Patents Issued in March 27, 2018
  • Patent number: 9925047
    Abstract: A method for preparing an articulating component of a joint prosthesis having an implant engaged within a bone of the joint, the method including inserting a first articulating component into a first insert in the implant within the bone of the joint, determining an angular orientation of the inserted first articulating component relative to the implant within the bone of the joint, positioning a second articulating component within a second insert component, replicating the angular orientation of the first articulating component in the second articulating component positioned within the second insert, fixing the second articulating component to the second insert component at the replicated angular orientation, and mounting the second insert component with the fixed second articulating component to the implant engaged within the bone of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Conrad Klotz, Jack Long
  • Patent number: 9925048
    Abstract: An implant assembly comprising a bone augment and an articulating member. The bone augment includes a bone-engaging surface and a coupling surface. The articulating member is configured to couple with the bone augment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan A. Winslow, Andrew Matthew Telka, Aaron Smits, John M. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 9925049
    Abstract: The invention relates to surgical guides which are of use during reconstructive bone surgery for guiding a surgical instrument or tool. More particularly, the guides are characterized in that they are fitted to the implant rather than to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Simon Goldstein, Maarten Depuydt, Frederik Gelaude
  • Patent number: 9925050
    Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial bearing component with surface features which operate to protect adjacent soft tissues of the natural knee throughout a wide range of flexion. More particularly, the tibial bearing component provides an anterior relief space disposed between the dished lateral and medial articular compartments, in which the relief space is convex as viewed from a sagittal perspective across the medial/lateral extent of the relief space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Parisi, Abraham P Habegger, Peter S. Walker, Jeff Blaylock, Kathleen Macke
  • Patent number: 9925051
    Abstract: Systems for joint arthroplasty include prostheses which are secured to bone with sliding anchors. Examples include unicondylar and bicondylar knee prostheses for hemi-arthroplasty and total arthroplasty. Instruments guide the anchors into proper engagement with the prosthetic components. Methods of using the prostheses and instruments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: ENGAGE MEDICAL HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Hyun Bae, Edwin Su, Brady R. Shirley, Joshua A. Butters, Andrew R. Fauth, Daniel J. Triplett, Neil Etherington, Nicholas Slater, Dylan M. Hushka, Carlyle J. Creger, Ephraim Akyuz, Daniel Hayes
  • Patent number: 9925052
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for designing a tibial implant to minimize cortical impingement of a keel or other fixation structure when the tibial implant is implanted in the tibia bone. The design of the keel or other fixation structure on the tibial baseplate can be based on determining a common area between defined cancellous regions of at least two tibia bones. Methods are disclosed for designing a femoral component having a stem extension such that the stem can be sufficiently placed in the diaphysis of the femur when the femoral component is implanted. The method includes determining a canal axis in a femur that creates adequate engagement between a reamer and the diaphysis of the femur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Yifei Dai, Christine Schaerer, Dwight T Todd, Jeffrey E. Bischoff, Adam D. Henderson
  • Patent number: 9925053
    Abstract: The present application relates to an artificial joint implant comprising a first element with a socket and a second element with a ball head. The socket is at least hemispherical and said ball head is inserted in said socket such as to form a ball-and-socket connection between said first element and said second element. Movement of said ball head in said socket is restricted in at least one degree of freedom by means of a at least one protrusion engaged in a at least one groove, wherein said at least one protrusion is provided on said socket and said at least one groove is provided on said ball head or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: 41Hemiverse AG
    Inventors: Tom Overes, Robert Frigg
  • Patent number: 9925054
    Abstract: A prosthetic ankle comprising a talar component and a tibial component. At least a portion of top surface of the talar component has a convex curvature, relative to a location above the top surface, in the anterior to posterior direction as viewed in a sagittal plane cross-section, a concave curvature relative to a location above the top surface, in the medial to lateral direction, and an average radius of curvature of at least a major portion of the medial side of the top surface of the talar component is larger than an average radius of curvature of at least a major portion of the lateral side of the top surface of the talar component as viewed in sagittal plane cross-sections on the lateral and medial sides. A bearing component for location between the tibial and talar component is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Sorin Siegler, Jason R. Toy
