Patents Issued in April 18, 2017
  • Patent number: 9622890
    Abstract: [Object] It is an object of the present invention to provide a catheter for forming a biological tissue holding member by which a body lumen can be maintained in a dilated state even after a procedure of dilating a target part of the body lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuichi Tada
  • Patent number: 9622891
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass methods of forming coatings, particularly coatings for medical devices, and more particularly, for braided or woven medical devices. Embodiments of the present invention encompass the coatings and the coated devices. The coatings may include a polymer and optionally a therapeutic agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamyn Serna, Michael Huy Ngo, Syed F. A. Hossainy, O. Mikael Trollsas
  • Patent number: 9622892
    Abstract: A sheath for deploying a medical device to a target site in the body of a patient. A tubular inner liner has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an outer surface. An outer jacket has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an inner surface. A reinforcing member is received within a length of the outer jacket. The outer jacket is positioned longitudinally around the inner liner and bonded to the outer surface of the liner. The reinforcing member, which may be a triaxial braid, or an encapsulated longitudinal reinforcing wire, extends along the outer jacket length and is configured for inhibiting elongation of the sheath upon deployment of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Brett O. Baker, Carrie L. Fercik Grant, James C. Merk, Scott E. Boatman, David A. Drewes, Jr., Michael D. Deckard
  • Patent number: 9622893
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for facilitating deployment of an implantable medical device including a stent graft. A restraining device, such as cord or suture, holds at least the proximal end of the stent in a radially inwardly compressed configuration during delivery to a desired location within the lumen of a patient's vessel. Withdrawal of one or more trigger wires facilitates the release and removal of the restraining cord from the proximal end of the stent so as to allow the stent to become fully deployed within vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Matthew S. Huser
  • Patent number: 9622894
    Abstract: The apparatus has a delivery shaft 30 bearing a tubular device constrained within a moveable sheath 36, and a handle comprising a hollow shaft 124 with a static grip 126 and a grip slider 122 movable proximally or distally. The grip slider is connected to a slider block 24 fixed to a sheath hub 6 to which the sheath is fastened. A retraction wheel 120 has a spool 2 for winding a retraction wire 121 connected to a retraction block 20 in contact with the slider block enabling the slider block to be pushed as the retraction block is retracted distally. Initial incremental movement of the retraction block by winding of the retraction wire, moves the slider block and retraction block simultaneously. Subsequently the slider block is movable independently of the retraction block using the grip slider, leaving the retraction block behind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Vascutek Limited
    Inventor: Graham McGee
  • Patent number: 9622895
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a stent loading and delivery device, and methods for making and using the device. The device includes a handle assembly and an outer tubular member extending distally from the handle assembly. A proximal end of the outer tubular member is attached to a first handle of the handle assembly. The device includes an intermediate tubular member slidably disposed within the outer tubular member and an inner elongate member extending distally from the handle assembly within the intermediate tubular member. A stent constrainment mechanism is attached to a distal end of the intermediate tubular member and can receive a stent into a distal opening of the stent constrainment mechanism in an expanded state. Upon longitudinal actuation of the outer tubular member the stent constrainment mechanism collapses radially inward around the stent to constrain it within the outer tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Adam L. Cohen, Manjunath Penagondla, Joshin Sahadevan, Naroun Suan, Ra Nam, Saroun Suan
  • Patent number: 9622896
    Abstract: A sealing device attached to an intragastric balloon device having a at least one flexible membrane aligned with and configured to seal an aspiration port of a lumen when the membrane is in a closed state and further configured to provide access to the lumen when the membrane is in a open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ReShape Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Outhit Bouasaysy, Mark Ashby
  • Patent number: 9622897
    Abstract: A gastrointestinal device for implanting within a patient's gastrointestinal tract, the device having a central axis and a first expandable portion comprising a hollow tubular braided structure of wire and having a first cylinder extending parallel to the central axis, the first cylinder having a length and a first face; a neck portion extending from the first face of the first expandable portion parallel to the central axis, the neck portion having a first end, a second end, a wall extending between the first end and second end, and a diameter sized to fit within a pylorus; and a second expandable portion comprising a hollow tubular braided structure of wire and having a second cylinder extending parallel to the central axis, the second cylinder having a second face located at the proximal end of the second cylinder and oriented transverse to the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: MetaModix, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Stangenes, Werner Schwarz, Kedar R. Belhe, Mathew Ziebol, Edward Anderson
