Patents Issued in June 27, 2017
  • Patent number: 9687626
    Abstract: An adapter tube is provided with a pivotally flexible swivel joint providing an aerosol-conducting airway for use with an inhalation mask with a nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: NOSTRUM TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Israel Amirav, Asaf Halamish
  • Patent number: 9687627
    Abstract: Atomizer for a ventilation machine with a ventilator, including a body with a first connection for connecting the atomizer to a ventilator and a second connection for connecting the atomizer to a line leading to a patient, wherein the body forms a flow channel from the first connection to the second connection; and an atomizing device for atomizing a fluid; wherein the atomizing device is disposed between the first connection and the second connection in the flow channel and adapted so that the fluid can be atomized substantially parallel to, and preferably in, the flow direction from the first connection to the second connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: PARI Pharma GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Gallem, Uwe Hetzer
  • Patent number: 9687628
    Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement (200) adapted for enhanced continuous flow of urine in a catheterized patient, the arrangement comprising a catheter tube (204) having an inner diameter of less than six millimeters, said tube having an inner surface which is hydrophobic at least along a first segment thereof and being adapted to provide a continuously negative fluid pressure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: FLOWSENSE LTD.
    Inventor: Ilan Paz
  • Patent number: 9687629
    Abstract: A rigid package or container for a catheter having catheter tube with a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being provided with a catheter outlet which may be used as a funnel or a connector. A main body is provided for holding the catheter, and a cap closes off the main body. A gel receptacle is positioned inside the main body, the gel receptacle being provided with a cavity for holding an amount of a lubricating agent. The gel receptacle includes a distal opening at a distal end thereof, and a proximal opening at a proximal end thereof, with the catheter tube extending therethrough. The gel receptacle is configured such that as the catheter is withdrawn therethrough a leading tip of the catheter is displaced so as to be immersed in the lubricating agent, thus automatically coating the leading tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Cure Medical LLC
    Inventor: Timothy A. Palmer
  • Patent number: 9687630
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating post-myocardial infarction damage are herein disclosed. In some embodiments, a carrier with a treatment agent may be fabricated. The carrier can be formulated from a bioerodable, sustained-release substance. The resultant loaded carrier may then be suspended in at least one component of a two-component matrix system for simultaneous delivery to a post-myocardial infarction treatment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Shubhayu Basu, Gregory Waimong Chan
  • Patent number: 9687631
    Abstract: A steering handle for a catheter. The steering handle includes a thumb knob arrangement for driving a cam assembly that in turn actuates a pull wire or pull wires. In some embodiments, the cam assembly includes a set of dual pins that actuate the pull wire in a quasi-linear relationship between cam rotation and axial displacement of the wire. In certain embodiments, the second set of dual pins imparts a reverse action on a second pull wire, also in quasi-linear fashion. That is, when one wire is released by the cam assembly, the other wire is taken in by the cam assembly. In various embodiments, the quasi-linear action can cause release of more pull wire than is taken in, thereby helping prevent the released pull wire to act as an unwanted counter force to the actuated pull wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: St Jude Medical International Holding S.àr.l.
