Patents Issued in May 30, 2017
  • Patent number: 9662449
    Abstract: A needle free injector system and a method for delivering a formulation using this system are disclosed. The method comprises actuating a needle free injector to pressurize a liquid formulation and force the formulation through an orifice in a skin puncture phase followed by injection of the formulation during a delivery phase. The skin puncture phase is defined by a pressure profile vs. time curve after actuation which has a main pressure peak with a maximum pressure. The delivery phase occurs at a lower pressure than the maximum pressure of the main peak pressure. The device may have one or more orifices and pressurizing the formulation during the puncture phase and delivery phase to extrude the formulation through each orifice is structured so as to improve characteristics of needle free delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Zogenix, Inc.
    Inventors: Brooks M. Boyd, Jeffrey A. Schuster
  • Patent number: 9662450
    Abstract: An article is described including an article surface, a primer coating or layer of SiOx, SiOxCy or SiNxCy applied to the article surface, and a deposit of lubricant applied to the primer coating or layer. The primer coating or layer of SiOx, SiOxCy or SiNxCy is applied by chemical vapor deposition of a polysiloxane or polysilazane precursor in the presence of oxygen. A first deposit of lubricant is applied to the primer coating or layer. The primer coating or layer improves the adhesion or wetting of the lubricant on the surface to be lubricated. Examples of such an article are a prefilled syringe having a barrel with a lubricated interior portion and a plunger tip that slides along it. Another example of such an article is a vial having a lubricated opening to receive a septum. Another aspect of the invention is a method of making such an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SIO2 MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Jones, Christopher Weikart, Steven J. Martin
  • Patent number: 9662451
    Abstract: A device useful for making retrobulbar injections includes an inner syringe contained within an outer syringe. A spring retained within the outer syringe biases the inner syringe proximally, which a catch mechanism on the two syringes prevents the inner syringe from moving out of the outer syringe. A distal needle on the inner syringe is movable within a distal sheath of the outer syringe, and can be extended beyond the distal end of the sheath to permit the device to piece more resilient tissues, and can be withdrawn by action of the spring within the sheath to protect more delicate tissues from the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Bruce Becker
  • Patent number: 9662452
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising a drive means configured to act on a medicament container for expelling a medicament; a holding means configured to hold said drive means in a pre-tensioned state; an activation means configured to interact with said holding means for releasing said drive means from the pre-tensioned state; wherein the device further comprises feedback means configured to interact both with said holding means and with said drive means for generating an audible and/or tactile and/or visual signal indicating that the medicament has been completely expelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SHL GROUP AB
    Inventor: Mattias Daniel
  • Patent number: 9662453
    Abstract: At least one dosing unit for an infusion pump is disclosed having a piston pump with a pump cylinder, a plunger arranged within said cylinder, and a plunger driving part provided for transmitting rotational torque from a driving unit to the plunger without itself being linearly displaced. The cylinder, the plunger and the plunger coupling element are coaxially arranged along a longitudinal axis and rotatable around said axis in regard to static parts of the dosing unit. The plunger and cylinder each having threads which engage with each other in such a way that a rotational movement of the plunger around the longitudinal axis results in a linear displacement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis. The dosing unit also having first coupling parts associated with the cylinder and second coupling parts associated with the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: David Teutsch, Martin Wyss, Ulrich Haueter, Simon Scheurer
  • Patent number: 9662454
    Abstract: A resettable dose setting mechanism for a drug delivery device comprising a driver for driving a spindle of the drug delivery device is provided. Said driver comprises a first component and a second component rotationally coupled to said first component. During resetting of said drug delivery device, said first component is rotationally decoupled from said second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: David Plumptre, Christopher Jones
  • Patent number: 9662455
