Patents Issued in March 22, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180078697
    Abstract: A connector for fluidly coupling proximal and distal tubular segments of a fluid conduit is provided. In one embodiment, a system is provided for providing continuous flow of blood between two locations in a patient's cardiovascular system. A first blood conduit is provided that has a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion is adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel at an insertion site and to be advanced therethrough to a location spaced apart from the insertion site. The system is provided with a connector that has a distal portion adapted to be engaged with the proximal portion of the first blood conduit and a tubular body extending proximally of the distal portion. The tubular body is adapted to be inserted into and/or attached to an end of a second blood conduit, such as a vascular graft or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Tomko, David Gale, Stacy Arnold, Venkata Katragadda
  • Publication number: 20180078698
    Abstract: A cannula device for the circulation of the blood in an artificial lung, includes: an aspiration lumen including at least one orifice permitting the aspiration of a volume of blood; an injection lumen including at least one orifice permitting the injection of a volume of blood, wherein the injection lumen and the aspiration lumen are held rigidly connected over at least a portion of their length, the lumens being sealed in relation to each other, the injection lumen having a deformable element, which is held on a portion of the distal end thereof, the deformable element having a first setting and a second setting, the change from the first setting to the second setting being effected by a modification of the diameter of the deformable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Mercier OLAF
  • Publication number: 20180078699
    Abstract: A method of collecting mononuclear cells, comprising separating whole blood into cellular components and platelets suspended in plasma, separating the platelets suspended in plasma into platelet concentrate and platelet-poor plasma, combining the cellular components with the platelet-poor plasma to form a first mixture, and separating the first mixture into mononuclear cells and at least one component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Prendergast, Lan T. Nguyen, Katherine N. Radwanski
  • Publication number: 20180078700
    Abstract: Disclosed are irrigation systems and methods, e.g., for rectal/anal irrigation. In some aspects, a system comprises a reservoir for an irrigating liquid, a probe for arrangement in a user, tubing providing fluid communication between said reservoir and probe, and an electrical pump for indirectly pumping irrigation liquid from the reservoir to the probe through said tubing, said electrical pump being controllable to assume a plurality of predetermined flow rates. The system may comprise an electrically operable valve to continuously control a degree of openness of said tubing, a flow sensor to measure an actual flow rate of the irrigation liquid in the probe, and a controller to obtain a desired flow rate, and control the flow rate of the electric pump to one of said plurality of flow rates exceeding the desired flow rate, and to continuously regulate the electrically operable valve based on the measured actual flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Göran Eliasson
  • Publication number: 20180078701
    Abstract: A valved container assembly comprising a container for containing a fluid, the container extending in an axial direction and having an open front end, a valve disposed in the container; and a plunger element disposed axially rearward of the valve. The plunger element is axially moveable in the container and a first volume is provided in the container between the plunger element and the valve, wherein the plunger element is configured to increase a pressure of the fluid in the first volume upon axial movement of the plunger element relative to the valve. The valve comprises a seal fluidly sealing the valve to an interior of the container along an entire perimeter of the valve, and a channel bypassing the seal, the channel having a first opening in fluid communication with an atmosphere outside of the valved container assembly and a second opening selectively sealed from the first volume by a resilient seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Ian Anderson, Matt Ekman
  • Publication number: 20180078702
    Abstract: Stabilizers for intraosseous devices, such as, for example, stabilizers that may be coupled to an intraosseous device (e.g., a device including an intraosseous needle) while a portion of the device extends into a patient's bone and/or while the device is coupled to a fluid source (e.g., FV bag, syringe, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Cynthia L. Beamer, Chris Kilcoin
  • Publication number: 20180078703