    Inventors: Alexandre Ioan Romoscanu, Timothy J. Wood
  • Patent number: 9687632
    Abstract: A catheter comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve, the inner and the outer sleeves being longitudinally displaceable relative to one another to enable the catheter to move from an open state to a closed state, each sleeve having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the catheter further comprising a retainer which is open in the open state, and closed in the closed state, the catheter further comprising a lock mechanism comprising lock formed in a lock portion of the catheter for locking the catheter in the open state, and a releaser for releasing the lock, the releaser being adapted to remove at least a part of the lock portion from the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Mediplus Limited
    Inventor: Robert Graham Urie
  • Patent number: 9687633
    Abstract: A needle safety device is disclosed in which a needle guard has several biasing arms that are biased by the needle shaft in a ready to use position. But in a protective position, at least one of the biasing arms is no longer biased by the needle shaft and moves to block a distal opening of the needle guard. The needle has a change in profile for engaging an opening on a proximal wall in a protective position. The needle guard may be formed from a stamped metal sheet having a plurality of cuts or clits. A catheter hub with a catheter tube can further be added for a safety catheter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: B. Braun Melsungen AG
    Inventor: Hui Kuun Teoh
  • Patent number: 9687634
    Abstract: An elongate shaft of a medical catheter including a thermoset polymeric tubular member including a skived distal portion. The skived distal portion includes a distally extending trough having a convex surface and a concave surface. A thermoplastic tubular sleeve may be positioned over at least a portion of the skived distal portion of the thermoset polymeric tubular member. In some instances, the thermoplastic tubular sleeve includes a crescent-shaped tubular portion defining a crescent-shaped lumen. The trough of the skived distal portion may extend through the crescent-shaped lumen. The thermoplastic tubular sleeve is thermally bonded to the inner and outer tubular members of a distal section of the elongate shaft at a guidewire port joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Grovender, Benjamin P. Gundale, Thomas Knowles, Roger W. McGowan, Charles Rundquist, Chuanjing Xu, Todd Rowe
  • Patent number: 9687635
    Abstract: For selective treatment of diseased tissue sections or organ parts, the surface of medical devices entering into contact with areas thereof under pressure is coated with lipophilic substantially water-insoluble medicaments binding to various tissue components with good adherence thereto, said medicaments having an effect thereupon a short time after entering into contact therewith without exerting a harmful influence upon adjacent healthy tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Speck, Bruno Scheller
  • Patent number: 9687636
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure by increasing secretion of endogenous naturetic hormones ANP and BNP such as by stimulation of the heart atria. Heart pacing is done at an atrial contraction rate that is increased and can be higher than the ventricular contraction rate. Pacing may include mechanical distension of the right atrial appendage. An implantable device is used to periodically cyclically stretch the walls of the appendage with an implanted balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: BackBeat Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Patent number: 9687637
    Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to a technique for percutaneously introducing a stimulation lead into a target stimulation site via the epidural region proximate the spine of a patient. The process of introducing the stimulation lead may include the use of a hollow stimulation lead introducer, which comprises an elongated sheath and an elongated dilator. The dilator fits within the sheath and serves to widen a path through the epidural region for the introduction of a stimulation lead. At least a portion of the stimulation lead introducer has an oblong cross-section, allowing passage of stimulation leads such as paddle leads. The stimulation lead introducer may enter the epidural region proximate a spine of a patient via a guidewire. The stimulation lead introducer provides a path through the epidural region of a patient to a target stimulation site. A stimulation lead may travel through the path to reach the target stimulation site where it may provide therapy to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Charmaine K. Harris, Joseph J. Klein
  • Patent number: 9687638
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swallowable medication capsule capable 200 of dispensing fluid medicine stored in a medication compartment 211 through a valveless exit hole 207. A vent hole 206 enables ventilation of an actuator cavity 212 which houses an actuator used for displacing a surface 205 which separates the medication cavity 211 and the actuator cavity 212. By locating the vent and exit holes close to each other so that contact with contracting parts of the gastrointestinal tract and the exterior surface 221 is not able to prohibit a pressure passageway between the vent and exit holes, creation of a pressure difference of pressures in the medication and actuator cavity is prohibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Medimetrics Personalized Drug Delivery
    Inventors: Hans Zou, Jeff Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9687639
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with organism medical treatment are described. In one embodiment, a system can comprise a collection component configured to receive a medical control instruction. The medical control instruction can be based, at least in part, on an organism medical information set for an organism. The system can further comprise a regulation component configured to control administration of a treatment to the organism. The regulation component can control the administration of the treatment to the organism based, at least in part, on the medical control instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald Charles Krosky, Brendan Edward Clark, Matthew Franklin Clapper
  • Patent number: 9687640
    Abstract: An applicator for a microprojection array is described. In one embodiment, the applicator comprises an energy-storing element. Application of force causes the compressed energy-storing element to extend or transition from first and second configurations, releasing stored energy to deploy a holding member in the application which is configured to hold an array of microprojections. In another embodiment, the applicator comprises an energy storing element with two stable configurations, a first stable configuration and second stable configuration. Application of force causes the energy-storing element to transition from the higher energy first stable configuration to the lower energy second stable configuration, releasing the difference in energies of the two states to deploy a holding member in the application which is configured to hold an array of microprojections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Corium International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Trautman, Douglas Joseph Scott Bourne, Anthony Le, Robert Wade Worsham, Parminder Singh
  • Patent number: 9687641
    Abstract: A method and a drug delivery system for transdermally administering parathyroid hormone (PTH) in a pulsatile fashion are provided, where the drug delivery system comprises an array of microprojections each comprising PTH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Corium International, Inc.
