Patents Issued in May 29, 2018
  • Patent number: 9980742
    Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a shaft, a first jaw having a proximal end at the distal end of the shaft, a second jaw and an ultrasonic waveguide. The first jaw has an internal trough running through the proximal end of the first jaw and a surface on either side of the trough. The second jaw has a surface facing the surface of the first jaw. The waveguide extends beyond the shaft and slidably engages the trough and has a blade with a tissue compressing surface upwardly sloping proximally from a distal end thereof the blade and having an upper portion and a substantially horizontal top surface portion at the upper portion. The tissue compressing surface and/or the top surface portion forms a cutting surface. When the jaws compress tissue therebetween, the blade slides within the trough to further compress and cut the compressed tissue as the blade moves distally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Syntheon, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew A. Palmer, Derek Dee Deville, Kevin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 9980743
    Abstract: Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically, the surgical device includes a handle, an elongate inner sheath and a circular cutting blade that extends from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the surgical device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device's elongate shaft. The surgical device has a barrel cam cylinder in the handle assembly that imparts rotation of the blade and a separate cam mechanism in the tip of outer sheath assembly that imparts and controls the extension and retraction of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: The Spectranetics Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Grace, Weston H. Lee, Brian E. Kagarise, Robert L. Carver
  • Patent number: 9980744
    Abstract: An access system is provided for establishing an access path to a surgical site within a patient. The access system comprises an access portal defining a working channel with a central axis, and an adaptor with a mating section mountable to the access portal. The adaptor is selectively rotatable about the central axis. The access portal includes a plurality of openings and the adaptor includes a plurality of projections, each of the projections and openings being arranged so that, in a first orientation, the openings and projections align to allow mounting of the adaptor to the access portal and, in a second orientation, the openings and projections do not align to prevent disassociation between the adaptor and the access portal. The adaptor also includes a holder for a viewing device, the viewing device being movable with the adaptor about the access portal and vertically translatable relative to the access portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Erika Corbin, Lori Dombrowski, David Talijan, Felix Eugenio Plaud Pagan
  • Patent number: 9980745
    Abstract: A guide tube is used for guiding an instrument through a hole within tissue of a patient. The guide tube includes a cannula member defining a passage extending therethrough along an axis. The passage is operable to receive the instrument and guide the instrument through the hole within the tissue of the patient. The guide tube also includes an expansion member that is moveably coupled to the cannula member to selectively move radially between a retracted position and an expanded position relative to the axis of the cannula member. The expansion member is at least partially insertable into the hole when the expansion member is in the retracted position. The expansion member is operable to engage with a surface of the hole when the expansion member is in the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Burg, Brad Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 9980746
    Abstract: A medical assembly and method for the delivery of an implant inside a patient's body. The medical assembly includes an implant, a tubular member, and a delivery device. The tubular member includes a proximal portion defining a first locking feature. The delivery device includes a needle having a proximal portion and a handle having a proximal portion and a distal portion coupled to the proximal portion of the needle. The distal portion of the handle also includes a locking member that defines an opening, the opening being configured to allow at least a portion of the tubular member to pass through the locking member when the locking member is in an unlocked configuration and the locking member configured to engage the first locking feature of the tubular member to prevent the tubular member from being removed from the locking member when the locking member is in a locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Pereira, Sharmad S. Joshi
  • Patent number: 9980747
    Abstract: A retractable centesis needle comprises a hollow, sharp tipped outer cannula extending from a housing. The outer cannula is generally tube-like and open at both ends to form a channel into a cavity in the housing. A blunt tipped inner cannula is disposed within the channel and capable of sliding away from the housing to an extended state and toward the housing to a refracted state. The inner cannula is biased toward the extended state by a first spring disposed in the housing. A second spring also disposed in the housing acts in the same direction as the first spring when the inner cannula is in a fully retracted state. However, the second spring does not bias the inner cannula in any direction when the inner cannula is in a fully extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Argon Medical Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Schramm, Kevin Hess, Sophie Marcoux
  • Patent number: 9980748
