Patents Issued in January 9, 2018
  • Patent number: 9861770
    Abstract: A vacuum motor comprising a working plunger, an internal space, in which the working plunger is arranged such that it is mobile in linear direction, a resetting element that exerts, at least for part of the time, a force on the working plunger that acts in the direction of a front side of the internal space, a gas inlet opening for supplying ambient air or a compressed gas into the internal space, and a gas outlet opening for discharging the gas from the internal space. The gas outlet opening is connectable to a negative pressure source, whereby a control plunger is arranged between the working plunger and a rear side of the internal space such as to be mobile in linear direction in the internal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Medical GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Vogt
  • Patent number: 9861771
    Abstract: An assembly having: a container configured to contain a product, the container having an end having a dispensing end surface, a central axis which extends through the end, and a neck underneath the end, the neck having an outer surface which tapers outwardly away from the central axis as it extends in a direction towards the end; an accessory non-removably mounted on the end of the container, the accessory having a surface bearing against the dispensing end surface of the container, and a sleeve disposed about the neck so that an inner surface of the sleeve is in facing relation with the neck outer surface, and; an annular collar wedged between the sleeve inner surface and the neck outer surface and joined to the sleeve inner surface by a permanent joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Peter John Brand, James William Godfrey, Paul Kenneth Rand, Duncan Robertson
  • Patent number: 9861772
    Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Terry, Noah Mark Minskoff
  • Patent number: 9861773
    Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Terry, Noah Mark Minskoff
  • Patent number: 9861774
    Abstract: A blower (10) includes a housing (20) including a proximal opening (23) and a distal opening (25) that are co-axially aligned, a stator component (30) provided to the housing, an impeller (60) positioned between the proximal opening of the housing and the stator component, and a motor (40) adapted to drive the impeller. The impeller includes a plurality of impeller blades. The stator component includes a plurality of air directing grooves (35) along its exterior surface. The leading edge of the air directing grooves extend tangentially outwards from the outer tips of the impeller blades and are configured to collect the air exiting the impeller blades and direct it from a generally tangential direction to a generally radial direction by dividing the air from the impeller and directing the air along a curved path towards the distal opening so that airflow becomes substantially laminar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: ResMed Motor Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Tsun-Fai Fu, Dion Charles Chewe Martin, Philippe Auguste Chalvignac, Quangang Yang, David Creusot
  • Patent number: 9861775
    Abstract: An emergency resuscitation apparatus with external air volume control includes a housing having top and bottom plates pivotally coupled so as to siphon air into an internal reservoir via an inflow port and propel air out through an outlet port to a patient. A volume control plate is coupled to the bottom plate externally adjacent a second end wall, the volume control plate having a plurality of volume selectors. An air volume limit arm is operatively coupled to the volume control plate and selectively movable between and coupled to a selected volume selector. A volume limiting flange associated with the volume limit arm are positioned in a common vertical plane with top plate such that the volume limit flange prevents upward movement of the top plate beyond the setting of the volume limit arm so as to regulate a quantity of air being expelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Charles A. Farmer, Tammy L. Maras
  • Patent number: 9861776
    Abstract: An inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. These cuffs may include features that facilitate detection or visualization of the cuff, for example with ultrasound devices, to ensure proper placement of the cuff and the tube. Such surface features may include particular types of materials or shaped or protruding features that may be detected in the environment of the trachea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Andy S. Lin, Youzhi Li
  • Patent number: 9861777
    Abstract: Apparatus for control of oxygen and/or air flow to nasal prongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Neotech Products LLC
    Inventors: Rangasamy Ramanathan, Arnold M. Heyman, Thomas R. Thornbury, Craig R. McCrary
  • Patent number: 9861778
    Abstract: An apparatus for humidifying a flow of pressurized, breathable air includes varying a first pressure of the flow of breathable gas to vary a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion of the reservoir and the heater plate, varying a height of the variable portion varies a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion of the reservoir and the heater plate, use of a humidifier reservoir base component with a maximum water capacity substantially equal to the predetermined maximum volume of water of the humidifier reservoir or the use of intersecting inlet and outlet axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Justin John Formica, Matthew Rolf Harrington, Joseph Samuel Ormrod, Luke Andrew Stanislas, Hargopal Verma
  • Patent number: 9861779
    Abstract: An improved oscillating positive expiratory pressure (“OPEP”) device, for respiratory therapy having a self sterilizing flow valve capable of insertion into the curved OPEP body without tools or aids. The flow valve is also tear resistant and incorporates a flared reinforced proximal end. To maximize the benefit to patients, the adjustable therapy selector is constrained from withdrawal and is dimensioned to accept commercially available, standardized respiratory fittings adaptors, mouthpieces and “Tees” that are capable of connection to multiple respiratory therapy devices or medicated aerosol delivery units. The aesthetics have been altered by the addition of an arced handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: George Ashford Reed, Patrick Finn Boileau
  • Patent number: 9861780
    Abstract: A bladder catheter includes a tube, wherein the tube has an insertion section for inserting into a urinary bladder through a urethra and wherein the tube has a connection section for connecting connection elements, wherein fluid can be drained from the urethra at the connection section via the insertion section, wherein a closable valve is arranged between the insertion section and the connection section in such a way that the discharge of fluid from the connection section can be prevented while the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: RETHINK MEDICAL SL.