    Abstract: A segmented safety cover may include: a) a proximal segment combined with a needle hub; b) a needle cannula that extends from the proximal needle hub to a distal sharpened end; c) a distal end cap with a hollow bore through which the cannula shaft passes; d) a centrally mounted toggle locking mechanism, separating the proximal needle hub from the distal end cap; e) the toggle locking mechanism is torsion spring assisted; f) a proximal cover segment is connected to the hub via a proximal hinge and a distal cover segment is connected to the end cap via a distal hinge; g) said proximal cover segment and said distal cover segment of said toggle locking mechanism being configured with abutting faces when the segmented safety cover is in a safety mode; and h) wherein the proximal hinge, abutting faces and distal hinge are in line in the safe mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: NPA LIMITED
    Inventor: Henry Wickham
  • Patent number: 9662456
    Abstract: Syringe assemblies are described with at least two co-axially positioned cylinders that move relative to one another by action of a spring. Aspects of the syringe assemblies include a protective unit in which a first cylinder of a first length is attached to a second cylinder of shorter second length. In different embodiments, a protective unit is formed of a single or singularly fabricated cylinder. The different protective units may be used with a syringe in which action of a plunger to push a plunger tip into contact with a distal wall of the syringe cylinder to discharge fluid located inside the syringe but does not immediately release the protective unit relative to the syringe cylinder to shield a needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: B. Braun Melsungen AG
    Inventor: Kevin P. Woehr
  • Patent number: 9662457
    Abstract: An injection device which includes a housing (12), a needle hub (38) slidable within the housing (12), a needle (40) having a distal end piercing tip (42) and a proximal end piercing tip (44), the needle hub (40) being moveable from a first position wherein the distal piercing tip (42) is within the housing to a second position wherein the distal end piercing tip (42) extends outwardly of housing (12), a first spring (23) biasing the needle hub (38) towards the first position, and a cartridge receiving member (48) mounted within the housing, and a plunger rod assembly (166), the plunger rod assembly (166) having a distal interior chamber (102) and a proximal interior chamber (103), the distal interior chamber (102) being designed to receive a cartridge (85) containing a liquid (89), the cartridge having a septum (87) and a plunger (88) to prevent exit of the liquid, and a second needle hub (91) located in the proximal chamber, a second hollow needle (92) mounted in the second needle hub, the second hollow nee
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Duoject Medical Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Reynolds, Daniel MacDonald, Yan Tremblay, Julie Trépanier
  • Patent number: 9662458
    Abstract: A catheter system includes a positioning catheter for receiving an injection needle into its lumen. Structurally, the injection needle incorporates a plurality of loops that are mounted directly onto its shaft. As the injection needle is moved in a distal direction to exit from the lumen of the catheter, the loops are individually biased to transition from a folded configuration, and into a deployed configuration. In their deployed configurations, the loops create a barrier that is oriented perpendicular to the needle. Thus, the barrier acts to limit the depth of insertion of the needle into target tissue of a patient, to a predetermined depth, and to prevent perforation of the target tissue by the catheter tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Richard A. Schatz
  • Patent number: 9662459
    Abstract: A control circuit that operably couples to a display and to a nerve block injection pressure sensor provides a display of both a current nerve block injection pressure value and a current nerve block injection pressure categorical range. That categorical range can comprise, for example, one of a plurality of available categorical ranges which may be visually differentiated from one another by color. The control circuit can also detect (and display) a maximum nerve block injection pressure value (and/or calculate a mean nerve block injection pressure value) as corresponds to a given monitored nerve block injection procedure. The control circuit can also detect negative nerve block injection pressure events and identify those events as aspiration events to facilitate keeping a count of aspiration events during the course of a given nerve block injection procedure. The control circuit can also help ensure observe of the proper patient laterality if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: B. Braun Melsungen AG
    Inventor: Admir Hadzic
  • Patent number: 9662460