    Inventors: Parminder Singh, Danir Bairamov, Guohua Chen, Robert Wade Worsham
  • Patent number: 9687642
    Abstract: The invention relates to trans-epithelial frictionally abrasive tissue sampling devices for performing biopsies and methods of inducing an immune response against a pathogen, wherein epithelial cells containing the pathogen are disrupted with the frictionally abrasive tissue sampling device to introduce the pathogen into the bloodstream of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HISTOLOGICS, LLC
    Inventors: Neal Marc Lonky, Martin L. Lonky
  • Patent number: 9687643
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for skin treatment. The apparatus includes an applicator assembly that includes an applicator tip which is configured to apply a normal cyclical mechanical force to a skin surface area of a user and to deliver a skin formulation to a skin surface area of a user. The apparatus further includes an electromagnetic energy assembly that includes at least one electromagnetic energy source adjacent to or within the applicator assembly and configured to deliver a continuous electromagnetic energy stimulus of a character and for a duration sufficient to penetrate one or more dermal layers within the skin surface area of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Iranpour Khormaei, Lilac Muller, James Christopher McInnes
  • Patent number: 9687644
    Abstract: A soft, flexible fluid connector includes a connecting portion and a skirt formed integral therewith and depending therefrom. The skirt has formed spaces around the circumference of the skirt defining flexible, compressible, fingers. The connector is overmolded with a plastic or like flexible material wherein the formed spaces are filled with the flexible material such that the connector is molded contiguously with a flange or faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Hollister Incorporated
    Inventor: Robin R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9687645
    Abstract: Connector systems for a fluid container for pharmaceutical solutions are disclosed. The systems include an outer part adapted for insertion into a fluid conducting system and an inner part arranged in said outer part. The outer part includes a tamper-evident closure connected thereto at a predetermined breaking point that can be manually removed. An external side of the inner part abuts an internal side of the outer part. A closure element attached to the inner part prevents a flow of fluid through the inner part. The inner part and the outer part having provided thereon at least one fluid conducting element, such as a furrow, a flute, a depression or a groove. Medical supply systems comprising a bag, such as a dialysis bag, having such systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: B. BRAUN AVITUM AG
    Inventor: Matthias Wesseler
  • Patent number: 9687646
    Abstract: Peritoneal dialysis systems and methods are provided by the present disclosure. In a general embodiment, a peritoneal dialysis system includes a peritoneal dialysis fluid supply, a supply line in fluid communication with the peritoneal dialysis fluid supply, the supply line terminating at a supply connector, a patient connector in fluid communication with a patient's indwelling catheter, and a device configured to be placed around at least one of the supply connector and the patient connector during a connection of the supply connector and the patient connector, the device including an ultraviolet (“UV”) transmissive material to allow UV energy to be directed inwardly through the device towards a mating surface of the at least one of the supply connector and the patient connector during the connection of the supply connector and the patient connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Sobue, Takeshi Nakajima, Atsushi Matsuzaki, Minoru Okuda
  • Patent number: 9687647
    Abstract: A system is provided for healing a wound. The system includes a flexible body, a therapeutic agent delivery mechanism, a suction mechanism, and a power source. The flexible body includes a cover film having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces that define a compartment. The compartment includes a first porous material, a second porous material, and at least one electrode disposed therein. The second porous material is disposed between the first porous material and the at least one electrode. The therapeutic agent delivery mechanism and the suction mechanism are fluidly connected to the compartment. The power source is in electrical communication with the at least one electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Francis A. Papay, Ji-Feng Chen, Shengqiang Gao
  • Patent number: 9687648
    Abstract: An exemplary system may include an intracochlear electrode array configured to be inserted into a cochlea of a patient, an intraneural probe comprising an intraneural electrode contact and configured to be inserted into an auditory nerve of the patient, and a computing system. The computing system may be configured to identify an optimal insertion path for an intraneural electrode array into the auditory nerve of the patient by 1) repeatedly stimulating the intraneural electrode contact of the intraneural probe while the intraneural probe is advanced into the auditory nerve along a probe insertion path, 2) using the intracochlear electrode array to record a plurality of evoked responses that occur in response to the repeated stimulation of the intraneural electrode contact, and 3) determining, based on the plurality of evoked responses, whether the probe insertion path is the optimal insertion path for the intraneural electrode array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventors: Abhijit Kulkarni, Leonid M. Litvak, Mark B. Downing
