Patents Issued in March 28, 2017
  • Patent number: 9604052
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for anchoring an elongate medical device within a body portal, for example, a stimulation lead in a cranial burr hole, employ opposing engagement surfaces, spring biased toward one another. A retaining member may be inserted between the opposing surfaces, to hold the surfaces apart for initial positioning of the device therebetween. For example, a delivery catheter in which the device is moved through the body portal can serve as the retaining member. In one type of apparatus, the engagement surfaces are formed within an anchoring aperture of one plate member of a pair of plate members. In another type of apparatus, the engagement surfaces are formed by sides of a slot that extend through a ring member and into a plug member, wherein a portion of the plug member is preferably formed by an elastomer material, and, in some cases, an entirety of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Behymer, Eric H. Bonde
  • Patent number: 9604053
    Abstract: The methods and apparatus for lead placement on a surface of the heart are employed using an elongated body having proximal and distal end portions. The body defines a lead receiving passageway extending between a proximal inlet and a distal outlet for receiving a lead therethrough for contact with the heart surface. The elongated body is adapted for insertion between a pericardium and an epicardial surface. At least a portion of the body may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape adapted to retain the body orientation between the pericardium and the epicardial surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SentreHEART, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron V. Kaplan, Kevin F. Hahnen
  • Patent number: 9604054
    Abstract: Methods, devices, control modules, and computer readable media are provided for managing acute and chronic pain in subjects. More specifically, a method is provided for reducing pain in a subject that includes delivering to the subject a series of stimuli consisting of both painful and non-painful stimuli. A portion of each of the painful and the non-painful stimuli is delivered to the subject during a systolic phase of the subject's cardiac cycle and the remaining portion of each of the painful and the non-painful stimuli is delivered during a diastolic phase of the subject's cardiac cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPE HILL
    Inventors: Kati Thieme, Richard H Gracely, William Maixner, Olivier Georges Monbureau
  • Patent number: 9604055
    Abstract: Described herein are microelectrode array devices, and methods of fabrication and use of the same, to provide highly localized and efficient electrical stimulation of a neurological target. The device includes multiple microelectrode elements arranged along an supportive backing layer. The microelectrode elements are dimensioned and shaped so as to target individual neurons, groups of neurons, and neural tissue as may be located in an animal nervous system, such as along a region of a cortex of a human brain. Beneficially, the neurological probe can be used to facilitate location of the neurological target and remain implanted for long-term monitoring and/or stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
    Inventors: André Mercanzini, Philippe Renaud
  • Patent number: 9604056
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for reducing the clinical presentations of a neurological movement disorder in a subject. Aspects of the methods include measuring cortical local field potentials (LFPs) from the subject's brain, calculating a modulation index related to brain synchronization from the LFPs, and administering deep brain stimulation to the subject if the calculated modulation index is outside of a threshold range. Also provided are devices, systems, and kits that may be used in practicing the subject methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The United States of America—Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Philip A. Starr, Coralie de Hemptinne, Jill Ostrem, Nicole Swann
  • Patent number: 9604057
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for suppressing or preventing a medical condition in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a sphenopalatine nerve (SPN), a vidian nerve (VN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, the SPN the VN, or the branch thereof. The medical condition can include pain resulting from one or more of atypical odontalgia, cluster tic syndrome, geniculate neuralgia, occipital neuralgia and temporal arteritis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Autonomic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony V. Caparso
  • Patent number: 9604058
    Abstract: A method for treating an ailment of a patient using at least one electrode implanted within a spinal column of the patient at a T4-T6 spinal nerve level. The method comprises increasing an activation threshold of a side-effect exhibiting neural structure relative to the activation threshold of a dorsal column (DC) nerve fiber of the patient, and applying electrical stimulation energy to the DC nerve fiber via the at least one electrode while the activation threshold of the neural structure is increased, thereby treating the ailment while minimizing stimulation of the neural structure. Another method comprises applying electrical stimulation energy to the spinal column of the patient via the plurality of electrodes, thereby generating a medio-lateral electrical field relative to the spinal column of the patient and treating the ailment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 9604059
    Abstract: Devices for controlling spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain, and associated systems and methods, including controllers for automated parameter selection are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes receiving a first input corresponding to a location of a signal delivery device implanted in a patient, establishing a positional relationship between the signal delivery device and an anatomical feature of the patient, receiving a second input corresponding to a medical indication of the patient, and, based at least in part on the positional relationship and the indication, automatically identifying a signal delivery parameter in accordance with which a pulsed electrical signal is delivered to the patient via the signal delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventor: Jon Parker