    Abstract: A disposable syringe for use in a needleless injector includes a tubular body with an open rear end, a closed front end containing an injection orifice, a chamber in the body for receiving a liquid and a plunger slidable in the chamber for pushing the liquid out of the orifice. A tip is provided on the inner end of the plunger for separation from the remainder of the plunger to block the orifice when the plunger is retracted after an injection, whereby the syringe cannot be re-used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Karim Menassa
  • Patent number: 9662461
    Abstract: A pulmonary drug delivery system is disclosed, including a breath-powered, dry powder inhaler, and a cartridge for delivering a dry powder formulation. The inhaler and cartridge can be provided with a drug delivery formulation comprising, for example, a diketopiperazine and an active ingredient, including, small organic molecules, peptides and proteins, including, insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 for the treatment of disease and disorders, for example, endocrine disease such as diabetes and/or obesity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: MannKind Corporation
    Inventors: Chad C. Smutney, Benoit Adamo, John M. Polidoro, P. Spencer Kinsey, Dennis Overfield, Carl Sahi, Christine Billings, Mark T. Marino
  • Patent number: 9662462
    Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of a patient with both sleep-disordered breathing and diabetes includes: a blower configured to provide a supply of air at positive pressure; a patient interface; headgear to hold the patient interface in position in communication with a patient's airways; at least one hypoglycemia sensor; an alarm; and a controller, wherein the controller is programmed to receive a signal from the at least one hypoglycemia detector, analyze the signal for indications of hypoglycemia and upon detection of an indication of hypoglycemia trigger the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Donald Darkin, Klaus Henry Schindhelm, Carmel Therese Harrington
  • Patent number: 9662463
    Abstract: A PAP device includes a casing adapted to fit on top of the patient's head in use and a blower including a blower outlet provided within the casing. The blower outlet is angled and/or curved towards a lower wall of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: ResMed Motor Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Barton John Kenyon, David Brent Sears, Aleksandr S. Nagorny, Michael Bruce Moir
  • Patent number: 9662464
    Abstract: An automatic wireless pairing method includes causing a base unit to wirelessly communicate with a number of wireless peripheral devices and wirelessly receive a peripheral device data signal from each of the wireless peripheral devices, wherein the peripheral device data signal received from each of the wireless peripheral devices is based on one or more measurements made by a sensor of the wireless peripheral device, analyzing in the base unit each of the peripheral device data signals, selecting in the base unit one or more of the wireless peripheral devices based on the analyzing of the peripheral device data signals, and responsive to the selecting step, establishing or maintaining wireless communication according to the wireless communications protocol between the base unit and the selected one or more of the wireless peripheral devices and not the wireless peripheral devices other than the selected one or more of the wireless peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Benjamin Irwin Shelly, Jonathan Kurtz
  • Patent number: 9662465
    Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway device for insertion into a patient to provide an airway passage to the patient's glottic opening. The device includes an airway tube, a mask attached to the airway tube, a peripheral inflatable cuff, and an outlet for gas. The mask is attached to the airway tube for gaseous communication between the tube and an outlet. The device further includes an oesophageal drain that includes a conduit that extends from an inlet at the distal end of the mask to an outlet disposed outside the patient when the device is in place. The conduit includes a mask section and airway tube section, wherein the mask section is formed integrally in the material of the body of the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: THE LARYNGEAL MASK COMPANY LTD.
    Inventor: Archibald I. J. Brain
  • Patent number: 9662466
    Abstract: An imaging stylet is provided, including a deformable outer housing having a proximal end and a distal end with a longitudinal axis, and an opening provided at the distal end, an imaging device disposed at the distal end of the outer housing, a deformable support member disposed in the outer housing, and an actuator disposed in the outer housing and coupled to the imaging device. The imaging device is movable by the actuator from an inactivated position, in which the imaging device is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the distal end, to an activated position, in which the imaging device extends out of the opening at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Sanovas, Inc.