  • Patent number: 9622898
    Abstract: An ankle brace received by a footwear boot prevents extension or flexion of the foot while walking. The ankle brace includes a pair of side trusses joined at the top by a shin band and at the bottom by a metatarsal band. When placed on the boot the shin band extends over and across a lower front portion of the shin bone, the metatarsal band extends over the toes and lower foot, and the pair of trusses extend along the inside and outside in a parallel manner from the front of the foot to the ankle and up to the lower shin. A heel strap and heel cup attached to the pair of trusses extends around and receives the back of the boot, retaining the brace in place against the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Charles W. Weber
  • Patent number: 9622899
    Abstract: A device and method for using the device arranged to maintain anatomical alignment between a joint by creating a dynamic load around the joint to restore and maintain the anatomical alignment. The orthotic device uses a hinge to create a directed force on a tibia by maintaining misalignment of an instant center of rotation (ICoR) of the hinge at a position relative to an anatomical knee joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Harry Duane Romo, Bjorn Omarsson, Arni Thor Ingimundarson
  • Patent number: 9622900
    Abstract: A knee brace which allows the same bolster pad to be used for either the right or left leg, is adjustable to compensate for the differing angle between men and women and allows individual adjustment for each patient's comfort and brace rotation for proper fit and joint alignment. These characteristics are obtained by a contoured bolster that is selectively mountable at various positions on either side of the shin cross piece depending on whether the brace is for the left or right leg, the bolster always being on the medial side of the shin to contact the flat section on the front of the shin thereby minimizing unwanted rotation of the brace. The bolster pad has a front face with a curvature matched to a curvature of an inner side of the cross piece and a flat on a rear side to contact the front of the shin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Townsend Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven S. Knecht
  • Patent number: 9622901
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a supportive sleepy heads neck pillow comprising a pillow with a bone structure support inside the pillow and a clip/strap system that is fixed to the bone structure, wherein the bone structure support is fully incased in the pillow, and the bone structure support comprises three parts, which may be adjustable; a neck bone support, an arm bone, and an upper back bone. The invention can also be used awake for comfort and support while relaxing, watching TV, playing video games, gambling, etc. It can also be used for head and neck support for people who have neck injuries, or to prevent neck injuries during transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Alice Jean Schwingendorf, Gabriel Olivier Durand
  • Patent number: 9622902
    Abstract: A device providing erection assistance includes an open-ended and radially elastic tubular cuff adapted to fit over a male penis. The cuff's length is such that it can extend from the base of the penis to as far as the corona thereof. The cuff includes at least one wall region defining a void region along the wall region's length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ENCORE PRODUCTS INC
    Inventors: Ronald G Bublick, Linda L Bublick
  • Patent number: 9622903
    Abstract: An ostomy appliance for attachment to a stoma, the ostomy appliance comprising: an adhesive wafer (100) defining a passage for receiving a stoma of a user, the adhesive wafer comprising a backing layer and a skin facing adhesive layer; and a collecting bag (116) which in use is secured to the adhesive wafer; wherein the adhesive wafer in a first adhesive zone has a first set of properties and in a second adhesive zone (104) has a second set of properties, the first zone defining three or more radially extending zones, wherein the second zone defines one or more interconnecting parts (110), each of which interconnects at least two of the radially extending zones (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Dorrit Diana Israelson, Hasse Buus, Charlotte Klein, Kristoffer Hansen, Henrik Edvardsen
  • Patent number: 9622904
    Abstract: A therapeutic collar comprising an elongate body made from a flexible material for extending around at least a portion of the neck of a patient. The body has a length approximating the circumference of the neck, two thermoelectric devices for overlying two carotid arteries in the neck and two thermoelectric devices for overlying of two vertebral arteries in the neck when the elongate body is secured around the neck of the patient. At least one cooling tube is carried by the elongate body and extends in the vicinity of each of the thermoelectric devices for removing heat from the thermoelectric devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Neuron Guard S.r.l.
