Patents Issued in May 1, 2018
  • Patent number: 9956101
    Abstract: A system for internal iliac preservation includes a catheter having a distal catheter portion and a proximal catheter portion; a first guidewire having a proximal portion extending from the proximal catheter portion, a distal portion and a medial portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion; a first outer sheath slidably disposed over distal catheter portion; and an integrated second delivery system disposed within the outer sheath at the distal catheter portion. The integrated second delivery system includes a second guidewire; an expandable stent-graft disposed over a lumen of the second guidewire, and a slidable connector slidably disposed over the medial portion of the first guidewire, where the second guidewire is slidably engaged with the slidable connection to permit movement of the integrated second delivery system along the first guidewire when the first outer sheath is retracted from distal catheter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: TriVascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale L. Ehnes, Mark Purter, Mark Geusen, Kevin Knoll, Diego Aristizabal
  • Patent number: 9956102
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for deploying implantable devices within the body. The delivery and deployment systems include at least one catheter or an assembly of catheters for selectively positioning the lumens of the implant to within target vessels. Various deployment and attachment mechanisms are provided for selectively deploying the implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Taheri LaDuca LLC
    Inventors: Brice Arnault De La Menardiere, Frederich A. L. Alavar, Robert C. Laduca, Paul A. Laduca
  • Patent number: 9956103
    Abstract: A system is provided to effectively position a stent within a vessel. The system includes a delivery catheter and a core wire extend through the catheter. The core wire includes an engaging surface region and a capture member disposed thereon, which cooperate to engage a stent such that the stent is able to be advanced or retracted with the advancement or retraction of the core wire. The engaging surface region and the capture member can generally be configured to engage the stent when a portion of the stent is disposed within the lumen of the catheter, and release the stent when no portion of the stent is within the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Slazas, Juan A. Lorenzo
  • Patent number: 9956104
    Abstract: A device for treating obesity of a patient, the device comprising: at least one operable stretching device implantable in the patient and adapted to stretch a portion of the patient's stomach wall, and an implantable control unit for automatically controlling the operable stretching device, when the control unit and stretching device are implanted, to stretch the stomach wall portion in connection with the patient eating such that satiety is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 9956105
    Abstract: A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may provide slowed entry into the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Some devices combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse. The implants are formed of materials that permit the implant to be compressed into a substantially linear transoral delivery configuration and that will resist degradation over a period of at least six months within the stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Babkes, Zachary P. Dominguez
  • Patent number: 9956106
    Abstract: A gastrointestinal device and methods of manufacturing said gastrointestinal device are described and include a flexible tubular structure including a layered wall, the flexible tubular structure including a plurality of at least one type of commensal microbe encased in the layered wall, the layered wall configured to allow an interaction between the plurality of the at least one type of commensal microbe and an ingested product within the flexible tubular structure, and a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end and the distal end forming a flow conduit through the flexible tubular structure; and at least one anchor structure including one or more gastric wall-engaging components configured to engage a wall of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Mahalaxmi Gita Bangera, William David Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Wayne R. Kindsvogel, Elizabeth A. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 9956107
    Abstract: An exoskeletal orthosis includes a proximal cuff includes a hinge along an upper edge of the cuff; an ankle section/footplate; and at least one posterior strut connecting the proximal cuff to the ankle section and foot plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by The Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Ryan Vaughn Blanck
  • Patent number: 9956108
    Abstract: A sock assembly for correcting a deformed toe of a foot of a person, including a sock wearable on an at least a part of the foot, a strap connected to the sock and wearable on an at least a part of the foot and wrappable on an at least a part of the deformed toe as the sock it worn on the foot, consequently applying a corrective force on the deformed toe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: TOEFIX LTD.