    Inventor: Manuel Luque González
  • Patent number: 9861781
    Abstract: An intermittent catheter assembly is disclosed which comprises an intermittent catheter having a proximal insertion end, a distal end remote from the proximal insertion end, and an insertable portion. The insertable portion of the catheter extends from the proximal insertion end thereof to a point approaching the distal end thereof. The catheter is disposed in a cavity and a drawstring secured to the catheter extends through the cavity and generally along the insertable portion of the catheter. The drawstring has a first end secured to the catheter between the insertable portion and the distal end and a second end outside the cavity for withdrawing the catheter therefrom. The drawstring exits the cavity proximate the proximal insertion end of the catheter to accommodate drawing the proximal insertion end thereof from the cavity into the urethral opening by pulling on the second end of the drawstring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hollister Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael G. Murray, James McIlvenna, Martin P. Creaven, Adam J. Foley, David Hannon, Daniel O'Brien, Padraig M. O'Flynn
  • Patent number: 9861782
    Abstract: A variable stiffness catheter having two concentric coils. A first coil is fixed with relation to the body of the catheter and a second coil is able to rotate in the space between adjacent turns of the first coil. The second coil translates axially in response to being rotated. When the second coil is advanced to its distal position, the stiffness is maximized. When the second coil is retracted proximally, the stiffness of the coil is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Trevor Plassman, Logan Michael Cage
  • Patent number: 9861783
    Abstract: An interventional catheter for treating an artery includes an elongated body sized and shaped to be transcervically introduced into a common carotid artery at an access location in the neck. The elongated body has an overall length such that the distal most section can be positioned in an intracranial artery and at least a portion of the proximal most section is positioned in the common carotid artery during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Silk Road Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michi E. Garrison, Scott D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9861784
    Abstract: A shieldable needle device including a shield assembly having a first shield member extending from a first side of a hub and a second shield member extending from a second side of the hub, the second side being substantially opposite the first side is disclosed. The shield assembly is pivotable between an open position in which a needle cannula is exposed and the first shield member is spaced apart from the second shield member and a shield position in which the first shield member contacts the second shield member and at least a portion of the first shield member and the second shield member are disposed over the distal end of the needle cannula. In one embodiment, the hub, the first shield member, and the second shield member form an integral component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Bradley M. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 9861785
    Abstract: A catheter is responsive to external and internal magnetic field generators for generating signals representing position and pressure data, with a reduced number of sensing coil leads for minimizing lead breakage and failure. The catheter includes a flexible joint with pressure sensing and position coils, at least pair of a pressure sensing coil and a position coil are serially connected. Methods of calibrating a catheter for position and pressure sensing, and detecting magnetic field interference with one catheter by another catheter or other metal or ferrous object advantageously use signals between two sets of sensors as a “back up” or “error check”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Clark, George Kamin, Mark Stanley
  • Patent number: 9861786
    Abstract: An articulating mechanism comprises a first link, a second link, an intermediate portion, a first hinge between the first link and the intermediate portion, and a second hinge between the second link and the intermediate portion. The first link, the second link, the intermediate portion, the first hinge, and the second hinge are integrally formed. The articulating mechanism also comprises a plurality of cables for rotating the first and second links about the first and second hinges. The cables extend through channels in the first link and the second link without extending through the intermediate portion. The first and second hinges are oriented parallel to each other to permit the first and second links to rotate in the same plane about the first and second hinges, respectively. The first and second links are rotatable about the first and second hinges in two directions under control of the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
  • Patent number: 9861787