    Abstract: Purified air is provided, having a TVOC content of from less than 5 ppb to about 500 ppb, a Biologicals content of from less than 1 CFU/M3 to 150 CFU/M3 and a Particulate content of from about 1,000 0.3 ?m particles per ft3 to about 50,000 0.3 ?m particles per ft3, or from about 600 0.5 ?m particles per ft3 to about 500,000 0.5 ?m particles per ft3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: LifeAire Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kathryn C. Worrilow
  • Patent number: 9980749
    Abstract: a sexual stimulation and insemination apparatus, comprises a shaft having a tip, a base, and an elongated cylindrical body extending therebetween; a disposable plastic transfer pipette having an open tip, liquid-holding-chamber, and a pipe extending therebetween; a tunnel formed inside the shaft extending from the tip to the base, wherein the tunnel is in a shape of the disposable plastic transfer pipette, and wherein the disposable plastic transfer pipette can be inserted into or removed out of the tunnel; a button, wherein the button is a depressed area formed on the elongated cylindrical body and is located relatively above the liquid-holding-chamber of the disposable plastic transfer pipette when the disposable plastic transfer pipette is inserted in the tunnel; and an O-ring groove formed circumferentially on elongated cylindrical body of the shaft next to the base of said shaft, wherein said O-ring groove is radially smaller than said elongated cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Dione Arlee Wren
  • Patent number: 9980750
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of accessing an intervertebral space of a patient's spine in a minimally invasive manner compromises creating a passage from a posterior end of a pedicle of a vertebral member using a probe, advancing the probe through the pedicle and to a main body portion of the vertebral member, advancing the probe through a superior endplate of the vertebral member and into the intervertebral space and enlarging the passage using at least one tap to create an enlarged passage from a posterior of the pedicle to the intervertebral space. In some embodiments, the enlarged passage traverses at least three cortical layers of the vertebral member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Raed M. Ali, M.D., Inc.
    Inventor: Raed Ali
  • Patent number: 9980751
    Abstract: A spinal device including a variable-length member including a ratchet mechanism that has an operative configuration that allows a change in length of the variable-length member in one direction and prevents a change in length of the variable-length member in an opposite direction, wherein the variable-length member includes polyaxial-joint attachment members for attachment to bone, which permit pivoting movement of the attachment members about more than one pivoting axis, characterized by a force applicator operative to adjust or advance the ratchet mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Apifix Ltd.
    Inventor: Uri Arnin
  • Patent number: 9980752
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant system is disclosed for use in correcting or reducing the progression of scoliosis. The orthopedic implant system can be inserted laterally or posteriorly and comprises an elongated flexible member secured to a user's spinal column via a plurality of vertebral body screws. Typically, the height of the elongated flexible member is significantly greater than the width, creating a flattened cross-sectional aspect. The vertebral body screws comprise a screw base and a screw head with a slot sized to accept an insert. Typically, the elongated flexible member is positioned within the slot via the insert, and is allowed to slide within the screw head as needed, as the user moves. However, at the apex of the user's scoliosis curve, the elongated flexible member is fixed within a vertebral body screw head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Eric J. Smith
  • Patent number: 9980753
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A friction fit compression insert (some with lock and release feature), a planar split retaining ring and a shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled and the receiver and insert may include aligned tool receiving apertures for lock and release of the polyaxial mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: Roger P Jackson, James L Surber
  • Patent number: 9980754
    Abstract: Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Harper, Milan George, Katherine Manninen, John Perkins
  • Patent number: 9980755
    Abstract: Connector assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An articulating connector has a first end that clamps to a first rod in an existing construct and a second end, rotatably connected to the first end, that clamps to a second rod in a new construct such that the clamping of the second end to the second rod prevents rotation of the second end with respect to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Murray, John LaColla, Aditya Muzumdar, Aditya Ingalhalikar, Andrew Iott, David Leff, Brad Juchno, Jeff Nichols, Khiem Pham
  • Patent number: 9980756
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a device to facilitate the insertion and attachment of an implant that includes a barrel assembly and a plate assembly in an interspinous space. The device comprises a main body, a first arm that is configured to hold the barrel assembly, and a second arm that is configured to hold a locking plate of the plate assembly, wherein the first and second arms are movably attached to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Zappacosta, Robert Rightler, Christopher Angelucci
  • Patent number: 9980757