    Inventors: Aharon Liberson, Anton Uskov, Eugeny Liberson
  • Patent number: 9956109
    Abstract: Disclosed is a penile constriction device comprising a body including an aperture (4) for surrounding a penis wherein the aperture (4) defines an inner edge (6,7). According to the present invention an elastic strap (8) is arranged within the aperture (4) or at least in alignment with the aperture (4) wherein the ends of the strap (8) are connected to connection points (10) at the inner edge (6,7) of the aperture (4) or at portions of the body (2) adjacent to the aperture (4), and where in the connection points (10) are positioned opposite to each other relative to the aperture (4) and the length of the strap (8) between its both ends is greater than the distance between the connection points (10) so that the strap (8) is able to be optionally brought into a first position (FIG. 4a) so as to limit the aperture (4) for defining a first aperture cross-section area (4.1) or a second (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: OVO JOINT VENTURE, LLC
    Inventors: Meike Hahr, Till Muhl
  • Patent number: 9956110
    Abstract: A washable ostomy pouch configured for accumulating discharged waste and also for draining and washing it without detaching the pouch from the user. The washable pouch has a draining duct and a washing duct which is elevated above the waste level and enables pouring water without waste overflow. The washable pouch has a flat structure. Both the washing and draining ducts have seals. The washing duct has a funnel shape which facilitates pouring water into the pouch, whereby liquefying the discharged waste and enabling easier draining. The abdominal inlet coupling can detachably secure the washable pouch to a snugly fitting abdominal adhesive faceplate coupling which is attached to an abdominal adhesive faceplate that is configured to adhere to the user's abdominal skin surrounding the user's stoma. This allows the user to replace the pouch multiple times without having to detach the abdominal adhesive faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Jezekiel Ben-Arie
  • Patent number: 9956111
    Abstract: The invention is generally a dental appliance that, in exemplary embodiments, includes a mandibular advancement mouthpiece equipped with a tongue-securing mechanism. The dental appliance helps to keep a user's airway unobstructed by moving the mandible forward with respect to the maxilla, and securing a tip portion of the tongue slightly anterior to the mandible, so that the tongue is held from falling back into the throat. This invention helps alleviate problems including severe snoring and sleep apnea, which are typically caused by the tongue obstructing the airway at the throat, impeding respiration during sleep or when unconscious. In an exemplary embodiment, the dental appliance comprises of maxillary and mandibular components that make up a mouthpiece, which is configured to circumscribe a tongue retaining mechanism, or tongue sleeve that secures a user's tongue in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Dante Togliatti
  • Patent number: 9956112
    Abstract: A device for warming a human body. The device is a gown that has a body with a thorax portion and a leg portion. One embodiment prevents redistribution hypothermia with a distributor attached to the inside of the leg portion. The sleeves, leg portion, and posterior of the gown are heat reflective. The anterior of the thorax portion of the gown is non-reflective. The distributor inflates when heated air is supplied. The distributor exhausts air into the gown. Temperature is maintained at a desired level for the extremities, while preventing the thorax area from being elevated to an uncomfortable level. Another embodiment is a perioperative warming device. The device is a gown that has a thorax portion and a leg portion. Each portion has an independent air chamber and inlet. The two portions are releasably connected. The sleeves, leg portion, and anterior of the gown are heat reflective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: THE SURGICAL COMPANY INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Robertus Gerardus van Oudenallen, Berend Jan Teunissen
  • Patent number: 9956113
    Abstract: A method for maintaining and/or increasing body temperature of a patient may involve delivering heat to a first location on a limb of the patient, delivering heat to a second location on the limb, apart from the first location, and applying intermittent compression to a third location on the limb, located between the first location and the second location. A device for maintaining and/or increasing body temperature of a patient may include a sleeve for positioning over at least part of one of the patient's limbs, first and second heat delivery members coupled with the sleeve, and an intermittent compression member coupled with the sleeve between the first and second heat delivery members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Peter Santa Maria, Brian Hsueh, Brian Kannard, Ritu Lal, Abhinav Ramani, John Paderi
  • Patent number: 9956114
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a microneedle that defines a lumen therethrough. The microneedle has a proximal end portion a distal end portion and a hub portion between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The proximal end portion is configured to be coupled to a medicament container, such as, for example a syringe. The portion of the lumen within the proximal end portion has a first diameter. The distal end portion is configured to pierce a target tissue. The portion of the lumen within the distal end portion has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The hub portion includes a surface configured to contact the target tissue when the distal end portion is disposed with the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: CLEARSIDE BIOMEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Rafael Victor Andino, Christopher John Brooks, Vladimir Zarnitsyn, Harrison J. White