    Inventors: Erhan H. Gunday, Lawrence J. Gerrans, Alex Hsia
  • Patent number: 9662467
    Abstract: Breathing mask for supplying a breathing gas to a user of a mask includes a sealing lip to seal a mask support zone, a mask base body to form a mask interior chamber and a connector to connect at least one breathing gas line. The mask base body and/or the connector is provided with at least one de-coupling structure formed of an elastomer material. The de-coupling structure allows a relative movement between a mask body-sided circumferential foot portion of the sealing lip and the breathing gas line in at a tilt angle of at least 5°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: ResMed R&D Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Biener, Bernd Christoph Lang
  • Patent number: 9662468
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mixing at least two gases for delivery to the airway of a subject use a gas mixing circuit having a diffusion portion. The diffusion portion may be configured to elongate the shape of the cross-section of the path through the gas mixing circuit in a particular direction and/or orientation. As a result, the gas concentration profile of the gas mixture after the gas mixing circuit is more uniform than the gas concentration profile after the merging of multiple gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Eamonn Kelly, Romans Le Bang
  • Patent number: 9662469
    Abstract: A backspill prevention apparatus prevents water from a humidifier portion of a positive airway pressure (PAP) device from reaching a blower motor of a PAP device. The backspill prevention apparatus can include a variety of different devices, and is placed somewhere along an air passageway between a blower motor and a humidifier portion of a PAP device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: RedMed Limited
    Inventors: Aleksandr Nagorny, David Sears
  • Patent number: 9662470
    Abstract: A transseptal sheath defining a sheath lumen, a proximal end, and a distal end. A valve disposed within the sheath lumen proximate the distal end. The transseptal sheath defining at least one port along a portion of its periphery proximate the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Ablation Frontiers LLC
    Inventors: Ricardo D. Roman, Thomas M. Castellano
  • Patent number: 9662471
    Abstract: Catheters are provided which have a high capacity of axial (pushability) and rotational (torquability) movement with relative maximum flexibility and which, at the same time have the ability to adapt to at least partial variations of diameter under the thrust of other catheters or dilators travelling though the lumen or so as to flatten itself at least partially to travel through the lumen of other catheters, such as for example feed catheters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Gioachino Coppi
  • Patent number: 9662472
    Abstract: A system for convection enhanced delivery of therapeutic comprises one or more flexible, biocompatible microcatheters that are directed to a target location to deliver a therapeutic agent. The microcatheter is releasably coupled to a guide tube and directed to the desired location. The microcatheters are small and flexible in order to reach the target areas, minimize trauma at the injection site, and minimize reflux of the injectable therapeutic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: THE MCLEAN HOSPITAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Miles G. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 9662473
    Abstract: A deflectable, catheter includes a catheter body, an intermediate section, a tip electrode and a control handle for deflecting the catheter by manipulation of a puller element that is made of a high modulus fiber material and extends through the catheter body and the intermediate section. The proximal end of the puller element is housed in the control handle and the distal end of the puller element is in a wrapped configuration and engages with a distal tip member or the intermediate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin D. McDaniel, Dean M. Ponzi, Darrell Drysen
  • Patent number: 9662474
    Abstract: The invention relates to a design for securing tubes, catheters, drains, or other tubular medical devices within the body of a mammal, for example a human, and methods of securing same. The invention includes a first tubular body and at least one second tubular body. The first tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through a length of the tubular body, a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface, and a longitudinal axis. The at least one second tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally through the second tubular body, and a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface. The second tubular body is disposed through the wall of the first tubular body transversely to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: IQ Medical Devices, LLC
    Inventors: N R Chandrasekar, Donald McKay
  • Patent number: 9662475
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that secures a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) in place relative to a skin penetration point using subcutaneous anchors. In some implementations, the medical instrument can be coupled to the anchor device using a snap-lock cap mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: INTERRAD Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Rosenberg, Mark R. Christianson, Andrew T. Forsberg, Michael W. Augustine, Kim Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 9662476
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that secures a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) in place relative to a skin penetration point using subcutaneous anchors. In some implementations, the anchor device can be installed using a technique in which the subcutaneous anchors undergo relatively little or no flexing when being inserted through the skin into the subcutaneous region between the skin and underlying muscle tissue which may be occupied by fatty tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: INTERRAD Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Rosenberg, Mark R. Christianson, Kyle P. Taylor, Andrew T. Forsberg
  • Patent number: 9662477