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive mechanism for a medicament delivery device, comprising a plunger rod (54) arranged to act on a stopper (28) arranged in a medicament container (16); a compression drive spring (58) operably connected to said plunger rod (54) and capable of applying a force on said plunger rod (54); a spring guide (78) arranged coaxial with, and radially outside, said compression drive spring (58), capable of preventing buckling of said drive spring, wherein said spring guide (78) comprises a resilient force element (86) capable of applying a force on said medicament container (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Brian Maxfield
  • Publication number: 20180078704
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a nozzle, for use in an injection device, that projects material at an ultra-high velocity. The nozzle includes an integrally formed body having an interior passageway that has a longitudinal axis. The input of the nozzle is configured to interface with a cartridge, and the output is configured to be placed proximate to a target. The passageway includes a taper, and its path length, from an initial diameter to a position along the passageway where the passageway first reaches a smallest diameter, is at least 0.5 mm. The taper of the passageway defines a shape, in a plane that includes the longitudinal axis, that is a continuous and monotonically decreasing function of distance along the longitudinal axis in a direction of flow through the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Nikola Kojic, Bridget Hunter-Jones, Ian W. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20180078705
    Abstract: A syringe for soft-tissue augmentation with a cosmetic filler material that facilitates one-handed aspiration and injection without changing grip position includes a one-piece plastic barrel having structure proximate a proximal end of the barrel for allowing a user to apply compression or traction between the barrel and a plunger assembly that is slidable in the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph Alamat
  • Publication number: 20180078706
    Abstract: The invention relates to an injection unit, preferably a pen-shaped injection unit, for administering or delivering a fluid product. The injection unit comprises a housing, an axially movable piston rod mounted in the housing in a non-rotatable manner, a delivery apparatus having a threaded nut that is able to move the piston rod in order to deliver product, a dosing device having a dosing sleeve, a rotary knob, a discharge button arranged coaxially on the dosing sleeve, and a receptacle for the product. The dosing device is connected to the delivery apparatus via a coupling mechanism, wherein the coupling mechanism includes of at least two coupling surfaces that each carry a toothing comprising teeth, wherein the coupling surfaces are used to generate an acoustic and/or tactile signal corresponding to the set or corrected dose of the product to be administered during the dosing operation or during correction of the dose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Juerg Hirschel, Ulrich Moser, Stefan Burren
  • Publication number: 20180078707
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a syringe that is designed to enable a plunger to be locked or secured in position thereby freeing a user's hand from the plunger for other tasks. The syringe may be coupled to a needle or hypodermic needle or other apparatus such as an intravenous line/port or catheter. The syringe takes advantage of a tapered barrel and a positive stop to prevent movement of the piston along the inner surface of the barrel when no force is being actively applied to the plunger. This prevents unwanted suction or spillage of the contents contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: HOWARD LOONAN
  • Publication number: 20180078708
    Abstract: The present invention provides a next-generation pre-filled syringe having a reduced number of components and requiring reduced costs and including a safety mechanism for preventing needlestick injuries. In the syringe of the present invention, elastic engagement members 11 of the cover 6 engage the injection needle 5 so as to prevent the injection needle 5 from being withdrawn from the elastic engagement members 11 of the cover in a retracted state toward the base end, and the elastic engagement members and injection needle are disengaged from each other as the elastic engagement members 11 are diametrically expanded/deformed. Further, the plunger 4 includes an integrated deformation-prevention part 41 covering the outer peripheries of the plurality of elastic engagement members 11 so as to prevent the elastic engagement members 11 and the injection needle 5 from being disengaged from each other as the elastic engagement members 11 are diametrically expanded/deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Yukihiro Ogawa, Yuji Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20180078709
    Abstract: An injection pen comprises a circularly pushing device (1) and a vial housing (2), and is used to combine a medication vial (3) with a needle (4). The circularly pushing device (1) comprises a jointing member (10), a spiral sleeve (20), a spiral duct (30), a spirally-pushing tube (40), a threaded-connection shrink-ring (50), a propelling lever (60), a one-way ratchet ring (70), and an injection operation member (80). During the injection, the one-way ratchet ring (70) on a push rod (81) is jointed with a one-way ratchet groove portion (46) of the spirally-pushing tube (40) so as to restrain the rotation directions of the push rod (81) and the spirally-pushing tube (40); the propelling lever (60) cannot be rotated due to the limit of the jointing member (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Chin-Min Yeh
