with time according to the variable pattern for maintaining a state in which the image contrast achieved by the contrast medium approximates an optimum level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: NEMOTO KYORINDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Masuda, Atsushi Hatcho
  • Patent number: 9597448
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for computer-aided intravenous delivery of anesthetics and/or other drugs to a patient, wherein said system comprises an Infusion Controller that delivers an amount of drug(s) to a patient; possibly a DataLogger Controller with one or more Sensors adapted so as to be coupled to a patient and to generate signals reflecting one or more health conditions or statuses of the patient; a Communication Controller connected with the infusion pumps and/or monitors; a Session Controller that carries out the modeling of anesthesia procedures and is arranged to run a first procedure and to dynamically adapt said first procedure and/or select and run a second procedure based upon one or more of said sensors' output and/or observation from a physician; a Graphic User Interface to display different views of the system and to accept user input; a set of interfaces used to link the Infusion, Datalogger and Session Controllers to views displayed by the Graphical User Interface; a Proces
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Université Libre de Bruxelles
    Inventors: Luc Barvais, Eddy Coussaert
  • Patent number: 9597449
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide infusion systems for the intravenous or other delivery of drugs and other therapeutic agents to a patient including a human or mammal. The therapeutic agents may be dissolved in solution or comprise the solution itself. Embodiments of the systems can utilize a chemical reaction to predictably drive a flow of drug(s) through a catheter or other flow path and into the patient. More specifically, the reaction may include an acid-base reaction or any other reaction that produces a gaseous substance. The gas is produced and contained in an expandable drive balloon when the acid-base reactants are combined with a liquid. As the gas is produced, the drive balloon expands to exert pressure on a separately-contained drug reservoir which, in turn, pushes drug(s) from the reservoir into the flow path where the drug is ultimately delivered to the patient in a controlled and predetermined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: InCube Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Mir Imran
  • Patent number: 9597450
    Abstract: A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device which can be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact surface. A push button activation assembly can then be used to remove an interlock, allowing a disk or Belleville spring assembly to apply an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents of a fluid reservoir assembly. This allows the release of one or more spring-loaded patient needles into the skin surface, and establishes a fluid communication path between the patient needles and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents thereby delivering an infusion into the skin. The push button activation assembly further allows the release of one or more improved safety mechanisms after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Chris Cindrich, Ralph Sonderegger, Glade Howell, Weston Harding, Alex Lastovich, Lionel Vedrine
  • Patent number: 9597451
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems, devices/apparatuses and methods for assessing a residual insulin value for a user/patient. Such embodiments may be implemented by selecting a first value corresponding to a duration of insulin action; selecting a second value corresponding to a lock out time duration, selecting a first time period beginning at a time point T0 minus the first value and ending at the time point T0 minus the second value, selecting one or more boluses delivered during the first time period; for each of the one or more boluses selecting a corresponding residual insulin value estimated at the time point T0, computing the cumulative residual insulin value by summation of the corresponding residual insulin values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostic Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ofer Yodfat, Gali Shapira, Iddo M. Gescheit
  • Patent number: 9597452
    Abstract: Described is a cartridge comprising a case adapted to detachably engage an autoinjector, an ampoule containing a medicament, and a needle magazine containing a plurality of double-tipped needle assemblies. An autoinjector comprises the cartridge, a housing adapted to detachably engage the cartridge and a user interface adapted to provide visual, audible or tactile feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Charley Henderson, David Cross, Douglas Ivan Jennings, Ryan Anthony McGinley
  • Patent number: 9597453
    Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor 12, including a receiver 14, a medicament delivery device 16, a controller module, and optionally a single point glucose monitor 18 are provided. Integration may be manual, semi-automated and/or fully automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Dobbles, Apurv Ullas Kamath, Aarthi Mahalingam, James H. Brauker
  • Patent number: 9597454
    Abstract: Mixing syringes including a valve mechanism are configured and configurable to enable one or more substances to be prefilled into the syringe. The valve mechanism may be an aspect of a distal seal assembly. Actuation of the valve mechanism permits opening of a fluid passage for the mixing of one or more substances, and the resulting mixed substance can be delivered by the syringe, for example, for administration of a pharmaceutical to a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Unitract Syringe Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Lance W. Wetzel, Gautam N. Shetty, Lou Castagna
  • Patent number: 9597455
    Abstract: A syringe assembly including a syringe barrel defining a chamber having a stopper therein is disclosed. The syringe assembly includes a plunger rod associated with the stopper, the plunger rod includes an outer sleeve having a distal end interconnected to the stopper and a sidewall portion defining an opening therein. The plunder rod also includes an inner sleeve disposed within the outer sleeve including a longitudinally extending track in alignment with the opening in the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is adapted for telescopic movement with respect to the outer sleeve. The plunger rod also includes a spring mounted in association with the inner sleeve. The syringe assembly further includes a holding mechanism associated with the plunger rod and configured for cooperation with the inner and outer sleeves. Relative movement between the inner and outer sleeves causes the plunger rod to transition from a collapsed position to an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France S.A.S.