    Abstract: An elongate medical device with independently-deflectable segments and a handle for manually deflecting those segments can include a shaft having a distal segment and proximal segment, at least one proximal segment deflection wire adapted to deflect the proximal segment, at least one distal segment deflection wire adapted to deflect the distal segment independent of the proximal segment, and a handle portion. The handle portion may comprise a first manual actuation mechanism coupled to the at least one distal segment deflection wire and a second manual actuation mechanism coupled to the at least one proximal segment deflection wire. Actuation of the first manual actuation mechanism may impart a tensile force on the distal segment deflection wire to cause the distal segment to deflect, and actuation of the second manual actuation mechanism may impart a tensile force on the proximal segment to cause the proximal segment to deflect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy T. Tegg
  • Patent number: 9861788
    Abstract: Catheter shaft handles and deflection actuators are disclosed. The actuators include at least one pull wire guide wall and a means for anchoring the proximal portion of a pull wire or of a fiber attached to a pull wire. Each actuator is pivotable relative to the catheter handle housing, and may comprise at least one boss for pivoting the actuator relative to the catheter handle housing. The actuators transfer rotational motion based upon user input on a boss into longitudinal motion of a pull wire. The actuators may include a tensioning mechanism comprising a tension adjustment pin and a pin block, wherein the tension adjustment pin is rotatably attached to the pin block to enable adjustment of tension in a pull wire (e.g., during assembly of the catheter handle).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Yu, Stephen W. Evans, Genevieve L. Gallagher, Troy T. Tegg
  • Patent number: 9861789
    Abstract: An actuating member for causing a flexible elongated member for medical use to perform a predetermined curving motion includes a push-pull member including a first moving part and a second moving part which are configured to be movable relative to one another in an axial direction of the elongated member, the first moving part and the second moving part being pushable and pullable so as to cause the elongated member to curve in the axial direction of the elongated member; a curving motion restricting member which is configured to be movable in the axial direction of the elongated member, and which is configured to restrict curving of at least a portion of the elongated member; and an operation member configured to operate movements of the first moving part, the second moving part, and the curving motion restricting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoru Suehara
  • Patent number: 9861790
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bi-directional catheter with nearly double the throw in its catheter tip deflection. In particular, the travel path of each the puller wire includes a U-turn or doubling-back around a pulley which minimizes the offset angle between the puller wire and the longitudinal axis of the control handle while maximizing the travel distance of that puller wire for any given distance traveled by the pulley drawing the puller wire. In one embodiment, the catheter has an elongated catheter body, a catheter tip section with first and second diametrically-opposed off-axis lumens, and a control handle which includes a steering assembly having a lever structure carrying a pair of pulleys for simultaneously drawing and releasing corresponding puller wires to deflect the tip section of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas V. Selkee
  • Patent number: 9861791
    Abstract: An intravenous catheter device and system includes: (a) a medical tubing connector at a first end of the intravenous catheter device; (b) a length of flexible, non-kinking, supported medical tubing, a first end of the non-kinking tubing being connected to a first end of the medical tubing connector; (c) an intravenous catheter portion having a first end attached to a second end of the non-kinking tubing, the non-kinking tubing extending between the intravenous catheter portion and the tubing connector; and (d) a cylindrical-shaped cuff attached to a fast outside end portion of the intravenous catheter portion, and a second outside end portion of the non-kinking tubing; wherein a central channel of the intravenous catheter portion is in fluid communication with a channel of the non-kinking, flexible tubing when the intravenous catheter device is in use. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: James T. Rawls
  • Patent number: 9861792
    Abstract: An insertion device for use in assisting with the placement of a medical device within the body of a patient is disclosed. For example, the insertion device can be employed to assist with the placement of an introducer, which provides a conduit for insertion of a catheter into the body. In one embodiment, the insertion device comprises a needle that is removably disposed within a bore defined by the medical device, and a needle retraction assembly. The needle retraction assembly can position the needle in any one of a first position wherein a distal tip of the needle is disposed a predetermined distance distal to a distal end of the medical device, a second position wherein the needle distal tip is disposed distal but proximate to the distal end of the medical device, and a third position wherein the needle distal tip is retracted within the medical device bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Hall, Ryan C. Patterson, Charles L. Farnworth