    Inventor: Enrico Giuliani
  • Patent number: 9622905
    Abstract: A thermotherapy device with a reclining surface (6) for a patient and with two radiant heaters (3, 4) directed towards the reclining surface (6) and with a control unit (5), which is set up to control the heat output of each of the radiant heaters (3, 4). The reclining surface (6) includes structure for pivoting about an axis of rotation (12) at right angles to a body axis (11) of the patient. An angle or slope sensor (13) detects the deviation of the position of the reclining surface (6) from the horizontal plane. The control unit (5) is connected to the angle or slope sensor and adapts the heat output of each of the first radiant heater and of the second radiant heater (4) as a function of the detected measured value of the slope such that the heat output of each heater differs by a predetermined factor and the heat output of each heater is equal when the reclining surface is in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Jochim Koch
  • Patent number: 9622906
    Abstract: A dermatological device for cooling the skin comprised of an ice pack and a heat conductive shield configured to operate as an aseptic separator between said skin and the ice pack and to conduct heat from the skin to the ice pack. This invention is also a method of cooling the skin which comprises cooling an ice pack, placing the ice pack over an aseptic shield and applying the other side of the shield to the skin. Heat flow is controlled by adjusting the contact surface between components within the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Elizabeth Joyce Levy
  • Patent number: 9622907
    Abstract: A medical pad has multiple layers. A first layer is for containing a first thermal-exchange fluid circulatable therethrough, with the medical pad being operable for thermal exchange between the first thermal-exchange fluid and a patient through a first side of the first layer. A second layer of the medical pad is interconnected to a second side of the first layer, opposite to the first side of the first layer. The second layer encloses a second thermal-exchange fluid that may have a freezing point of 0° C. or less. The medical pad is operable for thermal exchange between the second thermal-exchange fluid and the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Medivance Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary A. Carson, Michael R. Hoglund, Marc E. Voorhees
  • Patent number: 9622908
    Abstract: A device is provided for cooling intra nasally the brain of a patient, in particular of a patient suffering from cardiovascular emergency. The device comprises a pressurized gas container for containing a gas or a mixture of gases, and at least one cannula with a lumen, a proximal opening and at least one distal opening. The cannula is for introduction into the patient's nasopharynx. Upon operation, gas expands adiabatically upon exiting from the at least one cannula, thereby cools and provides a coolant effect on the nasopharynx and inside the nasal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Schiller Medical S.A.S.
    Inventor: Guy Fontaine
  • Patent number: 9622909
    Abstract: Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Cooling Therapy, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Kulstad, Hugh Patrick Caherty
  • Patent number: 9622910
    Abstract: A pressure-driven valve is disclosed. The valve includes a housing, a fluid flow channel, and a deflectable portion. The housing comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid flow channel extends between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The deflectable portion is disposed within the housing, and defines a portion of the fluid flow channel. The deflectable portion is configured to deflect to increase and decrease a size of the fluid flow channel to regulate fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The deflectable portion is disposed and arranged to deflect as a result of pressure differentials between a reference pressure, a fluid flow channel pressure, and an outlet pressure representative of fluid pressure at the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Leslie A Field, Matthew J. A. Rickard
  • Patent number: 9622911
    Abstract: Ophthalmic treatment systems and methods of using the systems are disclosed. The ophthalmic treatment systems include (a) a light source device; (b) at least one optical treatment head operatively coupled to the light source device, comprising a light source array, and providing at least one treatment light; and (c) a light control device, which (i) provides patterned or discontinuous treatment light projection onto an eye (e.g., the cornea and/or sclera of an eye); or (ii) adjusts intensity of part or all of the light source array, providing adjusted intensity treatment light projection onto an eye (e.g., the cornea and/or sclera of an eye). The at least one treatment light promotes corneal and/or scleral collagen cross-linking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CXL Ophthalmics, LLC
    Inventors: Roy S. Rubinfeld, Sandy T. Feldman, Kevin E. Daly, Raymond A. Hartman
  • Patent number: 9622912
    Abstract: An optical device comprising an optical hydrogel with select regions that have been irradiated with laser light having a pulse energy from 0.01 nJ to 50 nJ and a wavelength from 600 nm to 900 nm. The irradiated regions are characterized by a positive change in refractive index of from 0.01 to 0.06, and exhibit little or no scattering loss. The optical hydrogel is prepared with a hydrophilic monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Wayne H. Knox, Li Ding, Jay F. Kunzler, Dharmendra Jani
  • Patent number: 9622913
    Abstract: An imaging-based laser system can include a laser-beam system, configured to generate and scan a beam of laser pulses with an adjustable laser-power parameter to points of a scan-pattern in an eye, and an imaging-based laser-controller, configured to image a layer in the eye, to control the scanning of the beam of laser pulses to the points of the scan-pattern, and to control a laser-power parameter of the laser pulses according to the distance of the points of the scan-pattern from the imaged layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon LenSx, Inc.
