Patents Issued in April 18, 2017
  • Patent number: 9623195
    Abstract: A needle assembly for an injection pen (22) has a sleeve (21) supporting internally a double-ended needle having an injection end and a non-injection end (25). The end of the sleeve surrounding the non-injection end (25) of the needle is divided into deformable segments (28) and is internally threaded for interengagement with a threaded boss (23) of the injection pen (22). A collar (29) is mounted on the sleeve (21) for sliding movement between a first position where the collar (29) overlies the segmented end and maintains interengagement of the threads at that end with those of the injection pen boss (23) and a second position where the segments may expand radially to come free of the injection pen boss (23). The needle may be mounted on a carrier (68) slidable with respect to the sleeve (21), the carrier (68) being coupled to the sleeve (21) for movement thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Barry Peter Liversidge
  • Patent number: 9623196
    Abstract: An air trap is disclosed that includes a body having a sealed interior space with an inner wall, a center axis, and an inlet and an outlet on the center axis. The air trap also includes at least one projection disposed within the interior space and coupled to the inner wall. The at least one projection extends from the inner wall toward the center axis with an inner edge nearest to the center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventor: Gregg Rodne Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 9623197
    Abstract: A pressurized medical instrument may include a piston handle system, a locking release system and a pressure display system. The piston handle system may include a piston, a piston seal, a handle and a rear cover. The locking release system may include a push button, a fixed support, a locking block, one or more springs and a slide block. The pressure display system may include a coating, a gauge stand, a lateral board, a gauge stand seal ring, a pressure gauge seal ring, a snapper, a pressure gauge and a rotary Luer conical tapered fitting. The pressurized medical instrument may facilitate rapid boosting operation by two hands, vacuum pumping by two hands and rapid pressure relief by a single hand. The instrument is characterized by ease-of-operation, quick boosting and pressure relief for observing easily the pressure value at different operating angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: BEIJING DEMAX MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Deng Qiang Jia, Qiang Li, Zhen Shan Bao
  • Patent number: 9623198
    Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Eric Yeaton
  • Patent number: 9623199
    Abstract: The invention refers to an injection device comprising a delivery mechanism for injection of a medicament, preferably through a needle, and an end of dose mechanism comprising a feedback element, wherein the end of dose mechanism is operable to be activated at a position at which the delivery mechanism reaches the end of the dose and the end of dose mechanism is further operable to force the feedback element to move into a feedback direction which is opposite or parallel to the activation direction of a release button and/or into the longitudinal direction, wherein the activation direction is preferably a longitudinal direction of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Richter, Ross Macarthur
  • Patent number: 9623200
    Abstract: A reservoir for a nebulizer, and a nebulizer with a reservoir in which, to avoid undesirable rises in pressure, a fluid chamber of the reservoir is pre-collapsed and filled with an initial amount of fluid which is less than the maximum volume of the fluid chamber. Preferably, before being filled, the fluid chamber is compressed and/or expanded by means of gas to a defined volume which is less than the maximum volume of the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Holakovsky, Matthias Hausmann, Guido Schmiedel, Florian Witte, Johannes Geser, Gerald Mathe, Martin Meisenheimer, Antonino Lanci, Elmar Mock, Martin Sigrist
  • Patent number: 9623201
    Abstract: The body has a fluid inlet port for receiving pressurized fluid and a fluid outlet port connected to the retention balloon. A first passage connects the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port. A second passage in the body is connected to the balloon fluid return path and is at the pressure of the retention balloon. A valve prevents fluid flow through the first passage when actuated. The valve includes a pressure-responsive member movable to a position to obstruct fluid flow in response to fluid pressure in the second passage exceeding the predetermined level. Flexible means such as a membrane defines a normally open portion of the first fluid passage, which is closed by the moveable means bearing on the membrane when pressure exceeding the predetermined level actuates the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CONVATEC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Gregory, Yun Jin, John B. Cline
  • Patent number: 9623202
    Abstract: Presented herein are various methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration. More specifically, the method includes a first step of determining an optimal relative angle between the patient's mouth and throat at which the patient's airway is optimally opened. The method also includes a second step of adjusting a head positioning pillow relative to the patient's head and neck to modify and transform the configuration of the pillow to achieve a pillow position that achieves the optimal relative angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: BANYAN LICENSING L.L.C.