  • Publication number: 20180078710
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for administering medication are disclosed. One or more embodiments of a medication delivery device may include a syringe, a needle, a guiding element, and a volume limiter for limiting the amount of medication that can be drawn from a vial. At least one method for administering medication using a medication delivery device, may include: inserting a vial into a guiding element, drawing back on a plunger, removing the guiding element and the vial from a needle to expose the needle, inserting the needle into a patient, depressing the plunger to inject the medication into the patient, and withdrawing the medication delivery device from the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Ethan Pedde
  • Publication number: 20180078711
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for tracking administering of medication by syringes is provided. The apparatus may include a plunger head for a syringe. The plunger head may include a transducer that sends and receives ultrasonic signals. The plunger may also include an antenna and a microcontroller that interfaces with the transducer and the antenna. The plunger may also include a power source that powers the microcontroller and the transducer. The transducer, the antenna, the microcontroller, and the power source may be at least partially encapsulated in an elastomer housing that fits within a barrel of the syringe. The microcontroller may be programmed with instructions to calculate data representative of the quantity of medication dispensed from the barrel and transmit the data to a remote device via the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin David Krasnow, Peter Howard Smith, Travis Deyle, Russell Mirov
  • Publication number: 20180078712
    Abstract: The novel devices comprise a housing that preferably contains a preloaded, conventional syringe with medication. Both trained and untrained users may administer an injection safely and conveniently to themselves or others in myriad settings. The disclosed devices rely on the user's manual action to insert the needle. Only after the needle is fully inserted is the medicament delivered, resulting in a safer injection. After use, the devices include a locking mechanism that locks a spring-loaded sheath in place around the needle for protection. As a common syringe is utilized, engineering and production issues of automatic injectors' custom syringe assemblies are avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Steven M. Montgomery, Gregory E. Mote
  • Publication number: 20180078713
    Abstract: In an elongated casing, an active agent container connected to an injection needle can be shifted axially by a spring force. Auto-injectors which are sold or distributed filled and with the springs tensed have to be provided with a needle protecting cap to ensure the sterility of the injection needle. When such a needle protecting cap is removed as preparation for using the auto-injector, a tensile force can be exerted on the active agent container. Therefore, the active agent container comprising the injection needle must be prevented from being undesirably pulled forwards. At least one latching tongue prevents the active agent container from being prematurely shifted with respect to the casing, by abutting a flange arranged on a sliding sleeve which accommodates the active agent container. When the auto-injector is placed onto a person's skin, a needle protecting tube is shifted into the casing, forcing the latching tongue away from the flange and, thus, freeing the travel path for needle movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Edgar Hommann, Benjamin Scherer
  • Publication number: 20180078714
    Abstract: An injection needle is provided that allows design of the size of a needle base without being limited by the size of a syringe connecting part. As a hub, a needle base that is formed to have a through hole into which a needle tube is inserted, and a tubular housing where both ends in the axial direction are opened and the needle base is fitted and stored inside of one end, are formed as separate injection molded parts, thereby allowing the needle base to be largely designed. A needle tube shield part is in a box-lid shape, and the back side of a ceiling part thereof is provided with a tubular guiding part. An edge surface thereof abuts on the needle base, and a side part annularly holds and abuts on the housing. Accordingly, the needle base does not move upon receiving the pressure of a drug solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Hiroshi OZAWA, Akinori INOU, Nobuyuki TAKAHASHI, Akihiro SHINODA, Eiji KANI
  • Publication number: 20180078715
