Patents Issued in December 19, 2017
  • Patent number: 9844448
    Abstract: A prosthetic knee for active users has a locking head generally parallel to a vertical axis of the prosthetic knee, a chassis, and a plurality of links connecting the locking head to the chassis. The knee includes a swing control mechanism having a flexion stop connected to the chassis and arranged to control the flexion angle of the knee. The flexion stop extends outwardly from the chassis and obliquely relative to the vertical axis. The knee has an audible feedback mechanism for providing the user with information about the location of the knee. The knee may also have a block lock forming a manually activated mechanism allowing load bearing in a flexed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Sigurdur Gisli Karlsson, Sigurdur Hannesson, Sigurdur Olafsson
  • Patent number: 9844449
    Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a heel member and a forefoot member. An ankle member receives the heel member and forefoot member shaft so as to allow the heel member and forefoot member to translate independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Tai Lore Made, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Leslie D. Kramer, William Stanley Patterson
  • Patent number: 9844450
    Abstract: A foot prosthesis having an upper part and a lower part, which is set on the ground as the user walks, one part being arranged on top of the other a certain distance away. The two parts are connected to each other at the tip of the foot. The upper part and the lower part are formed by a one-piece component. In the area near the heel, an elastic damping element is arranged between the upper part and the lower part and is connected to the upper part and/or to the lower part. A compressible but longitudinally strong connecting element, which connects the upper part to the lower part, and which is guided through a recess in the damping element, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: OSSUR ICELAND EHF
    Inventors: Werner Kranner, May Eppensteiner, Volker Nissels, Jan Hertwig
  • Patent number: 9844451
    Abstract: A modular transdermal assembly configured to couple an external prosthetic device to a bone stump. The assembly includes a modular transdermal portion and a bone fixator. The modular transdermal portion includes an interface portion configured to couple with the external prosthetic device. The bone fixator is configured to be secured to the bone stump and couple with the modular transdermal portion to retain the modular transdermal portion relative to the bone stump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Troy W. Hershberger, Joshua R. Porter
  • Patent number: 9844452
    Abstract: An implantable flow adjuster (20) includes proximal and distal support rings (22, 24) which support a flow adjuster panel (26). The flow adjuster panel (26) divides the lumen through the device (20) into two sections, one of reducing cross sectional area and the other of increasing of increasing cross sectional area. The two sections (40, 42) cause, respectively, an increase in blood pressure and blood flow and a decrease in blood pressure and blood flow. These result is a pressure differential beyond the distal end of the device (20). This pressure differential can be used to divert blood flow away from the neck (14) into an aneurysm (12), thus to reduce pressure and wall sheer stress within the aneurysm in order to assist in the repair of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Aidan Furey
  • Patent number: 9844453
    Abstract: Described herein is a positioning tool having an elongate portion for carrying a medical implant. Also described is a method of positioning a medical implant using an elongate positioning tool. One form of the method includes positioning a medical implant on a distal portion of an elongate positioning tool, inserting the positioning tool with the implant thereon into a body cavity manipulating the positioning tool to position the implant into contact with tissue at an attachment location, attaching the implant to surrounding tissue at the attachment location, separating the implant from the positioning tool, and withdrawing the positioning tool from the body. In a preferred embodiment, the position of the implant is visually confirmed using an endoscope before the implant is attached to surrounding tissue. In one embodiment, the implant is a satiation device and the body cavity is the esophagus and/or stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Stack, Richard A. Glenn, Daniel Balbierz, John Lunsford, William L. Athas
  • Patent number: 9844454
    Abstract: A brace for augmenting extension of a user's limb about a joint comprises an upper arm pivotably attached to a lower arm. At least one compression element is attached to at least one of the upper and lower arms, and a substantially inelastic tensioning element is affixed to the other of the upper and lower arms over at least one tensioning member. Applying a force to bend the brace to a flexed position loads the compression element, and upon removal of the flexing force the compression element applies a restoring force to urge the brace back to the extended position. The compression element may comprise a hydraulic tension spring comprising at least one cylinder having a sealed portion defining a liquid containment space, and a piston comprising a compressing portion having a smaller diameter than the cylinder and extending axially through a hydraulic seal into the liquid containment space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Spring Loaded Technology Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert Garrish
  • Patent number: 9844455