  • Patent number: 9925055
    Abstract: An expandable implant includes an implant body defining an internal void, the implant body including a plurality of interconnected linkages. A first plurality of the linkages has an expansion characteristic that is different from a second plurality of the linkages. An expandable bladder is sized to be disposed in the internal void. The bladder defines a bore configured to receive an expansion material, such that the expansion material applies an expansion force against the bladder, which thereby applies the expansion force against the implant body so as to cause the first linkage to expand greater than the second linkage. The expandable implant can be placed in a fracture location so as to restore height to a fractured target bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Konrad Schaller, Beat Lechmann, Robert Frigg
  • Patent number: 9925056
    Abstract: Arcuate fixation members with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided intervertebral implants. The arcuate fixation members may be of different lengths, cross sectional geometries, and/or cross sectional areas. Applications of intervertebral implants utilizing arcuate fixation members are particularly suitable when a linear line-of-approach for delivering fixation members is undesirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Donner, Jared Schoenly, David E. Evans, Andreas Gfeller
  • Patent number: 9925057
    Abstract: An implant stabilizes two adjacent bones of a joint, while enabling a natural kinematic relative movement of the bones. Support components are connected to each bone of the joint, and a flexible core is interposed between them. The core and at least one of the support components are provided with a smooth sliding surface upon which the core and support component may slide relative to each other, enabling a corresponding movement of the bones. The surfaces may have a mating curvature, to mimic a natural movement of the joint. The core is resilient, and may bend or compress, enabling the bones to move towards each other, and or to bend relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Bennett, Edward Dwyer
  • Patent number: 9925058
    Abstract: A modular implant for performing an intervertebral fusion on adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient including a first spacer portion, a second spacer and a container having a first end and a second end, the first end of the container constructed to operably engage a first spacer and the second end of the container constructed to operably engage the second spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Spineology Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Wolfe, Bryan Becker, Tim Walnofer, Clint Boylan, Dan McPhillips, Michael Wang, Craig Kuhns, Garrett Ganske
  • Patent number: 9925059
    Abstract: Anchoring devices for rachidian implants, implants, surgical instruments, and surgical systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, an anchor comprises a stiff plate with a longitudinal axis, configured for penetration of its anterior end into a vertebral surface while its posterior end remains engaged with the implant. An implant may include a locking mechanism for the anchor. An anchor may include an abutment configured to abut a complementary abutment of an implant. In some configurations, inserting an anchor in a passage of an implant may displace a locking mechanism, which may resile and lock the anchor in the implant with complementary abutments of the anchor and implant abutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: LDR Medical
    Inventors: Hervé Chataigner, Craig Chebuhar, Pierre Bernard, Hervé Dinville, Emmanuel Bougere
  • Patent number: 9925060
    Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. DiMauro, Michael Andrew Slivka
  • Patent number: 9925061
    Abstract: The instant invention is a longitudinally adjustable corpectomy device which fits within the intervertebral distracted channel. A ratchet mechanism allows for an extendable member to adjust to a longer length to accommodate a distracted channel. The ratchet type mechanism allows the members to move in a unidirectional movement to prevent the two members from contracting once expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Atlas Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew G. Baynham
  • Patent number: 9925062
    Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an intervertebral implant. The intervertebral implant may be configured to transition from a collapsed configuration having a first height and a first width to an expanded configuration having a second height and a second width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Glerum, Andrew Iott, Mark Adams
  • Patent number: 9925063
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William Armstrong, Thomas Carls, John A. Cowan, Jr., James Duncan, Richard A. Hynes, Anthony J. Melkent, Jean-Pierre Mobasser, D. Hal Silcox, III
  • Patent number: 9925064