  • Patent number: 9604060
    Abstract: Systems and methods for deep brain electrode placement and deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment of conditions such as obesity are disclosed. In one example approach, during placement of a deep brain stimulating electrode in a target region of the brain of a patient, a temperature of brown adipose tissue (BAT) may be monitored, e.g., via a supraclavicular temperature sensor implanted in the patient, and used to identify an optimal location of electrode stimulation which causes an increase in BAT temperature. Additionally, BAT temperature measurements may be used to provide regulated closed-loop control to increase efficiency of DBS while reducing energy consumption of the pulse generator. Further, core temperature measurements may be obtained from the electrode in the brain and used to adjust DBS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Oregon Health & Science University
    Inventors: Kim Burchiel, Christopher J. Madden, Shaun F. Morrison
  • Patent number: 9604061
    Abstract: A current management system for use in the stimulation output stage of a neurostimulation system can be programmed to steer different amounts of current through different stimulation electrodes to vary how strongly the tissue adjacent each electrode is stimulated during a particular programmed stimulation episode. An stimulation electrode drive circuit associated with each electrode that is available for stimulation allows independent control of the flow of current through that electrode. A reference electrode is provided in the circuit to source or sink current as necessary to balance the currents going into and out of the patient, so that no stimulation electrode is required to serve that purpose. More specifically, by configuring the circuit to maintain a constant potential at the reference electrode (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: NeuroPace, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen T. Archer
  • Patent number: 9604062
    Abstract: A stimulator and a method for the treatment of intractable pain syndromes by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is disclosed in which implantable electrodes positioned around a targeted area of the spinal cord transmit an interferential current that has a base medium frequency alternating current between 500 Hz-20 KHz. A digital signal processor generates a sine-wave-like waveform from a pulse generator which after further processing is used to generate at least two circuits for use in producing the beat frequency signal. An effective area of stimulation is controlled by the quantity of electrodes, positioning of the electrodes and electrode cross pattern orientation. Amplitude modulation of electrical circuits created at the electrode placements also augments the effective area of stimulation. The stimulator and method reduce accommodation of the body to the electrical stimulation and provide deeper penetration of the resultant signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Meagan Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Carroll
  • Patent number: 9604063
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, or system to identify optimal parameters for programming a cardiac stimulator by a matrix-based decision algorithm using sensor data representing cardiovascular function. The parameters include pacing intervals optimized concurrently to produce the maximum resulting cardiac function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Berthold Stegemann, Hans-Juergen Bruns
  • Patent number: 9604064
    Abstract: Generally, the disclosure is directed one or more methods or systems of cardiac pacing employing a plurality of left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using a first one of the left ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left and right ventricular electrodes. Pacing using a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Employing weighted sums of the measured activation times to measure a fusion index and select one of the left ventricular electrodes for delivery of subsequent pacing pulses based on comparing fusion indices during pacing from different LV electrodes. One or more embodiments use the same fusion index to select an optimal A-V delay by comparing fusion indices during pacing with different A-V delays at resting atrial rates as well as rates above the resting rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Subham Ghosh, Robert W Stadler
  • Patent number: 9604065
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for cardiac rhythm management. In some cases, a system may include a pulse generator for generating pacing pulses for stimulating a heart of a patient; a memory; and a sensor configured to sense a response to a unwanted stimulation and to produce a corresponding sensor signal. A processing circuit may receive the sensor signal for a time after one or more pacing pulses, and may derive a time-frequency representation of the sensor signal based on the received sensor signal. The processing circuit may use the time-frequency representation of the sensor signal to help identify unwanted stimulation. Once unwanted stimulation is detected, the processing circuit may change the pacing pulses to help reduce or eliminate the unwanted stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Holly E. Rockweiler, David C. Olson, Sunipa Saha
  • Patent number: 9604066
    Abstract: An implantable lead assembly for an electrical stimulation system includes a first lead configured for insertion into a patient. A current-limiting arrangement is coupleable with the first lead. The current-limiting arrangement is configured for limiting the amount of RF-induced current propagating along a body of the first lead during an MRI procedure. The current-liming arrangement includes a safety device configured to couple to the lead body when the lead body is implanted in the patient. The safety device defines a first port extending along a length of the safety device. The first port is configured for receiving a proximal end portion of the lead body and covering each of multiple terminals disposed along the lead body to prevent the terminals from contacting patient tissue. The safety device provides an impedance of at least 50 ohms at one or more MRI RF frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Matthew Lee McDonald