  • Patent number: 9687649
    Abstract: A spinal cord lead anchor comprising a longitudinally extending sleeve having an aperture sized and positioned to receive a spinal cord lead. A retainer is disposed around the sleeve and is operative to compress at least a portion of the sleeve against a spinal cord lead extending through the sleeve. A cover extends around the retainer and includes at least one opening formed through the cover to facilitate engaging the retainer with a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventor: James R. Thacker
  • Patent number: 9687650
    Abstract: An exemplary system 1) presents, during a first time period, a tone in isolation to a patient by way of a receiver in communication with an ear of the patient, the tone having a predetermined frequency included in a frequency band, 2) presents, during a second time period, the tone together with a masking signal to the patient by way of the receiver, 3) uses an electrode located within an intracochlear region of the patient that is associated with the frequency band to record, during the first time period, a first evoked response that occurs in response to the presentation of the tone, and record, during the second time period, a second evoked response that occurs in response to the presentation of the tone together with the masking signal, and 4) determines, based on the first and second evoked responses, whether the intracochlear region is dead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventors: Leonid M. Litvak, Smita S. Agrawal
  • Patent number: 9687651
    Abstract: An exemplary sound processor may include a stimulation management facility that 1) receives an audio signal presented to the patient during a normal operation of the cochlear implant system, and 2) directs a cochlear implant of the cochlear implant system to generate and apply an electrical stimulation pulse representative of the audio signal by way of an electrode included in a plurality of electrodes coupled to the cochlear implant. The sound processor may further include an impedance management facility that determines an impedance of the electrode by directing the cochlear implant to measure a voltage level associated with the electrode while the electrical stimulation pulse is being applied by way of the electrode. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventor: R. Tissa Karunasiri
  • Patent number: 9687652
    Abstract: Described herein are electrical stimulation patterns and methods of use thereof for treating dry eye disease, tired eye, or other forms of ocular discomfort. The methods generally include applying patterned stimulation to an anatomical structure located in an ocular region or a nasal region to increase tear production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Franke, James Donald Loudin, Jarren Armond Baldwin
  • Patent number: 9687653
    Abstract: A programming system for selecting an electrode configuration for use in a medical electrical stimulator coupled to an electrode array. A programmer is configured for providing a set of electrode configurations for the electrode array, automatically testing a first portion of the set of electrode configurations in a first order, allowing the selection of one or more of the tested electrode configurations, determining whether a suitable number of electrode configurations from among the first portion have been selected within a predefined interval, and automatically testing a second portion of the set of electrode configurations in a second order if the suitable number of electrode configurations from among the first portion are not selected within the predefined interval. The programmer may further allow the selection of the tested electrode configurations, and adjusting parameters during the testing, wherein the adjusting is controllably shared in parallel between a clinician and a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Carla M. Woods, James R. Thacker, David K. Peterson, Holly A. Segel, Susan E. Ford, Margaret E. Theriot, Kerry Bradley
  • Patent number: 9687654
    Abstract: An implantable medical device system including an atrial pacemaker and a ventricular pacemaker is configured to deliver dual chamber pacing in the presence of atrioventricular block. In response to detecting the AV block, the atrial pacemaker may establish a limited number of selectable pacing rates. The atrial pacemaker selects a rate from the limited number of selectable pacing rates and adjusts the atrial pacing rate to the selected rate. The ventricular pacemaker is configured to establish a ventricular pacing rate that is equivalent to the selected rate in response to detecting the AV block. Other examples are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd J Sheldon, James K Carney, Saul E Greenhut
  • Patent number: 9687655
    Abstract: A leadless cardiac pacemaker comprises a hermetic housing, a power source disposed in the housing, at least two electrodes supported by the housing, a semiconductor temperature sensor disposed in the housing, and a controller disposed in the housing and configured to deliver energy from the power source to the electrodes to stimulate the heart based upon temperature information from the temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor can be configured to sense temperature information within a predetermined range of less than 20 degrees C. The temperature sensor can be disposed in the housing but not bonded to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Michiel Pertijs, Kenneth J. Carroll
  • Patent number: 9687656