  • Patent number: 9861793
    Abstract: A guidewire for use in ear, nose and throat procedures may include an elongate core wire having a proximal region and a distal region. The distal region of the core wire may include a flattened portion adapted to provide preferential flexure along at least one axis of the wire. The distal region of the core wire may include a tip portion distal of the flattened portion, where at least one cross-sectional dimension of the tip portion is greater than at least one cross-sectional dimension of the flattened portion. The guidewire may include an outer coil disposed around at least a portion of the elongate core wire. The guidewire may also include an atraumatic tip coupled to the core wire or the outer coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac J. Kim, Ketan P. Muni
  • Patent number: 9861794
    Abstract: A medical balloon includes at least one internal wall dividing the balloon into a plurality of separate chambers which may be separately inflatable and deflatable. The at least one internal wall is impregnated with heat conductive particles. The heat conductive particles enable heat produced during the balloon blowing process to pass through the polymer material of the balloon and specifically into the internal wall or walls, enabling these to soften and stretch during the process. This improves the integrity of the balloon and also balloon flexibility. The radiopaque particles embedded in the internal wall or walls of the balloon can also, in preferred embodiments, be of radiopaque material, providing the balloon with imaging visibility during deployment thereof in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Bo Ringvad Andersen, Kim Holm Andersen
  • Patent number: 9861795
    Abstract: A catheter including a plurality of balloons extending from the outer surface of the catheter that when inflated create a seal between the catheter and the patient's thereby eliminating leakage of fluids from around catheter during the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MUSC Foundation for Research Development
    Inventors: Cephus Simmons, Rebecca Copenhaver DeLegge
  • Patent number: 9861796
    Abstract: The present invention is a production method for an expansion balloon (2) for use in a balloon catheter (1), including the steps of; forming a balloon tube (8) by extrusion molding so as to have a cross section orthogonal to an axial direction with the shape of a circle on the outside and the shape of a polygon having a circumcircle on the inside; and placing the balloon tube (8) in a mold to perform biaxially-stretched blow molding to obtain the balloon, whereby it is possible to produce the expansion balloon (2) that has no unevenness in film thickness of a straight pipe part (4) and allows stable folding control by simple processes with favorable molding yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shintaro Osumi, Yoichi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9861797
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention a balloon catheter is provided. The balloon catheter comprises a shaft having a lumen formed therethrough. Connected to the shaft is an inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon has a balloon wall defining a balloon interior surface and a balloon exterior surface that is opposite the interior surface. In fluid communication with the balloon wall is the lumen for inflating the balloon to define an inflated state and for collapsing the balloon to define a deflated state. The balloon wall is textured in the deflated state such that the balloon interior surface is spatially registered with the balloon exterior surface. The balloon in the inflated state is tensioned to have a surface roughness substantially less than a surface roughness of the balloon in the deflated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: David G. Burton, Thomas Lysgaard, Steen Aggerholm, Scott E. Boatman
  • Patent number: 9861798
    Abstract: A balloon catheter may include a multi-lumen tube having an inflation lumen and a guide wire lumen. The multi-lumen tube may include a proximal end and a distal end and may terminate at a distal tip. The catheter may include an extension tube extending distally from the distal tip of the multi-lumen tube and a dilatation balloon disposed about the multi-lumen tube and the extension tube. The distal tip of the multi-lumen tube may be under the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Daniel Vreeman, Jason Eddy, Sandra Vreeman
  • Patent number: 9861799
    Abstract: A shunt for at least partial implantation into a patient that includes an elongated conduit having at least one lumen therethrough and a second lumen concentric about the first lumen along at least part of the first lumen, that includes a proximal end for receipt of bodily fluids for flow through the shunt and a distal end for discharge of the bodily fluids from the shunt, and a long term source of at least one occlusion resistant agent, wherein said at least a portion of the at least one occlusion resistant agent can permeate through at least a portion of the elongated conduit. The invention also includes kits and systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC PS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Paul V. Trescony, Edouard Koullick
  • Patent number: 9861800
