Patents Issued in January 2, 2018
  • Patent number: 9855416
    Abstract: A system for inserting a series of subdermal electrodes into the skin of a patient for neurological monitoring includes a magazine with an interior, a first end and an opposing second end. The first end has an opening. A row of applicators are carried in the interior of the magazine, parallel the its major axis. The first applicator presents itself at the opening in the first end and is followed in turn by a subsequent applicator. Each applicator carries an electrode that is ejected from that applicator when an applicator is pressed against the skin of a patient. The magazine has an actuator that advances each applicator in sequence toward the opening of the magazine to expel them one at a time after each ejects its electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Rhythmlink International LLC
    Inventors: Shawn V. Regan, Daniel Smith
  • Patent number: 9855417
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a device for brain stimulation includes forming a lead body having a distal end section and coupling at least one pre-electrode to the distal end section of the lead body. The pre-electrode defines a divider with a plurality of partitioning arms, and has a plurality of fixing lumens. A portion of the pre-electrode aligned with the portioning arms is removed to divide the pre-electrode into a plurality of segmented electrodes. Each of the plurality of segmented electrodes defines at least one of the plurality of fixing lumens at least partially disposed through the segmented electrode. A material is introduced through the at least one fixing lumen to couple the plurality of segmented electrodes to the lead body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Barker, Aditya Vasudeo Pandit, Anne Margaret Pianca
  • Patent number: 9855418
    Abstract: A device for electrical stimulation of one or more components of the periodontal complex and surrounding tissue of a tooth, for uses such as reducing orthodontic pain and encouraging tooth movement, has electrodes of a rigid, electrically conductive material in a fixed spatial relationship configured for application to oral mucosa and attached gingiva adjacent to, and along a periodontal ligament of, a root structure of a single tooth. An electrical circuit is configured for electrical connection to the at least two electrodes. The electrical circuit has an output providing a subsensory electrical stimulus comprising a waveform in accordance with predetermined stimulation parameters. After the electrodes are applied to the oral mucosa and attached gingiva adjacent to, and along the periodontal ligament of, a root structure of the tooth, a switch, when activated, activates the electrical circuit to output the electrical stimulus through the at least two electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Cosmo Haralambidis
  • Patent number: 9855419
    Abstract: Selective sensing implantable medical leads include pulsing and sensing portions and pulsing and not sensing portion. Leads and electrodes may be used in defibrillation and as integrated bipolar defibrillation electrodes. An entire electrode can pass charge while a valve metal or valve metal oxide portion of the electrode prevents the entire electrode from sensing, effectively rejecting unwanted signals. Differential conduction pathways, due to the valve metal and/or oxides thereof, cause the portions of the electrodes to conduct differently when used anodically and cathodically. Complex intracardiac electrical gradient can be formed along with a number of virtual electrodes within the tissue. Reentrant loops can thereby be pinned following defibrillation shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Laske, Gonzalo Martinez, Mark T. Marshall
  • Patent number: 9855420
    Abstract: One aspect relates to a medical implant, for example, implantable stimulation electrode, having a tight substrate and a porous contact region. One aspect also relates to a lead of a cardiac pacemaker having an implantable stimulation electrode and to a method for manufacturing a medical implant, for example, an implantable stimulation electrode. A medical implant according to one aspect is characterized in that the implant includes a sintered body with graduated porosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heiko Specht, Andreas Reisinger, Goran Pavlovic
  • Patent number: 9855421
    Abstract: A device for positioning an electrode in tissue includes: a lead body having a distal portion; an electrode array coupled to the lead distal portion; an anchoring element having an anchor tip and being operable in a first configuration in which the anchor tip is retracted within the lead and in a second configuration in which the anchor tip is extended outside the lead and configured to fixate within the tissue; and a displacement mechanism that is actuated to bias the electrode array or the anchoring element toward the tissue. A method for positioning an electrode in tissue includes: navigating, to the tissue, a lead with an electrode array, an anchoring element with a distal anchor tip, and a displacement mechanism; biasing the electrode array and anchoring element towards the tissue with the displacement mechanism; and deploying the anchoring element, and verifying fixation of the anchor tip within the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ellis Garai, Aravind Swaminathan
  • Patent number: 9855422