    Inventors: David Robert Schiff, Mathieu Dominic Turpault, Antonio Gatta, John Depler Coleman
  • Patent number: 9597456
    Abstract: An injection device includes: a body for receiving a product, a needle and a piston attached to a piston rod movable between a storage position and an end-of-injection position. The device further includes a sleeve for protecting the needle which is movable between an initial position where the needle is uncovered and a final position where the needle is covered, as well as biasing means for moving the sleeve from its initial position to its final position and immobilization means for keeping the sleeve in its initial position. The piston rod includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being able to switch between a locked position in which the second portion is fixed to the first portion and an unlocked position in which the second portion is movable with respect to the first portion on a predetermined distance along the longitudinal axis of the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France
    Inventor: Gregory Peruzzo
  • Patent number: 9597457
    Abstract: A piston rod for a drug delivery device comprises a main body and an engagement means for engaging the piston rod with a part of the drug delivery device. The engagement means are retractable relatively the main body for enabling a disengagement of the engagement means from the part of the drug delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Christopher James Smith, Stephen David Butler, Mark Phillip Horlock
  • Patent number: 9597458
    Abstract: A container having a barrier layer is provided. The container may be of thermoplastic and the barrier may inhibit materials from leaching from the thermoplastic material or from extraction of compounds from medicants by the thermoplastic. A process is also described that allows for molding thin barrier layers as container lines and for forming thermoplastic containers with barrier liners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgar G. Ashmead, Edward C. Gunzel, Michael P. Moritz
  • Patent number: 9597459
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a drug delivery device is presented that can be switched between a normal operation mode and a reset mode. A piston rod is displaced in a distal direction to deliver a dose in a normal operation mode and is displaced in the proximal direction in a reset mode. The drive mechanism also has a drive member that is rotationally moveable with respect to the housing, wherein in the normal operation mode, the drive member is coupled with the piston rod so that rotational movement of the drive member in the rotation direction with respect to the housing is converted into movement of the piston rod in the distal direction with respect to the housing, and wherein, in the reset mode, the piston rod is decoupled from the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Heald, Stephen David Butler, Mark Philip Horlock
  • Patent number: 9597460
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a drug delivery device having a rotationally fixed plunger rod driven by a lead screw. The lead screw engages a free lock which is coupled to a release knob. A dose setting dial cooperates with an inner cylinder using a clutch to establish the axial movement of the plunger rod during dose setting and dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Masaru Saiki
  • Patent number: 9597461
    Abstract: An injection apparatus for making an injection at a predetermined depth in skin comprises: a skin positioning member, an injection needle (610), and means guiding the injection needle for movement from a parking position above the skin beside said skin positioning member to slide beneath said skin positioning member to an injection position; wherein: the tip (620) of the injection needle is closer to the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion (650) than is the outside of the shaft portion (650) and/or the length of the lumen opening (625) of the needle is in a range from 5 to 15 times the diameter of the shaft (650) of the needle. An injection needle wherein the length of the lumen opening (625) of the needle is in a range from 5 to 15 times the diameter of the shaft (650) of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Søren Aasmul
  • Patent number: 9597462
    Abstract: The invention is related to a dispense interface for a drug delivery device for delivering at least two drug agents, wherein the dispense interface is configured to be coupled to a cartridge holder of the drug delivery device, wherein the cartridge holder is configured to hold at least two cartridges, wherein the dispense interface comprises at least two inlet channels, each comprising a fluid inlet opening, wherein each fluid inlet opening is configured to receive fluid from a respective cartridge of the at least two cartridges when the dispense interface is axially coupled to the cartridge holder, an outlet channel comprising a fluid outlet opening, a valve structure configured to be selectively moved into any one of a plurality of positions, wherein in at least one position the valve structure selectively permits or prevents fluid flow from any of the at least two inlet channels to the outlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: David Moore
  • Patent number: 9597463
    Abstract: An injection device for injecting a material into tissue may include a sheath having a distal end. The injection device may also include an injector having an outlet tube. The outlet tube may be received in the sheath, and may include a distal portion with a penetrating tip for penetrating the tissue. The sheath and the outlet tube may be slidable relative to each other, to extend a length of the distal portion from the distal end. The injection device may also include an adjuster operatively coupled to at least one of the sheath and the outlet tube. The adjuster may be configured to control relative movement between the sheath and the outlet tube for selectively adjusting the extended length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianmin Li, Timothy P. Harrah, Jozef Slanda