    Abstract: The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine. The implant includes a spacer portion having an inferior and superior surface, wherein the inferior and superior surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the inferior and superior surfaces define a through-hole extending through the spacer body. The present invention further provides screw holes extending from a side portion to the inferior and superior surfaces of the spacer portion and a plate portion coupled to the spacer portion through a coupling means, wherein the plate portion contains screws holes for receiving screws. A screw back out prevention mechanism adapted on the plate portion and prevents the back out of screws from the screw holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Duffield, Colm McLaughlin, Jason Gray, Jamie Carroll, Mark Adams, William S. Rhoda
  • Patent number: 9925065
    Abstract: A cover for use in protecting a resected surface of a long bone for use in joint arthroplasty is provided. The cover includes a generally planar portion having opposed generally parallel first and second surfaces defining a periphery extending from the first surface and the second surface. The cover also includes a lip extending from the first surface at the periphery of the planar portion in a direction not planar with the generally planar portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Holovacs, Daniel J. Williman, Conrad L. Klotz
  • Patent number: 9925066
    Abstract: A surgical assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a housing, a first arm extending outside the housing and a linkage assembly housed by the housing and connected to the first arm. Movement of the linkage assembly inside the housing is linked to movement of the first arm outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: ARTHREX, INC.
    Inventors: Rudraksh Khosla, Mark A. Wise
  • Patent number: 9925067
    Abstract: An expandable device for expanding and supporting body tissue comprises an inferior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact one body tissue surface and a superior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact an opposing body tissue surface. The inferior endplate and the superior endplate are movable relative to each other in a direction of expansion. The device includes an elevator captively supported between the inferior endplate and the superior endplate for independent movement along the direction of expansion. In the first direction the elevator is moved toward said superior endplate to lift the superior endplate and expand the device. In the second direction the elevator moves away from said superior endplate toward said inferior endplate to create a space for insertion of an insert into the expanded device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SPINE WAVE, INC.
    Inventor: Scott McLean
  • Patent number: 9925068
    Abstract: A bone harvester and bone marrow removal system. The bone harvester can include a body defining a channel extending longitudinally therethrough from a distal to a proximal portion of the body. The distal portion can include a cutting tip. Bone marrow may be drawn through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: F. Barry Bays, David L. Brumfield, Joe William Ferguson, Carlos Eduardo Gil
  • Patent number: 9925069
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, computer program products, and the like, for utilizing a series of images of a patient's anatomy to determine a cut plane for use during a hip replacement procedure. To determine a cut plane for use during the procedure, the computer program determines a best fit line through the center of the neck of the femur, as well as a best fit line through the femoral shaft. In one particular embodiment, a cut plane through the femur may then be determined as perpendicular to the center line through the neck of the femur. Further, the location of these features in the images may be determined by analyzing the gray scale value of one or more pixels around a selected point on the image. The pixel with the lowest gray scale value may then be assumed to be the edge of the cortical bone in the 2D image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Ilwhan Park
  • Patent number: 9925070
    Abstract: This invention relates to a technique for hermetically sealing an artificial leg including a cylinder device. A rod member of the cylinder device extends from the inside to the outside of a shell structure of the cylinder device. The rod member is hermetically sealed at the periphery thereof by a bellows packing member. The bellows packing member comprises an inner bead, an outer bead which concentrically surrounds the outside of the inner bead, and a bellows packing body part which connects the inner and outer beads. The bellows packing body part includes corrugations, and each corrugation is less curved than an imaginary circle which is concentric with the inner bead and the outer bead. Both ends of each of the plurality of corrugations extend to the outer bead or are located at positions closer to the outer bead than the inner bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: NABTESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Nakaya, Taishiro Misao, Hiroaki Hashimoto, Nobuyuki Nakamura, Yoshihiro Tada
  • Patent number: 9925071