    Abstract: Implantable medical systems include implantable medical leads that have magnetic orientation-independent magnetically actuated switches that are placed in the conduction path to the electrode of the lead. Thus, regardless of the orientation of a substantial magnetic field like that from an MRI machine to the lead and switch within the lead, the switch opens when in the presence of that substantial magnetic field. The switch may be placed in close proximity to the electrode such that the opening of the switch disconnects the electrode from the majority of the conduction path which thereby produces a high impedance for RF current and reduces the amount of heating that may occur at the electrode when in the presence of substantial levels of RF electromagnetic energy as may occur within an MRI machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Spencer M. Bondhus, Walter Doell, John D. Welter, Guillaume Schmit, Niklaus Schneeberger
  • Patent number: 9855423
    Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining and analyzing electromyography responses of electrodes of an implanted neurostimulation lead for use neurostimulation programming are provided herein. System setups for neural localization and/or programming include a clinician programmer coupleable with a temporary or permanent lead implantable in a patient and at least one pair of EMG sensing electrodes minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. The clinician programmer is configured to determine a plurality of recommended electrode configurations based on thresholds and EMG responses of the plurality of electrodes and rank the electrode configuration according to pre-determined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: AXONICS MODULATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, John Woock, Dennis Schroeder, Eric Schmid
  • Patent number: 9855424
    Abstract: A system for stimulating the release of satiety hormone in a subject comprises a stimulus device which is implantable in the subject and adapted to apply an electrical stimulus to a tissue of a gastrointestinal system of said subject, and a detection device which is implantable in the subject and adapted to continuously monitoring at least one of a mechanical characteristic and an electrical characteristic of the subject to detect an ingestion of food by said subject, wherein the detection device cooperates with the stimulus device such that the stimulus device applies said electrical stimulus in response to a detected ingestion of food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Toralf Bork, Rocco Crivelli, Mathilde Miguras, Martin Pfleiderer, Yanik Tardy, Jason L. Harris, Mark S. Ortiz, Alessandro Pastorelli, Michele D' Arcangelo
  • Patent number: 9855425
    Abstract: Information can be stored in a cochlear stimulation system by determining an item of patient specific information, transferring the item of patient specific information to an implantable portion of the cochlear stimulation system, and permanently storing the item of patient specific information in the implantable portion of the cochlear stimulation system. The item of patient specific information can comprise a parameter for use in generating a stimulation current. The implantable portion of the cochlear stimulation system also can be configured to permanently store one or more items of patient specific information in an alterable fashion. Further, an item of patient specific information can be retrieved from the implantable portion of the cochlear stimulation system. Additionally, an item of non-patient specific information for use in processing a received acoustic signal can be determined and permanently stored in an external portion of the cochlear stimulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventors: Michael A. Faltys, Timothy J. Starkweather, Anthony K. Arnold
  • Patent number: 9855426
    Abstract: An electro-stimulation device where the supplementary motor area, premotor area and/or subthalamic nucleus is stimulated extracranially via intrinsic auricular muscles and the stimulation intensity of the supplementary motor area, premotor area and/or subthalamic nucleus is changed with the intensity of the tremors. The electro-stimulation device comprises; at least two primary electrodes which enables sending and receiving electric signals, at least one control unit which produces stimulating signals for reducing involuntary resting activities such as tremors and enables these signals to be sent to/received from primary electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: KOC Universitesi
    Inventors: Yusuf Ozgur Cakmak, Hakan Urey, Selim Olcer, Kaan Aksit
  • Patent number: 9855427
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for the treatment of pain through activation of select neural fibers. The neural fibers may comprise one or more afferent neural fibers and/or one or more efferent neural fibers. If afferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with efferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate afferent pathways in a manner approximating natural afferent activity. The afferent fibers may be associated with primary receptors of muscle spindles, golgi tendon organs, secondary receptors of muscle spindles, joint receptors, touch receptors, and other types of mechanoreceptors and/or proprioceptors. If efferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with afferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate intrafusal and/or extrafusal muscle fibers, which results in an indirect activation of afferent fibers associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SPR THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Maria E. Bennett, Joseph W. Boggs, Warren M. Grill, John Chae
