Patents Issued in March 28, 2017
  • Patent number: 9603650
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Channel Medsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Burnett, Ric Cote, William W. Malecki, Brian M. Neil, David Beaulieu, Benjamin D. Voiles
  • Patent number: 9603651
    Abstract: A base cardiac electrogram signal at a base electrode is recorded for a predetermined amount of time. A plurality of cardiac electrogram signals at a plurality of electrodes other than the base electrode are recorded for the predetermined amount of time. The base cardiac electrogram signal is compared with each of the plurality of cardiac electrogram signals. The similarities between the base cardiac electrogram signal and each of the plurality of cardiac electrogram signals is determined. A specific area of cardiac tissue where the base electrode is positioned is mapped based at least in part on the determined similarities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Subham Ghosh
  • Patent number: 9603652
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator, an electrosurgical instrument, an optical clarity sensor and a control component. The electrosurgical generator generates electrosurgical energy for use during electrosurgery. The electrosurgical instrument is coupled to the electrosurgical generator and treats tissue. The optical clarity sensor is coupled to the electrosurgical generator and is adapted to measure tissue with at least two optical frequencies. The control component is operatively coupled to the optical clarity sensor and receives sensor data therefrom. The control component communicates control instructions to the electrosurgical generator to control the generation of the electrosurgical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: John D. Carlton, Darren Odom
  • Patent number: 9603653
    Abstract: For the coagulation of tissue there are known instruments, in particular probes, that are designed to deliver argon gas into a space between an electrode within the probe and the tissue. In some cases the intention is to coagulate tissues situated at the side of the outlet of the probe. The invention provides an apparatus for coagulating tissue in which the distal end of the electrode projects out of the gas-delivering device or probe, and at said distal end a guiding device for directing and guiding the gas or plasma is disposed in such a way that at least part of the flowing gas or plasma is deflected into a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Schnitzler, Daniel Schaller
  • Patent number: 9603654
    Abstract: Electric field delivery and ablation of target tissue regions, including cancerous cells and solid tumors. Methods and systems include delivering an electric field to a target tissue, and may include positioning a first electrode or plurality to at least partially define a first treatment volume in the target tissue; positioning a second electrode or plurality to at least partially define a second treatment volume, the first volume is disposed in the second volume; and establishing a first current flow extending through the first volume and a second current flow extending through the second volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: LaZure Technologies, LLC.
    Inventor: Larry Azure
  • Patent number: 9603655
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a proximal end and a distal end having a jaw member assembly at the distal end including a first jaw member and a second jaw member movable relative thereto. The jaw members can be transferred relative to each other from an opening position into a gripping position in which they are arranged to be closer to each other than in the opening position. Each jaw member has at least one electrode connectable to an electric power source and electrodes of both jaw members being adapted to interact for sealing body tissue held between the jaw members in the gripping position, actuating means for transferring the jaw members from the opening position into the gripping position and means for limiting the closing width of the jaw members, when they are transferred from the opening position into the gripping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Theodor Lutze, Anton Keller, Dieter Weisshaupt, Stefan Eick, Christoph Rothweiler, Eugen Herner
  • Patent number: 9603656
    Abstract: A medical device includes an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A cutting member having a plurality of sharp edges is formed from a wear-resistant ceramic material is carried at the distal end of the elongated sleeve. A motor drive is coupled to the proximal end of the elongated sleeve to rotate the sleeve at cutting member at high RPMs to cut bone and other hard tissue. An electrode is carried in a distal portion of ceramic cutting member for RF ablation of tissue when the sleeve and cutting member are is a stationary position. In methods of use, (i) the ceramic member can be engaged against bone and then rotated at high speed to cut bone tissue, and (ii) the ceramic member can be held in a stationary (non-rotating) position to engage tissue and RF energy can be delivered to the electrode to create a plasma that ablates tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: RELIGN Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Germain, Kyle Klein, Michael D. Walker, Ben Poser
  • Patent number: 9603657
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a surgical device for coagulating soil tissue such as atrial tissue in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia. The surgical device can include at least one elongate member comprising conductive elements adapted to coagulate soft tissue when radiofrequency or direct current energy is transmitted to the conductive elements. Openings through said conductive elements are routed through lumens in the elongate member to a vacuum source to actively engage the soft tissue surface intended to coagulate into intimate contact with the conductive elements to facilitate the coagulation process and ensure the lesions created are consistent, contiguous, and transmural.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Atricure, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Whayne