    Inventors: Edmund Scott Davis, Antonio Arcieri
  • Patent number: 9623203
    Abstract: A respiratory assistance device including a pair of prongs which are airways to be attached to a user's nose, and a blower which is connected to the pair of prongs and sends air to the user's nasal cavity via the prongs. The blower is placed on and is in contact with the user's mouth. The blower includes a housing including an intake port from which gas is taken in, a flow channel through which the air taken in via the intake port flows, and a discharge port which sends the air flowing through the flow channel toward the prongs, an impeller arranged in the housing so that its front side faces the intake port, and a partition member arranged on a rear side of the impeller so that a slit is formed along an inner periphery of the housing thereby partitioning the rear side into a space where the impeller is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: METRAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazufuku Nitta, Shinichi Shiota, Masashi Higashiura
  • Patent number: 9623204
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrolysis apparatus that includes an anode electrically connectable to a direct current electrical source. The apparatus also includes a cathode comprising a proximal segment and a distal segment. The proximal segment is electrically connectable to the direct current electrical source. Further, the apparatus includes a hydrogen collector receptacle that limits generation and collection of hydrogen at the cathode to a specified amount. The hydrogen collector receptacle encompasses a portion of the cathode. Also, the apparatus includes a delivery device that receives hydrogen from and is connected to the hydrogen collector receptacle. According to one embodiment, the hydrogen gas generated in the electrolysis apparatus and collected in the collector receptacle is less than about 4.5% of a user's breath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Bruce J McGill, Stephen Doughty, Tim Nieman
  • Patent number: 9623205
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inhaler component for forming a vapor/air mixture or/and condensation aerosol by evaporation of a liquid material (18) and, if appropriate, condensation of the formed vapor, comprising: an electric heating element for evaporating a portion of the liquid material (18); a wick with a capillary structure, which wick forms a composite (10) with the heating element and automatically supplies the heating element with the liquid material (18); a carrier plate (11), preferably a printed circuit board, which carries the composite (10) and on which the heating element is electrically contacted; a capillary gap (16) formed at least partially by the carrier plate (11) and automatically supplying the composite (10) with the liquid material (18), by means of an end portion of the wick extending into the capillary gap (16); a liquid container (19) which contains the liquid material (18) and from which the capillary gap (16) draws the liquid material (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: BATMARK LIMITED
    Inventor: Helmut Buchberger
  • Patent number: 9623206
    Abstract: A catheter having a selectively variable degree of flexibility includes an elongate tubular outer member and an elongate tubular inner member disposed within the outer member. The catheter further includes a cavity disposed in between the outer and inner members. A tubular braid of filaments may be disposed within the cavity. The outer and inner members are movable relative to each other along intermediate portions thereof when in a first configuration, and are not movable relative to each other when in a second configuration. When the inner and outer members are in the first configuration, the tubular braid of filaments is movably disposed relative to at least one of the outer member and the inner member. When the inner and outer members are in the second configuration, the inner and outer members clamp the tubular braid of filaments in a fixed position relative to the inner and outer members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Jeffry S. Melsheimer
  • Patent number: 9623207
    Abstract: A guide catheter assembly includes an outer sheath and an inner catheter disposed, at least partially, within the outer sheath. A tether tethers the inner catheter to the outer sheath. The guide catheter assembly has a first configuration where the tether is untensioned and distal ends of the outer sheath and inner catheter are pointing in a first direction. In a second configuration of the guide catheter assembly, the tether is tensioned, the distal end of the outer sheath is pointing in the first direction, the distal end of the inner catheter is pointing in a second direction that is different from the first direction, and the tether is oriented at an angle different from both the first direction and the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Indiana University Research & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: A. George Akingba, Frank J. Fischer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9623208
    Abstract: Instruments and methods for tracking such instruments in a human patient. One embodiment of an instrument in accordance with the invention comprises an elongated body, such as an elongated flexible member, which has a distal section configured to be passed through a vessel or other passageway in a human. The instrument can further include a lumen through the distal section and a magnetic marker having a transponder at the distal section. The transponder includes a circuit configured to be energized by a wirelessly transmitted magnetic excitation energy and to wirelessly transmit a magnetic location signal in response to the excitation energy. The magnetic marker, for example, can be attached to or otherwise integral with the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Nelson Wright, Steven C. Dimmer
  • Patent number: 9623209
    Abstract: A catheter system including a housing and a drive mechanism supported by the housing is provided. The drive mechanism includes an engagement structure configured to engage and to impart movement to a guide wire. The engagement structure defines a path for the guide wire, and the engagement structure is moveable between an engaged position in which the engagement structure engages the guide wire and a disengaged position in which the engagement structure does not engage the guide wire. The catheter system includes a biasing element configured to bias the engagement structure toward the engaged position, and the biasing element is aligned generally parallel to the path defined by the engagement structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CORINDUS, INC.