    Abstract: Prosthetic and/or orthotic devices (PODS), control systems for PODS and methods for controlling PODS are provided. As part of the control system, an inference layer collects data regarding a vertical and horizontal displacement of the POD, as well as an angle of the POD with respect to gravity during a gait cycle of a user of the POD. A processor analyzes the data collected to determine a locomotion activity of the user and selects one or more control parameters based on the locomotion activity. The inference layer may be situated between a reactive layer control module and a learning layer control module of the control system architecture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ă–ssur hf
    Inventors: David Langlois, Matheson Rittenhouse, Yves Roy
  • Patent number: 9925072
    Abstract: A prosthetic system includes a liner adapted to receive a residual limb and having a liner body formed from an elastomeric material. The liner body defines an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface includes a first part arranged to form a seal between the liner and the residual limb, and a second part of the inner surface has at least one flow channel arranged for promoting movement of fluid away from a skin surface of the residual limb. An outlet is defined in the second part and extends between the inner and outer surfaces. The at least one flow channel is defined in the elastomeric material forming the liner body and is in fluid communication with the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: OSSUR ICELAND EHF
    Inventors: Grimur Jonsson, Andrew Bache
  • Patent number: 9925073
    Abstract: A stent is disclosed, which is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a cavity portion, and is freely switched between an expanded state and a contracted state where the stent contracts to a central axis (O) side from the expanded state. The stent has an anchor portion which protrudes to a central axis (O) side relative to an inner surface surrounding the cavity portion in the contracted state, and which is displaced to the inner surface side in the expanded state relative to a protruded position in the contracted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuki Masubuchi
  • Patent number: 9925074
    Abstract: Self-expandable, woven intravascular devices for use as stents (both straight and tapered), filters (both temporary and permanent) and occluders for insertion and implantation into a variety of anatomical structures. The devices may be formed from shape memory metals such as nitinol. The devices may also be formed from biodegradable materials. Delivery systems for the devices include two hollow tubes that operate coaxially. A device is secured to the tubes prior to the implantation and delivery of the device by securing one end of the device to the outside of the inner tube and by securing the other end of the device to the outside of the outer tube. The stents may be partially or completely covered by graft materials, but may also be bare. The devices may be formed from a single wire. The devices may be formed by either hand or machine weaving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventors: Hideki Hyodoh, Andras Konya, Kenneth C. Wright
  • Patent number: 9925075
    Abstract: Provided is a stent of a novel structure with which deflection of a line-shaped body during expansion is prevented and a substantially uniform expansion is achieved over an entire length thereof, and with which, after implantation, stent fracture and damage of body tissue can be prevented by the stent exhibiting a superior pliability and conformability to a shape of a somatic lumen. A stent having a cylindrical peripheral wall formed with a line-shaped body that extends in a helical form in a circumferential direction while reciprocating in an axial direction at a given amplitude. In the stent, connecting parts are formed to link portions of the line-shaped body that are adjacent in the axial direction, and a friable part is provided to rupture itself by being implanted in the somatic lumen and release a link made by the connecting parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: NIPRO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuaki Mitsudo, Koji Akimoto
  • Patent number: 9925076
    Abstract: A stent in the form of a generally tubular body has multiple annularly expandable serpentine elements. The serpentine elements have arcs at the first and second element ends which point in the axial direction of the stent. Annularly expandable serpentine elements which follow one another in the axial direction are connected to one another via connectors which are arranged at the ends of the adjacent elements. The connectors extend in the circumferential direction of the stent in the non-expanded state of the stent and have a curvature in the circumferential direction. In the expanded state of the stent, the curvature is so great in the circumferential direction that the connectors project radially outward beyond the circumference of the serpentine elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: NOVATECH SA
    Inventor: Thomas Nissl
  • Patent number: 9925077