  • Patent number: 9855428
    Abstract: A device includes a pulse generator coupled to a neurostimulation lead placed around the nerve and a set of electrodes individually connected to the generator by a splitter circuit controlled to preferentially stimulate certain regions of the nerve relative to other regions. The device performing an iterative search of an optimal configuration operating by selection of a plurality of different stimulation configurations, storing of a cardiac physiological parameter measured for each selected stimulation configuration, and designation as optimal stimulation configuration of the one of said selected different stimulation configurations, depending on at least the stored values of the physiological parameter measured for different electrode configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: SORIN CRM SAS, INRIA—Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique
    Inventors: Christine Henry, Laure Laporte-Duchemin, David Andreu, Christine Azevedo-Coste, David Guiraud, Pawel Maciejasz, Olivier Rossel
  • Patent number: 9855429
    Abstract: A system for delivering an electrical stimulation pulse to tissue comprises a controller-transmitter and a receiver-stimulator. The controller-transmitter includes circuitry having an energy storage capacitor. The capacitance of the energy storage capacitor is adjusted to improve the efficiency of energy delivered from the receiver-stimulator to tissue by modifying the geometry of an acoustic drive burst from the controller-transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: EBR Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark W. Cowan
  • Patent number: 9855430
    Abstract: A medical device system for controlling ventricular pacing therapy during cardiac resynchronization therapy that includes a sensing device to sense a cardiac signal and emit a trigger signal in response to the sensed cardiac signal, a therapy delivery device to deliver the ventricular pacing in response to the emitted trigger signal, and a processor configured to identify a fiducial point of the cardiac signal sensed in real-time, set a window comprising a start point positioned a first distance prior to the fiducial point and an endpoint positioned a second distance less than the first distance subsequent to the fiducial point, determine a signal characteristic of the cardiac signal within the window, determine whether a P-wave is detected in response to the signal characteristic, determine whether an atrio-ventricular interval timer has expired, and emit a trigger signal to deliver the ventricular pacing timed off of the local maximum in response to the P-wave being detected and not timed off of the local m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Subham Ghosh, Kushagr Gupta
  • Patent number: 9855431
    Abstract: Various device embodiments may comprise an implantable medical device for implantation in a body and for applying neural stimulation to a neural target in the body. The device may comprise a neural stimulation electrode configured for use in stimulating the neural target, a neural stimulator configured to deliver neural stimulation through the electrode to the neural target, a sensor configured to sense a physiological response to stimulation of motor fibers at the neural target, and a controller operatively connected to the neural stimulator to control the neural stimulation and operatively connected to the sensor to receive a signal indicative of the physiological response. The controller may be configured to detect a potential neural injury and perform an action in response to the detected potential neural injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Ternes, Jason J. Hamann, Stephen Ruble
  • Patent number: 9855432
    Abstract: A system for a tissue stimulator coupled to an array of electrodes. The system comprises a user-controlled input device configured for generating control signals, and at least one processor configured for generating a plurality of stimulation parameter sets in response to the control signals that, when applied to the electrodes, will shift electrical current between electrodes to modify a region of tissue activation. The processor(s) is further configured for computing an estimate of the region of tissue activation, and for generating display signals capable of prompting a monitor to display an animated graphical representation of the computed estimate of the region of tissue activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Yoo, Michael A. Moffitt, Kerry Bradley
  • Patent number: 9855433
    Abstract: A method is provided for establishing a communication session with an implantable medical device (“IMD”). The method includes configuring an IMD and an external device to communicate with one another through a protocol that utilizes a dedicated advertisement channel. The advertisement period and the scan period of the protocol are independent of one another such that the advertisement and scan periods at least partially overlap intermittently after a number of cycles. When the external device detects one of the advertisement notices, the method includes establishing a communications link between the external device and the IMD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc
    Inventors: Reza Shahandeh, Richard Williamson, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, Brent Croft, William Winstrom, Robert McCormick, Jorge N. Amely-Velez, Thanh Tieu, Ali Dianaty, Samir Shah, Yongjian Wu
  • Patent number: 9855434
    Abstract: An electronic medical monitoring and treatment apparatus allows a victim of a medical emergency person access to a medical professional (MP) who can monitor, diagnose and treat the person from a remote site. The apparatus includes a cardiac medical monitoring and treatment device (MMTD) coupled to an electronic adapter designed to communicate with a local, first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device which, in turn, is adapted to electronically communicate with a remote, second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device used by the MP. The MMTD may comprise a cardiac treatment circuit for effecting cardiac pacing and/or defibrillation and a cardiac signal circuit for receiving cardiac signals. The cardiac signals are (1) transmitted from the signal circuit to the second T/R device for evaluation by the MP, (2) the MP may transmit a control signal to the treatment circuit, and (3), in response thereto, the treatment circuit may generate one or more electrical pulses for treatment of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Matos
  • Patent number: 9855435
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides leadless pacemaker systems and methods. A leadless pacemaker includes a battery subassembly, a feedthrough subassembly, and an electronics subassembly coupled between the battery subassembly and the feedthrough subassembly, the electronics subassembly including an electronics package, and a housing configured to provide a hermetic seal and comprising a first retaining feature and a second retaining feature configured to secure the electronics package within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Kavous Sahabi, Arees Garabed
  • Patent number: 9855436
    Abstract: Systems and devices for a high-efficiency magnetic link for implantable devices are disclosed herein. These devices can include a charging coil located in the implantable device and a charging coil located in a charge head of a charger. The charging coils can each include an elongate core and wire windings wrapped around a longitudinal axis of the elongate core. The charging coil of the charge head can be attached to a rotatable mount, which can be used to align the longitudinal axis of the charging coil of the charge head with longitudinal axis of the implantable device such that the axes of the charging coils are parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    Inventors: Brian R. Dearden, Glen A. Griffith
  • Patent number: 9855437
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and communications are provided. In one embodiment, a resonator of a wireless power transfer system comprises a plurality of links connected to another with hinges to form a coil housing, the coil housing being adjustable at the hinges to conform to a body of a patient, and a flexible conductor wire attached to the coil housing, the flexible conductor wire being configured to transmit or receive wireless power. The resonator can be infinitely adjusted at the hinges to conform the shape of the resonator to a patient's body. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism can be configured to lock the resonator into a preferred position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventors: John Duc Nguyen, Carine Hoarau, Stephen Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 9855438
    Abstract: Battery management circuitry for an implantable medical device such as an implantable neurostimulator is described. The circuitry has a T-shape with respect to the battery terminal, with charging circuitry coupled between rectifier circuitry and the battery terminal on one side of the T, and load isolation circuitry coupled between the load and the battery terminal on the other side. The load isolation circuitry can comprise two switches wired in parallel. An undervoltage fault condition opens both switches to isolate the battery terminal from the load to prevent further dissipation of the battery. Other fault conditions will open only one the switches leaving the other closed to allow for reduced power to the load to continue implant operations albeit at safer low-power levels. The battery management circuitry can be fixed in a particular location on an integrated circuit which also includes for example the stimulation circuitry for the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Jordi Parramon, Goran N. Marnfeldt, Robert Ozawa, Emanuel Feldman, Dave Peterson, Yuping He
  • Patent number: 9855439
    Abstract: High frequency cardiac arrhythmias and fibrillations are terminated by electric field pacing pulses having an order of magnitude less energy than a conventional cardioversion or defibrillation energy. The frequency and number of the pulses are selected based on a frequency analysis of a present high frequency cardiac arrhythmia or fibrillation. The energy of the pulses is selected from 1/400 to ½ of the conventional defibrillation energy, and the amplitude of the electric field pacing pulses are selected such as to activate a multitude of effective pacing sites in the heart tissue per each pacing electrode. The number and locations of the effective pacing sites in the heart tissue are regulated by the amplitude of the electric field pacing pulses, and by an orientation of the electric field of the pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN E.V.