    Inventors: Tal Wenderow, Thomas Bromander, James J. Kennedy, III, Stanley O. Thompson, Jon B. Taylor, Jeffrey Lightcap
  • Patent number: 9623210
    Abstract: Catheter assemblies are described having a catheter hub with a catheter tube and a needle hub with a needle projecting through the catheter tube. The catheter hub has a valve or a septum for stopping or slowing down the flow of fluid in or out of the catheter hub when the valve or septum is closed. The valve or septum has an exposed proximal wall that enables the valve to be wiped or cleaned with an antiseptic solution. The valve further has a cavity for receiving at least part of a needle guard, which is incorporated for preventing accidental needle stick with the needle tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: B. Braun Melsungen AG
    Inventor: Kevin Woehr
  • Patent number: 9623211
    Abstract: An endovascular device monitoring system is provided that determines, based on movement of the endovascular device past a selected reference location, at least one of a movement rate of a endovascular device and position of a distal end of a endovascular device in a body of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Spectranetics Corporation
    Inventors: Brandon Thomas Hendrick, Blaine Andrew Schneider
  • Patent number: 9623212
    Abstract: A guide wire includes an elongated wire body having flexibility; a distal member that covers a distal portion of the wire body and is configured to have a resin material; and a hydrophilic lubricant layer that is formed so as to cover a proximal end of the distal member and is configured to have a hydrophilic material. In addition, the hydrophilic lubricant layer has a tapered shape whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward a proximal side. In addition, the maximum outer diameter of the hydrophilic lubricant layer is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the distal member. In addition, a proximal portion of the distal member has a tapered shape whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the proximal side, and a distal end of the hydrophilic lubricant layer is positioned at the tapered portion of the distal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yutaka Tano, Yousuke Nabeshima
  • Patent number: 9623213
    Abstract: A dilation apparatus comprises an elongate member and a dilation assembly that is slidable along the elongate member. The dilation assembly comprises a platform and an inflatable dilator. The platform and the elongate member cooperate to absorb inflation forces from the dilator directed toward the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, such that the dilation forces are exerted against tissue asymmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The dilation apparatus may be used to dilate the ethmoid infundibulum in a human patient. Various devices may be used to maintain the dilated state of an ethmoid infundibulum, including a wedge, a mesh, and a tether. An illuminator may be configured to reach around an uncinate process, retract the uncinate process, and then illuminate the ethmoid infundibulum to provide improved visualization of the ethmoid infundibulum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy J. Kesten, Daniel T. Harfe, Eric Goldfarb
  • Patent number: 9623214
    Abstract: A trans-endoscopic hydraulic balloon dilation apparatus includes a fluid reservoir containing a hydraulic fluid. A shaft has a lumen in fluid communication with a leading end of the fluid reservoir. A balloon is mounted on the shaft and an opening in the shaft enables hydraulic fluid to flow through the opening into or from the balloon. A piston secured to a leading end of a piston rod is slideably positioned within a lumen of the fluid reservoir. A hub secured to a trailing end of the fluid reservoir is centrally apertured to accommodate the piston rod so that a trailing end of the piston rod is external to the fluid reservoir. Displacement of the piston rod in a trailing-to-leading direction causes expansion of the balloon. Displacement of the piston rod in a leading-to-trailing direction causes deflation of the balloon. The piston can be locked into any position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: James Stephen Barthel
  • Patent number: 9623215
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for coating drug eluting medical devices. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus including a coating application unit comprising a movement restriction structure; a fluid applicator; and an air nozzle. The apparatus can further include a rotation mechanism and an axial motion mechanism, the axial motion mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the coating application unit and the rotation mechanism with respect to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Surmodics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Andrew G. Bach, Mark MacGregor
  • Patent number: 9623216