  • Patent number: 9603658
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a surgical device for coagulating soft tissue such as atrial tissue in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia; tendon or ligament shrinkage; or articular cartilage removal. The surgical device integrates a suction mechanism with the coagulation mechanism improving the lesion creation capabilities of the device. The surgical device comprises an elongate member having an insulative covering attached about conductive elements capable of coagulating soft tissue when radiofrequency or direct current energy is transmitted to the conductive elements. Openings through the insulative covering expose regions of the conductive elements and are coupled to lumens in the elongate member which are routed to a vacuum source. Suction causes the soft tissue to actively engage the opening thus the integrated, exposed conductive elements to facilitate the coagulation process and ensure the lesions created are consistent, continuous, and transmural.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Atricure, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Whayne, Sidney D. Fleischman
  • Patent number: 9603659
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for performing ablation therapy on body tissue are disclosed. An example ablation device for treating body tissue includes an ionically conductive balloon and a radio-frequency electrode that delivers RF energy into a distal section of the balloon. The balloon can have a composite structure with a non-conductive section and a conductive section. A method for fabricating a semi-permeable ablation balloon using ionizing radiation and an etching process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc.
    Inventors: Raj Subramaniam, Josef V. Koblish, Zaya Tun, Guy R. Harvey, Minhchau N. Cao, Kurt D. Sparks
  • Patent number: 9603660
    Abstract: Systems for ablating tissue can include a pair of electrode assemblies. The electrode assemblies can automatically align on opposing sides of operative tissue due to magnetic interaction. One assembly can move automatically in response to the other assembly due to the magnetic interaction. Some systems are capable of cooling the electrode assemblies during ablation procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Intermountain Invention Management, LLC
    Inventors: John Richard Doty, Thomas Jared Bunch, Troy J. Orr
  • Patent number: 9603661
    Abstract: A device positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) may discriminate between fluid (e.g., blood) and non-fluid tissue (e.g., wall of heart) to provide information or a mapping indicative of a position and/or orientation of the device in the cavity. Discrimination may be based on flow, or some other characteristic, for example electrical permittivity or force. The device may selectively ablate portions of the non-fluid tissue based on the information or mapping. The device may detect characteristics (e.g., electrical potentials) indicative of whether ablation was successful. The device may include a plurality of transducers, intravascularly guided in an unexpended configuration and positioned proximate the non-fluid tissue in an expanded configuration. Expansion mechanism may include helical member(s) or inflatable member(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Kardium Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Gelbart, Douglas Wayne Goertzen, Fernando Luis de Souza Lopes
  • Patent number: 9603662
    Abstract: An energy applicator for directing energy to tissue includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a dielectric material disposed therebetween, and an antenna assembly having a radiating section operably coupled to the feedline. The energy applicator also includes a first balun structure configured to substantially confine energy to the radiating section when the energy applicator is energized and disposed in tissue, and a second balun structure configured to substantially prevent energy emitted from the radiating section from propagating proximal to the second balun structure along the feedline when the energy applicator is energized but not disposed in tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Joseph A. Paulus
  • Patent number: 9603663
    Abstract: A method of performing an ablation procedure includes inserting an antenna assembly into tissue and supplying energy thereto for application to tissue. The method also includes causing contact between a first material and at least one other material disposed within the antenna assembly to thermally regulate the antenna assembly. According to another embodiment, an ablation system includes an energy delivery assembly. A first chamber is defined within the energy delivery assembly and is configured to hold a first chemical. Another chamber is defined within the energy delivery assembly and is configured to hold at least one other chemical. The first chamber and the other chamber are configured to selectively and fluidly communicate with each other to cause contact between the first chemical and the at least one other chemical to cause an endothermic reaction and/or an exothermic reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Mani N. Prakash, Kyle R. Rick, Francesca Rossetto
  • Patent number: 9603664