    Abstract: The invention relates to a delivery system for delivering a stent (S) into a body vessel of a patient, comprising a flexible catheter tube (3) having a proximal and a distal end for delivering the stent (S) to a predetermined location in the body vessel and a catheter tip (1) having a longitudinal direction, which is disposed at the distal end of the catheter tube (3). The catheter tip (1) has a stent chamber (150) to receive the stent (1). The catheter tip has a first pressure chamber (20, 22). In the catheter tube (3) a first fluid channel (31) extends from the proximal end to the first pressure chamber (20, 22) of the catheter tip (1). The volume of the first pressure chamber (20, 22) can be enlarged by delivering a first fluid from the first fluid channel (31) to the first pressure chamber (20, 22), such that the stent (S) is released from the stent chamber (150) at the predetermined location in the body vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: CARAG AG
    Inventors: Jörg Hummen, Kuno Limacher, Cyrill Röthlin, Claudio Steiner, Beat Widmer, Albora De Pablo Peña, Jérôme Bernhard, Christoph Sidler
  • Patent number: 9925078
    Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a pusher guide wire for delivering a stent having an anchor member. The pusher guide wire includes a core shaft, a coil body that is disposed around a distal portion of the core shaft and includes a tapered portion having an outer diameter that decreases toward a distal end of the coil body, and a protruded portion fixed to the coil body at a position distal to the tapered portion. The anchor member is positioned between the tapered portion and the protruded portion when the stent is delivered using the pusher guide wire. The anchor member can therefore be pushed in the distal direction by the tapered portion of the coil body. Moreover, the stent can be retracted into the catheter by pulling the pusher guide wire in the proximal direction so that the protruded portion contacts the anchor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: ASAHI INTECC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Makoto Nishigishi
  • Patent number: 9925079
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an implantable stented device to a lumen of a patient, the delivery system including an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a driver mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the elongated body, an elongated threaded rod located axially distal to the driver mechanism, and a sheath including an elongated tubular portion having a hollow interior portion with a first diameter that is sized for compression and retention of the implantable stented device in a compressed configuration for delivery to a body lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Tabor, Timothy R. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9925080
    Abstract: A method of implanting a prosthesis in a patient at a treatment site within a blood vessel includes advancing an outer catheter of a prosthesis delivery system in the patient distal to the treatment site, the outer catheter defining an inside diameter and advancing an inner sheath, having greater flexibility than the outer catheter and an outside diameter that is greater than the inside diameter of the outer catheter, and a guidewire lumen of the delivery system from the outer catheter to the treatment site along a guidewire while the outer catheter remains stationary relative to the patient, whereby advancing the inner sheath delivers the prosthesis to the treatment site. The inner sheath is retracted to deploy the prosthesis from within the inner sheath and at the treatment site after which the delivery system from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Bolton Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Arbefeuille, Humberto Berra, Carol Barbre, Michael Moore
  • Patent number: 9925081
    Abstract: A minimally invasive system and method for providing weight loss by inducing the feeling of satiety whereby an intragastric device is inserted into the gastric lumen via the esophagus and an external magnetic device is used as needed to magnetically attract the intragastric device towards the inner wall of the stomach and impart tactile stimulation sufficient to induce the feeling of satiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Shahriar Sedghi
  • Patent number: 9925082
    Abstract: An orthopedic device has first and second elongate struts each having a strap coupling member, and a flexible strap securing to the first and second struts by the strap coupling members. The orthopedic device includes various embodiments of hinge assemblies including flexion and extension stops and locks for maintaining the hinge assembly in a fixed configuration. The orthopedic device has various embodiments of strap assemblies for securing components to cuff assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Janaki Ram-srinivasaRao Chetlapalli, Gudni Ingimarsson, Harry Duane Romo, Jonathan Walborn, Zachariah J. Klutts
  • Patent number: 9925083
    Abstract: A wrist brace comprises (a) a main brace body, (b) an adjustable wrist strap configured to encircle the main brace body about a wearer's wrist, and (c) a lace and rotatable tightening mechanism. The main brace body comprises a semi-rigid splint configured to fit the anterior of a wearer's wrist, extending from the palm to a portion of the anterior of the forearm. The lace and tightening rotatable mechanism is configured to apply tension on the lace thereby tightening the wrist strap about the wearer's wrist and drawing the splint closer to the anterior of the wearer's wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Sherry A. Hinds