    Abstract: Provided herein are implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for monitoring a patient's arterial blood pressure while a patient's heart is being paced. A signal (e.g., PPG or IPG signal) indicative of changes in arterial blood volume remote from the patient's heart is obtained using a sensor or electrodes that are implanted remote from the patient's heart. One or more metrics indicative of pulse arrival time (PAT) are determined, where each metric can be determined by determining a time from a paced cardiac event to one or more predetermined features of the signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume. Based on at the metric(s) indicative of PAT, arterial blood pressure is estimated, which can include determining values indicative of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and/or mean arterial blood pressure, and/or changes in such values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Jeffrey Wenzel, Timothy A. Fayram, Allen J. Keel, Edward Karst, Wenbo Hou, Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi
  • Patent number: 9687657
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pacemaker signal detecting method, a pacemaker signal detecting system, and an electrocardial detecting device. The pacemaker signal detecting system pre-processes an original pacemaker signal separated from a pacemaker electrocardial signal, calculates a number of basic morphological features based on the pre-processed original pacemaker signal, confirms an authenticity of a pacemaker signal according to the calculated basic morphological features, and records positions of the true pacemaker signal has been confirmed. The basic morphological features include a width, a slew rate, and amplitude of the pacemaker signal. The electrocardial detecting device of the present invention can detect the pacemaker signal more precisely and output the electrocardial signal marked with the pacemaker signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ze-Hui Sun, Xiao-Wen Cheng, Ming-Shi Ding, Qi-Ling Liu
  • Patent number: 9687658
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for bridging a bi-directional communication link between an external device and an implantable medical device (IMD). The systems and methods establish a first bi-directional communication link between an external device and a wireless bridge device according to a wireless protocol, and establish a second bi-directional communication link between the wireless bridge device and an IMD concurrently with the first bi-direction communication link according to the wireless protocol. The systems and methods further receive a data packet from the external device at the wireless bridge device. The data packet is received during the communication interval. The systems and methods further transmit the data packet from the wireless bridge device to the IMD during the communication interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Yonjian Wu, Reza Shahandeh, Samir Shah, Chao-Wen Young, Mostafa Sadeghi, Jun Yang, Thanh Tieu
  • Patent number: 9687659
    Abstract: An implantable medical device including a data communication interface connected to a pulse generator. The pulse generator generates and delivers forward current pulses and reverse current pulses, wherein a polarity of the reverse current pulses is opposite to the polarity of the forward current pulses. Generates pulses representing binary digits, wherein a first kind of digits (1 or 0) is represented by a current pulse, and a second kind of digit respective of the other type of binary digits (0 or 1) is represented by a pause between current pulses. The data communication interface together with the pulse generator deliver current pulses with strictly alternating polarity such that every other current pulse is a reverse current pulse of opposite polarity compared to an immediately preceding forward current pulse. Thus, every string of current pulse is both, charge balancing and information encoding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Von Arx, Dirk Muessig, Hannes Kraetschmer, Habib Homayoun, Larry Stotts
  • Patent number: 9687660
    Abstract: A one-piece electrical contact ring for use in a lead receptacle of an implantable medical device includes (i) a tubular body defining a cavity extending through the body and (ii) a plurality of resiliently deflectable elements extending from the tubular body into the cavity. The deflectable elements have a lead contacting portion configured to contact the lead when received by the cavity. The lead contacting portions of the deflectable elements in a relaxed state are located in a plane that intersects the tubular body and are configured to deflect along the plane towards the tubular body as the lead is inserted in the contact ring. The contact ring may further include a plurality of stops, each configured to (i) engage a stop portion of the elements when the elements are sufficiently outwardly deflected and (ii) inhibit further outward deflection of the elements when the stops engage the stop portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Darren A. Janzig, Chris J. Paidosh, Paulette C. Olson, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Patent number: 9687661
    Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure may take the form of an implantable electronic device such as an implantable pulse generator for administering electrotherapy via an implantable medical lead configured to couple with the implantable pulse generator, or an implantable cardiac monitor. The implantable electronic device includes a housing, a header connector assembly and a sealing member. The header connector assembly includes a connector assembly and a header enclosing the connector assembly. The sealing member is sandwiched between the header connector assembly and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Dino Bortolin, Ekaterina Tkatchouk, Christopher R. Jenney