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device, or connector for a fluid transfer device, including a body member and a disconnecting member having a front portion and a rear portion. The disconnecting member is mounted to the body member so as to allow movement of its front portion relative to a fluid transfer tip, the fluid transfer tip may include a tapered friction fitting for a corresponding hub. There are provided engagement features operating between the disconnecting member and the body member which engage with one another to inhibit the front portion of the disconnecting member from moving relative to the fluid transfer tip. The device is arranged such that the disconnecting member deforms so that the engagement features are no longer in engagement with one another, thereby allowing the front portion of the disconnecting member to move relative to the fluid transfer tip and subsequently release the hub from the friction fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Christian MIDE, Marius ANDRESEN, Rolf BLOMVÅGNES, Kevin GEERS
  • Publication number: 20180078716
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for application to the skin of a patient to facilitate intravenous access, e.g. via needles, syringes, cannulas or catheters, the device having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the lower surface is suitable for contacting the skin of the patient at the location of a vein to be accessed. The device comprises a heat patch, an organic nitrate vasodilator agent and an amino based anaesthetic agent which is an amino ester or amino amide. The device is configured and arranged such that in use the device can be activated by the application of pressure to the patch so as to initiate an exothermic chemical reaction in the heat patch which heats the patch to a temperature of from 50 to 55 degrees Celsius for a period of time of one minute or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Zainab Batool
  • Publication number: 20180078717
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting a limit of use of a medical device is disclosed. The method includes starting a timer of a medical device when said medical device is used for the first time, detecting the limit of use of the medical device and indicating the limit of use of the medical device. The limit of use is reached when at least one of a first criterion and a second criterion is met, wherein the first criterion is that the timer reaches or exceeds a time limit and wherein the second criterion is that at least one operation of a drive train of said medical device reaches or exceeds a limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Ilona Eggert, Michael Caspers, Richard James Vincent Avery, Shane Alistair Day
  • Publication number: 20180078718
    Abstract: A non-combustion type flavor inhaler comprises: a reservoir storing an aerosol source; a transfer unit transferring the aerosol source from upstream of the liquid surface forming location to a liquid surface forming location at which a liquid surface of the aerosol source is formed, the transfer unit being configured to form the liquid surface; a suction port arranged downstream of the liquid surface forming location; a first atomizer atomizing the aerosol source located upstream of the liquid surface forming location; and a second atomizer atomizing a droplet generated from the liquid surface formed at the liquid surface forming location, the droplet being located downstream of the liquid surface forming location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventors: Akihiko SUZUKI, Manabu TAKEUCHI, Takuma NAKANO, Manabu YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20180078719
    Abstract: A respiratory therapy system configured to deliver gases to a patient can have a non-sealed gas flow generating arrangement configured to deliver a high flow of positive gas to an airway of a patient and a negative flow of gas away from an airway of the patient. The positive and negative flows of gas can be generated simultaneously. The flow of positive and negative gases reduces exhaled gases in anatomical dead spaces of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Callum James Thomas SPENCE, John Whitney STOREY, Jonathan David HARWOOD, Quinton Michael SMITH, Alicia Jerram Hunter EVANS
  • Publication number: 20180078720
    Abstract: An anesthesia delivery and monitoring system for use during outpatient surgery performed under sedation level anesthesia that includes a ventilatory system, a system for supplying sedation anesthesia, a respiratory sensor adapted to detect a respiration parameter of such a patient, and a system for supplying a timed back-up breath to such a patient through the ventilatory system. The timed back-up breaths are supplied in response to the respiration parameter falling outside a preset threshold and at a positive pressure exceeding a base operating pressure of the respiratory system. The system for supplying sedation anesthesia is an intravenous supply system for anesthesia, a ventilatory system coupled to the patient, a needle and syringe, or any combination thereof. The respiratory system includes a PC-based physiologic monitor with user modified feedback control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Eric W. Starr
  • Publication number: 20180078721