    Abstract: An inventive ankle-foot orthosis which transfers a portion of a wearer's weight normally applied to a wearer's foot and ankle to a wearer's calf thereby removing weight bearing stress from the wearer's foot and ankle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Scott Orthotics, LLC
    Inventor: Jason L. Bradshaw
  • Patent number: 9844456
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for converting on a mass scale elongated material webs into finished parts or devices. Slits form strands in a web, the strands comprising interconnected objects which correspond to parts of finished devices. Strands are combined with additional webs to form a material laminate from which finished devices are die cut. The methods are suitable for a range of converting applications including medical devices, particularly the external nasal dilator. Complex dilator devices produced from the methods are formed as a single body truss having horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages of a nose. When in use the dilator stabilizes or expands nasal outer wall tissues and prevents the outer wall tissues from drawing inward during breathing. Methods of manufacture comprise separate steps for fabricating and assembling the elements and layers of finished dilator devices and for packaging finished devices individually or in groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: CORBETT LAIR INC.
    Inventor: Joseph Vincent Ierulli
  • Patent number: 9844457
    Abstract: An apparatus for decreasing the adverse effect of erectile dysfunction includes an elastic waist band. A plurality of magnets are disposed in a generally end to end orientation to provide a magnetic loop assembly. A cloth sleeve preferably surrounds the magnets. The waist band encircles a waist of the user. Opposite ends of the magnetic loop assembly are secured in a spaced-apart relationship to a front portion of the waist band and to form a loop that descends below the waist band. Opposite ends of an elastic thigh band are attached to a rear portion of the waist band. A center of the magnetic tube assembly is attached to a center of the thigh band. The male enhancement loop is worn for a period of time prior to intercourse to help to improve the quality (i.e., hardness) and duration of male erection during intercourse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventors: Angela Arlene Goertler, James Lee Goertler
  • Patent number: 9844458
    Abstract: A condom is configured to include a space such that a front glans part of the condom does not excessively come into contact with the penis of a man by selecting a material having moderate elasticity such as soft synthetic resin or synthetic latex rubber or a foamed rubber material conforming thereto or the like for the front part of the condom made from a soft rubber material; and includes embossed sponge layers or fine soft hairs additionally laminated on the inside and outside of the condom, to provide an excellent moisturizing effect such that an excellent contraceptive effect and a sexual pleasure-increasing effect can be simultaneously obtained when a user wears the condom, thereby providing multiple effects such as contributing to the treatment of patients with chronic dyspareunia or patients with anorgasmia and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Heecheol Yun
  • Patent number: 9844459
    Abstract: Dry eye treatment apparatus and methods are described herein which generally comprise a patch or strip affixed to the skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids to deliver heat or other forms of energy, pressure, drugs, moisture, etc. (alone or in combination) to the one or more meibomian glands contained within the underlying skin. The treatment strip or strips include one or more strips configured to adhere to an underlying region of skin in proximity to one or both eyes of a subject such that the one or more strips allow for the subject to blink naturally without restriction from the one or more patches. Moreover, the one or more strips may be configured to emit energy to the underlying region of skin and where the one or more strips are shaped to follow a location of one or more meibomiam glands contained within the underlying region of skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Sight Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Badawi
  • Patent number: 9844460
    Abstract: A treatment system for cooling subcutaneous lipid-rich cells in a human subject includes an applicator and a control unit. The treatment system has a cooling mode for cooling tissue and a heating mode for warming tissue. The control unit includes a circulation circuit in fluid communication with the applicator, a chiller apparatus configured to chill fluid from the applicator circulation circuit, and a heater apparatus to warmed fluid from the applicator circulation circuit. The control unit mixes the chilled fluid and/or the warmed with fluid in the applicator circulation circuit control the temperature of the fluid circulated in the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Zeltiq Aesthetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan J. Weber, Joseph Coakley, Mark William Baker, Thomas Burnell Reeve, III
  • Patent number: 9844461
    Abstract: Home-use applicators for non-invasively removing heat from subcutaneous, lipid-rich cells via phase change coolants, and associated devices, systems and methods. A device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an applicator releasably positionable in thermal communication with human skin, and a coolant vessel having a coolant. The device further includes a heat transfer conduit operatively coupled to the applicator and housing a heat transfer fluid that is isolated from fluid contact with the coolant. A heat exchanger is operatively coupled between the coolant vessel and the heat transfer conduit to transfer heat between the heat transfer fluid and the coolant, and a fluid driver is operatively coupled to the heat transfer conduit to direct the heat transfer fluid between the applicator and the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Zeltiq Aesthetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell E. Levinson, John W. Allison, Joseph Coakley, Bryan Weber