    Abstract: The present technology is directed to introducer needle assemblies comprising a tapered needle; as well as to kits comprising a tapered needle, a guidewire and a dilator and sheath; as well as to methods of introducing a dilator to the interior of a patient's body as part of an interventional procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: TERUMO MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasutake Yamada, Linda E. Trask
  • Patent number: 9662478
    Abstract: Drainage systems for excess body fluids and associated methods are disclosed herein. A body fluid drainage system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, for example, can include a catheter that has an exterior surface, a proximal portion, and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion. The body fluid drainage system can further include a valve device, a pressure sensor, and a controller operatively coupled to the valve device and the pressure sensor. The valve device can include an actuator positioned over the exterior surface of the catheter. The actuator is movable between an open position that allows body fluid flow through the catheter, a closed position that at least substantially obstructs the body fluid flow through the catheter, and intermediate positions that partially obstruct the body fluid flow through the catheter. The controller can change the position of the actuator in response to a predetermined condition of the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Samuel R. Browd, Barry R. Lutz
  • Patent number: 9662479
    Abstract: Methods for treating hydrocephalus using a shunt, the shunt having one or more CSF intake openings in a distal portion, a valve disposed in a proximal portion of the shunt, and a lumen extending between the one or more CSF intake openings and the valve, the method comprises deploying the shunt in a body of a patient so that the distal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within a CP angle cistern, a body of the shunt is at least partially disposed within an IPS of the patient, and the proximal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within or proximate to a JV of the patient, wherein, after deployment of the shunt, CSF flows from the CP angle cistern to the JV via the shunt lumen at a flow rate in a range of 5 ml per hour to 15 ml per hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: CereVasc, LLC
    Inventors: Carl Heilman, Adel M. Malek, David A. Rezac, Timothy W. Robinson, Joseph Ting
  • Patent number: 9662480
    Abstract: Disclosed is an arterial access sheath for introducing an interventional device into an artery. The arterial access sheath includes an elongated body sized and shaped to be transcervically introduced into a common carotid artery at an access location in the neck and an internal lumen in the elongated body having a proximal opening in a proximal region of the elongated body and a distal opening in a distal region of the elongated body. The internal lumen provides a passageway for introducing an interventional device into the common carotid artery when the elongated body is positioned in the common carotid artery. The elongated body has a proximal section and a distalmost section that is more flexible than the proximal section. A ratio of an entire length of the distalmost section to an overall length of the sheath body is one tenth to one half the overall length of the sheath body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Silk Road Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart M. Kume, Michi E. Garrison, Michael P. Wallace, Herbert Mendoza, Marlon Moreno
  • Patent number: 9662481
    Abstract: Rectal suppositories are used to administer a predetermined drug dosage to treat a variety of diseases and symptoms in a variety of patient populations. Certain medical conditions, such as digestive disorders, may be more effectively treated when the suppository is placed in a particular location of the patient's anal canal or rectum. An apparatus for inserting a suppository can include an applicator having a barrel, such as a hollow cylindrical body, and a plunger, such as a substantially cylindrical elongated body. The apparatus can include features to ensure that beneficial gas flow paths associated with the plunger or the barrel are maintained or that the apparatus can accommodate suppositories of different sizes. Embodiments may include features to facilitate gripping and manipulation of the apparatus for use by patients with limited dexterity. These benefits may encourage patients to maintain a course of treatment, thereby potentially avoiding additional complications, hospitalization, and costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Cristcot LLC
    Inventor: Jennifer J. Davagian
  • Patent number: 9662482
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating skin has a console with a user input device and a handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly is configured to treat skin. A fluid line provides fluid communication between the console and the handpiece assembly. A manifold system is coupled to the console and controlled by the user input device. The manifold system is configured to hold releasably a plurality of fluid sources and deliver fluid from at least one of the plurality of fluid sources to the handpiece assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Edge Systems LLC
    Inventors: Roger Ignon, Scott Mallett, Abraham Solano, William Cohen
  • Patent number: 9662483
    Abstract: A rotary tattoo machine is disclosed. The rotary tattoo machine comprises a machine body having a recess, a cam wheel for insertion into the recess of the machine body, comprising: a first retaining element; a cam located on top of, and coaxially with, the first retaining element, the cam coupled with the first retaining element, wherein the cam is configured for coupling with an axle of an electric motor, such that rotation of the axle rotates the cam, and wherein the cam includes a location on its top surface, such that the location is not coaxial with the cam; a needle driving shaft coupled with the location on the top surface of the cam, wherein the shaft extends upwards from the cam; and a drive element coupled to the shaft, wherein the drive element is further coupled with a needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Gaston Siciliano
  • Patent number: 9662484