    Inventors: Valentin Krinski, Eberhard Bodenschatz, Stefan Luther
  • Patent number: 9855440
    Abstract: A dynamically adjustable multiphasic pulse system and method are provided. The dynamically adjustable multiphasic pulse system may be used as pulse system for a defibrillator or cardioverter. The dynamically adjustable multiphasic pulse system may include a subsystem that generates a first phase of a pulse, a separate subsystem that generates a second phase of the pulse and a switch element that switches between the subsystem and the separate subsystem to generate a therapeutic pulse having at least one positive phase and at least one negative phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: CardioThrive, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Raymond, Peter D. Gray, Walter T. Savage, Shelley J. Savage
  • Patent number: 9855441
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a micro-plasma with biocompatibility. The produced micro-plasma is a low temperature, adjustable micro-plasma with low energy consumption. The method provides a device comprising a first gas storage unit, a second gas storage unit, a unit for producing the micro-plasma, and a power supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jiunn-Der Liao, Pei-Lin Shao
  • Patent number: 9855442
    Abstract: Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo or in vitro, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. One example involves a vector for delivering a light-activated NpHR-based molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for light-activated NpHR-based molecule and a promoter. Either a high expression of the molecule manifests a toxicity level that is less than about 75%, or the light-activated NpHR-based proteins are expressed using at least two NpHR-based molecular variants. Each of the variants characterized in being useful for expressing a light-activated NpHR-based molecule that responds to light by producing an inhibitory current to dissuade depolarization of the neuron. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems, methods, kits, compositions of matter and molecules for ion pumps or for controlling inhibitory currents in a cell (e.g., in in vivo and in vitro environments).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Karl Deisseroth, Feng Zhang, Viviana Gradinaru
  • Patent number: 9855443
    Abstract: A medical data processing method for determining a change in the position of a soft tissue body part of a patient's body, the data processing method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: a) acquiring (S10, S20) bony body part planned position data comprising bony body part planned position information describing a planned position of a bony body part of the patient's body; b) acquiring (S10, S20) soft tissue body part planned position data comprising soft tissue body part planned position information describing a planned position of the soft tissue body part; c) acquiring (S11, S21) bony body part actual position data comprising bony body part actual position information describing an actual position of the bony body part; d) acquiring (S11, S21) soft tissue body part actual position data comprising soft tissue body part actual position information describing an actual position of the soft tissue body part; e) determining (S12, S22), based on the bony body part pla
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Kajetan Berlinger, Cornel Schlossbauer, Joerg Rehs, Stephan Elsner
  • Patent number: 9855444
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for probing a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) sequentially delivering sets of varied and known positively charged particles to a patient; (2) after transmission through the patient, sequentially detecting a residual energy of each of the sets of positively charged particles; and (3) determining a water equivalent thickness of a probed path of the patient using a plot of the detector response as a function of residual energy that is fit with a curve. The analyzer relates a half maximum of the fit curve, such as a Gaussian curve, to the water equivalent thickness of the sampled beam path. Repeated measurements as a function of incident angle and/or position of the incident charged particles allows generation of an image of the sample, such as a computed tomography image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Scott Penfold, W. Davis Lee, Mark R. Amato
  • Patent number: 9855445
    Abstract: A radiation therapy system includes an accelerator and beam transport system that generates a beam of particles. The accelerator and beam transport system guides the beam on a path and into a nozzle that can aim the beam toward an object. The nozzle includes a beam energy adjuster that can adjust the beam by, for example, placing different thicknesses of material in the path of the beam to affect the energies of the particles in the beam to deliver a dose to the object with a Spread Out Bragg Peak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Mansfield
  • Patent number: 9855446
    Abstract: A robot includes a central member, and a plurality of robot arms, each having one end connected to the central member to rotate on a longitudinal axis of the central member, and the robot arms are connected to different portions of the central member to rotate independently and incoherently with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Pyung Hun Chang, Gezgin Erkin
  • Patent number: 9855447
    Abstract: Compositions, kits, and methods for repairing bonds, for example, disulfide bonds, in hair or on the skin are disclosed. The compositions provide improved conditioning benefit for dry hair or moisturize the skin. The compositions also provide a long lasting moisturized feel and smooth feel to the skin or hair, without feeling greasy. The compositions contain one or more compounds that covalently bind at least two thiol groups in the hair or on the skin. Use of the binding compositions prevents reversion of the repaired bonds to their free thiol state, for at least one week or one month, or more, after a single application of the composition. Improved methods of styling hair, for example permanent hair waving, hair curling, hair coloring or highlighting, and hair straightening, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Liqwd, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Pressly, Craig J. Hawker