  • Patent number: 9844462
    Abstract: A surgical technique and device wherein an indwelling tube is placed in the eye of a patient having glaucoma. The tube diverts aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the suprachoroidal space from which it is removed by blood flowing in the choroidal and uveal tissues. This decreases the intraocular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Michael Yablonski
  • Patent number: 9844463
    Abstract: System and method of photoaltering a region of an eye using a high resolution digital image of the eye. The system includes a laser assembly for outputting a pulsed laser beam, an imaging system for capturing a real-time high resolution digital image of the eye and displaying the digital image of the eye, a user interface receiving at least one laser parameter input, and a controller coupled to the laser assembly, imaging system, and user interface. The controller directs the laser assembly to output the pulsed laser beam to the region of the eye based on the laser parameter input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Watanabe, Jesse Buck, Guy V. Holland, Michael Brownell, Valentina Doushkina
  • Patent number: 9844464
    Abstract: A method for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue, comprises the step of providing laser pulses with a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency from 50 kHz to 1 MHz and with a wavelength between 600 and 2000 nm for acting on the material to be worked. Apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue comprising a pulsed laser, wherein the laser has a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency of from 50 kHz to 1 MHz is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Mark Bendett, Mark Bischoff, Mario Gerlach, Dirk Mühlhoff
  • Patent number: 9844465
    Abstract: A method for forming an incision in an eye, the method including performing a first pass of a first laser beam along a path within an eye, wherein after completion of the first pass there exists a residual uncut layer at an anterior surface of a cornea of the eye. The method further including performing a second pass of a second laser beam only along a portion of the path that contains the residual uncut layer, wherein after completion of the second pass, the residual uncut layer is transformed into a full complete through surface incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Lensar, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Valaski Teuma, Gary Gray
  • Patent number: 9844466
    Abstract: A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: NANT HOLDINGS IP LLC
    Inventors: Wayne C. Boncyk, Ronald H. Cohen
  • Patent number: 9844467
    Abstract: A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: NANT HOLDINGS IP LLC
    Inventors: Wayne C. Boncyk, Ronald H. Cohen
  • Patent number: 9844468
    Abstract: A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: NANT HOLDINGS IP LLC
    Inventors: Wayne C. Boncyk, Ronald H. Cohen
  • Patent number: 9844469
    Abstract: A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: NANT HOLDINGS IP LLC
    Inventors: Wayne C. Boncyk, Ronald H. Cohen
  • Patent number: 9844470
    Abstract: Devices, kits and methods described herein include skin treatments with a book-like packaging, applicator and/or tensioning device used to apply a dressing to a subject. The packaging, applicator and/or tensioning device is used to apply and/or maintain a strain in an elastic dressing, and has a first support, a second support, and a primary bending region therebetween, the primary bending region comprising a primary bending axis, with the dressing attached to the first and second supports of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Neodyne Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Jasper Jackson, John A. Zepeda, Adam C. French, Darren G. Doud, Geoffrey C. Gurtner, Brett A. Follmer, William R. Beasley, Paul Yock, Keiichiro Ichiryu, Manuel A. Cardona Pamplona, Tor C. Krog, Kemal Levi
  • Patent number: 9844471
    Abstract: A vacuum bandage is provided for use with a wound having a wound surface. The bandage is connectable to a vacuum source and includes a wound dressing member having a wound contacting surface, a top surface, and a port configured for communication with the vacuum source. The wound dressing member further includes holes in the wound contacting surface configured for communication with the wound surface of the wound and a passageway between the port and each hole. The vacuum bandage further includes a pack adjacent to the top surface of the member. The pack may include an aperture positioned about the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: KCI Medical Resources Unlimited Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Lockwood, Robert Petrosenko
  • Patent number: 9844472