  • Patent number: 9956115
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for cutting and aspirating tissue from the human or animal body, in particular for use in vitrectomy, epiretinal membrane peeling, etc., with an outer tube (1), and with an inner tube (2) which is movable to and fro and concentrically in the outer tube (1) with slight play, wherein the outer tube (1) is closed at the free end and has, near the free end, at least one lateral opening (3) with at least one inner cutting edge (5), wherein the inner tube (2) is open at the free end and there has an outer cutting edge (4), and wherein the cutting edges cooperate in a cutting action during the movement of the inner tube (2) relative to the outer tube (1), advantageously characterized by a shaping measure in or on the outer tube (1) and/or in or on the inner tube (2), whereby the inner tube (2), at least in the area of the lateral opening (3), runs in the outer tube (1) with at least slight pretensioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: GEUDER AG
    Inventors: Frank Rieger, Rene Draheim, Dieter Frauenfeld, Volker Geuder
  • Patent number: 9956116
    Abstract: Embodiments of the claimed invention are directed to the treatment of glaucoma (or conditions of elevated intraocular pressure) using a novel ab interno trabeculotomy procedure that uses a flexible device. At least one advantage of the present method is that it does not require a conjunctival or scleral incision, which in turn improves patient recovery time and healing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: INNOVATIVE GLAUCOMA SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Davinder S. Grover, Ronald L. Fellman, David G. Godfrey
  • Patent number: 9956117
    Abstract: The invention relates to a face cover device providing a closure over a predetermined area of a face, having a functional part (2) and a face rest part (1) which are interconnected by one connecting section or a plurality of connecting sections (3, 8), characterized in that the one connecting section or at least one of the plurality of connecting sections is an adjustable connecting section (3) that allows for adjusting the position of the face rest part relative to the functional part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Scott Sports SA
    Inventor: Bertrand Didier
  • Patent number: 9956118
    Abstract: A tool communication adapter system is provided. One exemplary system described herein includes a tool communication adapter having an adapter body including first and second mechanical attachment ends, a first electrical connector proximate the first mechanical attachment end and a second electrical connector proximate the second mechanical attachment end, a first supply channel having an opening extending through the body between the first and second mechanical attachment ends, and including a first supply channel connector at the first attachment end and a second supply channel connector at the second mechanical attachment end, and a control unit in communication with the first and second electrical connectors. The control unit is configured to provide a filter command signal to a protective filter in response to a signal received at the first electrical connector. An exemplary tool communication adapter thus allows communication between a tool and personal protective equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Mats U. Sernfalt
  • Patent number: 9956119
    Abstract: A novel earplug is disclosed. The earplug comprises an elastomeric insert and a metal casing. The elastomeric insert is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a first end and a second end. The metal casing is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a circular outer wall, an internal cavity disposed within the circular outer wall, and a first end and a second end disposed the opposite end of the first end. The first end has a substantially flat base covering the first end and the second end has an opening into the internal cavity. The first end of the elastomeric insert is disposed through the second end of the metal casing and is secured with an adhesive within the internal cavity of the metal casing. The second end of the elastomeric insert extends outward from the metal casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: 2 Monkey Trading, LLC
    Inventor: Doug Ingalls
  • Patent number: 9956120
    Abstract: A dressing for treating a tissue site may include a base layer, a sealing member, a first and a second wicking layer, and an absorbent layer. The base layer may have a periphery surrounding a central portion and a plurality of apertures disposed through the periphery and the central portion. At least one of the apertures in the periphery may be positioned at an edge of the periphery, and may have an interior exposed at the edge. The sealing member and the base layer may define an enclosure. The first and the second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure with the absorbent layer positioned between the first and the second wicking layer. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Brian Locke
  • Patent number: 9956121
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer, a cover layer comprising at least one orifice and a first liquid and gas permeable transmission layer underlying the absorbent layer. The transmission layer is in fluid communication with the filter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventor: Edward Yerbury Hartwell
  • Patent number: 9956122