  • Patent number: 9855448
    Abstract: A sun-care composition having an SPF value of at least 15 comprising: (a) one or more sun care actives including a ów-resorcinyl triazine compound; (b) an acrylates/octylacrylamide copolymer; and (c) a pharmaceutically/cosmetically/dermatologically acceptable vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: James Mish, Hani M. Fares
  • Patent number: 9855449
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for topical application, comprising at least one aqueous phase, at least one superabsorbent polymer and at least one lamellar or platelet-shaped matting mineral filler. A subject of the invention is also a cosmetic treatment process for keratin materials, which consists in applying to the keratin materials a composition as defined above, and also the use of this composition in the cosmetic or dermatological field, and in particular for caring for, protecting and/or making up bodily or facial skin, or for haircare. The composition according to the invention has both a matt appearance throughout all the steps of its use, from the appearance of the product up to the finished skin, and a comfortable sensation throughout its use, from the application to the total penetration of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Laure Fageon, Raluca Lorant
  • Patent number: 9855450
    Abstract: A safety harness assembly includes a jump suit that may be worn. The jump suit has an inner layer and an outer layer. A mesh is coupled to the jump and objects may be coupled to the mesh. A harness is coupled to the jump suit. Thus, the harness is worn when the jump suit is worn thereby facilitating the harness to be coupled around a user. The harness is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer. A rope is coupled to the harness. The rope may be coupled to a stanchion thereby facilitating the harness to inhibit the user from falling off of a support on the stanchion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: David Remler, Ben Deckman
  • Patent number: 9855451
    Abstract: Disclosed is a connecting device. The disclosed connecting device includes a connecting unit whose inside is penetrated and opened and closed according to rotation of a rotor provided therein, and an opening/closing unit that is rotatably coupled to the connecting unit and opens and closes the inside of the connecting unit by rotating the rotor, when being rotated with respect to the connecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Bong Kwan Kim
  • Patent number: 9855452
    Abstract: A trampoline anchor comprising a trampoline frame, a trampoline bed attached to the trampoline frame, trampoline springs connecting the trampoline frame to the trampoline bed, a fluid chamber formed as a toroidial enclosure, and an outside skirt attached to the fluid chamber, wherein the outside skirt connects between the fluid chamber and the trampoline frame at a fluid chamber skirt connection. The trampoline anchor can also have fluid chamber pods attached to the legs of the trampoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 9855453
    Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise device comprising: an outer ring; an inner ring located within the outer ring; and a plurality of spokes connecting the inner ring and the outer ring. A method of use is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Jason William Day
  • Patent number: 9855454
    Abstract: A portable, light-weight exercise apparatus includes a jacket made light-weight material and coated with low surface friction coating, and can be worn on the user's upper body. The jacket having an upper protuberance member and a lower protuberance member, each with an aperture for engaging a pair of resistance cables that are respectively connected to a pair of grip handles. Depending on the desired exercise of certain muscle groups, the user engages resistance cables in either the lower protuberance member, or the upper protuberance member. In another embodiment, the jacket comprises of two track-like members means placed on the back-side of the jacket, for adjusting the resistance cables, and a single protuberance member where the resistance cables are secured therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Said Abdow Ismail, Isaak R. Jama
  • Patent number: 9855455
    Abstract: A hand held supple exerciser is configured with a truncated prolate spheroid body having a transverse radial flange projecting from a closed end and a cylindrical cavity at the other end. Intermediate the ends is a gently curved face. The curved face is dimensioned to be cupped in one's palm for performing underhand or grasped in an overhand orientation for forearm and other exercise routines. The exerciser is molded of a pliable elastic material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, elastomers or blends thereof such that a variety of tension and compression exercise routines may be performed at the cylindrical cavity end while the radial flange at the closed end transitions to an annular channel which functions as a finger grip surface. An internal metal weight is positioned to provide an appropriate center of mass as well as for fixing the total weight of the exerciser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel J. Rohanna
  • Patent number: 9855456
    Abstract: A fitness handle which is used as an exercise device that allows a resilient cord or tube to move in a linear direction in order to maintain consistent resistance. The fitness handle includes a grip and a frame. The frame includes an opening which allows the cord to slide. The cord or tube has an adjoining portion which fits into the opening of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin Dorsey
  • Patent number: 9855457