    Abstract: Adjustable balloon catheter including an inner tubular member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, an inflation lumen and a fluid lumen defined therein. An expandable member is coupled to the distal end portion and has an inner chamber defined therein in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, the expandable member transitionable between a deflated and inflated configuration. The expandable member further has an exterior surface, the exterior surface having at least one pore structure defined therein in fluid communication with the fluid lumen. An outer tubular member is movable relative to the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member, the outer tubular member being moveable between an extended position and a retracted position, the outer tubular member being selectively positioned between the extended position and the retracted position to define an exposed length of the working length of the expandable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Marc Gianotti
  • Patent number: 9623217
    Abstract: Various methods employing transvascular access devices are described, including a method of placing a central catheter in a peripheral vein in an arm of a patient; a method of providing percutaneous access to the heart of a patient; a method of clearing a clotted arteriovenous dialysis graft; a method of creating multiple access points into a single blood vessel; a method of creating an AV fistula in a patient; and a method of providing a bypass to a blockage in a popliteal artery in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: VASCULAR ACCESS TECHONLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Lakshmikumar Pillai
  • Patent number: 9623219
    Abstract: Surgical dilators with tips having curved tapers and with a minimal distance between the distal and proximal ends of the dilator tips provide for precision placement of miniature medical devices at a target area in a body with reduced insertion force. A contour of a longitudinal cross section of the dilator tip comprises a first convex portion extending from the distal end to a first interface; a concave portion extending from the first interface to a second interface; and a second convex portion extending from the second interface to a third interface at the proximal end. The first convex portion and the second convex portion are convex relative to an interior of the tip and the concave portion is concave relative to the interior of the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
    Inventor: Joseph L. Calderon
  • Patent number: 9623220
    Abstract: Suture tracking dilators and methods for removing implanted medical devices such as microstimulators or microsensors from living tissue are described. A suture tracking dilator has a slit running along its axial length. The slit can have a curved portion. A suture is attached to a medical device prior to its implantation. To remove the implanted medical device, the free end of the suture is exposed and inserted in the slit in the suture tracking dilator. The suture is held under tension at its free end, the dilator is inserted in the living tissue and the dilator follows the suture to the implanted medical device. The medical device is removed by pulling on the free end of the suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
    Inventors: Michael R. Perrin, Kenneth L. Ripley, Joseph L. Calderon
  • Patent number: 9623221
    Abstract: An implantable electrode array assembly configured to stimulate tissue of a recipient, including an elongate member configured to be inserted into a recipient, wherein at least a portion of the elongate member includes a bio-active substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Peter Gibson
  • Patent number: 9623222
    Abstract: A drug depot implantable at or near a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient is provided, the drug depot comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a drug; at least one line having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the line attached to the drug depot; an anchor attached to the distal end of the line and configured to limit movement of the drug depot at or near the target tissue site, wherein the drug depot is capable of releasing the therapeutically effective amount of the drug over a period of at least one day. In some embodiments, the drug depot provided can include an effective amount of at least analgesic and/or at least one anti-inflammatory agent at or near a target site, and can reduce, prevent or treat inflammation and/or pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. McKay
  • Patent number: 9623223
    Abstract: Provided herein are self-expanding wound dressings that include a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and a liquid-expandable layer disposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer, wherein the liquid-expandable layer includes a plurality of liquid-expandable articles retained by a substrate, wherein the plurality of liquid-expandable articles expand to form expanded articles upon contact with a liquid. Also provided is a method of treating an individual having a bleeding wound, the method including applying a self-expanding wound dressing to the wound. Also provided are methods of manufacturing a wound dressing, the methods including forming an absorbent material into a plurality of liquid-expandable articles, coupling the plurality of liquid-expandable articles to a substrate to form a liquid-expandable layer, and positioning the liquid-expandable layer between a first outer layer and a second outer layer to form the wound dressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: REVMEDX, Inc.