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liner/composite web for use in an absorbent article includes joining a leg elastic member to a web moving in a machine direction and joining a flap elastic member to the web. The flap elastic member is spaced from the leg elastic member. The web is folded to form a leg and flap elastics composite including an outer side edge. The web is joined to a substrate to form the liner/composite web. The liner/composite web is joined to a web of material such that the outer side edge of the leg and flap elastics composite is coterminous with one of a pair of laterally opposing side edges of the web of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis Alberto Tenorio, Jeffrey Alan DeBroux, David Kyle Stankewicz, Darin Allen Engelhart, James Richard Schermerhorn, Michael Donald Sperl, Daniel Mark Duhm, Michael Lee Lohoff, Anita Marie-Nanette Gilgenbach, Kenneth James Quella
  • Patent number: 9956123
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a garment, such as a smart pull-up, includes at least one outer section and a midsection attached to the outer section. The midsection includes a first antimicrobial membrane patch layer configured to contact a wearer's body, a second antimicrobial membrane patch layer disposed adjacent to the first antimicrobial patch layer, and an air gap disposed between the first patch and second antimicrobial patch layers. The first and second antimicrobial patch layers each are formed from respective balanced warp big tows and fill tows in a plain-weave pattern, and each layer include copper filaments disposed in a plurality of the tows, each of the copper filaments including at least Cu+/Cu+++ ions. Such a smart pull-up may be suitable for either adult who cannot use the toilet, or child, or healthy adult and, therefore, may urinate and defecate himself/herself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Alphal Engineering Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Dan-Jumbo
  • Patent number: 9956124
    Abstract: A pant-type absorbent article includes a front and a back portion, longitudinally extending side seams and a connecting portion between the front and back portions. The connecting portion forms a crotch region and leg openings. Part of the front portion, back portion, and the connecting portion is made of an elastic laminate extending transversely across the front, back and connecting portions. Elongated leg elastic members extend along the leg openings in at least part of the connecting portion and terminate at a distance from the respective side seam thus leaving an area corresponding to a peripheral length of at least 50 mm along the respective leg opening where the leg elastic members are absent and wherein the connecting portion in the area where the leg elastic members are absent is made of the elastic laminate in at least 90% of the peripheral length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Lucas Bäck, Stina Lindlöf, Lennart Nilsson
  • Patent number: 9956125
    Abstract: An absorbent article has a back sheet with an absorbent core disposed on a body side of the back sheet. On a back side of the back sheet, there is provided a substrate carrying a conductive pattern as a liquid discharge detection circuit that is able to be connected to an electric potential generator for performing liquid discharge detection. At least one or a plurality of holes is formed through the back sheet to communicate portions of the conductive pattern with the absorbent core. Longitudinally adjacent pairs of the revealed portions of the conductive pattern form liquid discharge detection zones for detecting liquid discharge in the absorbent core. The detection zones are longitudinally distributed with respect to the absorbent core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS
    Inventors: Mattias Bosaeus, Allan Elfström
  • Patent number: 9956126
    Abstract: A method of transporting a patient may include providing a medical pod having a pallet forming a floor structure and including sidewalls extending upwardly from the pallet to a roof section to form a container. The method may additionally include coupling a patient restraint system to the floor structure using a transport system located on the floor structure, and moving the patient restraint system from a first position to a second position using the transport system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Rex Alan Russell
  • Patent number: 9956127
    Abstract: An occupant support system for supporting an occupant comprises a frame, an articulable assembly which includes an upper body section, and a motion control system arranged to rotate the upper body section by an amount ?? relative to the frame, to translate the upper body section along the frame by an amount ?CS, and to translate the upper body section by an amount ?BS in a direction parallel to the upper body section. Both ?BS and ?CS are a function of ??.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Turner, Richard H. Heimbrock, Joseph A. Ernst
  • Patent number: 9956128
    Abstract: A hospital bed provides improved handling of non-ambulatory patients and others who cannot easily be moved, such as to a hospital room toilet. The hospital bed includes a flexible mattress and a belt attached to the flexible mattress ends. The hospital bed frame has a pallet for supporting the flexible mattress and a chute attached to the frame beneath the pallet that receives the end of the flexible mattress. Multiple rollers direct the flexible mattress and belt. A motor supplies rotational force to one of the rollers and one of the rollers also provides for bending the flexible mattress to enter the chute, so that the end of the flexible mattress is guided underneath the pallet. A system includes the hospital bed with a detachable sanitary station. The sanitary station includes a toilet top and unites with the bed to deliver the patient to a position atop the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: C J Phillips
  • Patent number: 9956129