  • Patent number: 9597464
    Abstract: An autoinjector has a body portion (10, 12) containing a syringe (13) or cartridge with a needle at its forward end, the autoinjector having a drive arrangement (60 . . . ) for effecting operation of the autoinjector and including a drive element that moves from a first position to a second position during the operation, the body including a first (10) and a second body portion (12) connected together by a snap fit arrangement including a resiliently moveable latch finger (138) on one of the body portions that cooperates with a latch surface (142) on the other thereof to hold the two portions connected, wherein the drive element in the second position (60) limits or prevents resilient movement of the moveable latch finger (142), thereby preventing disconnection of the first and second body portions after operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: OWEN MUMFORD LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Wozencroft
  • Patent number: 9597465
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating and operating dry powder inhalers that include dose disks and airway channel disks with sealant layers, the airway channel disks forming radially-extending discrete, typically dose-specific, airway channels serially forming a portion of the inhalation pathway to deliver dry powder to a user using the inhalers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Oriel Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Rachel Striebig, Matthew Allen, Thomas W. Ruckdeschel, Charles A. Buckner, III, Scott Alexander Lewis, Andrew Murray Gow, Jonathan David Tuckwell
  • Patent number: 9597466
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system and methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing control information to an aerosol delivery device via a cartridge. For example, a method may include a control body for the aerosol delivery device reading control information carried by a cartridge removably engaged with the control body. The method may further include the control body performing an action based on the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Raymond Charles Henry, Jr., Frederic Philippe Ampolini
  • Patent number: 9597467
    Abstract: Automatically adjusting the trigger sensitivity of a respiratory therapy system includes detecting errors that indicate the trigger sensitivity should be increased, as well as detecting errors that indicate the trigger sensitivity should be reduced. Error detection may be based on the determined muscle pressure of a subject during an inhalation, an attempted inhalation, and/or a suspected attempt of an inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Han Zheng, Samir Ahmad
  • Patent number: 9597468
    Abstract: The present technology relates to methods and apparatus to provide ventilation to patients. In particular, the present technology relates to changing ventilator parameters to match changing patient metabolic demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: RedMed Limited
    Inventors: Klaus Henry Schindhelm, Gordon Joseph Malouf, Steven Paul Farrugia, Clancy John Dennis, Michael Berthon-Jones, David John Bassin, Helmut Teschler
  • Patent number: 9597469
    Abstract: A ventilation device for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of a patient has a gas flow generator, a gas delivery circuit optionally including a humidifier, a controller and sensors monitoring values of operational parameters of the device. The device further includes one or more relationships stored in data storage of the controller relating combinations of parameter values as being indicative of fault conditions of the device operation, the sensors and/or the fault detection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Colla, Barton John Kenyon
  • Patent number: 9597470
    Abstract: An airway manifold includes a manifold body having an upper body portion and a lower body portion. The body portions are engaged such that the upper body portion is rotatable relative to the lower body portion, whereby a generally hollow interior space is defined. The lower body portion has a port open to the interior space, and the upper body portion includes a plurality of ports open to the interior space. A first upper body port is axially alignable with the lower body port to define a substantially linear passageway therebetween when the upper body portion is at a first rotatable position relative to the lower body portion. A second upper body port is axially alignable with the lower body port to define a substantially linear passageway therebetween when the upper body portion is at a second rotatable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Frank J. Fischer, Jr., George A. Arndt
  • Patent number: 9597471
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for positioning a suction catheter in the airway of a patient. The systems may comprise a suction catheter, a delivery device, and/or a stylet. The delivery device may comprise an elongate shaft, an atraumatic distal end, an elongate passageway, and a retention element configured to releasably couple to an endotracheal tube. The suction catheter may be positioned in the elongate passageway, and the delivery device may help advance the suction catheter into the airway of a patient. In some variations, the delivery device may comprise elements configured to release the suction catheter in the airway after positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ciel Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary K. Garrett, Dan E. Azagury, Gary B. Hulme, Ronan L. Jenkinson, Chris Jones, Jacqueline Rose
  • Patent number: 9597472