    Inventors: John Steinbaugh, Mary Bullard, Andrew Barofsky
  • Patent number: 9623224
    Abstract: Systems and methods of stimulating or activating fluids for use in wound treatment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: KCI LICENSING, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, Richard Daniel John Coulthard
  • Patent number: 9623225
    Abstract: This invention describes an electronic skin care device including therein a specimen dispenser. Specimens are dispensed from the device after the specimen information stored in the storage component located in the dispenser is processed by the device. The user skin information stored in another storage component located in the device may also be utilized so that dispensed specimens have desired properties for the user's skin care need.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: La Pierres, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuchen Zhou, Hieu Tieu, Chao Uei Wahng, David Hu
  • Patent number: 9623226
    Abstract: This invention refers to a device capable of rapidly and efficiently converting the energy in a laser pulse into a high-impulse broadband pressure wave and to its applications in the transient permeabilization of a biological membrane, including the outer layers of the skin, without causing damage or discomfort. A method to deliver drugs and biologically active compounds to or through the skin, or biological barriers, with this device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Universidade de Coimbra
    Inventors: Goncalo Fernando Ferreira De Sa, Carlos Alberto Lourenco De Serpa Soares, Luis Guilherme Da Silva Arnaut Moreira
  • Patent number: 9623227
    Abstract: A tubing set suitable for use in co-operation with a machine for carrying out a hemodialysis treatment of a patient's blood includes a blood out-tube for supplying the blood from the patient to a filter, a blood in-tube for supplying the blood from the filter back to the patient, and a substitution tube connected to the blood in-tube or the blood out-tube suitable for providing a substitution fluid in the patient's blood. The substitution tube includes an insert for the infusion of drugs, with the insert being configured to cooperate with a vial. A method of delivering drugs includes use of the tubing set, including the substitution tube, the insert, and the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: PRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Reinhold Rieter, Massimo Fini
  • Patent number: 9623228
    Abstract: Systems and methods are adapted for treating the carotid artery. The systems include interventional catheters and blood vessel access devices that are adapted for transcervical insertion into the carotid artery. Embodiments of the systems and methods can be used in combination with embolic protection systems including blood flow reversal mechanisms, arterial filters, and arterial occlusion devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Silk Road Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Ari Ryan, Alan K. Schaer, Gregory M. Hyde, Richard J. Renati, Michi E. Garrison
  • Patent number: 9623229
    Abstract: A polymeric tubular conduit including a polymeric tubular conduit wall having an outer tubular layer coaxially overlaying an inner tubular layer which defines a continuous tubular passage along a polymeric tubular conduit length of the polymeric tubular conduit; whereby the outer tubular layer, the inner tubular layer, or combinations thereof, include an amount of antimicrobial agent. The amount of antimicrobial agent can be sufficient to kill or inhibit growth of microorganisms in contact with a corresponding polymeric tubular conduit wall external surface, polymeric tubular conduit wall internal surface, or combinations thereof, of the polymeric tubular conduit wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: WilMarc Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Coulson, Marcia Coulson
  • Patent number: 9623230
    Abstract: Provided is an IV flow controller which adjusts the amount of an IV material supplied to a patient through an IV tube and to which a flushing feature is added. The IV controller according to the present invention includes: a first body unit, a second body unit, a fixed roller, and a driving roller. The fixed roller is fixedly and rotatably arranged, and has a first gear unit and a second gear unit. The driving roller is accommodated such that a portion thereof is exposed, and the driving roller is moved along the lengthwise direction while controlling the flow of the IV when the exposed portion is turned. Also, in the flushing position, the driving roller rotates in cooperation with the first gear unit of the fixed roller across the IV tube so as to flush the latter. The second gear unit of the fixed roller may be configured so as to have a ratchet gear, and the second body unit has a pawl which meshes with the ratchet gear of the fixed roller in order to prevent reverse rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Dong Kwan Kim, Dong Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 9623231