    Abstract: A skull mountable, implantable percutaneous fluid delivery device is described for use in delivering fluids to target sites in the brain. The device includes a subcutaneous base portion including one or more ports for supplying fluid to one or more implanted catheter devices. A percutaneous portion of the device includes an extracorporeal surface, the one or more ports of the subcutaneous base portion being accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the percutaneous portion. The subcutaneous base portion is at least partially insertable into a complementary recess formed in a bone and includes one or more anchoring features including at least one radially protruding wing for directly anchoring the subcutaneous base portion to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Maxwell Woolley, Trefor Lewis
  • Patent number: 9662485
    Abstract: A tube connector includes a flexible member that engages an inserted length of tubing. The flexible member is configured to adhere to the tubing in the presence of an applied solvent, thereby forming a hermetic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: Terry Chung, Kwang Suk Kim, James Darren Roxas, David Shao Ling
  • Patent number: 9662486
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT). Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by electrically stimulating nerves that activate the BAT and/or electrically stimulating brown adipocytes directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss through energy expenditure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignees: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., The General Hospital
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Nicholas Stylopoulos, Lee M. Kaplan, Tamara C. Baynham, Taylor W. Aronhalt
  • Patent number: 9662487
    Abstract: Some embodiments of an electrical stimulation system employ wireless electrode assemblies to provide pacing therapy, defibrillation therapy, or other stimulation therapy. In certain embodiments, the wireless electrode assemblies may include a guide wire channel so that each electrode assembly can be advanced over a guide wire instrument through the endocardium. For example, a distal tip portion of a guide wire instrument can penetrate through the endocardium and into the myocardial wall of a heart chamber, and the electrode assembly may then be advanced over the guide wire and into the heart chamber wall. In such circumstances, the guide wire instrument (and other portions of the delivery system) can be retracted from the heart chamber wall, thereby leaving the electrode assembly embedded in the heart tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Graig L. Kveen, Douglas R. Saholt, Roger N. Hastings, Richard C. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 9662488
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for migrating cells implanted or endogenous in tissue. The system may include first and second delivery electrodes configured for insertion in tissue and a direct current (DC) power source operatively coupled to the first and second delivery electrodes. The system further may include a programmable controller operatively coupled to the DC power source, wherein the programmable controller is programmed to direct the DC power source to deliver an electric field between the first delivery electrode and the second delivery electrode at a stimulation to nonstimulation ratio sufficient to cause the cells to migrate within tissue selectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Min Zhao, Junfeng Feng, Lei Zhang
  • Patent number: 9662489
    Abstract: An electro-hydro massage device enhances the therapeutic benefits of electrical nerve and muscle stimulation by incorporating simultaneous tactile and thermal stimulation from water flow, using a hand-held source of electric current and water flow, in contact with the user's skin. The water flow also reduces the skin's resistance to electrical current and provides warming or cooling to complement and enhance effects of the electrical stimulation. The treatment surface of the hand-held electro-hydro massage device contacts the user's skin and contains two or more electrodes and one or more sources of water flow. The electrically conductive electrodes imbedded in the treatment surface are connected to a battery-powered electrical source with controls to select the source voltage amplitude, voltage frequency, pulse frequency, and other characteristics to achieve the desired physiological effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: George S. Cargill, III
  • Patent number: 9662490
    Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and method of treating inflammation by vagus nerve stimulation and the delivery of an anti-inflammatory drug. In particular, described herein are methods of treating inflammation including the steps of stimulating a subject's inflammatory reflex to inhibit the immune response and administering an anti-inflammatory drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
    Inventors: Kevin J. Tracey, Mauricio Rosas-Ballina, Michael A. Faltys, Ralph J. Zitnik
  • Patent number: 9662491
    Abstract: A stimulation therapy device provides an electrical stimulation therapy to branches of the tibial nerve of a patient. The device comprises a support member configured to be worn around the ankle or foot of the patient, first and second pairs of electrodes attached to the support member, and a stimulation circuit attached to the support member. The stimulation circuit is configured to deliver electrical stimulation pulses through the first and second pairs of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: David J. Yonce, John Jason Buysman, Richard A. Lundeen, Jeffrey John Childs
  • Patent number: 9662492
    Abstract: Method for transcranial neurostimulation. A target of neurons for transcranial stimulation or modulation is located within an impedance model of the brain, a model of a selected device to be used for producing an electric or magnetic field outside the brain is obtained and used, along with the impedance model, to compute respective virtual target stimulating current vectors representing target stimulating currents that would result from using the device in two distinct trial dispositions of the device, an image of the cortical surface at the target is obtained and used to compute a target normal vector, and a determination is made of which of the two virtual target stimulating current vectors has a greater component projecting at predetermined angles from the target normal vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Electrical Geodesics, Inc.