    Abstract: A system and method for utilizing an endoscopic sheath. An endoscope is received in a scope port of the endoscopic sheath. A dilation device is received in a working port of the endoscopic sheath. The dilation device is controlled utilizing controls of the endoscopic sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TREBLE INNOVATIONS
    Inventors: Ian Joseph Alexander, Brian Dean Owens
  • Patent number: 9861801
    Abstract: A drug delivery device is disclosed that may include a skin penetrating assembly having a support defining an upper surface and a lower surface. The skin penetrating assembly may also include a plurality of skin penetrating members extending outwardly from the lower surface. Each skin penetrating member may define a channel for receiving a drug formulation. In addition, the device may include a reservoir positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the support for initially retaining the drug formulation. The reservoir may include a top surface and a bottom surface and may define a plurality of passages extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The passages may be configured such that the drug formulation is retained within the passages against gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Baker, Russell F. Ross, Luke Hagan
  • Patent number: 9861802
    Abstract: A percutaneous catheter system for use within the human body and an ablation catheter for ablating a selected tissue region within the body of a subject. The percutaneous catheter system can include two catheters thai are operatively coupled to one another by magnetic coupling through a tissue structure. The ablation catheter can include electrodes positioned within a central portion. The ablation catheter is positioned such that the central portion of a flexible shaft at least partially surrounds the selected tissue region. Each electrode of the ablation catheter can be activated independently to apply ablative energy to the selected tissue region. The ablation catheter can employ high impedance structures to change the current density at specific points. Methods of puncturing through a tissue structure using the percutaneous catheter system are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for ablating a selected tissue region using the ablation catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventor: Steven Richard Mickelsen
  • Patent number: 9861803
    Abstract: A catheter adapter assembly includes an adapter body and a slider body. The adapter body includes a distal end portion configured to receive a catheter, a coupling disposed on the distal end portion, and a fitting on the proximal end portion. The slider body is disposed about the adapter body and axially slides along the adapter body. The slider body includes a release, a latch disposed at a distal end of the release, and a flexing portion disposed at a proximal end of the release. The slider body also includes compression element that compresses the tubular catheter receiver in response engagement of the latch and the coupling. A catheter adapter system comprising the catheter adapter assembly and a nest that holds the catheter adapter assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TELEFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Whitley
  • Patent number: 9861804
    Abstract: A valve for a needleless valve system. The valve includes a body configured to be disposed in the needleless valve system and controlling fluid flow through the needleless valve system and wherein the body is tail-less. The body includes a continuous top surface, and a compression feature configured to control how the body is compressed to allow fluid flow through the needleless valve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Zollinger
  • Patent number: 9861805
    Abstract: The breakaway assembly includes a first breakaway subassembly and a second breakaway subassembly. The subassemblies are configured to connect, which causes bellows sheaths in each subassembly to compress and open pores, allowing fluid to flow through the subassemblies. The subassemblies can be connected to luer tip. The luer tips can be connected to the an intravenous (IV) fluid line or other types of lines used in the medical field to move fluids. This allows the movement of fluid from a fluid-holding component to a patient. Unless the subassemblies are locked together, the subassemblies will be disconnected under the correct amount of pressure. This disconnection closes the pores on the subassemblies, which keeps fluid from leaking, and prevents the contamination of the IV line. Luer tips may also be connected to the subassemblies. Some of the luer tips allow for the quick connection of the luer tip to the subassembly through a flange being inserted into a notch or flange acceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Linear Health Sciences, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Wayne Dennis, Daniel Lawrence Clark, Adam James Waters
  • Patent number: 9861806
    Abstract: An electrode system includes a gel deployment receptacle configured to release a conductive gel onto a body of a subject and a fluid pump in fluid communication with the gel deployment receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kaib, Gary A. Freeman, Phillip Hier Amsler
  • Patent number: 9861807