  • Patent number: 9925084
    Abstract: A body exercise device includes a seat portion having a seat face, a pair of left and right airbags and a pair of front and rear airbags causing the seat face of the seat portion to be left-right and front-rear inclined, and an air supply unit that supplies pressurized air to the airbags. An air supply/discharge switching unit switches between supplying air to and discharging air from the airbags, and a pressure detection unit detects pressure in the airbags. A balance determination unit, in a process of supplying air to or discharging air from the right and left or front and rear airbags according to the switching operation of the air supply/discharge switching unit, determines the left-right or front-rear balance state of the user based on a difference in pressure change in the pair of left and right airbags or the pair of front and rear airbags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenshin Tanaka, Hiroshi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 9925085
    Abstract: A penis lengthening device comprises a traction chamber with tapered sidewalls configured to secure the penis within the chamber by forming a partial vacuum therein. A flexible air seal covers the upper portion of the traction chamber and extends over the penis. As the chamber is evacuated, the air seal tightens around the penis, creating an air seal to retain the vacuum within the chamber. Tensile force is transmitted through the chamber to the penis of the user. Alternative “light traction” embodiments utilize a condom-like device configured to attach to an elastic band, or to suspend weights therefrom. Larger tensile forces are applied for shorter periods of a few minutes up to an hour using the traction chamber embodiment, and smaller forces of 1-2 pounds are applied for longer periods of several hours using a light-traction embodiment. Alternate between the two methods throughout the day enhances its effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: USA Life Nutrition, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick John Leddy
  • Patent number: 9925086
    Abstract: An implantable tissue retractor for treatment of a breathing disorder and related methods. The implantable tissue retractor comprises a shaft sized for insertion into a soft tissue located in a patient's oral cavity or pharynx. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a retractor member at or near a first end of the shaft. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a removable coupler connected at or near a second end of the shaft. At least one of a portion of the shaft or the retractor member is positionable on a surface of the soft tissue. At least one of the shaft, retractor member, or removable coupler is adjustable to vary a force to prevent a deformation of at least a portion of the soft tissue to prevent obstruction of the patient's airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Linguaflex, Inc.
    Inventors: Ira Sanders, Cliff Dwyer
  • Patent number: 9925087
    Abstract: A dressing for treatment of a body part surface of a human or animal patient. The dressing includes a compress with a plurality of loose fill granules contained in an enclosure. The plurality of loose fill granules is configured to deliver moist heat. The dressing also includes antibacterial medication that is activated by the moist heat delivered from the compress and released toward the body part surface. The fill granules substantially retain at least one antimicrobial metal material therein and allow repeated absorption and dissipation of moisture to and from the fill granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: BRUDER HEALTHCARE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Mark H. Bruder, Aaron N. Ingram
  • Patent number: 9925088
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a needle, a catheter, and an actuator assembly. The needle extends distally from the body. The needle has an inner wall defining a needle lumen. The needle lumen is in fluid communication with a fluid port of the body. The catheter is slidably disposed in the needle lumen. The catheter has a catheter lumen. The first actuator assembly is configured to translate the catheter within and relative to the needle. The apparatus may also include an actuator assembly that is configured to rotate the needle relative to the body. The apparatus may be used to first deliver a leading bleb of fluid to the subretinal space in a patient's eye via the needle. The apparatus may then be used to deliver a therapeutic agent to the subretinal space in the patient's eye via the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Janssen Biotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Clem, Benjamin L. Ko, Robert H. Roth, Daniel J. Abbott, Thomas E. Meyer, Paul D. Gordon
  • Patent number: 9925089
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, a wire having a pre-formed curve, and an optic fiber disposed within the housing tube and an inner bore of the handle. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. A compression of the actuation structure may curve or straighten the housing tube. A decompression of the actuation structure may curve or straighten the housing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