    Abstract: A weight cover (10) for therapeutic treatment has a plurality of elements (20) placed in a plurality of channels (12) between fabric layers of the weight cover to increase its weight. The channels are arranged in parallel along the length of the cover. The elements (20) are each configured as a closed case containing oblong fibers, which form weighted bands (20), and which follow the shape of the body of a user. The weighted bands contain a constant number of fibers per length unit. The weight cover has an insulating textile layer (42). The weighted bands (20) has a first fastening mean (22) that is in engagement with a second fastening mean (44) of the weight cover (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Novista of Sweden AB
    Inventor: Sven-Inge Kjell
  • Patent number: 9956130
    Abstract: There is provided an upper limb rehabilitation robot including: a base frame that has a side to which a connecting support is rotatably laterally connected; a connecting shaft unit that is rotatably disposed at a side of the connecting support; a link unit that has a side coupled to the connecting shaft unit and the other side with an upper limb connector mounted to enable a person who needs rehabilitation to connect an upper limb; an active actuator that rotates a connecting shaft unit; and a manual actuator that generates resistant torque against rotation to the connecting shaft unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jinung An, Yoon Gu Kim, Gwang Hee Jang, Jung Hyun Choi
  • Patent number: 9956131
    Abstract: A walker device is described herein including two side frames, each side frame including a front vertical support, a rear vertical support and at least one connecting member extending between the front and rear vertical supports. The walker device further includes a cross bar extending between the two side frames and pivotally connecting to the front vertical supports of the two side frames. The walker device also includes a tension device which applies a resistive force to the pivoting motion between the first cross bar and the two side frames. The walker device is therefore capable of a pivoting configuration which enables the user to learn or re-learn a more natural gait pattern including rotation of the upper and lower body. Some embodiments of the walker device include a second, auxiliary cross bar that is parallel to the first cross bar and horizontally offset from the first cross bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventors: Katherine Haik, Charles A. Haik
  • Patent number: 9956132
    Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, apparatus and methods of use for treating a subject in need of assistance with breathing. In some embodiments the subject suffers from airflow obstruction. In some embodiments, the subject suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Apellis Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Cedric Francois, Angus McLachlan
  • Patent number: 9956133
    Abstract: Described herein is a device for tightening the abdominal muscles (e.g., rectus abdominus) at any time, including prior to eating. In more detail, for a duration prior to eating, the vibration device may be held forcefully against the abdomen to impart vibrations to the abdominal muscles. While the vibrations are being imparted, the abdominal muscles may also be contracted. The vibration device may include a base having a first surface and second surface, with the second surface facing the abdominal muscles, and a shaft movable relative to the base along an axis, with the shaft extending outwardly from the first surface. A motor may be configured to produce vibrations substantially along to the axis. The vibrations may be of sufficient magnitude to cause corresponding vibrations in the base and thus the abdominal muscles. A mechanism may be used to control the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Shahriar S. Afshar
  • Patent number: 9956134
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method may include clearing a biological airway. The method may include positioning an inner wearable harness on a torso of a subject. The method may include selectively positioning at least some of a plurality of engines on and/or adjacent at least one treatment area. At least one of the plurality of engines may be releasably couplable to the inner wearable harness. The method may include positioning an outer wearable harness on a torso of a subject. The method may include applying an oscillation force to at least one of the treatment areas using at least some of the plurality of engines. The method may include adjusting the applied oscillation force to the treatment area by activating the outer wearable harness. The method may include mobilizing at least some secretions in an airway within the subject substantially adjacent the at least one treatment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: International Biophysics Corporation
    Inventors: Harold David Shockley, Jr., Geoffrey Albert Marcek, Robert Wiley Ellis
  • Patent number: 9956135
    Abstract: The appliance according to the invention serves for cardiopulmonary massage and/or resuscitation of a patient and is provided with a massage device (17) which can be driven reversibly by a drive device (18) in an actuation direction (23) and which has a pressure area (20) that can be positioned on the chest (12) of a patient (11) at a target contact area (21). In order to ensure that deviations of the pressure area of the massage device from a target pressure point can be determined promptly and reliably, the invention proposes a position sensor device (22), for determining changes in the position of the massage device (17) and/or of the pressure area (20) thereof relative to the target contact area (21) on the chest (12) of the patient in a plane normal to the actuation direction (23) of the massage device (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Gunter Stemple