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an automated external defibrillator is configured to deliver one or both of electrical pulses and shocks to a heart of a patient during a cardiac emergency. The defibrillator includes a defibrillator electrode delivery system and a hydrating system. The defibrillator electrode delivery system includes a pair of defibrillation electrode pads. Each pad supports a hydrogel to facilitate the deliverance of one or both of electrical pulses and shocks to a patient. The hydrating system includes a fluid container that maintains a fluid that hydrates the hydrogel over a predetermined time period to prolong the effectiveness of the hydrogel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KPR U.S., LLC
    Inventors: Erick Garstka, Warren Copp-Howland
  • Patent number: 9861808
    Abstract: An active implantable medical device (AIMD) lead implanted into a patient's body may include at least one conductive filer electrically coupled to a distal electrode and a polymer jacket for insulating the conductive filer. A conductive multi-layer polymer catheter may be disposed around an outside of the insulating polymer jacket to reduce, or entirely eliminate, the conductive filer's exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MRIsafetymodeling, LLC
    Inventors: Ji Chen, Francois Alesch
  • Patent number: 9861809
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and at least one support embedded in said array. The disclosure further relates to a flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a folded flexible circuit cable connecting the electrode array with an interconnection pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Greenberg, Eugene de Juan, Mark S. Humayun, Kelly H. McClure, Neil Hamilton Talbot, Jordan Matthew Neysmith, Brian V. Mech, James Singleton Little, Mohamed Khaldi
  • Patent number: 9861810
    Abstract: Thermal drawing processes can be used to make multifunctional, high-resolution neural probes for neural recording and stimulation. An exemplary neural probe may include one or more conductive fibers or microelectrodes coated with two or more layers of insulating material, at least one of which is partially etched to expose a tip at the neural probe's distal end. The conductive fibers conduct electrical signals (e.g., neural spikes or electrical stimulation) between the tip and the neural probe's proximal end. Optional optical and fluidic waveguides may guide light and fluid, respectively, between the tip and the proximal end. A neural probe may be flexible enough for long-term (chronic) implantation in neural tissue (e.g., the brain) without excessive tissue damage, even during movement of the brain in the skull. The probe may be made from biocompatible materials, such as insulating and conductive polymers, that have negligible (insignificant) interaction with the surrounding tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Polina Olegovna Anikeeva, Xiaoting Jia, Chi Lu, Andres Canales, Ulrich Paul Froriep, Christina Myra Tringides, Yoel Fink
  • Patent number: 9861811
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating back pain are provided in which electrical stimulation therapy is designed to cause muscle contraction to rehabilitate the muscle, restore neural drive and restore spinal stability. In accordance with one aspect, electrical stimulation is applied through at least one electrode to stimulate efferent motor nerve fibers to cause muscle contraction to facilitate rehabilitation without targeting stimulation of afferent nerve fibers. In accordance with another aspect, a stimulator further includes one or more of a number of additional therapeutic modalities, including a module that provides analgesic stimulation; a module that monitors muscle performance and adjusts the muscle stimulation regime; and/or a module that provides longer term pain relief by selectively and repeatedly ablating nerve fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Mainstay Medical Limited
    Inventors: Peter Andrew Crosby, Dan Sachs, Prashant Brijmohansingh Rawat, Jason Alan Shiroff, Johannes Petrus Heemels
  • Patent number: 9861812
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided, comprising an implant-storage member (24), configured to be percutaneously advanced to a tissue (10) of a subject, and shaped to define (a) a space (26) that is configured to house an implant (22) configured to apply a current to at least the tissue, (b) an opening (28) through which the implant is deliverable to the tissue, and (c) at least one window (30), configured such that, while the implant is disposed within the space and the implant-storage member is disposed in the tissue, the window facilitates flow of the current therethrough from the implant to the tissue; and a delivery manipulator (34), reversibly couplable to the implant, and configured to facilitate delivery of the implant through the opening. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Blue Wind Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Yossi Gross, Gur Oron, Shlomi Ronen, Bar Eytan, Zev Sohn, Rami Lore, Danny Neeman
  • Patent number: 9861813