    Inventors: Gautam Chaudhary, Peter Goldstein, Imre Hegedus, Carlos German Suárez, David Calligori, Michael Karavitis
  • Patent number: 9622914
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for detecting leaks in systems for treating a patient with reduced pressure. In one instance, a system includes a distribution manifold for disposing proximate to the tissue site and a sealing member for disposing over the distribution manifold and at least a portion of intact epidermis of the patient. The sealing member has at least a portion that is substantially transparent. The system further includes a reduced-pressure source associated with the distribution manifold for providing reduced pressure to the distribution manifold and a leak-detection member sized and configured to substantially surround the distribution manifold. The leak-detection member includes a detection material that develops a color contrast when a portion is exposed to air and a portion is not exposed to air. The leak detection member works with even low flow systems. Other systems, methods, and apparatus are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, Aidan Marcus Tout, Justin Alexander Long
  • Patent number: 9622915
    Abstract: Microstrain-inducing manifolds, systems, and methods are presented that involve microstrain-inducing manifolds that include a plurality of shaped projections for creating microstrain. The shaped projections may be tapered projections. A system may include a sealing member for placing over the tissue site, a microstrain-inducing manifold, and a reduced-pressure subsystem that delivers reduced pressure to the sealing member. The reduced pressure causes the shaped projections to create microstrain at the tissue site. Other methods, apparatuses, and systems are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Robinson, Christopher Brian Locke, Aidan Marcus Tout
  • Patent number: 9622916
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as disposable diaper, training pant, and adult incontinence undergarment comprising an absorbent structure comprising superabsorbent polymer particles, the article being able to absorb and contain body exudates and having improved absorption properties and therefore being able to reduce leakage, especially at the first gush, i.e. when the article starts to be wetted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger, Marc Jennewein, Marion Lutsche, Andrea Peri, Maike Thomann
  • Patent number: 9622917
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing absorbent articles includes: a swinging mechanism that feeds an elastic member while swinging the elastic member along a cross direction crossing a conveyance direction of a sheet-shaped continuum constituting an absorbent article, and that disposes a part of the elastic member on the continuum; a guiding member that conveys the elastic member; a cutting mechanism that cuts the elastic member; a joining mechanism that conveys the elastic member and the continuum that are supplied from the guiding mechanism to be taken along an outer periphery of the joining mechanism; and a sheet supply mechanism that supplies a sheet member onto an end portion in the cross direction of the continuum. A tangential direction of a deviation point at which the continuum is spaced from the guiding mechanism and a tangential direction of an arrival point at which the continuum reaches the joining mechanism are coincident with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Takeuchi, Taizo Horiwaki
  • Patent number: 9622918
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing a disposable product with a contoured leg opening. In this method at least one chip is removed from at least one ear of a disposable product. The chip may be removed from an ear prior to attaching the ear to the chassis web. Alternatively, the chip may be removed from the ear after the ear is attached to the chassis web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Curt G. Joe, Inc.