  • Patent number: 9604067
    Abstract: A neurostimulator system includes a portable component configured for storing patient-specific data, and an external control device configured for obtaining the patient-specific data from the portable component. The portable component is an implantable neurostimulator, a patient's remote controller, and/or an external charger. The patient-specific data is imaging-related data. A method of storing data in a neurostimulation system includes generating patient-specific data, and storing the patient-specific data in at least one of the portable components. A method for programming the implantable neurostimulator includes receiving the patient-specific data from the portable component, simulating a volume of tissue activation for each of one or more candidate stimulation parameters, wherein the simulation is based at least in part on the patient-specific data, selecting at least one of the candidate stimulation parameters, and programming the implantable neurostimulator with the selected stimulation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Sridhar Kothandaraman, Michael A. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 9604068
    Abstract: A connector for an implantable electrical medical device includes a connector lumen defined in an elongated connector housing and adapted for receiving a portion of a lead. Connector-contact assemblies are disposed in the connector lumen. Each of the connector-contact assemblies includes a contact housing. Multiple connector contacts are arranged along perimeters of inner surfaces of the contact housings such that the connector contacts are not in electrical contact with one another. Each of the connector contacts includes a biasing structure that physically contacts terminals disposed along the lead when the lead is received by the connector lumen. For each connector contact of a particular connector-contact assembly, the biasing structure extends around no more than 70% of the perimeter of the inner surface of the contact housing and is circumferentially-offset from the biasing structures of the remaining connector contacts of the connector-contact assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Zdzislaw Bernard Malinowski
  • Patent number: 9604069
    Abstract: A defibrillator and method that uses ECG signals from limb lead electrodes for display and monitoring, even when a separate set of therapy pads are present at the patient. The limb lead ECG signal is used for display and to determine whether electrotherapy is necessary. The determination is a prerequisite to arming and delivery of the electrotherapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Eric Helfenbein, Saeed Babaeizadeh, Sophia Huai Zhou
  • Patent number: 9604070
    Abstract: A medical device such as an external defibrillator delivers electrical therapy using a special pulse sequence. The special pulse sequence includes a defibrillation shock that is automatically followed by a quick succession of automatic post-shock anti-tachycardia (APSAT) pacing pulses. Because of the pacing pulses, the defibrillation shock can be of lesser energy than an equivalent defibrillation shock of a larger energy. Accordingly, the external defibrillator can be made physically smaller and weigh less, without sacrificing the therapeutic effect of a larger external defibrillator that would deliver a defibrillation shock of higher energy. As such, the defibrillator is easier to configure for transporting, handling, and even wearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Sullivan, David Thomas Brown, David Peter Finch
  • Patent number: 9604071
    Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit and a multi-cell power source. The cells of the power source are coupled in a parallel configuration. The implantable medical device includes both a low power circuit that is selectively coupled between the first and second cells and a high power output circuit that is directly coupled to the first and second cells in a parallel configuration. An isolation circuit is coupled to the first cell, the second cell and the low power circuit to maintain a current isolation between the first cell and the second cell at least during delivery currents having a large magnitude that are delivered to the high power output circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph E Crutchfield, Mark R Boone, Lonny V Cabelka, Kevin P Kuehn, John T Meador, John D Norton, Craig L Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9604072
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable phototherapy device capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength and intensity sufficient to obtain a desired phototherapeutic effect to a subject, without being in direct physical contact with said subject. The device is portable, capable of being flattened, folded, rolled, compressed, or otherwise collapsed, to a size smaller than that of its operating size. The device may be of any size or shape, and may optionally comprise a frame support. The device may be powered by a variety of sources, including one or more batteries. The device may be configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation sufficient to obtain one or more of a variety of desired phototherapeutic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: LITTLE SPARROWS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Donna J. Brezinski
  • Patent number: 9604073
    Abstract: The invention provides polynucleotides and methods for expressing light-activated proteins in animal cells and altering an action potential of the cells by optical stimulation. The invention also provides animal cells and non-human animals comprising cells expressing the light-activated proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Karl Deisseroth, Feng Zhang, Viviana Gradinaru