    Abstract: In a method and system for use with a ventilator for mechanical ventilation of a patient, a sensor arrangement registers at least one signal related to muscular activity of at least one muscle in the laryngopharyngeal region of the patient. This signal is provide to a computer, which controls the operation of the ventilator based thereon, and/or causes display of information related to the signal in order monitor the patient and/or operation of the ventilator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: MAQUET CRITICAL CARE AB
    Inventor: Fredrik JALDE
  • Publication number: 20180078722
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for immobilizing oxygen-administering tubes in anaesthetized patients, where the corresponding endotracheal tube comprises, on the distal end thereof, a balloon or bag to be placed in the branch of the trachea of the patient, characterised in that a pair of balloons or bags are connected to the endotracheal tube itself, one of them having an omega shape, and the other being spherical and larger, and both being arranged inside the mouth of the patient and being associated with respective valves for the inflation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Antonio FERRANDIZ CATALÁN
  • Publication number: 20180078723
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for managing respiratory secretions and fluids in sections of artificial airways. A secretion removal assembly configured to connect to a respiratory secretion retention device, the respiratory secretion retention device adapted to fluidly connect to an artificial airway, the secretion removal assembly including a connector adapted to connect to a port of the respiratory secretion retention device; and a bag in fluid communication with the connector can be provided. In another aspect of this embodiment, the bag is adapted to collect the secretions that emit from the port of the respiratory secretion retention device. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, the secretion removal assembly further can include a tube having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end in fluid communication with the connector and the second end in fluid communication with the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Mergenet Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Angelo R. Caruso, Charles A. Lewis, Louis Javier Collazo, Robert M. Landis
  • Publication number: 20180078724
    Abstract: Tracheostomy tubes (1) of different sizes or of other different characteristics are marked on their flange (20) with a band (22) of differing colours or patterns. Similarly, inner cannulae (30) for use with tubes of specific sizes have a marking (33) of the same colour or pattern. The tube (1) and inner cannula (30) are contained in a sealed pack (40) having a tray (41) with a peel-off seal sheet (42) that also bears a marking (43) of the same colour or pattern. The sealed pack (40) is contained within an outer cardboard carton (50) having an end flap (51) which is sealed by a label (54) of the same colour or pattern so that tubes of the desired characteristic can be easily selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: SMITHS MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Eric Pagan, Ian Douglas Stace, Neil Stephen Veasey
  • Publication number: 20180078725
    Abstract: A patient interface can have a frame supporting a sealing member. Various features of the sealing member can improve comfort and sealing performance in the context of forming seals with the nares of a user, as well as contact with other facial surfaces. The sealing member can include convex portions, concave portions and thickness variations for providing various sealing, comfort, and deformability effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Mark Richardson, Jonathan Mark Downey, Janine Elizabeth Collins
  • Publication number: 20180078726
    Abstract: A user interface convertible between a nasal configuration and an oral configuration. The user interface has a nasal cannula and a mouthpiece. The nasal cannula has a body portion and at least one prong extending from the body portion, the prong being adapted to direct a flow of gas into a nare of a user's nose. The mouthpiece is adapted to engage the mouth of the patient and direct a flow of gas into a user's mouth. In the nasal configuration the prong of the nasal cannula is adapted to direct a flow of gases into a nare of the patient. In the oral configuration, the nasal cannula is engaged with the mouthpiece such that a gases flow is provided to at least the mouth of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Robert Barraclough, Matthew Jon Payton, Callum James Thomas Spence, Laurence Gulliver, Samantha Dale Oldfield, Dexter Chin Lun Cheung, Geraldine Frances Keogh, Milanjot Singh Assi, Alicia Jerram Hunter Evans, Craig Kari White
  • Publication number: 20180078727
    Abstract: A patient interface includes a first body that rests on a first portion of a patient's face, a second body that rests on a second portion of the patient's face, and a bridge linking the first and second bodies. The patient interface includes an attachment structure that couples with a complementary fixation structure positioned on the patient's face to secure the patient interface to the patient's face. The complementary fixation structure can be configured to assist in retaining a feeding tube in position relative to the patient's face or to the patient interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Chelsea Erin Johnson, Robert Andrew David Milne, Michael Paul Ronayne