    Inventors: John McCabe, Jeff Fritz, Robert E. Andrews
  • Patent number: 9622919
    Abstract: A process of forming a shaped, dimensionally stable tampon includes the steps of: radially compressing a tampon blank to form a dimensionally stable intermediate pledget having an intermediate pledget diameter and a longitudinal axis; placing the intermediate pledget into a hollow carrier and inserting the intermediate pledget and hollow carrier into a mold; urging the intermediate pledget into the mold via a ram bearing on an end of the intermediate pledget contained within the hollow carrier and withdrawing the hollow carrier from the mold to permit the exposed end of the intermediate pledget to substantially fill the mold and to form the shaped, dimensionally stable tampon; removing the shaped, dimensionally stable tampon from the mold; and enclosing the shaped, dimensionally stable tampon in a primary package that conforms to the shape thereof. The mold has an access opening through which the hollow carrier can be withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson GmbH
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Pelley
  • Patent number: 9622920
    Abstract: An article including a front region, a back region, and a chassis. The chassis may include an absorbent core having a front end edge and a back end edge. The front region and the back region may extend laterally outward beyond side edges of the chassis. The front region and the back region may abut to form a first seam and a second seam. At least one of the front region and the back region may include an elastic member. A first outer nonwoven layer of the front region and a second outer nonwoven layer of the back region may be folded to form an upper edge in the front and back regions such that a distal end of each of the first and second outer nonwoven layer may be disposed between the upper edge and the front and back end edges of the absorbent core, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Eiro Fukuda, Eric Patton Weinberger, Daniel Clark Buchner
  • Patent number: 9622921
    Abstract: An absorbent article that has a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorber, and a liquid-permeable top-layer sheet is joined with a skin contact surface side of the topsheet. The top-layer sheet is arranged along a lengthwise direction in a central portion of a widthwise direction of the absorbent article, and non-joined regions that are not joined with the topsheet are provided at both widthwise ends of the top-layer sheet. A compressing portion in which at least the topsheet and the absorber are compressed in the thickness-wise direction, is formed around the non-joined region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Kudo, Yuji Takahashi, Mari Yasui
  • Patent number: 9622922
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article of a brief or pull-up type incorporates a breathable laminate material composed of two layers. The laminate is an elastic material and may include non-elastic portions created by deactivating the material. The laminate material may be made breathable by the ultrasonic bonding process used to create the laminate. A third layer is adhered or bonded to the laminate and with leg elastics positioned between the laminate that the third layer. The absorbent article includes an absorbent assembly that overlaps with the non-elastic portions of the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Nelson
  • Patent number: 9622923
    Abstract: An absorbent body in absorbent articles that causes exudates to disperse in a planar direction and a method of producing the same. The absorbent body has an absorbent core material covered with a cover sheet. The core material has a mass per unit area of 650 g/m2 or less and includes a first liquid absorbent layer containing hydrophilic fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles in a mixed state and a second liquid absorbent layer containing the hydrophilic fibers but none of the superabsorbent polymer particles, wherein the first liquid absorbent layer and the second liquid absorbent layer are overlap with each other and the hydrophilic fibers are in contact with each other between the first liquid absorbent layer and the second liquid absorbent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Goda, Shinichi Ishikawa, Kengo Ochi, Koichiro Mitsui, Masashi Nakashita, Satoru Tange
  • Patent number: 9622924
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid absorption and distribution enhancement (FADE) product comprises at least one flow media layer, and at least one superabsorbent polymer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew B. Sunday, Joseph H. Althaus, Brian E. Henslee, Benjamin C. MacMurray
  • Patent number: 9622925
    Abstract: A fastening member has inboard and outboard ends, a panel region, an end region, and a stiffening element. The panel region is disposed adjacent to the inboard end and has first and second layers. The first and second layers are joined in a face-to-face orientation. The end region is disposed adjacent to the outboard end and has a fastening element zone and an intermediate zone. The intermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and the panel region adjacent an interface between the panel and end regions. The stiffening element is disposed in the end region and has a stiffness of greater than about 200 N/m. A portion of the stiffening element is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and is joined to the first layer and the second layer. The portion is disposed adjacent to the interface between the panel region and the end region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Anna Elizabeth Macura, Michael Irwin Lawson, Ronald Joseph Zink