    Abstract: A skin surface electrode used in the treatment of incontinence. The electrode has one or more conductive regions and an egress through which bodily fluid may pass without substantially adversely affecting tissue contact in the conductive regions of the electrode. The electrode is configured for placement proximate a patient's perineal tissues. An incontinence treatment system includes an electrode, wearable signal generator and interface module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Elidah, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kolb, Gloria Kolb
  • Patent number: 9623232
    Abstract: A method and medical system for operating three electrodes electrically coupled to three proximal contacts carried by three lead bodies is provided. The electrodes are implanted adjacent tissue of a patient and include a middle electrode and a pair of electrodes flanking the middle electrode. Electrical energy is conveyed between three different pairs of the proximal contacts, thereby respectively generating three electrical fields in the tissue between three electrode pairs. A potential of each of the electrical fields is measured at the remaining electrodes via the remaining proximal contacts, respectively. The lead body associated with the middle electrode is identified based on the measured electrical field potentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Changfang Zhu
  • Patent number: 9623233
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for simultaneously stimulating the spinal anatomy at various locations, such as spinal levels, along the spinal cord. By stimulating multiple levels of the spinal column with the use of a single device, a single access path is created to an implantable pulse generator (IPG) rather than individual access paths for each lead at each spinal level to an IPG. By reducing the number of pathways, the procedure complexity, time and recovery are reduced. In addition, some embodiments provide additional specificity within each targeted level, such as selective stimulation of specific tissue, such as the dorsal root ganglion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.A.R.L. (“SJM LUX SMI”)
    Inventor: Mir A. Imran
  • Patent number: 9623234
    Abstract: In some examples, a system includes an implantable medical device configured for implantation in a chamber of the heart, an extension attached to the implantable medical device, the extension comprising a housing comprising at least one electrode, the housing defining a hole, and a tether comprising a first tether portion and a second tether portion and configured to be threaded through the hole. When the tether is threaded through the hole, the first tether portion and the second tether portion are on opposite sides of the hole. The tether may be used to implant the extension in a different chamber of the heart of the patient than the implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth M Anderson
  • Patent number: 9623235
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a left ventricular lead for tracking over a guide wire into a coronary sinus and providing active fixation in, or adjacent to, the coronary sinus. The guide wire is configured for coronary sinus lead implantation and has an outer diameter. In one embodiment, the lead includes a tubular body including a proximal end, a distal end and a central lumen through which the guide wire is extendable. The lead also includes a lead connector end proximally projecting from the proximal end and comprising at least one electrical contact. The lead also includes a fixed helical anchor comprising a wire member having a diameter of between approximately 0.22 mm and approximately 0.27 mm. The wire member distally extends away from the distal end in a helical arrangement including an inner helical coil diameter that is sufficient to allow the guide wire to extend through the fixed helical anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Gene A. Bornzin, Zoltan Somogyi, Didier Theret
  • Patent number: 9623236
    Abstract: The present invention includes devices and methods for lead or conduit placement in tissues or organs. The devices include a lead or conduit placement device that is configured to permit the placement foot, such as a suction foot, to swivel to a desired position with respect to the target tissue, while the lead is releasably attached to the placement foot to permit it to be released from the placement foot after fixing the lead or conduit in the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Subhajit Datta
  • Patent number: 9623237
    Abstract: Various examples are directed to systems and methods comprising receiving a control signal at a control circuit of a surgical device. The control circuit may comprise a first circuit portion coupled to at least one switch operable between an open state and a closed state. The first circuit portion may be configured to communicate with a surgical generator over a conductor pair to receive the control signal and may comprise at least one resistor coupled to the at least one switch. Methods may also comprise determining the state of the at least one switch based on the value of the resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas J. Turner, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Vincent P. Battaglia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9623238
    Abstract: The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of achalasia. Individuals with achalasia are treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Endostim, Inc.