  • Publication number: 20180078728
    Abstract: An apparatus or kit for a respiratory support system for delivering humidified gas to a user or patient. The apparatus comprising a humidifier chamber in pneumatic communication with a gases source, an inspiratory conduit in pneumatic communication with the humidifier chamber downstream of the humidifier chamber, a filter that is in pneumatic communication with the inspiratory conduit downstream of the inspiratory conduit, and a patient interface for delivering humidified gas to a user or patient, wherein the patient interface is in pneumatic communication with the filter downstream of the filter, or is configured to be placed in pneumatic communication with the filter downstream of the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Bruce Gordon Holyoake, Samantha Dale Oldfield, Alicia Jerram Hunter Evans, Callum James Thomas Spence, Craig Karl White, Dexter Chi Lun Cheung, Matthew Jon Payton, Michael Robert Barraclough, Daniel John Smith, Kevin Blake Powell
  • Publication number: 20180078729
    Abstract: A vapor delivery system having: a) a base unit configured to generate a supply of vapor; and b) a vapor control system configured to allow a user to selectively: a) cause vapor generated by the base unit to be discharged primarily to a surrounding space within which the base unit resides to thereby increase vapor density in the surrounding space; and b) cause vapor generated by the base unit to be discharged primarily to a vapor guide structure configured to: i) be placed operatively with respect to a user's face; and ii) guide discharging vapor generated by the base unit into at least one of the user's nose and mouth with the vapor guide structure placed operatively with respect to the user's face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Dirk Niedermann, Kin Wan Li, Poon Lap Chan, James G. Montagnino
  • Publication number: 20180078730
    Abstract: An apparatus for humidifying a flow of pressurised, 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: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick BATH, Justin John FORMICA, Matthew Rolf HARRINGTON, Joseph Samuel ORMROD, Luke Andrew STANISLAS, Hargopal VERMA
  • Publication number: 20180078731
    Abstract: A lighting system for improving the alertness of a person comprising: one or more light sources (101) arranged to emit light into an environment, at least one of the one or more light sources being arranged with a primary function comprising providing illumination into the environment; and a controller (103) configured to cause at least one of the at least one light sources to provide a secondary function of emitting at least a first light pulse (503) having a duration of between 1 ms and 50 ms, wherein there is an idle period (505) lasting at least 0.1 s on either side of the first light pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: MATTHIAS WENDT, HARALD JOSEF GÜNTHER RADERMACHER, BOZENA ERDMANN, OSCAR GARCIA MORCHON
  • Publication number: 20180078732
    Abstract: A sleep assistance device is provided-for, including a contactless biometric sensor, a processor, memory, and a speaker. The processor detects a user's sleep state by reading signals from the contactless biometric sensor. The processor may then initiate a wind-down routine upon detecting a sleep-readiness state, including playing relaxing sounds or playing a respiration entrainment sound. The processor may also play noise-masking sounds upon detecting that a user has fallen asleep and seamlessly transition between the sounds played during the wind-down routine and the noise-masking sounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Leela Keshavan, Laura Ware, Jonathan Freed, Jack Read, Debra Reich, Brian David Mulcahey
  • Publication number: 20180078733
    Abstract: A sleep assistance device is provided-for, including a housing, a contactless biometric sensor, a processor, memory, and a speaker. The processor may detect a user's sleep state by reading signals from the contactless biometric sensor based on at least one of a detected change in heartrate, body movement, or respiration. The processor may also arrange a soundscape including individual sound records representing sounds associated with the selected soundscape based, at least in part, on the detected sleep state of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Jonathan Freed, Laura Ware, Jack Read, Debra Reich, Leela Keshavan, Brian David Mulcahey
  • Publication number: 20180078734