  • Patent number: 9687662
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed feedthrough for attachment to an active implantable medical device includes a dielectric substrate configured to be hermetically sealed to a ferrule or an AIMD housing. A via hole is disposed through the dielectric substrate from a body fluid side to a device side. A conductive fill is disposed within the via hole forming a filled via electrically conductive between the body fluid side and the device side. A conductive insert is at least partially disposed within the conductive fill. Then, the conductive fill and the conductive insert are co-fired with the dielectric substrate to form a hermetically sealed and electrically conductive pathway through the dielectric substrate between the body fluid side and the device side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert A. Stevenson, Xiaohong Tang, William C. Thiebolt, Christine A. Frysz, Keith W. Seitz, Richard L. Brendel, Thomas Marzano, Jason Woods, Dominick J. Frustaci, Steven W. Winn
  • Patent number: 9687663
    Abstract: Circuitry useable to protect and reliably charge a rechargeable battery, even from a zero-volt state, is disclosed, and is particularly useful when employed in an implantable medical device. The circuit includes two charging paths, a first path for trickle charging the battery at a relatively low current when the battery voltage is below a threshold, and a second path for charging the battery at relatively higher currents that the battery voltage is above a certain threshold. A passive diode is used in the first trickle-charging path which allows trickle charging even when the battery voltage is too low for reliable gating, while a gateable switch (preferably a PMOS transistor) is used in the second higher-current charging path when the voltage is higher and the switch can therefore be gated more reliably. A second diode between the two paths ensures no leakage to the substrate through the gateable switch during trickle charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Yuping He, David K. L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9687664
    Abstract: Implantable devices and/or sensors can be wirelessly powered by controlling and propagating electromagnetic waves in a patient's tissue. Such implantable devices/sensors can be implanted at target locations in a patient, to stimulate areas such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, or muscle tissue, and/or to sense biological, physiological, chemical attributes of the blood, tissue, and other patient parameters. The propagating electromagnetic waves can be generated with sub-wavelength structures configured to manipulate evanescent fields outside of tissue to generate the propagating waves inside the tissue. Methods of use are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Ada Shuk Yan Poon, Alexander Jueshyan Yeh, Yuji Tanabe, John Ho, Sanghoek Kim
  • Patent number: 9687665
    Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator with an intelligent self-test system that ensures device readiness. The self-test system conditionally runs functional tests based on knowledge of device use, time of day, pre-programmed information, operational features and previous events. The condition of the defibrillator is indicated visually, audibly or both based on the results of the self-test performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Scion Medical Limited
    Inventor: Kyle R. Bowers
  • Patent number: 9687666
    Abstract: A cardiac pacing system comprising one or more leadless cardiac pacemakers configured for implantation in electrical contact with a cardiac chamber and configured to perform cardiac pacing functions in combination with a co-implanted implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The leadless cardiac pacemaker comprises at least two leadless electrodes configured for delivering cardiac pacing pulses, sensing evoked and/or natural cardiac electrical signals, and bidirectionally communicating with the co-implanted ICD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter M. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 9687667
    Abstract: A magnetic switching device includes an electromagnet adapted to be arranged proximate to an exterior surface of an object having a magnetically-switchable device therein and a control circuit electrically connected to the electromagnet. The electromagnet is constructed to generate a magnetic field of sufficient strength and orientation to engage a switch in the magnetically-switchable device. The invention further includes an electrocautery system, including an electrocautery device, a control circuit electrically connected to the electrocautery device, and an electromagnet electrically connected to the control circuit. The electromagnet is adapted to be arranged proximate to an exterior surface of an object having a magnetically-switchable device therein. Operation of the electrocautery device causes the electromagnet to generate a magnetic field of sufficient strength to engage a switch in the magnetically-switchable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: CARDIAC LEAD TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Choe, Sang Won Yoon
  • Patent number: 9687668
    Abstract: The Body Cavity Cancer Treatment System achieves extremely uniform temperatures inside the tissue of the body cavity thereby realizing optimal efficacy in enhancing operation of the chemotherapy agent while avoiding harm or pain to the patient. This is accomplished by the inclusion of “target particles”, such as nano-particles, into the body cavity along with the chemotherapy agent to enable the use of an externally generated energy field to cause heating of the chemotherapy agent and the surrounding tissue of the body cavity by the activation of the nano-particles. The proper selection of the applied energy field enables precise control of the heat generated by the movement of the nano-particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: ENDOMAGNETICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel B. McKenna, Robert J. Tondu, Alireza Mashal, Karl M. Frantz, Martin A. Huisjen