    Abstract: A wound dressing for use in the application of negative pressure to a wound, comprising a support member and a cover member positionable over the wound in use. The support member can have a first support element having a first portion aligned with a first axis and a body portion coupled with and extending away from the first portion, and a second support element having a first portion aligned with the first axis and a body portion coupled with and extending away from the first portion of the second support element. At least the body portion of each of the first support element and the second support element can be independently rotatable about the first axis. The support member can support at least a middle portion of the cover member above a surface of the wound so as to define a space between the wound cover and the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Victoria Jody Hammond, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, John Kenneth Hicks, Carl Saxby
  • Patent number: 9844473
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. microfiltration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Patrick Lewis Blott, Bryan Greener, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Tina Michelle Walker, Derek Nicolini, Julian Lee-Webb
  • Patent number: 9844474
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. microfiltration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Patrick Lewis Blott, Bryan Greener, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Tina Michelle Walker, Derek Nicolini, Julian Lee-Webb
  • Patent number: 9844475
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises a sealing layer comprising at least one orifice, an absorbent layer over the sealing layer, absorbing wound exude and a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventor: Edward Yerbury Hartwell
  • Patent number: 9844476
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin has a facing layer joined to a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the facing layer and backsheet. The facing layer has a first region comprising a plurality of apertures, and a second region comprising a plurality of out-of-plane deformations. The absorbent article provides a visual perception of comfort. In one embodiment, the sanitary napkin also comprises a deep-embossed channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Lee Hammons, Susan Nicole Lloyd, Stewart Lawrence Taub
  • Patent number: 9844477
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to absorbent products and methods for manufacturing the same. An absorbent product comprises a backsheet having a first lateral end edge, a second lateral end edge, a first longitudinal side edge, and a second longitudinal side edge. The absorbent product further comprises a first longitudinal line of weakness laterally inboard of the first longitudinal side edge, a second longitudinal line of weakness laterally inboard of the second longitudinal side edge, a first lateral line of weakness longitudinally inboard of the first lateral end edge, and a second lateral line of weakness longitudinally inboard of the second lateral end edge. The absorbent product also comprises a topsheet connected with the backsheet, an absorbent article, the absorbent article having an outer perimeter defined by the first and second longitudinal lines of weakness and the first and second lateral lines of weakness, and a removable trim region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Uwe Schneider, Thomas Henrich
  • Patent number: 9844478
    Abstract: A pull-on wearable article includes a main portion including an outer cover, the main portion defining a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region extending between and connecting the front and rear waist regions. First and second extendable side panels extend between and connect the main portion front waist region and the main portion rear waist region to form the article in a closed waist configuration, at least a portion of each side panel being extendable between a relaxed state and an extended state. The article defines first and second side regions, each side region including one of the first and second side panels and a transverse region of the main portion bordering the respective side panel. An informational image is disposed in at least the first side region. The article may further include a texture feature formed in an outer surface of the article and positioned proximate to the informational image to form a composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Donald Carroll Roe, Melanie D Allen, Kathleen Quinlan Ames-Ooten, Mark John Ciesko, Barry Robert Fiest, Eiro Fukkuda, George Bartol Glackin
  • Patent number: 9844479
    Abstract: A wheelchair rear wheel support assembly and a detachable arm assembly is described. The rear wheel support assembly is adjustable by finite adjustment both in the horizontal and vertical planes whereby to adjust the position of the rear wheels at a center of gravity to suit a user person to optimize the efforts of propulsion of the wheelchair by the user and thereby significantly increasing its quality of life. The detachable armrest is easily adjustable in height and can be pivoted away from its position of use by simple hand-operating levers easily accessible to the user person. It can also be easily removed with little effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: MOTION COMPOSITES INC
    Inventors: David Gingras, Michael Archambault, Pierre-Andre Couture, Jacques Desbiens
  • Patent number: 9844480
    Abstract: The leg support for a motorized chair is an accessory that is adapted to be mounted onto a motorized chair in order to support a leg of an end user that is riding said motorized chair. The leg support includes a first armature that is adapted to be affixed to and extend upwardly from a motorized chair floor surface. The first armature may employ the use of at least one mounting bracket to rigidly affix the first armature to the motorized chair. The first armature extends upwardly and includes a bend that designates a second armature portion. A leg rest is selectively bolted to the second armature portion. The leg rest is supported at a horizontal orientation with respect to the motorized chair. The leg rest includes at least one leg rest bracket to secure the leg rest to the second armature portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Minos Campbell