    Inventors: Don M. Tucker, Phan Luu, Sergei I. Turovets, Erik Anderson
  • Patent number: 9662493
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer product for adjusting dynamic range of electrical stimulation associated with a cochlear prosthesis system is provided. The cochlear prosthesis system includes an electrode array for stimulating the acoustic nerve. Present electrode impedance values are determined for an electrode in the array. At least one stimulation parameter for the electrode is adjusted based, at least in part, on the present electrode impedance values, such that hearing sensation is not influenced due to a change between the present electrode impedance values and previous electrode impedance values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Mathias Kals, Ernst Kabot
  • Patent number: 9662494
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a probe comprising at least one lead and an Advanced Lead Connector (ALC) element, the lead comprising at least one thin film, whereby the thin film comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the lead further comprising a plurality of electrodes on the distal end of the thin film, the ALC element comprising electronic means to address the plurality of electrodes and at least one ALC connecting means, whereby the proximal end of the thin film and the ALC connecting means are connected by an interposing means so as to form at least an electric and/or electronic connection between the electrodes and the ALC element. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a neurostimulation and/or neurorecording system, an interposing means, an assembly comprising at least one thin film for a lead of a probe and an ALC element and a method of manufacturing a probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Bakken Research Center B.V.
    Inventor: Edward Willem Albert Young
  • Patent number: 9662495
    Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient having a medical condition comprises delivering electrical stimulation energy to the spinal cord of the patient in accordance with a stimulation program that preferentially stimulates dorsal horn neuronal elements over dorsal column neuronal elements in the spinal cord. The delivered electrical stimulation energy generates a plurality of electrical fields having different orientations that stimulate the dorsal horn neuronal elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Moffitt, Bradley Lawrence Hershey, Changfang Zhu
  • Patent number: 9662496
    Abstract: A method for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's hypoglossal nerve, applying an electric signal through the electrode to the hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue at least until the number of obstructive sleep apnea occurrences are reduced from an initial level to a treatment level, and reducing the application of the electric signal while the number of obstructive sleep apnea occurrences remain generally at or below the treatment level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: IMTHERA MEDICAL, INC
    Inventors: Marcelo G. Lima, Paul M. Meadows, Jasper Benke
  • Patent number: 9662497
    Abstract: A system for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's Hypoglossal nerve and applying an electric signal through the electrode to at least one targeted motor efferent located within the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue. The system may also include the use of more than one contact to target more than one motor efferent and stimulating more than one muscle. The stimulation load to maintain the position of the tongue may be shared by each muscle. The position of the patient's tongue may be controlled in order to prevent obstructive sleep apnea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: IMTHERA MEDICAL, INC
    Inventors: Paul M. Meadows, Marcelo G. Lima, Stanley R. Craig, Faisal N. Zaidi, Monir M. Elias
  • Patent number: 9662498
    Abstract: A neuroelectric sensor and stimulator system includes a first antenna, a reader coupled to the first antenna for transmitting stimulation controls and power to a second antenna, and for receiving sensor data transmitted from the second antenna via the first antenna, and at least one neuroelectric sensor stimulator array including the second antenna, a rectifier coupled to the second antenna for extracting power transmitted from the first antenna, a controller coupled to the second antenna for decoding controls transmitted from the first antenna to the second antenna for the neuroelectric sensor stimulator array, a plurality of sensors, a multiplexer coupled to the controller and to the plurality of sensors for selecting a single sensor, and a plurality of stimulators coupled to the controller for stimulating neurons, wherein the rectifier, the controller, the plurality of sensors, the multiplexer, and the plurality of stimulators include graphene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Kyung-Ah Son, Jeong-Sun Moon, Zhiwei A. Xu, Brian N. Limketkai, Jongchan Kang, Tahir Hussain