  • Patent number: 9604074
    Abstract: Radiation therapy devices, systems and methods are in general sheet-like form, are characterized by flexibility, and include at least one spacer that can be a balloon or bubble that assists in placement of radio therapeutic members at desired treatment locations along or around a limb, within an existing body cavity, or at a site that was formed under a patient's skin for treatment purposes. Sarcoma treatment is particularly conducive to treatment by these devices, systems and methods. One or more detectors, such as microdiodes, are accommodated when desired on the device, and a hyperthermia tube or the like is also includable that delivers hyperthermia treatment for the target treatment site or sites. Data collected by the detector allows the medical professional to monitor radiation treatment and, when desired, interaction between hyperthermia treatment and radiation delivery by the radiation treatment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Mark A. D'Andrea
  • Patent number: 9604075
    Abstract: A method for calculating local part radiation doses in a radiotherapy system for applying a total radiation dose in a target volume with several beams is provided. The method includes determining at least one first control plane for controlling the dosing of the beams, determining at least one second control plane for controlling the positioning of the beams, and allocating beams to the first and second control planes. The method also includes, for at least one side of a first control plane, calculating in isolation of the corresponding local part radiation doses of all the beams allocated to the first control plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Christian Scholz
  • Patent number: 9604076
    Abstract: A radioactive seed and method for making a radioactive seed with selective magnetic imaging characteristics are provided. The seed includes a housing which may include a metal shell for at least partially enclosing a radioactive material. The shell encloses a rod having a nickel layer with a phosphorous content, wherein the phosphorous content includes a level of phosphorous sufficient, when the seed is implanted in tissue, to provide a magnetic resonance image of the seed while substantially eliminating gross artifacts in the magnetic resonance image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Drobnik, Michael W. Drobnik
  • Patent number: 9604077
    Abstract: A method of real-time radiotherapy beam visualization is provided that includes disposing a free-form flexible scintillating sheet on a subject of interest, irradiating the subject of interest with a source of ionizing radiation, where the free-forming flexible scintillating sheet emits light when irradiated by the therapeutic photon beam, collecting the emitted light and collecting ambient light reflected from the subject of interest and surrounding objects using a camera, where the collected light is converted to image data by the camera, where the image data is communicated to an appropriately programmed computer, and processing the image data to determine beam characteristics and the characteristics of the subject of interest, using the appropriately programmed computer, where the beam characteristics and the characteristics of the subject of interest are displayed in real-time to a machine operator enabling real-time verification of treatment delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Lei Xing, Dominik Jan Naczynski, Cesare Jenkins
  • Patent number: 9604078
    Abstract: A method of treatment for enamel with substantially aqueous-free, enamel protectant and repair brushing gels containing: stannous fluoride, calcium and a substantivity agent comprising: an emulsion of polydimethylsiloxane in a nonionic surfactant, wherein substantivity of said stannous fluoride and calcium into biofilm present on enamel is enhanced through calcium binding shifting from bidentate to monodentate in the presence of stannous fluoride; and said brushing gels have substantially improved, enamel protectant factor (EPF) and enamel repair factor (ERF) values compared to fluoride brushing treatments with comparable or higher fluoride levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Premier Dental Products Company
    Inventors: William A. McHale, Dale G. Brown
  • Patent number: 9604079
    Abstract: A rope-climbing device has an upper assembly with planar side plates spaced apart by a roller, such that the side plates rotate relative to one another about a roller axis, a spine unit comprising planar links of common width each of half the plate spacing, the links pivoted at a central point, and a lower assembly comprising third and fourth side plates spaced apart by a clamp element such that the third and fourth side plates are enabled to rotate relative to one another about the clamp axis, and the clamp element is enabled to clamp a rope between the plates. The device may be opened by aligning pivot points, a rope inserted, and closed on the rope. Engaged on the rope, the device may be set to slide on the rope, or clamp to the rope by action of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Merritt Arboreal Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Jaime A. Merritt
  • Patent number: 9604080
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) includes a back plate defining a plurality of apertures therein that are arranged in two columns extending down opposing side edges of the back plate. The apertures are sized and spaced to receive mounting straps that are configured to interface with webbing straps of a carrying jacket to fasten the back plate to the jacket. The mounting assembly also includes a tank securing strap with a quick release mechanism that is fastened to the back plate. The tank securing strap is configured to engage a supply tank to releasably fasten the tank to the back plate. The mounting assembly further includes a valve retaining mount disposed on the plate. The valve retaining mount is configured to releasably secure an air supply valve to the back plate for engagement with the supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Scott Health & Safety Ltd.