    Abstract: An endotracheal tube comprising a flexible hollow tube with a spiral slit traversing a substantial length of the tube. The slit has edges that separate to create an opening by which the tube may be spiral wound onto a medical device, such as a fiber optic bronchoscope, that is in use in a pharynx passage. The angle of the slit is preferably in the range of 30-60 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Irving Mizus
  • Patent number: 9597473
    Abstract: A headgear for a respiratory mask of a ventilator or CPAP device is provided. The headgear includes a strap portion formed of a substantially inextensible material. The strap portion has formed on one end thereof a connecting structure configured to connect to a mask of the ventilator or CPAP device. One advantage is that the mask will not or at least will be less inclined to lift off the face as mask pressure is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Michael Berthon-Jones, Michael Kassipillai Gunaratnam, Peter Edward Bateman, Philip James Jenkinson, Gordon Joseph Malouf
  • Patent number: 9597474
    Abstract: A patient interface device (2) includes a frame member (4) and a cushion (6) having a main body, a sealing portion, and first and second posts extending from the main body. The frame member defines a first orifice and a second orifice. The first post of the cushion is rotateably received within the first orifice and the second post is rotateably received within the second orifice in a manner that permits the cushion to rotate relative to the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Gregory John Jablonski
  • Patent number: 9597475
    Abstract: A medical device that is fundamentally a releasable connection system for connecting two sections of tubing together or tubing to a medical device. It includes a male fitting further comprising a male shaft or couple and a female fitting called a socket, both structures having features to permit and provide hygienic connects with the fast or quick retention. The present invention is directed to tubing connection and disconnection apparatus. The device is used for the transport of both gaseous and liquid fluids such as oxygen, air, medicine (liquid or gas) and waste and drainage lines. It provides the medical field speed for a quick reaction to patient needs and the lower cost of the manpower/labor by medical personnel which provides savings opportunities. All this continues to provide reliable, clean and hygienic connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Jack C McPhearson
  • Patent number: 9597476
    Abstract: A fluid flow sensor for use in measuring flow parameters in gas and other fluid applications, including patient ventilators and the like. The sensor is characterized by a lower pressure drop at higher flow rates in order to minimize patient effort in breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Event Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Kosuke Inoue, Teunis Van Den Berg, Bich Nguyen, Bonnievon Castillo
  • Patent number: 9597477
    Abstract: A respiratory therapy apparatus that introduces water into the pressurized air delivered to a user during various positive airway pressure therapies and corresponding methods. The respiratory therapy apparatus may be configured to administer one or more positive airway pressure therapies, including: continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP), hi-level positive airway pressure therapy (BPAP), auto positive airway pressure therapy (autoPAP), proportional positive airway pressure therapy (PPAP), and/or other positive airway pressure therapies. The respiratory therapy apparatus may include a user interface that defines an interface passage to communicate pressurized air to the user for inhalation and a humidifier that introduces water into the pressurized air generally at the interface passage. Methods may include introducing water into the interface passage at one or more humidifier ports disposed about the interface passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Somnetics Global Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven S. Bordewick, Bruce Bowman, Holly Larkin
  • Patent number: 9597478
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems drive an infant carrier through space while providing soothing acceleration and/or sonic components. Infant-soothing swaying and vibrating mechanisms help to calm an upset infant and/or help the infant to fall asleep. Embodiments described herein include infant carriers capable of self-locomotion and/or platforms capable of self-locomotion with snap-in fasteners to accept an infant carrier. In some embodiments, a platform with an attached infant carrier travels along a track or monorail. In some embodiments, an infant carrier with wheels may be pulled by a toy providing the locomotion. Some embodiments incorporate a device controller with biofeedback mechanisms to adaptively pinpoint characteristics of soothing motions and sounds appropriate to a selected soothing task for a particular infant in a particular emotional state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Albert Daniel Houston
  • Patent number: 9597479
    Abstract: A system for therapy may include a mask (200) for a patient having a frame, cushion, forehead support and a light (100). The mask is connectable to a respiratory treatment apparatus, such as a flow generator, to receive breathable gas for a respiratory therapy. The light may also be connected to the power system and/or control system of the apparatus. A light may also be included in a module, such as a docking station, for a respiratory treatment apparatus. The lights may be controlled by one or more processors, and may be responsive to detected conditions, to assist with therapy. For example, the light may be turned on at a predetermined time or may be synchronized with the patient's sleep state, to assist in waking up the patient or re-setting the patient's circadian rhythm. Other components, such as sound and aroma generators of the system, may also be controlled for such therapies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: RedMed Limited