  • Patent number: 9844481
    Abstract: A holding mechanism holds a care-receiver, a traction mechanism that is connected to the holding mechanism, and the traction mechanism pulls the holding mechanism so that the holding mechanism draws a predetermined path. On the basis of a position of the holding mechanism detected by a position sensor and a force detected by a force sensor, if the position of the holding mechanism is not on the predetermined path, a controller controls the traction mechanism so that the holding mechanism draws the predetermined path by changing the position of the holding mechanism to a position on the predetermined path at a time after the time at which the position is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuko Tsusaka, Yudai Fudaba, Yasunao Okazaki
  • Patent number: 9844482
    Abstract: A medical head holder includes at least two opposing engagement members configured to engage the head of a patient, a frame, connector and coupling members, and a force applicator. The frame includes first and second frame sections which are displaceably coupled with each other, wherein each frame section supports at least one of the engagement members. The connecting member guides the first and second frame sections for displacement relative to each other, and selectively detachably fixes the frame sections with each other. The coupling member is selectively fixed to the second frame section and displaceably couples the second engagement member with the second frame section. The force applicator is detachably coupled to the second frame section and acts on the coupling member so as to cause the second engagement member to be displaced and/or fixed relative to the second frame section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Christian Radina, Rupert Heigl, Markus Graedler
  • Patent number: 9844483
    Abstract: A method for providing vestibular stimulation includes: providing an infant in a vestibular stimulation device; associating sensors to the infant; moving the vestibular stimulation device to provide vestibular stimulation treatment; and obtaining sensor data during the treatment. The vestibular stimulation device includes a holder member; a platform; a mechanical system coupling the holder member to the platform; sensors configured to detect one or more parameters of the infant; and a computing system having a user input and/or output interface operably coupled to the mechanical system and the sensors to provide mechanical data to the mechanical system in order to control movement of the holder member relative to the platform and to collect the one or more parameters of the living subject from the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: The University of Kansas
    Inventors: Steven M. Barlow, Douglas S. Kieweg, Emily Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 9844484
    Abstract: A device (900) includes a leg engaging section (101) and a foot engaging section (102 intersecting at a heel receiver (103). The leg engaging section and the foot engaging section defining a leg insertion aperture (104). A first compression wrap member (301) and a second compression wrap member (302) extend from the leg engaging section. An inflatable bladder (501) can be disposed along the leg engaging section between the leg insertion aperture and a compressible cushion layer (902). The inflatable bladder can be selectively inflatable through a connection tube (502) exiting the inflatable bladder at a non-orthogonal angle (504) relative to an edge (507) of the inflatable bladder. The leg engaging section can define at least one channel (1002) to permit the connection tube to exit the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David S Noskowicz, Margaret Falconio-West
  • Patent number: 9844485
    Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system is provided that includes a canister that is fluidly connected to a tissue site and is configured to receive fluid drawn from the tissue site under the influence of a reduced pressure. A reduced pressure source provides the reduced pressure and is fluidly connected to the tissue site by a fluid communication path, which may include a source conduit, the canister, and a target conduit. A sensing device communicates with the source conduit and is configured to sense a pressure in the source conduit. A valve communicates with the source conduit and is configured to vent the reduced pressure. A processing unit communicates with the sensing device and the valve and is configured to open the valve for a selected amount of time, determine a decay of reduced pressure, and determine a fill status of the canister based on the decay of reduced pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, David Robson Blandford
  • Patent number: 9844486
    Abstract: A vibratory massaging device having a spaced plurality of proximity sensors distributed on a massaging surface of the device, and a control circuit operative for controlling vibratory intensities in response to activation of particular ones of the sensors being close to a user's body parts being massaged. The device can be configured as a dildo, including both main and secondary vibrators, the secondary vibrator being within an arm portion that is configured for clitoral stimulation. At least one of the vibrators is automatically driven at increased intensity as penetration increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: American Lantex Corp.