    Inventors: Graham Langford, John Patrick Kearns, Robert C. Sutton
  • Patent number: 9604081
    Abstract: An apparatus for extinguishing a fire on a stovetop, the apparatus including a container detachably mountable to a microwave positioned above the stove top, the container having a closure movable between an open and closed position on the container. A projection member is connected to the container, the projection member movable with respect to the container between a retracted and extended position. A supply of fire suppressant material is retainable within the container when the closure is in the closed position. A heat responsive actuator is disposed on the container. When the container is mounted to the microwave over a first burner, and the fire on the stovetop actuates the heat responsive actuator, the closure moves to the open position and the projection member moves to the extended position, the projection member forcing a second burner portion of the supply of fire suppressant material toward the second burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Suppressor, LLC
    Inventors: Rick Scarola, John Berry, Dave Seeman, Evan Reese
  • Patent number: 9604082
    Abstract: A fore-grip specially suited and configured to mount upon a tank-style fire-extinguisher for use as a defensive tool, the fore-grip including a handle that mounts near the base or bottom-end of the extinguisher tank. A tank bracket is attached to the tank of the fire extinguisher with the fore-grip mounted to the bracket, which can include a clip for the extinguisher nozzle. A user is able to concurrently grasp the handle of the fore-grip to lift and to lift and aim the fire-extinguisher, while opening the manual valve to discharge the pressurized propellant from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: MPACT MPOWER, LLC.
    Inventor: Nathan D. Henyan
  • Patent number: 9604083
    Abstract: A device for suppressing and/or extinguishing a fire associated with a container may include a housing defining a hollow sleeve and a column configured to be received within the hollow sleeve. The column may define a first chamber, a second chamber, at least one aperture, and a piercing end configured to pierce a barrier. The first chamber may be configured to receive an expansion agent, and the second chamber may be configured to receive a fire extinguishing agent. The device may be configured such that upon activation of the expansion agent, the column extends from the housing so as to enable the piercing end to penetrate the container and to enable the fire extinguishing agent to be delivered into an interior of the container via the at least one aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION
    Inventor: James B. Popp
  • Patent number: 9604084
    Abstract: A sprinkler is provided for a firefighting installation including a network of vacuum sprinklers. The sprinkler includes: a fixing connector, which allows the sprinkler to be connected to pipe work and has a nozzle; a fusible member; and a shutoff member for shutting off the nozzle, held in shutoff position by the fusible member. The fusible member is kept bearing against the shutoff member by a moveable bearing, capable of allowing the shutoff member to leave its shutting-off position when the pressure in the nozzle exceeds a predetermined pressure. An ejecting element for ejecting the shutoff member is mounted outside the nozzle and acts in a pulling sense on the shutoff member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: VACTEC
    Inventor: Maurice Kadoche
  • Patent number: 9604085
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a formulation and associated method for neutralizing one or more toxic chemical and/or materials including toxic industrial chemicals and toxic industrial materials, such as irritants, heavy metals, radioactive metals, acids and acid irritants, pesticides, and various agricultural chemicals, (collectively referred to as toxic chemical, materials, or simply toxins) as well as decontaminating surfaces that have come into contact with these agents. As a result, the formulation of the present invention can be used for neutralizing a broad spectrum of toxic chemicals and materials. In one embodiment, the active ingredient comprises 2, 3, butanedione monoxime (also known as diacetyl monoxime (DAM)), and alkali salts thereof such as potassium 2,3-butanedione monoxime (KBDO). The formulation also typically includes a carrier in which the active ingredient is dispersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Emergent Protective Products Canada ULC
    Inventors: Timothy G. Henry, Barbara B. Price
  • Patent number: 9604086
    Abstract: An assisted chin/dip exercise apparatus has a main frame and an assist or foot bar pivotally mounted on the frame and linked to a weight stack or resistance for assisting a user standing on the foot bar during performance of chin and dip exercises. The main frame has a first, overhead handle assembly and a second, dip handle assembly below the first handle assembly. The first handle assembly includes a pair of adjustably mounted handles freely pivotable between a first, chin-up position in which the handles extend towards one another at a rearward angle with a small spacing between the handles and a second, pull-up position in which the handles extend in a forward direction and are spaced apart by a larger spacing sufficient to provide head clearance for a user stepping onto the foot bar or while performing a dip exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Owen Meredith, Billy Y. Kim, Adam Sanders Guier