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system configured to provide sensory stimulation to a subject (12) during a sleep session. The system includes one or more sensory stimulators (16) configured to provide sensory stimulation to the subject; one or more sensors (18) configured to generate output signals conveying information related to brain activity of the subject; and one or more processors (20) configured to detect individual slow waves in the subject; control the one or more sensory stimulators to provide sensory stimulation to the subject based on the detected individual slow waves; predict a timing for occurrence of a predicted slow wave based on the previously detected individual slow waves; and responsive to not detecting the predicted slow wave at the predicted timing control the one or more sensory stimulators to provide sensory stimulation at the predicted timing for occurrence of the predicted slow wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Stefan PFUNDTNER, Gary Nelson GARCIA MOLINA, Tsvetomira Kirova TSONEVA
  • Publication number: 20180078735
    Abstract: A sleep assistance device is provided-for, including a contactless biometric sensor, a processor, memory, and a speaker. The processor detects a user's sleep state by reading signals from the contactless biometric sensor. The processor may then initiate a wind-down routine upon detecting a sleep-readiness state, including playing relaxing sounds or playing a respiration entrainment sound. The processor may also play noise-masking sounds upon detecting that a user has fallen asleep and seamlessly transition between the sounds played during the wind-down routine and the noise-masking sounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Dalgleish, Brian David Mulcahey
  • Publication number: 20180078736
    Abstract: A Coude catheter insures proper drainage and reduces tissue damage by using an alignment indication section having an open passageway positioned on a proximal end of the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Son
  • Publication number: 20180078737
    Abstract: An improved bi-directional steerable catheter is provided. The catheter generally comprises a catheter body, tip section and control handle. The catheter further comprises first and second puller wires extending from the control handle, through the catheter body and into the tip section. The control handle has deflection means for each puller wire that include a gear, and a carrier to which the proximal end of a puller wire is anchored. The gear is rotatably coupled to a lever controlled by an operator and the gear engages the carrier such that rotation of the gear by the lever results in longitudinal movement of the carrier, which results in deflection of the tip section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Pablo A. Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20180078738
    Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling for use in a looped medical device, such as a loop catheter. A sleeve is fitted onto a distal portion of an activation wire and a shape-memory wire is positioned alongside the sleeved activation wire. The sleeve is welded onto the activation wire to hold the sleeve onto the activation wire and is also welded onto the shape-memory wire that is positioned alongside the activation wire, thereby affixing the activation wire to the shape-memory wire. Also disclosed is an activation wire for use in a catheter. The activation wire includes a proximal section, and a distal section having at least a partial loop. The activation wire includes a connection section on the distal section, where the connection section is linear, and where the external surface of the connection section has a higher coefficient of friction than at least some of the remaining portion of the actuation wire that is housed within the catheter shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Mort Yazdanpanah, Zachary L. Helgeson, Warren Solom
  • Publication number: 20180078739
    Abstract: An autonomously controllable pull wire injection 5 catheter 1 and a method for operating the same are provided. The catheter 1 includes an outer catheter guide 2, 33 having an outer catheter guide casing 39 and an inner operating catheter 3, 31 having an inner operating catheter casing 16, wherein the inner operating catheter 3, 31 includes a catheter handle 30, a catheter tip 10, at least one needle 5 that is connected to at least one source of medicinal solution via at least one needle 10 channel 4, 26, at least one contact force sensor 9a-f, 25, at least one electrode 7, 24, at least four actuator driven pull wires 12-15, 20-23 for moving the tip 10 of the inner operating catheter 3, 31.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventor: Peter LAW
  • Publication number: 20180078740
    Abstract: A robotic catheter procedure system for performing a procedure to treat a vascular lesion including a bedside system and a remote workstation is provided. The bedside system includes a first percutaneous device including an end section, the end section structured to allow the first percutaneous device to create a bore through the vascular lesion. The bedside system includes a second percutaneous device. The bedside system also includes a first actuating mechanism configured to engage and to impart movement to the first percutaneous device and a second actuating mechanism configured to engage and to impart movement to the second percutaneous device. The remote workstation includes a user interface and a control system operatively coupled to the user interface and to the bedside system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: CORINDUS, INC.