    Inventors: Liam Holley, Jeffrey Peter Armitstead, Steven Paul Farrugia, Dinesh Ramanan, Pallavi Gosain
  • Patent number: 9597480
    Abstract: Medical devices, perfusion systems, and methods for detecting a pressure within a space in a subject and for perfusion of fluid into a space in a subject. The space may be a fluid-filled space, or a space that is depleted of fluid due to an obstruction to fluid flow into the space. Methods for forming the medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Endophys Holding, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip D. Purdy, Steven J. Ferry
  • Patent number: 9597481
    Abstract: A catheter includes an inner layer, a coil body covering the inner layer, and an outer layer covering the coil body. The coil body includes a plurality of element wires (thin wires and thick wires). The thick wires of the coil body are ground so that the cross-sectional shape of the thick wires is semicircular, and an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the coil body are substantially constant in a part in which the thick wires are ground. It is thus possible to prevent occurrence of unevenness on an outer peripheral surface or an inner peripheral surface of the catheter. Furthermore, when the catheter is bent, the thin wires move along the circular arc portion of the thick wires, which allows the catheter to bend a relatively large amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ASAHI INTECC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masatomo Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9597482
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting and monitoring the placement of a cannula tip within a peripheral vein of a human body where the cannula includes a sensor located at predetermined location and mounted on the cannula for sensing the biological material of the body to guide the insertion of the cannula tip into the vein and alerts to the withdrawal of the cannula tip from the vein in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Smart IV LLC
    Inventor: Lenn R. Hann
  • Patent number: 9597483
    Abstract: Tear-away and non-tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing unlike conventional valves that are stationary. The movable housing allows the valve to move along the axis of the introducer. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. The protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for the catheter into the sheath introducer. The introducers can therefore be used with any catheter, regardless of the size or material, because of the reduced or eliminated frictional force between the catheter and introducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. King, Ronald Wortley
  • Patent number: 9597484
    Abstract: A surgical drain device includes an adhesion matrix of biodegradable polymer material and a plurality of drain tubes attached to the matrix. The device is implanted within a surgical wound to treat the presence of seromas, for example, and is used to promote drainage, tissue adhesion, and wound closure. The drain tubes converge into a common collection tube that leads wound fluid outside the body under gravity feed or negative pressure applied to the collection tube. The matrix contains an array of apertures that allow tissue contact across the device. The device also can include a coating of surgical adhesive and a tissue anchoring system of hooks or barbs. The device and systems containing the device are particularly useful to promote the healing of surgical wounds from abdominal surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventor: Raymond M. Dunn
  • Patent number: 9597485
    Abstract: Medical devices which are adapted to be inserted into a patient for a limited period of time using minimally invasive insertion procedures for dilating a stenotic opening, such as a stenotic sinus opening, are provided. The devices and methods can be used for treating sinusitis and other nasal and/or sinus disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SinuSys Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Edgren, William Jason Fox, William L. Gould, Jerome E. Hester, Bradley F. Marple, Curtis Leslie Rieser, Thomas A. Schreck
  • Patent number: 9597486
    Abstract: A method for delivering medicament such as for ameliorating pain in a patient includes introducing an injector through a nasal passage of the patient into a region substantially medial and/or posterior and/or inferior to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the patient; and delivering a medicament from the injector superiorly and/or laterally and/or anteriorly towards the SPG. A device for delivering a medicament to a patient in need thereof includes (a) an injector containing a first end configured to remain outside a nasal passage of the patient and a second end configured for entry into the nasal passage of the patient; and (b) an introducer configured for engagement with a nostril of the patient and containing a passageway configured for slidably receiving the injector. The injector is moveable between a storage position preceding the engagement and an engaging position pursuant to the engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Tian Xia
  • Patent number: 9597487
    Abstract: The present invention discloses multiple approaches to preventing the capsule walls and other material from interfering with the performance of an electronic device once the device is activated by surrounding fluid. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a miniature ingestible device (MID) may be created using excipients and films. The MID, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention, will have a coating or laminating surrounding an electronic device and separating and isolating the device from the pharmaceutical product or drug within the capsule once the capsule is ingested as well as from the capsule itself as the capsule walls begin to collapse during the disintegration process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Proteus Digital Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Robertson, Hooman Hafezi, Raymond Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9597488