    Abstract: In order to sufficiently cauterize a target site existing in a deep portion of a cardiac muscle tissue even in the case where the fat layer attached to an epicardium is thick or where the cardiac muscle is thickened due to cardiac hypertrophy and the like, provided is an ablation catheter comprising: an elongated catheter main body; an electrode for ablation placed in a leading end part of the catheter main body; and an optical fiber that is placed along a longitudinal direction of the catheter main body, includes an emission end formed on a leading end surface of the catheter main body, and emits a laser beam guided therethrough from the emission end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 9603665
    Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing and tracking virtual boundaries. The virtual boundaries can delineate zones in which an instrument is not permitted during a surgical procedure. The virtual boundaries can also delineate zones in which the surgical instrument is permitted during the surgical procedure. The virtual boundaries can also identify objects or structures to be treated by the instrument or to be avoided by the instrument during the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Gene Bowling, Donald W. Malackowski, José Luis Moctezuma de la Barrera, Patrick Roessler, Jerry A. Culp, John Michael Stuart, Joel N. Beer
  • Patent number: 9603666
    Abstract: A robotic surgical system employs a surgical instrument (20), a robot (40) for navigating the surgical instrument (20) relative to an anatomical region (10) within a coordinate system (42) of the robot (40), and a robot controller (43) for defining a remote center of motion for a spherical rotation of the surgical instrument (20) within the coordinate system (42) of the robot (40) based on a physical location within the coordinate system (42) of the robot (40) of a port (12) into the anatomical region (10). The definition of the remote center of rotation is used by the robot controller (43) to command the robot (40) to align the remote center of motion of the surgical instrument (20) with the port (12) into the anatomical region (10) for spherically rotating the surgical instrument (20) relative to the port (12) into the anatomical region (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Haytham Elhawary, Aleksandra Popovic
  • Patent number: 9603667
    Abstract: A system comprising a platform assembly comprising a master platform and a slave platform, both the master platform and the slave platform being moveable, the platform assembly further comprising a force feedback control arrangement for applying a force to the master platform in response to a force exerted on a slave device mounted on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Imperial Innovations Limited
    Inventors: Guang-Zhong Yang, Christopher James Payne
  • Patent number: 9603668
    Abstract: A method for implementing a dynamic three-dimensional lung map view for navigating a probe inside a patient's lungs includes loading a navigation plan into a navigation system, the navigation plan including a planned pathway shown in a 3D model generated from a plurality of CT images, inserting the probe into a patient's airways, registering a sensed location of the probe with the planned pathway, selecting a target in the navigation plan, presenting a view of the 3D model showing the planned pathway and indicating the sensed location of the probe, navigating the probe through the airways of the patient's lungs toward the target, iteratively adjusting the presented view of the 3D model showing the planned pathway based on the sensed location of the probe, and updating the presented view by removing at least a part of an object forming part of the 3D model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Oren P. Weingarten, Ron Barak
  • Patent number: 9603669
    Abstract: A method for operating a medical probe includes pressing a distal end of the medical probe, which includes one or more arms that extend diagonally outward from a central shaft and have respective position transducers coupled thereto, against an intra-body surface, so as to cause the arms to exert pressure on the surface and bend with respect to the central shaft in response to the pressure. Positions of the respective position transducers coupled to the arms are measured, and the pressure exerted by the arms is estimated responsively to the measured positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Andres Claudio Altmann, Orit Kolin-Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9603670
    Abstract: A method for designing and/or optimizing an implant that has one or more through holes with a central axis for receiving a bone fixation element. The method includes: providing a general collection of three-dimensional bone quality data obtained from a patient population; identifying in the patient population N>2 categories of patients with significantly different N>2 homologous sub-collections of bone quality data; and designing an implant or optimizing an existing implant for each of the N>2 sub-collections such that the at least one through hole is located at an optimal place and with an optimal direction of the central axis relative to the implant. The optimal position and direction is chosen based on each of the N>2 sub-collections of data so as to obtain an optimal anchorage of the bone fixation element in the bone when introduced through the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: AO Technology AG
    Inventors: Stefano Brianza, Damiano Schiuma, Andrea Tami
  • Patent number: 9603671
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for use in electronic guidance systems for surgical navigation to determine the relationship between the three-dimensional coordinates of an anatomy of a patient and those of an electronic guidance system. These coordinates are required to assist in the determination of the angles with respect to which components, such as, an acetabular prosthesis, are inserted into a body of the patient. In one such example, during hip replacement surgery, a surgeon receives guidance of how to place an acetabular prosthesis in the body of the patient, specifically in the pelvis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: INTELLIJOINT SURGICAL INC.