    Abstract: A pull-up fitness exercise machine includes a base, a cantilever, a cantilever aligning unit, a pulling and latching unit, an assisted pushing unit, a limit assembly and a support plate. At a low static position, the support plate is acted by the limit assembly and fixed to a bottom position of the base, such that only after a specific gravitational force is exerted onto the support plate, and the cantilever is pulled downward, the support plate is released from a locked status. In addition, a central column at the bottom of the base has an inverted hook member operating together with a circular ring installed at a corresponding position of the support plate to form a secondary safety device to prevent the support plate to have any unexpected lifting movement and ensure the safety of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Leao Wang
  • Patent number: 9855458
    Abstract: A clamping device for securely engaging one or more objects through the application of pressure. The clamping device includes a primary member having opposed interior and exterior surfaces. The primary member has a generally cylindrical shape such that the interior surface defines a generally circular space about a center point of the primary member. The clamping device can receive an elongated member through the generally circular space circumscribed by the primary member. The primary member is adapted for clamping and releasing such that the clamping device may releasably engage the elongated member. The elongated member is securely retained by the clamping device through the application of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Tyler Scott Stilson
  • Patent number: 9855459
    Abstract: In a grip positioning apparatus a handle grip may be mounted in a tubular housing transverse to the rotational axis of the tubular housing. The handle grip may be rotated 360° in a single plane of motion controlled by user applied pressure to a lock/tension control member that may be manipulated to variably increase/decrease and/or maintain drag torque values throughout a desired range of motion. The handle grip may be locked at any desired angle relative to the rotational axis by the user applying and maintaining a grip pressure on the lock/tension control member. A detachable lock mechanism may be engaged prior to use to lock the handle grip at a selected angle. The grip positioning assembly may be mounted for use in a static, dynamic or multiple configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Theodore J Condara
  • Patent number: 9855460
    Abstract: An exercise bar for use when exercising, such as while walking, running, jogging, stretching, or the like. The exercise bar device includes a U-shaped frame having a pair of handles extending from opposing sides thereof. The user can position his or her body in the opening defined by the U-shaped frame while holding the frame in various positions with the handles located on side of the user. Each handle is further configured to removably receive a weighted plate thereon for providing additional resistance. In some embodiments, the exercise bar includes an audio unit adapted to allow the user to play music or other audio while exercising. The U-shaped frame further includes a storage compartment, one or more lights, a panic alarm, and a pedometer, depending upon the embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: M. C. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9855461
    Abstract: An oxygen trainer assembly for use in athletic activities to increase inspiratory muscular endurance includes a mouthpiece having a mouthpiece opening, a circulation chamber housing having a circulation chamber in fluid communication with the mouthpiece opening, a first endcap having a first endcap aperture, and a second endcap having a second endcap opening in fluid communication with the circulation chamber housing. The oxygen trainer assembly further includes a first endcap insert disposable in the first endcap operative to control the level of air resistance in the assembly during inhalation and exhalation and a one-way valve disposable in the second endcap sized and configured to allow the flow of air away from the circulation chamber during exhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BAS RUTTEN, LLC
    Inventor: Bas Rutten
  • Patent number: 9855462
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a Kegel health system can include: inserting an insertable body into a user, the insertable body connected to a tail outside of the user, the insertable body including a bulbous body coupled to a connecting body, the bulbous body including a control unit, the connecting body coupled to the tail, and the connecting body including sensors; sensing sensor data with the sensors, the sensor data indicating the presence of contractions from a pelvic floor muscle of the user; providing feedback to the user with graphics and written information displayed on an external device, the graphics and the written information indicating attributes of the contractions from the pelvic floor muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Kalikha Inc.
    Inventor: Julia Rose
  • Patent number: 9855463
    Abstract: A method includes acquiring physiological exercise data from a plurality of physiological exercise sensors applied by a group of exercisers; determining a performance metric for each exerciser on the basis of the acquired physiological exercise data; detecting whether or not a predetermined common target is met on the basis of the performance metrics; and triggering an event upon detecting that the predetermined common target is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: POLAR ELECTRO OY
    Inventors: Mika Erkkila, Riikka Rae, Tomi Thurlin, Tuomo Korva, Tony Manninen
  • Patent number: 9855464
    Abstract: A swimming aid device in the form of a monofi is contemplated. The swimming aid device may include first and second fins formed of a resilient material, each fin including an elongated internal space within a fin body, an opening leading to the elongated internal space, a fin blade coupled to and extending away from the elongated internal space, a first and second side heel connectors on opposing sides of the opening leading to the elongated internal space and sized and shaped to mate with each other, a fin blade connector and a fin blade connector receiver on the fin blade and sized and shaped to mate with each other, the combination of the first and second fins forming a monofin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Andrew Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9855465
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Madson, Nicholas M. Nardacci