  • Patent number: 9956136
    Abstract: A quick and easy bench and a hot tub cover platform. The bench top has three support braces: one left side, one center, and one right side. The bench top is hinged to a 2×4 on a wall. There is another 2×4 lower on the wall for the left, center, and right side braces to support the bench top. There are saddles on the bottom of the bench and a lower 2×4 on wall for the braces to support the bench. The top of the hot tub platform consists of 5-2×4's screwed to 4 stringers running perpendicular to the 5-2×4's and supported on the backside by 4 vertical 2×4's with a cross brace 2×4 at the bottom and top. The platform is attached to the hot tub skirt by a 2×4 screwed on the tub skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: John Moore
  • Patent number: 9956137
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an access assembly to provide access to the interior of a vessel and comprising: a base to extend through a sidewall of the vessel and having a tubular sealing portion providing a passageway axially extending therethrough, a pierceable sealing member arranged across the sealing portion to obstruct the passageway, at least one closure member axially displaceable relative to the base between a sealing position, in which the closure member completely obstructs and seals the passageway, and a leakage position, in which the closure member leakily obstructs the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Falk Borsutzki, Manfred Weber, Ulrich Bruggemann Fricke
  • Patent number: 9956138
    Abstract: A protective cap (1) for application on a medical device such as a medical vial (2) comprising a membrane holder (3) in which a resilient membrane (18) is mounted. The protective cap (1) is provided with connection means (10) for connecting the cap (1) to the medical device (2). The resilient membrane (18) comprises a piercing portion (20) and a sealing portion (22) and is mechanically and/or adhesively held in the protective cap (1) and is arranged to be brought into sealing contact with a receiving portion of the medical device (2) when the protective cap (1) is applied on the medical device (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Carmel Pharma AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Ohlin
  • Patent number: 9956139
    Abstract: A portable canister holder is disclosed. The portable canister system comprises a collapsible substantially cylindrical, non-rigid body assembly comprising a plurality of vertical support rods configured to support a plurality of horizontal support restraints. The vertical support rods are able to pivot along with the horizontal supporting restraints, thereby collapsing the body assembly. The lowest horizontal support restraint further comprises a stopper to prevent the canister from being disconnected from the body assembly when in use. The portable canister holder further comprises an articulating joint member having a first end configured to attach to the body assembly and a second end configured to attach to a clamping device. The portable canister holder further comprises an IV holder configured to attach to the body assembly, the IV holder having a plurality of rods configured to support an IV bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Eric W. Hesketh
  • Patent number: 9956140
    Abstract: People can damage their medicines by taking them outside in hot or cold weather. On the other hand, some people need to carry their medicines with them wherever they go (even if the weather is extremely hot or cold). Specially constructed storage systems can protect medicines from damage due to hot and cold weather without requiring bulky structures or expensive components that consume electricity to regulate temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventors: Sandy Wengreen, Eric John Wengreen
  • Patent number: 9956141
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining when a fluid supply container of a blood processing apparatus becomes empty. The system uses a scale to monitor and detect when a fluid supply container is empty based on the rate of change of the container weight and whether the container weight is below a pre-established threshold, and a controller receives a signal from the scale and controls the operation of a pump to stop pumping when the fluid supply container is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Lan Nguyen, John Foley, Jonathan Prendergast, Brian Case
  • Patent number: 9956142
    Abstract: A transfer arrangement comprising a syringe (110) having a side wall defining a cavity (116) which is sealed by plunger (114), a needle (119) being connected to a second syringe end (113), an adaptor (124) having a first adaptor end (121) connecting to the second syringe end (113), the adaptor (124) extending about the needle (119), second adaptor end (123) having a luer connector (126), and a transfer member (128) having first and second transfer member ends (131, 133) with the first transfer member end (131) being connected to the second adaptor end (123) while the second transfer member end (133) receives the neck of a vial (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Duoject Medical System Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Tremblay, Mathieu Viens
  • Patent number: 9956143
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a chosen quantity of medication from a vial to a container under sterile conditions is described. The present invention further facilitates dissolving solid medications contained in the vial or diluting concentrated medications contained in the vial, and transferring the resulting solutions to the container. The container may be an intravenous infuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: PharmaC, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy C. Reynolds, David R. Pestotnik, Christopher M. Tice