    Inventors: Andre Novomir Hladio, Armen Garo Bakirtzian, Richard Tyler Fanson, Eric Ryterski
  • Patent number: 9603672
    Abstract: A surgical system includes an instrument driver having a distal end positionable in a body cavity and a user input device. The instrument driver and user input device are positioned to removably receive distal and proximal portions, respectively, of a surgical instrument. The user input device is configured to generate movement signals in response to manual manipulation of the proximal portion of the surgical instrument. At least one motor operable to actuate the instrument driver in response to the movement signals and to thereby change position of the distal portion of the surgical instrument within the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: TransEnterix Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Carson Shellenberger, Keith Phillip Laby
  • Patent number: 9603673
    Abstract: A device and method of delivering a medical tool which may be a resector, cutter, probe, or the like, including a memory arm compacted in a small diameter state which expands in a relaxed memory state, is disclosed. Said delivery may include using a hollow sheath to pre-compact or preload a memory blade into a compact position, transferring said compacted memory blade into a cannula, and deploying said memory blade from the distal end of said cannula whereby the memory blade returns to its normal expanded memory state and a deployment nut can be used to control the extension or the withdrawal of the memory arm and blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ECA Medical Instruments
    Inventors: John Nino, David Ivinson
  • Patent number: 9603674
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for preventing injury to a target tissue in proximity to the heart. The methods may include the use a device to externally manipulate the heart to move a portion of the heart away from the target tissue. The methods may also include applying therapy to the heart with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Kalyanam Shivkumar
  • Patent number: 9603675
    Abstract: Embodiments of a medical or dental handpiece are disclosed. A medical or dental handpiece may include a rotatable drive element to drive a tool that can be connected to the handpiece, a rotational speed measuring device which is designed to generate a variable electric rotational speed measurement signal assigned to the rotational speed of the drive element, a lighting device that can be supplied with electric power for emitting radiation, in particular visible light, onto a treatment site, and at least one shared electric line, which is provided for transmitting electric power to the illumination device and the rotational speed measurement signal of the rotational speed measurement device. Further a corresponding method for the operation of a medical or dental handpiece is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Pruckner
  • Patent number: 9603676
    Abstract: A hand held instrument and method in which a working element is to be placed by an operator into contact with a workpiece employ a laser proximity sensor arrangement adapted to sense proximity of the working element to the workpiece. A controller is responsive to the proximity sensor arrangement for activating a power source to actuate the working element in response to the working element reaching a predetermined proximity to the workpiece, as the working element is moved by the operator toward placement into contact with the workpiece. The predetermined proximity is such that the working element will reach a fully-operating condition prior to contact with the workpiece, whereby the working element will be at the fully-operating condition upon contact with the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Antoine Bochi
  • Patent number: 9603677
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated ligature with variable friction includes a ligature made of nitinol (1) with a rectangular outline similar to an “O” format, which has free ends (2) that can be deflected to meet the need for affixing of the arch wire (3) to the bracket (5), resulting in variable friction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Alexandre Gallo Lopes
  • Patent number: 9603678
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a system of prosthetic components consisting of Compensatory Slanted Copings and Abutments of Universal Coupling that function as a set of coupled parts that allow corrections of slants that vary between OQ and 60Q, of fixing osseointeg rated implants, including zygomatic fixations, and it provides a cap, molding transferer and screws for fastening and locking. This system of copings and abutments provides properties of conversion and extension of the implants. Its shape provides better occlusal stability and favorable biomechanics, since the forces are better distributed, diminishing the concentration of tension on the fitting platform of the implant, as well as the screws. The abutments of the universal coupling can be readjusted and be cemented or screwed. In the present system, the superior platform of the coping and the inferior base of the abutment are universalized, since the inferior platform of the coping corrects the slant of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ITP—Instituto de Tecnologia e Pesquisa LTDA
    Inventors: Maria Auxiliadora Mourão Martinez, Luciana Silva Colepícolo, Branca Fraga de Resende Chaves
  • Patent number: 9603679