    Abstract: A system and method for securing an implantable medical device to an anatomical feature, such as bony structures and/or soft tissues near the spine. The system includes a tissue fixation device and a tissue fixation device delivery tool. The tissue fixation device includes at least one bone or tissue anchor and a connecting element coupled thereto. The tissue fixation device optionally includes a flexible anchoring strap for engaging the implantable medical device. The bone or tissue anchor are configured to be deployed into the anatomical feature, and the connecting element is tightened to secure the implantable medical device to the anatomical feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Ishmael Bentley, Dale Brady, Emily Daley, Michael E. Lancial, Lawrence W. Wales, Steven L. Griffith
  • Patent number: 9861814
    Abstract: An implantable electrical lead suitable for left sided cardiac placement, the implantable medical electrical lead having an external blood contacting surface having an external coating including a monolayer of at least one biological agent that promotes endothelialization covalently attached to a polymeric lead surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Zhongping C. Yang
  • Patent number: 9861815
    Abstract: A tether subassembly, which may be employed by a tool that deploys an implantable medical device, includes a test segment for verification of adequate fixation of the device at an implant site. When the device is located in proximity to a distal opening of the tube, a tether first length extends through an attachment structure of the device and within an elongate tube of the tool, a tether second length extends alongside the tether first length within the tube, and the test segment is located in proximity to the distal opening. The test segment is configured so that only a tug force, applied to the tether first length, and greater than or equal to a predetermined force, can pull the test segment through an aperture, either of the delivery tool or of the device. The predetermined force corresponds to a minimum adequate fixation force for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Don H Tran, Brent L Locsin, William A Berthiaume, Maria E Valdovinos, H. Allan Steingisser, Erik Griswold
  • Patent number: 9861816
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method of treating a waste evacuation dysfunction, comprising administering transcutaneous electrical stimulation to at least one lumbar or abdominal region for at least one treatment period per day over a treatment term of at least one week.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
    Inventors: Bridget Rae Southwell, John Medwyn Hutson, Andre Yi Feng Tan
  • Patent number: 9861817
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods for providing breathing therapy (e.g., for treating heart failure, hypertension, etc.) may determine at least the inspiration phase of one or more breathing cycles based on the monitored physiological parameters and control delivery of a plurality of breathing therapy sessions (e.g., each of the breathing therapy sessions may be provided during a defined time period). Further, each of the plurality of breathing therapy sessions may include delivering stimulation after the start of the inspiration phase of each of a plurality of breathing cycles to prolong diaphragm contraction during the breathing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong K Cho, Shaileshkumar V Musley, Avram Scheiner
  • Patent number: 9861818
    Abstract: A device for providing electrical current treatment includes an enclosure body with an upper surface and a lower surface located opposite to the upper surface. The device further includes a first electrode and a second electrode on the lower surface for delivering an electric current through an object in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode. The device further includes an electric motor for vibrating the apparatus and a light emitter. The device further includes a processor for controlling the electric current delivered by the first electrode and the second electrode to have a specific waveform, where the processor is configured to receive programmable instructions to control the electric current and the electric motor. The device further includes a power button for powering on or off the apparatus and a battery configured to supply power to the first electrode, the second electrode, the processor, and the light emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ziip, LLC
    Inventors: David Mason, Melanie Simon, Ron Lisiecki
  • Patent number: 9861819
    Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a cochlear implant module configured to be implanted within a patient and including cochlear implant circuitry configured to apply electrical stimulation representative of one or more audio signals to the patient, 2) a first connector assembly coupled to the cochlear implant module and configured to be implanted within the patient, the first connector assembly including a first induction coil, 3) an implantable module configured to be implanted within the patient, and 4) a second connector assembly coupled to the implantable module and configured to be implanted within the patient, the second connector assembly including a second induction coil. The first connector assembly may be configured to be removably connected to the second connector assembly in order to facilitate inductive transfer of power between the first induction coil and the second induction coil. Corresponding systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventors: Abhijit Kulkarni, Wantjinarjo Suwito