  • Patent number: 9622926
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wheelchair (1) comprising: a chassis (3), a seat system (5) attached to the chassis (3), which seat system (5) has a backrest (5b) having a front side (5c) and a backside (5d), and an energy absorber (9) having a proximal end (9a) attached to the seat system (5) or joining the chassis (3), a distal end (9b) having means that enable attachment of straps or belts to the distal end (9b), and an intermediate portion (9c) extending from the proximal end (9a) to the distal end (9b) in a direction from the front side (5c) towards the back side (5d), wherein the intermediate portion (9c) has a curved portion adapted to straighten and plastically deform when the energy absorber (9) is subjected to a pulling force above a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Permobil AB
    Inventor: Magnus Andersson
  • Patent number: 9622927
    Abstract: The present invention relates to bed with extendable and retractable extensions. An articulating bed having four sections that articulate in conventional manner is provided. Two side extensions are provided that allow the deck width to be increased in width. Each extension has four pieces that act in unison and that are pivotally connected. The pivotal connections can be made of tabs formed from the side tubes of the respective sections. The first and fourth pieces have extension members that extend into preferably about half way through cross tubes of the first and fourth respective deck sections. The extension members can have glides that assist in the movement within the cross tubes. Pins can be provided to allow for rapid adjustment of the side extensions. Accessories can be removably pinned to the side extension for rapid removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: GF Health Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Edgerton
  • Patent number: 9622928
    Abstract: A surgical table including a patient support including a head end section including a pair of head end frames joined with a foot end section including a pair of foot end frames, each of the head end frames is inwardly joined with one of the foot end frames at a hinge. Each of the hinges including a drive chain positioned within the foot end frame and including a plurality of drive links coupled together, the drive chain coupled at opposite ends to a sprocket and a drive link, the sprocket being rotatably coupled with the head end section via a hinge pin. The drive link operably coupled with a motor to move the drive link within the foot end frame so as to move the drive chain and cause the sprocket to rotate such that the head end section articulates relative to the foot end section about the hinge pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9622930
    Abstract: A urinal includes a body that has a front wall, a rear wall, opposed side walls, a bottom wall and a top wall. The body has a front portion having an opening and has a rear portion. The body has an opening in the front wall portion adapted for entry of a male body portion. The front wall portion has an S-shaped portion forming a ridge extending below said opening. A ledge is formed by part of the S-shaped portion to form a support for the male body portion entered into the opening. The rear portion is higher than the front portion such that the body is tapered in a directon from back to front. The body also tapers in width from back to front, so that it is adapted to fit comfortably between the thighs of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Patricia Carol Sands
  • Patent number: 9622931
    Abstract: A portable hyperbaric chamber with a vertical mounting system includes an inflatable enclosure which is vertically positioned by a rigid base. An internal frame also functions as an additional mounting system so that the inflatable enclosure can be vertically positioned during pressurized and not pressurized instances. A plurality of fill valves allows the inflatable enclosure to be pressurized from externally positioned compressors, and the inside pressure of the inflatable enclosure is measured and displayed through a pressure gauge. The inside pressure can be controlled from a dump valve, a low pressure relief valve, and a high pressure relief valve so that the proper operating pressure can be maintained with the hyperbaric chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Bruce Elgin McKeeman
  • Patent number: 9622932
    Abstract: The gait rehabilitation robot having a passive mechanism includes: a first auxiliary link member connected to a portion between the pelvis and the knee of a rehabilitating person; a joint coupled to a lower end of the first auxiliary link member; a second auxiliary link member coupled to the lower end of the joint and connected to a portion between the pelvis and the knee of the rehabilitating person; a first spring coupled to an upper end of the first auxiliary link member to prevent introversion and extroversion of a hip point from occurring when the rehabilitating person is walking; a foot support which comes into contact with the foot of the rehabilitating person; an ankle joint for connecting the foot support and the second auxiliary link member; and a second spring coupled to a side of the foot support to compensate an entropion angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Seung-Jong Kim, Chang Hwan Kim, Jun Ho Choi, Chan Yul Jung, Jong Min Lee