  • Patent number: 9604087
    Abstract: Various apparatuses for rope-climbing and associated methods are provided. Embodiments include a circular loop of rope and a variable braking system allowing for a freely suspended rope-climbing experience a safe distance from the ground and at a speed variable to individual users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher Brown, Lawrence Shirley, II
  • Patent number: 9604088
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing weighted resistance to swimmers are provided. The device can be portable and easy to use and set-up. In one exemplary embodiment, a resistance training device includes opposed pulley modules having a rope disposed between one or more pulleys of each of the two modules, a weighted component associated with one end of the rope, an attachment mechanism for attaching the device to a substantially fixed location, and a user interface for associating another end of the rope with a user. In use, the device can be fixed to a substantially fixed location, such as a dive block, and can provide resistance based, at least in part, on the amount of weight associated with the weighted component disposed in the water. Other systems, devices, and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Douglas R. Djang
  • Patent number: 9604089
    Abstract: A machine for exercising the rotator cuff muscles that is operable to individually and separately isolate and exercise each of the four rotator cuff muscles while the user is in a seated position. The exercise machine includes a plurality of structural elements including a main vertical beam and a base frame operable to be positioned on the ground, where the main beam extends vertically from the base frame. The machine includes a plurality of pulleys mounted to the structural elements and a plurality of exercise cables running through the pulleys, where handles are coupled to the exercise cables. A seat is mounted to the vertical beam and the handles are positioned relative thereto to allow the user to grasp the handles and perform the several exercises for each arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Rotator Cuff Rehab, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Cervone, Robert J. Irvine
  • Patent number: 9604090
    Abstract: A weight stack assembly is for an exercise apparatus. The weight stack assembly comprises a plurality of primary weights and a plurality of secondary weights that are located next to the plurality of primary weights. A head plate is on the plurality of primary weights. A primary weight selector mechanism is on the head plate and is configured to couple a user force receiving member to one or more of the plurality of primary weights. A secondary weight selector mechanism is on the head plate and is configured to couple the head plate to a first secondary weight in the plurality of secondary weights, and to couple the head plate to a second secondary weight in the plurality of secondary weights. The secondary weight selector mechanism is configured to engage with the first secondary weight so that the first secondary weight remains balanced in the horizontal direction when a force is applied to the user force receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Mathew R. Meyer, Lee M. Atwood
  • Patent number: 9604091
    Abstract: A variable weight toning strap having a flexible member and a plurality of generally rectangular sections, wherein each of the plurality of generally rectangular sections are disposed transversely along the flexible member length, include a top surface at least partially defining an upper surface of the flexible member, at least one perpendicular sidewall extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top surface, and a section width separating a rear face and a front face of the sections. Two of the sections have a discontinuous upper slit defined by the at least one perpendicular sidewall of each of said sections flanking the upper slit, wherein the upper slit spans the section width and terminates into a valley. The sections also define a plurality of channels therein, which house a plurality of weights, each selectively removably and frictionally retained by the respective plurality of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: BETTER WAY INVENTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen C. Haley
  • Patent number: 9604092
    Abstract: An exercise dumbbell includes a handle member and weights positioned at opposite ends of the handle member. An additional weight forms a box about the handle member and the end weights. At least one weight selector is movably mounted on the handle member to selectively engage the end weights. At least one connector is movably mounted on the box weight to selectively engage the handle member. A circuit includes at least one sensor that generates a signal that represents how much force is required to lift the handle member and any weights secured thereto, and a display that displays the force. At least one latch prevents movement of the selector and/or the connector when the handle member is removed from a support base for the weights and the handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: NAUTILUS, INC.