    Inventor: Calvin Spencer Lee
  • Patent number: 9844487
    Abstract: A method of controlling the amount of compressed gas used for driving a reciprocating apparatus for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) comprising a valve means for controlling the provision of driving gas comprises operation of the valve means during the compression phase to stop provision of driving gas, which operation is separated in time from the venting of the driving gas from the apparatus at the end of the compression phase. Also disclosed are; a CPR apparatus operated by the method; a method of compression depth sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Physio-Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Anders Nilsson, Peter Sebelius
  • Patent number: 9844488
    Abstract: The high flow water return filling of the present invention is designed to connect directly to the end of a water return pipe in a swimming pool, spa, or the like. Water return fittings have been available for many years and have the primary purpose of returning filtered water back into a swimming pool, spa, or the like. However, the water return fitting of the present invention does not only return water into the swimming pool, it also substantially increases the water outflow so that a greater area of water in the pool can be circulated or agitated. In addition, the present invention has a uniquely curved nozzle that does not extend past the face plate, thus, the nozzle does not extend more than one inch from the swimming pool wall. The outflow from the nozzle creates a low pressure condition within the face plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Reza Afshar
  • Patent number: 9844489
    Abstract: A childproof and senior friendly packaging container having a housing defining a chamber for removably receiving a blister card or sheet. The blister card includes a blister or node on its end to engage a pair of slots within the housing sleeve to retain the blister card in a stored position and an extended position. The node may include a sloped rear surface to allow the blister card to be returned to a stored position. Squeezing the sides of the housing about the interior slot biases both the top panel of the housing and the panels defining the slot to release the node from the slot to allow the blister card to be withdrawn. A removable display panel may be attached to the packaging container to facilitate placement of the container in point of purchase displays while not interfering with the ability of consumers to access the contents. A cover with a tuck flap may be used to selectively cover the open end of the packaging container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: COLBERT PACKAGING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Glenn A. Grosskopf
  • Patent number: 9844490
    Abstract: A device for administering medicine to a person includes a housing that supports an edible carrier. An element is disposed within the edible carrier for forming a recess within the edible carrier when the element and edible carrier are separated. The method includes the steps of forming the recess within the edible carrier, placing medicine within the recess, and administering the edible carrier and medicine combination to the recipient. The edible carrier provides lubrication and a pleasant taste to the person receiving the medicine. The housing may be in the form a spoon with the edible carrier sealed to the spoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Dolores R. Ewing
  • Patent number: 9844491
    Abstract: A medicine feeder configured to feed solid medicines with an elongated shape, the medicine feeder including: a medicine container having a medicine outlet; a medicine delivering part having a plurality of medicine receiving spaces that are arranged at intervals and contain the medicines one by one; and a medicine entry preventing part that is provided in the medicine container and is configured to prevent the medicines from entering one of the plurality of medicine receiving spaces that coincides with the medicine outlet by covering over the medicine receiving space. A bulkhead portion partitioning between each two of the medicine receiving spaces has a shape such that an upper surface of a portion close to a rear side in the rotational direction of the medicine delivering part rises toward a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the medicine delivering part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Takazono Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenzo Yoshinori, Makio Takahama
  • Patent number: 9844492