  • Patent number: 9925090
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation structure of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. A compression of the actuation structure may cause the optic fiber to gradually curve. A decompression of the actuation structure may cause the optic fiber to gradually straighten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
  • Patent number: 9925091
    Abstract: A wound care bandage for treating a wound is provided. The bandage includes an SIS layer to be placed on the wound surface and a cover to be placed over the wound. The bandage further includes a structure to provide a vacuum space. A method for promoting wound healing is further provided. The method includes applying the above-mentioned wound care bandage to the wound and creating a vacuum in the vacuum space to draw blood controllably from the wound into the SIS layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: KCI Medical Resources Unlimited Company
    Inventor: Arthur C. Coffey
  • Patent number: 9925092
    Abstract: A conduit for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure may include a primary lumen and at least one secondary lumen. A wall of the conduit may include a first wall material and a second wall material. The first wall material may comprise a substantially non-absorbent material that is vapor impermeable and liquid impermeable. The second wall material may comprise an absorbent material that is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable. The second wall material may be positioned in fluid contact with the at least one secondary lumen. Other systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Luckemeyer, Timothy Mark Robinson, Christopher Brian Locke
  • Patent number: 9925093
    Abstract: A method of delivering a withdrawal cord to a transfer member, wherein the method includes providing a supply path fluidly connected to a metered cord supply. The supply path comprises a pressure source, a transfer member, and a cutting apparatus. The transfer member comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of orifices on the first surface. The method also comprises moving a deployed cord supply towards the transfer member through the supply path by a fluid flow generated by the pressure source. The method further comprises moving a portion of the deployed cord supply into an orifice of the transfer member, moving the deployed cord supply to an attachment system, connecting the deployed cord supply to a substrate, and cutting the deployed cord supply to create a withdrawal cord comprising a first end and a second end; wherein a portion of the withdrawal cord is in the orifice to the transfer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kevin Charles Strong, Evan Joseph Durling
  • Patent number: 9925094
    Abstract: An absorbent article having a pair of longitudinal edges, front and rear transverse edges, a front end region, a rear end region, and a central region disposed between the front and rear end regions. The absorbent article has a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, a pair of outwardly convex longitudinal central channels formed at least in the central region. The traversal distance of the pair of outwardly convex longitudinal central channels decreases towards both ends of the channels to define a central closed area. The absorbent article has a rear channel defining a rear closed area in the rear end region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Yoko Munakata, Kiyoe Ohba
  • Patent number: 9925095
    Abstract: An absorbent article has an absorbing core and a liquid-permeable second sheet disposed on the absorbing core. The absorbing core includes a liquid-holding material and a liquid-permeable core-wrapping sheet. The core-wrapping sheet covers the liquid-holding material, but a portion of a top-side surface of the liquid-holding material is exposed. The second sheet contacts the liquid-holding material at the exposed portion. The second sheet is placed in direct contact with the cellulose fibers of the liquid-holding material, and liquid permeates from the second sheet into the liquid-holding material. Also, deformation of the liquid-holding material is prevented by the hydrophilic core-wrapping sheet covering the liquid-holding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignees: LIVEDO USA, INC., LIVEDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takuya Hishikawa
  • Patent number: 9925096
    Abstract: Absorbent product having a liquid permeable surface and a liquid impermeable opposite surface, the absorbent product including an odor control material, the odor control material including a carrier material and a plurality of odor control particles adhered to the carrier material. The carrier material has a first surface located towards the liquid permeable surface of the absorbent product and a second opposite surface located towards the liquid impermeable surface of the absorbent product. The plurality of odor control particles are bonded to the second surface of the carrier material with a water soluble binder substance wherein the binder substance at least partly dissolves when in contact with an aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Chatrine Stridfeldt, Ingrid Gustafson