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying rub-on and roll-on topical products such as medications, pain relievers, deodorants, cosmetics, and any other product having a built in applicator to the user's skin surface in hard-to-reach locations without undo strain or injury. The apparatus comprises a chamber assembly and an elongated handle. The chamber assembly comprises a rounded hollow T-shaped body having a protrusion on one side with a threaded inner surface to receive the elongated handle. The elongated handle has a threaded end that is deeper than the protrusion of the chamber assembly. When a container is placed into the chamber assembly from the top section and the elongated handle is hand-tightened, the threaded end comes in contact with the container and holds it securely in place, allowing the user to apply rub-on and roll-on medications and other products to hard-to-reach places of the body without undo strain or injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Jones
  • Patent number: 9597489
    Abstract: A wound dressing has a micro-architecture to produce appropriate strains in cells to promote the healing a wound. The apparatus includes a wound cover for defining a reservoir over a wound in which a negative pressure may be maintained by forming a substantially fluid-tight seal around the wound, a vacuum source in fluid communication with the reservoir and suitable for providing an appropriate negative pressure to the reservoir to stimulate healing of the wound, and a porous structure positioned in contact with the wound for delivering micro-mechanical forces to localized areas of the wound. The porous structure comprises a three-dimensional film material having directional apertures formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Heagle
  • Patent number: 9597490
    Abstract: The present invention provides a microneedle, comprising a shaft of a monocrystalline material having at least three walls which are formed by a crystal plane of the monocrystalline material; and a tip connected to an end of the shaft comprising at least three walls which are formed by a crystal plane of the material. The material is preferably silicon. Two of the walls of the tip are formed by the same crystal planes as two walls of the shaft. These two walls are formed by a <111> crystal plane. Preferably, three walls of the tip are formed by a <111> crystal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: U-NEEDLE HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Johan Willem Berenschot, Jeroen Mathijn Wissink, Niels Roelof Tas, Meint Jelle DeBoer
  • Patent number: 9597491
    Abstract: A device for the sealing connection of a pressure hose with a grip element of a surgical instrument. The device comprising at least one sealing element that, in an assembled state, is interposed between the grip element and the pressure hose in a connecting region to create a seal. A support element is provided and arranged in the connecting region in the interior of the pressure hose such that the sealing element is clamped, or can be clamped, between the support element and the pressure hose on one side and the grip element on the other side. In addition, a handle for a surgical device, in particular a cryogenic surgical instrument, comprising a grip element for holding the surgical instrument and comprising at least one pressure hose that is connected, or can be connected, with the grip element via the device for the sealing connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Hansjoerg Besch, Markus Amann, Christian Sick
  • Patent number: 9597492
    Abstract: A therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. A braided structure surrounds the conductor assembly. A distal end of the braided structure is attached to an electrode assembly and a free floating proximal end is located near a connector assembly. An outer tubing surrounds the braided structure. The outer tubing includes a proximal end attached to the connector assembly and a distal end attached to the braided structure near the electrode assembly. A proximal tension force applied to the connector assembly acts substantially on the outer tubing and the conductor assembly and a proximal tension force applied to the free floating proximal end acts substantially on the braided structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: James Finley, John M. Swoyer
  • Patent number: 9597493
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for directing and focusing signals to the brain for neuromodulation and for directing and focusing signals or other energy from the brain for measurement, heat transfer and imaging. An aperture in the skull and/or a channel device implantable in the skull can be used to facilitate direction and focusing. Treatment and diagnosis of multiple neurological conditions may be facilitated with the disclosed systems, methods and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: NeuroPace, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Wingeier, Benjamin Pless
  • Patent number: 9597494
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for directing and focusing signals to the brain for neuromodulation and for directing and focusing signals or other energy from the brain for measurement, heat transfer and imaging. An aperture in the skull and/or a channel device implantable in the skull can be used to facilitate direction and focusing. Treatment and diagnosis of multiple neurological conditions may be facilitated with the disclosed systems, methods and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: NeuroPace, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Wingeier, Benjamin Pless