    Inventor: Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 9604093
    Abstract: An exercise device may comprise first and second elongated support members, at least one brace member for holding the first and second support members in a spaced apart relation to each other and a limb support device being disposed between the first and second support members and being interconnected thereto for sliding longitudinal relative to the first and second support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SMYTH AND HART MEDICAL INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Smyth
  • Patent number: 9604094
    Abstract: A portable exercise machine is provided for rotator cuff exercise. The portable exercise machine includes a flat board having an upper surface and a U-shaped cutout for receiving a torso of a user. A pair of opposing, rotatable arms are affixed to the upper surface of the flat board. The distal end of each arm includes a handle adapted to be grasped by a user and the proximal end of each arm is pivotally coupled to a steel coil. The steel coil provides resistance against the rotation of the distal end of the arms. The steel coil can be removably affixed to an inner connection region or an outer connection region of the flat board. The outer connection region provides resistance for inward movement of the arms and the inner connection region provides resistance for outward movement of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Antranik Kosyan
  • Patent number: 9604095
    Abstract: An exercise machine carriage handle system for providing handles for an exerciser to grasp with their hands thereby expanding the type of exercises that may be performed. The exercise machine carriage handle system generally includes a frame having a track, a carriage movably connected to the track, a bias member connected between the frame and the carriage, a first handle connected to the carriage near the first side, and a second handle connected to the carriage near the second side. The first handle and second handle are adapted for grasping with a first hand and a second hand respectively of a user during the performance of an exercise on the exercise machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree, John C. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 9604096
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a frame, left and right foot link supporting left and right foot pads. The left and right foot pads synchronously move out of phase through an elliptical path having an adjustable step height. The apparatus may include left and right side arms pivotally connected to the left and right foot links and pivotally supported by the frame. Left and right cranks eccentrically support left and right crank guides. Left and right links each have a first end pivotably connected to left and right foot links and a second end operably coupled to the left and right crank guides, respectively. A movable adjustment member is connected to left and right flexible members operably coupled to the left and right foot links. Movement of the adjustable member adjusts an extent to which the left and right flexible members wrap about the respective left and right crank guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Precor Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter J. Arnold, James S. Birrell
  • Patent number: 9604097
    Abstract: An exercise machine cable adjustment system for providing efficient adjustment of the effective length of one or more cables. The exercise machine cable adjustment system generally includes a frame, a carriage movably positioned upon the frame and a pair of cables adjustably connected to the carriage to allow for adjustment of the effective length for each of the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree
  • Patent number: 9604098
    Abstract: An exercise device comprises a frame, two pedals, two first swing arms, two second swing arms, a resistance device, two link rods, two cranks, two limiting rods, and a stride-adjusting device. Each first swing arm has two ends, in which one end pivotally connects to the frame, and the other connects to one second swing arm. Each second swing arm has two ends, in which one end connects to one first swing arm, and the other connects to one pedal. Each crank includes an end connecting to an axle of the resistance device and another end connecting to one link rod. Each link rod includes two ends, in which one end connects to one crank, and the other connects to an area of one second swing arm. Each pedal sildely couples with one corresponding limiting rod, and an end of each limiting rod movably couples with the stride-adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Hsuan-Fu Huang, Han-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 9604099
    Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine includes a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal attached to a frame to travel along reciprocating paths. A resistance mechanism is also integrated into the elliptical exercise machine to resist movement of the first and second foot pedals along the reciprocating paths. A locking mechanism is arranged to secure the first and second foot pedals in place and prevent them from moving when the locking mechanism is in a secured mode. The locking mechanism is in communication with a locking input mechanism and is arranged to switch between the secured mode and an operational mode that allows the first and second foot pedals to travel in response to user input received through the locking input mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9604100
    Abstract: A sports training aid is configured to help improve a player's skills in the game of lacrosse. The sports training aid can embody a lacrosse stick with a head and shaft. In one implementation, the lacrosse stick includes one or more sensors that change state. A controller couples with the sensors to administer one or more training modes. Each training mode can cause the controller to associate the change in state of the sensors in response to movement of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Marc Goldberg
  • Patent number: 9604101
    Abstract: A golf swing analysis device includes a joint force calculation section and a torque extraction section. The joint force calculation section generates a double pendulum model that includes a first link that corresponds to an upper part of a body of a golfer, a second link that corresponds to a golf club, and a joint that links the first link and the second link, and calculates a joint force applied to the joint along with a swing motion using an acceleration measured by an inertial sensor attached to the golf club. The torque extraction section extracts a torque that causes the second link to make a rotational motion around a first axis from the joint force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: Seiko Epson Corporation, Keio University
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Shibuya, Ken Ota