    Abstract: Root canal abutment devices and methods which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured within a pulp chamber of a pre-existing tooth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy sleeves or plates or elements extending along the abutment. Each of the sleeves has a length with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Rodo Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Young Seo, Jong Gil Park
  • Patent number: 9603680
    Abstract: A medical device (1) for dental prosthetic systems (2), the dental prosthetic system (2) being of a type comprising: a dental product (3) comprising a housing seating (6) longitudinally extending along a height of the dental product, an implant (5) destined to be installed in a seating made in a bone tissue of a maxilla or mandible of a patient, a fixing element (4) configured such as to insert in the housing seating and enabling engagement of the dental product (3) to the implant (5); the medical device (1) comprising a preformed solid body having a predetermined volume and an elongate conformation configured such as to insert in the longitudinal housing seating (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Matteo Antonini, Alberto Salini
  • Patent number: 9603681
    Abstract: Dental implant systems for releasable attachment of dental prostheses are shown and described. Each of the dental implant systems includes an implant body, a prosthesis body, and an abutment body with a locking device. The locking device includes a magnetically attractable member having a first end coupled to a spring and a second end. The magnetically attractable member is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The dental implant system further includes a void configured to receive the second end, the magnetically attractable member being at least partially disposed within the void in the locked position, the magnetically attractable member being free of the void in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Milne
  • Patent number: 9603682
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a dental impression, having the first step of providing an impression tray filled with a first high viscosity impression material. The second step is to take a first impression by inserting the tray into the patient's mouth over a prepared tooth for the patient to bite and let cure. Thirdly, the tray is removed and a second low viscosity impression material is applied over the prepared tooth. The tray is then reinserted into the mouth over the prepared tooth of the patient in order to take a second impression of the prepared tooth, allowing the hydraulic pressure created by the second impression material to urge the sulcus away from the tooth margin. At this point, the tray is removed from the patient's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Mark Mahn
  • Patent number: 9603683
    Abstract: A method for producing a dental restoration (D) by CAD casting is described, said method comprising the steps of a) recording three-dimensional, digital data of the dentition or of a part of the dentition of a patient, b) creating a virtual dental restoration (VD) using the recorded three-dimensional, digital data, wherein the virtual dental restoration (VD) is expanded in relation to the dental restoration (D) to be produced, c) preparing a model (M) using the created virtual dental restoration, such that the model (M) is expanded in relation to the dental restoration (D) to be produced, d) embedding the model (M) in an embedding compound (EM), e) hardening the embedding compound (EM) and removing the model (M), such that a casting mold is obtained, f) filling the casting mold, preferably by pouring, with a casting material (GM) and cooling the casting material (GM), such that the dental restoration (D) is obtained, and optionally the further steps of g) working the dental restoration (D), and h) veneering t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: BEGO BREMER GOLDSCHLAGEREI WILH. HERBST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Dierkes, Severin Seifert, Roland Strietzel
  • Patent number: 9603684
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing a tooth model aids. The apparatus for manufacturing a tooth model, which is configured to dewax when molding a tooth model so as to manufacture a dental denture, may include an outer housing, an inner container installed in an inside of the outer housing, a flask unit installed in an inner space part of the inner container. The flask unit includes a mounting plate on which a flask is configured to be mounted, and a cover, the mounting plate of the flask unit includes a wax collection hole on a bottom of the mounting plate, and the cover includes a nozzle which is configured to selectively inject hot water or steam to the flask, the nozzle being formed at a location corresponding to a location of the flask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: MUNGYO GYPSUM & ENGINEERING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Doo Suek Nam
  • Patent number: 9603685
    Abstract: An elongated core comprising a nylon or polypropylene is extruded. An interdental cleaner portion, comprising fingers, is injection molded about a first portion of the core. The interdental cleaner portion has thermoplastic elastomer. A handle portion is injection molded about a second portion of the core. The handle portion has polypropylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: LeedTech Resources Company, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Eatherton
  • Patent number: 9603686
    Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with an oral hygiene implement having a neck section extending along a longitudinal direction and having a neck section housing surrounding a neck section cavity, a head section having a through hole therein extending through the head section along a through hole direction having an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction and having a head section housing surrounding the through hole, wherein the through hole defines a first and a second opening in the head section housing, and wherein a cap element separately made from the head section housing is connected with the head section housing to essentially cover the first opening and a carrier element separately made from the head section housing is arranged to cover the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: BRAUN GMBH
    Inventors: Norbert Schaefer, Thomas Fritsch, Joern Utsch, Wolfgang Stegmann
  • Patent number: 9603687
    Abstract: Provided is an oral care implement (1), comprising: a body (100); a carrier (130) connected to the body (100) and movable relative to the body (100), the carrier carrying one or more cleaning elements (134); a carrier drive mechanism (200) operable to drive movement of the carrier (130) relative to the body (100); an auxiliary device (400); and an auxiliary device drive mechanism (600) that is selectively engagable with the carrier drive mechanism (200) during operation of the carrier drive mechanism, so as to selectively operate the auxiliary device (400) during movement of the carrier (130) relative to the body (100). Also provided is a method of operating the oral care implement (1), and a kit of parts for an oral care implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventor: Donghui Wu
  • Patent number: 9603688
    Abstract: A pre-charged prophy angle having a (a) housing that includes a paste chamber, a rotatable head, a drive shaft, and a tube defining in part the paste chamber, the housing and paste chamber configured such that paste within the paste chamber can be dispensed without contacting the drive shaft; (b) a cup secured to the rotatable head, and (c) a paste dispensing assembly having a plunger movably secured to a push rod configured to reciprocally move linearly within the housing, the plunger including a clip for gripping the push rod such that linear movement of the push rod in a first direction causes the plunger to move in the first direction, while the clip precludes movement of the plunger in a second direction when the push rod in directed in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: George Michel Mansour, Tim Truitt
  • Patent number: 9603689
    Abstract: A toothbrush is provided. The toothbrush includes an elongated shaft having a brushing head removably attached thereon configured to extend and retract the brushing head from a handle portion. The handle portion is configured to support the brushing head, a rotating assembly, and an antimicrobial assembly. The rotating assembly is configured to rotatably drive the brushing head in either clockwise rotation or counterclockwise rotation. The antimicrobial assembly is configured to sterilize the brushing head and the elongated shaft shaft when retracted within the handle portion. The handle portion further includes a control panel on an exterior face of the handle portion configured to allow a user to operate the rotating assembly and/or the antimicrobial assembly. In this way, the toothbrush allows a user to achieve optimal cleaning of his teeth without introducing harmful microorganisms into his oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Pedram Nazeri
  • Patent number: 9603690
    Abstract: A container for a dental appliance. The container includes a first compartment with at least one first wall, a first enclosing portion, and a separation plate. The first compartment includes a length, a width, and a height to accept a first dental appliance and indicated by a first indicator. The container includes a second compartment defined by at least one second wall, a second enclosing portion, and the separation plate. The second compartment includes a second length, second width and second height to accept a second dental appliance and indicated by a second indicator. The container includes a moveable and closeable door which opens to permit access to at least one of the first compartment and the second compartment. The dental appliance in the first compartment is separate from the dental appliance in the second compartment by the separation plate, and the container comprises ports to allow circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Helen Lho
  • Patent number: 9603691
    Abstract: A method for estrus detection includes storing location information associated with a dairy livestock. This information includes coordinate locations of the dairy livestock within a free stall pen at each of a plurality of times during a time period including a first time and a second time. The coordinate locations comprise at least a first (X, Y, Z) location of the dairy livestock at the first time and a second (X, Y, Z) location of the dairy livestock at the second time. The method further includes determining, based on at least the first and second (X, Y, Z) locations, a turn index parameter indicating a number of times the dairy livestock reverses directions during the time period. The method further includes determining whether the dairy livestock is likely to be in estrus based at least in part upon whether the determined turn index parameter is in excess of a baseline turn index parameter by more than a first predefined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Parimal G. Rajkondawar, Roger K. Erdman, David A. Johnson, William S. Nelson, Paul D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9603692