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, Shai Policker, Bevil Hogg
  • Patent number: 9623239
    Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, apparatus and methods of use for treating a subject in need of assistance with breathing. In some embodiments the subject suffers from airflow obstruction. In some embodiments, the subject suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Apellis Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Cedric Francois, Angus McLachlan
  • Patent number: 9623240
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exercise-induced bronchospasm and post-operative bronchospasm. The treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that activate neural pathways to reduce the release of acetycholine from airway-related vagal preganglionic neurons within the brain of the patient. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers to produce the bronchodilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 9623241
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for treating osteoarthritis. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve providing stimulation to a subject's central nervous system to modulate a signal sent to or from the subject's joint, thereby treating osteoarthritis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Highland Instruments
    Inventors: Timothy Andrew Wagner, Felipe Fregni
  • Patent number: 9623242
    Abstract: A method of generating frequency-modulated pulse trains in a CI includes dividing data representing audio spanning frequency bands into a plurality of bins associated with each frequency band, each bin representing an energy level of the data within the frequency band within a period of time; associating each frequency band with a phase probability that starts at an initial phase probability value (PPV), resets to a minimum PPV after generating a pulse, and increases from the minimum PPV to a maximum PPV over a period of time; for each bin, assigning a power probability as a normalized intensity being a number between a minimum power probability and a maximum power probability representing the energy level of the bin, and generating a pulse in an electrode associated with the frequency band associated with the bin when a random number generated is less than the power probability divided by the phase probability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, RESONANCE MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Claus-Peter Richter, Reagan Roberts
  • Patent number: 9623243
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are therefore provided herein for stimulating a desired physiological effect. The methods and apparatus can be used to control micturition, defecation and/or ejaculation. The methods and apparatus also can be used to control pain in the lower pelvic region, for example and without limitation, interstitial cystitis. The methods and apparatus also can be used to increase sexual sensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Michael B. Chancellor, Changfeng Tai
  • Patent number: 9623244
    Abstract: An electrical neuromodulation system configured for minimizing energy consumption of a neuromodulation device includes an external control device configured for receiving input from a user, the neuromodulation device in communication with the external control device, and control/processing circuitry. The control/processing circuitry is configured for automatically (a) adjusting a modulation parameter value (e.g., by a step size) to create a currently adjusted modulation parameter value that decreases the energy consumption of the neuromodulation device, (b) instructing the neuromodulation device to deliver electrical energy to at least one electrode in accordance with the currently adjusted modulation parameter value, (c) determining whether a manual parameter adjustment was made by the user in response to step (b), and (d) if the manual parameter adjustment was not made, deeming the currently adjusted modulation parameter value as a previously adjusted modulation parameter value and repeating steps (a)-(d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Sridhar Kothandaraman
  • Patent number: 9623245
    Abstract: A therapy program for peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) may be selected based on user input indicating a desired therapeutic effect for a user-specified region in which a patient feels pain. In other examples, PNFS may be programmed based on input from a user selecting at least one region from among a plurality of regions in which the patient experiences pain. In addition, the PNFS may be programmed based on user input defining an aspect of PNFS for the selected region, such as a relative intensity of PNFS delivered to at least two selected regions, a balance of PNFS between at least two regions, a desired shift in PNFS from a first region to a second region, or an extent to which a first stimulation field within a first region overlaps with a second stimulation field in a second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. King, Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Jordan J. Greenberg