    Abstract: A medicine feeding unit configured to feed solid medicines, the unit including: a medicine feeder having a driven shaft and a support having a driving shaft that is connected with the driven shaft. The driven shaft has a driven shaft body and a driven engagement member. The driving shaft has a driving shaft body and a driving engagement member. The driven engagement member is biased in a direction approaching the driving engagement member. The unit further includes a rotation preventing part configured to allow the driven engagement member to rotate in a mounted state in which the medicine feeder is mounted on the support and to prevent the driven engagement member from rotating in a detached state in which the medicine feeder is detached from the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Takazono Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Makio Takahama, Kenzo Yoshinori
  • Patent number: 9844493
    Abstract: An adhesive dental composition comprising a polymerizable monomer (1), a polymerizable monomer (2) comprising an acidic moiety, initiator component(s), filler component(s) in an amount of less than about 15 wt.-%, wt.-% with respect to the whole weight of the composition, the polymerizable monomer (1) being characterized as follows: having exactly two (meth)acrylate reactive moieties, having an unsymmetrical backbone as linkage between the (meth)acrylate reactive moieties, the two (meth)acrylate reactive moieties being attached onto the unsymmetrical monomer backbone as alkyl esters, the unsymmetrical backbone comprising one aromatic moiety of the phenolic type, the polymerizable monomer (1) not containing an acidic moiety, other atoms than carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, bisphenol moieties. The invention also relates to the use of the adhesive dental composition as dental adhesive, sealant, cement or for bonding or cementing a material to the surface of hard dental tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Adrian S. Eckert, Michael Cub, Bettina Hailand, Ines Edelmann, Christoph Thalacker, Karsten Dede, Uwe H. Hoheisel, Reinhold Hecht
  • Patent number: 9844494
    Abstract: Provided is a polymerizable composition hardly having oxygen inhibition layer by polymerization under an oxygen environment, including a first paste including (a) a (meth)acrylate compound, (b) at least one of an aromatic sulfinic acid and a salt thereof, and (c) an acidic compound; and a second paste including (a) a (meth)acrylate compound, (d) an organic metal compound, and (e) an organic halogen compound, wherein at least either one of the first paste and the second paste includes (f) a filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: GC CORPORATION
    Inventors: So Ishizuka, Naofumi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9844495
    Abstract: The present invention provides a self-adhesive composite resin having excellent adhesiveness to tooth structures and excellent mechanical strength. The present invention relates to a self-adhesive dental composite resin containing: an asymmetric acrylamide-methacrylic acid ester compound (a); an acid group-containing (meth)acrylic polymerizable monomer (b); a hydrophobic crosslinkable polymerizable monomer (c); a photopolymerization initiator (d); and a filler (e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: KURARAY NORITAKE DENTAL INC.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Kudo, Yamato Nojiri, Mitsuru Takei
  • Patent number: 9844496
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foam made of a specific material having superior properties and to cosmetics comprising said foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: AMOREPACIFIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ha Jin Jung, Kyung Nam Kim, Jung Sun Choi, Kyung Ho Choi, Yeong Jin Choi
  • Patent number: 9844497
    Abstract: A wipe warmer having a container to receive liquid and sponge pad therein, where the container is placed under the wipes to keep the wipes moist. The container has a top and a support plate within, both of which are perforated allowing moisture to pass through. These perforations offset each other to facilitate efficient saturation of the sponge pad, when the sponge pad is placed between the perforated top and the perforated plate. Further, the container can be a removable basket-like structure. Alternatively, all or part of the container can be an integral part of the wipe warmer. While the wipes can be placed on top of the container, an alternative design is to place the wipes and the container side-by-side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas E. McConnell