  • Patent number: 9687669
    Abstract: Optical light guides which transmit light exteriorly of their length are coupled to one or more lasers at ends. The optical light guides are mounted on various carriers or as part of an optical bandage to provide therapeutic light to a portion of a human body. The lasers may be activated at various times in a 24-hour period, while the optical light guides are worn by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: John Stephan
  • Patent number: 9687670
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively controllable shunt configured to, for example, monitor, treat, or prevent an infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Gearbox, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph G. Dacey, Jr., Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 9687671
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to control a device, such as a light emitting dermatologic or cosmetic treatment device, and ensure that the device is in contact with skin while also determining the pigmentation level of skin. One or more light sources contact the skin and one or more detectors measure spectral remission from the skin. The obtained remission measurements are compared with known skin spectral remission values, and calibration allows measurements of absolute remission to be converted to fractional remission values. Skin pigmentation levels are compared to known base-line levels to determine and control appropriate treatment parameters. A temperature sensor allows correction for temperature variations. The apparatus may or may not be incorporated into the treatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: CHANNEL INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Mark V. Weckwerth, Tobin C. Island, Robert E. Grove
  • Patent number: 9687672
    Abstract: The invention features methods for regulating vascular properties by controlling the membrane properties of endothelial cells using optogenetics and light. The invention features methods to transport therapeutics across the vascular barrier into tissues such as the brain and the lung, with high spatial and temporal precision, and for controlling vascular properties such as vascular tone, arterial diameter, and vascular growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: Brown University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Tyler C. Brown, Christopher I. Moore
  • Patent number: 9687673
    Abstract: Systems for delivering radiation dose to a target area within a subject comprise: a radiation source for outputting a radiation beam; a support for supporting the subject; a movement mechanism for moving the radiation source relative to the subject along a trajectory; and a controller configured to cause, according to a radiation delivery plan: the radiation source to deliver the radiation beam to the subject while causing the movement mechanism to effect relative movement between the radiation source and the subject along the trajectory; and the radiation source to vary an intensity of the radiation beam by varying a radiation output rate of the radiation source according to the radiation delivery plan over at least a portion of the trajectory while causing the movement mechanism to effect relative movement between the radiation source and the subject, to thereby deliver dose to the subject according to the radiation delivery plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventor: Karl Otto
  • Patent number: 9687674
    Abstract: Systems for delivering radiation dose to a target area within a subject comprise: a radiation source for outputting a radiation beam; a support for supporting the subject; a movement mechanism for moving the radiation source relative to the subject along a trajectory; one or more sensors for monitoring a position of the subject; and a controller configured, in accordance with a radiation delivery plan, to: determine the position from one or more signals received from the one or more sensors; deactivate delivery of the treatment radiation beam upon determining that the position is outside of an acceptable range; and reactivate delivery of the treatment radiation beam upon determining that the position is within the acceptable range, to thereby deliver dose to the subject according to the radiation delivery plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventor: Karl Otto
  • Patent number: 9687675
    Abstract: Methods for planning delivery of radiation dose to a target region within a subject comprise: iteratively optimizing a simulated dose distribution relative to a set of one or more optimization goals comprising a desired dose distribution in the subject over a first plurality of control points located on a trajectory, the trajectory comprising relative movement between a radiation source and the subject; reaching one or more initial termination conditions, and after reaching the one or more initial termination conditions: specifying a second plurality of control points along the trajectory and comprising a larger number control points than the first plurality of control points; and iteratively optimizing a simulated dose distribution relative to the set of one or more optimization goals over the second plurality of control points to thereby determine a radiation delivery plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventor: Karl Otto