    Inventors: John Murphy, Tal Wenderow
  • Publication number: 20180078741
    Abstract: A catheter assembly including a flexible catheter, a needle having a sharp distal tip, the needle disposed in the flexible catheter and moving from a first position that exposes the needle to a second position, an outer member that is configured to engage and disengage a catheter hub, an inner member disposed in the outer member, and a needle shield for shielding at least a distal end of the needle when the needle is in the second position and the needle being disposed through the needle shield in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: John Stokes
  • Publication number: 20180078742
    Abstract: A radiopaque composite wire for medical applications comprises a core comprising a rare earth metal, an outer layer comprising a nickel-titanium alloy disposed over the core, and a diffusion barrier comprising a barrier material between the core and the outer layer. A method of making a radiopaque composite wire includes cold drawing a composite billet through a die, where the composite billet includes a tube comprising a nickel-titanium alloy disposed about a rod comprising a rare earth metal, and a barrier layer comprising a barrier material disposed between the tube and the rod. After cold drawing, the composite billet is annealed to relieve strain. After multiple passes of the cold drawing and annealing, a radiopaque composite wire having a core comprising the rare earth metal, an outer layer comprising the nickel-titanium alloy, and a diffusion barrier comprising the barrier material between the core and the outer layer is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: James Butler, John Neilan
  • Publication number: 20180078743
    Abstract: A catheter includes an inner layer, a reinforcement layer at least partially inside the inner layer or on an outer periphery of the inner layer, and an outer layer covering the inner layer and the reinforcement layer. The reinforcement layer has a wire wound so that a gap is present between adjacent portions of the wire. The inner layer has an uneven outer peripheral surface on which a protruded portion is formed in a location of the wire, and in which a depressed portion is formed in a location of the gap. The outer layer has a protrusion part that extends into the depressed portion of the inner layer, the protrusion part entering deeper than the reinforcement layer through the gap and extending in an axial direction of the catheter. The outer layer is not easily detached from the inner layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: ASAHI INTECC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuta KUBO, Moritaka OGIDO, Takeharu KATSURADA
  • Publication number: 20180078744
    Abstract: The disclosure provides insertion tools and articles that facilitate entry of a medical device, such as a balloon catheter, into the body, and that can provide advantages in terms of balloon insertion, safety, and drug delivery. The insertion tool includes a tubular portion that accommodates a balloon portion of a balloon catheter, and one or more separation margin(s) in the wall of the tubular portion or one or more split(s) in the tubular wall. The insertion tool also includes a proximal tab that extends from a second lengthwise half having a portion at an angle skew to the lengthwise axis, or that is in the form of a solid article comprising a concave surface that is fastened to an outer surface of the second lengthwise half of the tubular portion; or first and second tabs that extend from first and second lengthwise halves of the tubular portion, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Amy Trocke, Gregg Sutton, Joram Slager
  • Publication number: 20180078745
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of body lumen drainage. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to implantable medical devices for facilitating the flow of fluids and materials between adjacent body lumens. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a drainage stent which maintains an open flow passage between fused tissue layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Jeff Gray, Bryan Bannon, Ryan R. Donovan, Katharine Eckerline
  • Publication number: 20180078746
    Abstract: The device, that can be implanted in the intestinal cavity, comprises a reactor comprising a semi-permeable or porous membrane or coating linked to a element for attachment to an intestinal or gastric wall. The reactor can be in the form of a ribbon, a structure having more than two faces or an open structure delimiting a lumen, comprising, or formed from, a semi-permeable or porous membrane. The reactor can also delimit, at least partially with the semi-permeable or porous membrane of same, a closed inner space. The reactor can comprise or carry enzymes or micro-organisms, in particular bacteria or yeast. The reactor is used for generating a chemical reaction with one or more molecules present in the intestine, or for producing one or more biologically active molecules. It can, in particular, be used for consuming sugars, disaccharides and simple sugars or producing essential amino acids or other molecules having a positive effect on the health.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Philippe CINQUIN, Dominique SCHNEIDER, Max MAURIN, Donald MARTIN, Sarra EL ICHI, Abdelkader ZEBDA, Jean-Pierre ALCARAZ, Fabian RECHE, Patrick TUVIGNON, Jacques THELU, Audrey LE GOUELLEC, Bertrand TOUSSAINT