  • Patent number: 9956144
    Abstract: A process for reducing the particle size of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) while maintaining its polymorphic form, comprises the step of processing the active pharmaceutical ingredient by cavitation at elevated pressure. The process preferably comprises the step of isolating the processed active ingredient in the form of powder, wherein the isolation step comprises filtration or spray drying. Particles produced by the process of the invention typically have a span value of less than 2.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HOVIONE INTER LIMITED
    Inventors: Marco Gil, Constanca Cacela, Ricardo Mendonca, Filipe Gaspar
  • Patent number: 9956145
    Abstract: A low-profile visual counting system is provided and designed to count pills or other small discrete objects. This technology is vision based, which allows a pharmacist or other user to pour pills onto a counting surface in a single layer, and then the device tells the user how many pills are on that surface. The present device places the camera and preferably an infrared light source below the counting surface. This offers the unique advantage of not having to mount a camera above the counting surface which reduces the size and improves the aesthetic characteristics of such a device. The image is captured and then processed to determine the number of pills on the surface. This system may be interfaced with other networks, terminals, and existing pharmacy management systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventors: Derek William Thompson, Brian Marshall Burney, Bryant James Deakins, Corey Spencer Martin, Michael Jones, Steven Craig Israel
  • Patent number: 9956146
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing dental restorations, wherein a lithium silicate glass ceramic or a lithium silicate glass is used which contains at least 8.5 wt.-% transition metal oxide selected from the group consisting of oxides of yttrium, oxides of transition metals with an atomic number from 41 to 79 and mixtures of these oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventors: Christian Ritzberger, Wolfram Höland, Marcel Schweiger, Volker Rheinberger
  • Patent number: 9956147
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic composition in particular in the form of an emulsion for topical application to keratin materials, in particular the skin, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium: (i) at least one dispersion (pre-dispersion) of bismuth oxychloride (CI 77163) in an oily dispersant chosen from a) monoesters of formula R1COOR2 in which R1 represents a linear or branched hydrocarbon-based chain comprising from 4 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 30 carbon atoms, and preferentially from 7 to 20 carbon atoms, and R2 represents a branched hydrocarbon-based chain containing from 3 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably from 10 to 30 carbon atoms, and preferentially from 16 to 26 carbon atoms; b) oils whose solubility parameter at 25° C., ?a, is greater than 6 (J/cm3)1/2, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) at least one oil chosen from hydrocarbon-based oils having a refractive index greater than 1.42 and a solubility parameter at 25° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Emmanuelle Ozee, Laurence Guerchet, Xavier Blin, Nathalie Delattre
  • Patent number: 9956148
    Abstract: The present invention provides an oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic that is excellent in the resilient and supple (in other words, firm, tensional, and elastic) feel and also excellent in the softness and moisturizing effect. The oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic of the present invention is characterized by comprising the following components: (A) 0.1 to 5 mass % of hydrogenated polyisobutene with a number average molecular weight of 2000 to 3000, (B) 0.1 to less than 1 mass % of higher alcohol, (C) 1 to 25 mass % of an oil component, (D) 0.3 to 5 mass % of surfactant, (E) 0.05 to 5 mass % of water-soluble thickener, and (F) an aqueous component, wherein the blending quantity of nonpolar oil is 30% or lower of the total amount of component (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Shiseido Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayako Ibe, Yuji Matsushita
  • Patent number: 9956149
    Abstract: A cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition is provided. The composition contains a mixture of oils prepared by Kolbe electrolysis of branched chain fatty acids and mixtures of branched chain fatty acids with straight chain fatty acids. The fatty acids containing from 3 to 26 carbon atoms. The oils are a mixture of oils with different spreading rates (spreading cascade).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Cognis IP Management GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Dierker
  • Patent number: 9956150
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for dental cutting including the steps of providing a dental unit water line irrigation system, the dental unit water line irrigation system including a container surrounding a solution chamber; providing a lubricant for use in the dental unit water line irrigation system, the lubricant defining a composition including 10 to 25% by weight of ethanol; 5 to 25% by weight of glycerol; 10 to 25% by weight of xylitol; 0.5 to 5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant and emulsifying agent; 0.15 to 0.5% by weight of a plurality of flavoring agents; and 45 to 60% by weight of water; and selectively operating the water line irrigation system to express the lubricant onto a dental cutting site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: John Irving White