  • Patent number: 9622933
    Abstract: A motorized machine for passively applying a tapping force to the bottoms of a user's feet includes a motor, a pedal rocking mechanism, at least one pedal and at least one bumper configured so as to cooperate to, during operation of the motor, cause the bottom portion of the at least one pedal to tap against the at least one bumper so as to provide pulsatile acceleration to the bottom of the user's foot. The pulsatile acceleration has a force sufficient to increase pulsatile shear stress to the endothelium, of sufficient magnitude to cause the release of beneficial mediators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Marvin Sackner, Jose Antonio Adams
  • Patent number: 9622934
    Abstract: A device to be added to a walker. The device is used to monitor, correct, and improve the user's posture. The device is removably affixed to the walker and includes a pair of grips which monitor the amount of weight applied to the grips. The device further tracks the weight applied to the grips over time and provides feedback of the weight to the user via the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: William Wilson
  • Patent number: 9622935
    Abstract: The massage machine includes a chair main body that includes: a seat part on which a person to be treated is seated, a backrest part, which is provided at a back part of the seat part, and on which the person to be treated leans, and a footrest which is provided at a front part of the seat part and supports leg parts of the person to be treated; guide rails and which are provided at the chair main body; and a first massage part and a second massage part which are configured to respectively move in the height direction along the guide rails. The first massage part moves at least from a position corresponding to the backrest part to a position corresponding to the seat part, and the second massage part moves at least from a position corresponding to the footrest to the position corresponding to the seat part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: FAMILY INADA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Fukuyama, Nobuhide Kimura
  • Patent number: 9622936
    Abstract: A foot stretcher assembly for stretching a foot includes a foot stretcher and a handle removably secured with the foot stretcher. The foot stretcher includes a sole that is flexible in response to receiving a foot. The foot stretcher assembly can also include a securing feature to maintain the foot relative to the foot stretcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Improvedance
    Inventor: Rodrigo Almarales
  • Patent number: 9622937
    Abstract: A roller massage system provides a pair of roller massage assemblies in opposed adjustable spaced relation to allow engagement of each one of the pair of roller massage assemblies on a corresponding massageable portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Roll Recovery, LLC
    Inventor: Jeremy J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9622938
    Abstract: A hand-held internal therapeutic massager includes a rod having a first portion that defines a curve and a second portion that is substantially straight. The first portion of the rod is adapted to be inserted into a patient's body. A curvature of the curve defined by the first portion of the rod is sufficient to prevent the second portion of the rod from entering a patient's body. A handle is located on the second portion of the rod and a pressure applicator on the first portion of the rod is adapted to be inserted into the patient's body for engagement with a localized area of myofascial tissue. A vibratory device is disposed within the handle and is operable to generate vibrations. The vibrations generated by the vibratory device are conducted through the rod to the pressure applicator to the localized area of myofascial tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: National Center for Pelvis Pain Research Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: David Wise
  • Patent number: 9622939
    Abstract: A method includes: providing a dial cap having vertical sides that meet at corners and the vertical sides including an aperture; coupling an info ring to the dial cap and seated within the dial cap; and wherein coupling the info ring includes coupling the info ring having a symbol configured to align with the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Patricia Buxton-Dakides
  • Patent number: 9622940
    Abstract: A medicine packaging PTP sheet capable of protecting a pocket from pressurization by external force in a combined state in which the medicine packaging PTP sheet has a first sheet in which a pocket capable of accommodating a medicine and a projecting convex portion each are projected from the upper surface and a second sheet which is attached to the lower surface of the first sheet and blocks an opening of the pocket. A first distance L1 from the upper surface of the first sheet to the projection end of the convex portion is longer than a second distance L2 from the upper surface of the first sheet to the projection end of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Nipro Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuaki Uetake