    Abstract: A device for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the walls of a vessel in a patient's body. The device has a filter element being expandable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The filter element includes a material having pores, and the material having pores includes cylindrical wires having at least three different diameters arranged in a pattern of graduated diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Thomas L. Clubb, Richard S. Kusleika, Kent D. Anderson, Marwane S. Berrada
  • Patent number: 9603693
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the disclosure, a dual net vascular filtration device comprises a central frame, a proximal filter net attached to a proximal end of the central frame, and a distal filter net attached to a distal end of the central frame. Upon deployment, the distal filter net can be configured to evert into the proximal filter net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Jeffrey B. Duncan, Michael J. Vonesh
  • Patent number: 9603694
    Abstract: An apparatus for gastric bypass is disclosed. The apparatus for gastric bypass includes a primary passage having an input and an output. The apparatus also includes a bypass conduit, coupled to the primary passage, having an input and an output, wherein the passage input is interspersed with the conduit input. The apparatus further has a primary regulator coupled to the primary passage and adjustable to control a primary flow profile from the input to the output of the primary passage. The apparatus also has a bypass regulator coupled to the bypass conduit and adjustable to control a bypass flow profile from the input to the output of the bypass conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: LSI Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bartz
  • Patent number: 9603695
    Abstract: A vascular connector configured to bypass an occluded vessel comprises a primary graft stem and a venous outflow stem. In general, the primary graft stem accepts a blood flow from an occluded vessel to bypass the occlusion. The venous outflow stem may extend from a wall of the primary graft stem and divert a portion of the blood flow to a native vein or other vessel of the vascular system. This configuration is beneficial in ensuring adequate blood flow at the vascular connector to inhibit the formation of clots and to extend the patency of the vascular connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Stanley Batiste, Steven Achstein
  • Patent number: 9603696
    Abstract: A stent assembly (42) adapted for endoluminal placement by endovascular deployment for the treatment of a false lumen (10) associated with a vascular dissection. The stent assembly has a number of self expanding stents (35) connected together to define an elongate substantially cylindrical lumen wall engaging surface. The stents are adapted to provided pressure on the wall of the lumen adjacent to and extending away from a rupture. A deployment device (40) for the stent assembly includes a sheath (48) and a retention and release arrangement (50) to retain the proximal end (37) of the stent graft to the deployment device. Release of the stent assembly is by withdrawal of the sheath before release of its proximal end by the use of a trigger wire (54) of the retention and release arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: David Ernest Hartley, Erik E. Rasmussen, Thomas C. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 9603697
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoluminal prosthesis to be deployed at a vessel bifurcation, comprising a one-piece graft sleeve with a branching portion, defining a first prosthesis lumen and having, in its deployed state, a first diameter, said branching portion being reinforced by stent elements, and a trunk portion, defining a second prosthesis lumen in fluid communication with said first prosthesis lumen and having, in its deployed state, a second diameter. The trunk portion is essentially free from reinforcing stent-material (FIG. 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: JOTEC GMBH
    Inventor: Marcos Centola
  • Patent number: 9603698
    Abstract: A mesh device for supporting one or a combination of a breast implant or breast tissue is provided formed of interlaced filaments forming a mesh structure which will not unravel when cut across a mid section of the mesh device. A titanium layer positioned on the exterior surface of the filaments of the mesh provide both a biocompatible interface with surrounding tissue and enhanced engagement of the filaments to prevent unraveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Marshall Kerr, Donn K. Harms
  • Patent number: 9603699
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention generally relate to systems and methods for optical treatment and more particularly to non-invasive refractive treatment method based on sub wavelength particle implantation. In an embodiment, a method for optical treatment identifies an optical aberration of an eye, determines a dopant delivery device configuration in response to the optical aberration of the eye, wherein the determined dopant delivery device is configured to impose a desired correction to the eye to mitigate the identified optical aberration of the eye by applying a doping pattern to the eye so as to locally change a refractive index of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: AMO Wavefront Sciences, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas D. Raymond, Richard J. Copland