    Abstract: A method of adjusting a distance between a first surgical rod and a second surgical rod includes providing a surgical rod connector having a housing with first and second ends and a longitudinal passage extending between the first end and the second end. The method also includes positioning the first surgical rod in the first end and positioning the second surgical rod in the second end. The method further includes mounting an anchor mechanism to the surgical rod connector and applying a force on the anchor mechanism and a corresponding force on one of the first and second surgical rods to distract the first and second surgical rods relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: EBI, LLC
    Inventors: David Barry, Oliver Buchert, Michal Zentko, Mary Beth Grabowsky
  • Patent number: 9980758
    Abstract: A minimally invasive counter-torque system may comprise a bone screw system, a counter-torque wrench, a set screw driver, a counter-torque wrench handle, and a removable set screw driver handle. A body of the counter-torque wrench may be positioned entirely within a space as defined by or between removable arms of a tulip head of the bone screw system, such that only the wings of the counter-torque wrench extend beyond a width of the bone screw system. In operation, the counter-torque wrench handle may be received on a proximal end of the counter-torque wrench and may be used to stabilize and prevent rotation of the counter-torque wrench and the bone screw system. Then, the removable set screw drive handle may be engaged to a proximal end of the set screw driver and may be used to fasten a set screw into the saddle of the bone screw system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Blackstone Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Cin K. Abidin
  • Patent number: 9980759
    Abstract: The present bone implant is a cannulated screw/nail or combination having end, middle and head threads as well as unthreaded portions along the length of the shaft. The pitch of the head threads is always less than the middle threads. Variations include a two-part construction with a narrow protrusion having narrow-protrusion threads of opposite hand, or the inclusion of at least first middle threads and second middle threads of different pitch. The implant provides bone compression engineering heretofore unavailable with prior known compression screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Vilex in Tennessee, Inc.
    Inventor: Abraham Lavi
  • Patent number: 9980760
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a step off bone plate, bone plate insertion system, and method of use. The step off bone plate includes a body with a first end and a second end, the body includes a first portion with a first curvature, a second portion with a second curvature, and a connecting portion coupled to the first portion at a first end and coupled to the second portion at a second end. The bone plate insertion system includes a step off bone plate and an alignment guide apparatus. A method of using the step off bone plate is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: PARAGON 28, INC.
    Inventors: Albert Dacosta, Joshua Clendenin
  • Patent number: 9980761
    Abstract: A tissue fixation system is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue. A fastener connected with an elongate fastening member, such as a cable, wire, suture, rod, or tube, is moved through a passage between opposite sides of tissue. The fastener is provided with a groove that accommodates at least a portion of the fastening member to reduce the profile during the movement through the passage. The fastener is then pivoted to change its orientation. A second fastener can then be connected with the fastening member. While tension is maintained in the fastening member, the fasteners are secured against relative movement. This may be done by deforming the fastening member, either the first or second fasteners, or a bushing placed against the second fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: P Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Peter M. Bonutti, Glen A. Phillips, Lawrence Crainich
  • Patent number: 9980762
    Abstract: A bone screw arrangement with a variable length, comprises a guide screw, which is formed with a guide that extends in the axial direction in the interior of the guide screw, and comprises an anchor screw, which has a guide element that is received in the guide such that an arrangement length formed by the guide screw together with the anchor screw can be adjusted by moving the guide element in the axial direction in the guide in the interior of the guide screw. The guide element is received in a free-running manner in a portion of the guide when the guide element is moved in order to change the arrangement length, and the guide element is blocked from running freely in the axial direction at least in a distal end position in which the anchor screw is completely extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Aristotech Industries GmbH
    Inventor: Emmanuel Anapliotis
  • Patent number: 9980763
    Abstract: A device for mixing bone cement material, the device comprising a mixing body having a chamber, and wherein the mixing body has an open end; a lid arranged to be fitted to the open end; means for mixing bone cement material in the chamber, the means for mixing comprising a rod extending through the lid and into the chamber, wherein the rod has a frangible portion; said lid comprising a cap moveable to a first position covering the frangible portion of the rod, and to a second position revealing the frangible portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Summit Medical Limited
    Inventors: David Foster, Robert Bruns
  • Patent number: 9980764
    Abstract: A handle for a surgical instrument, in particular a cryosurgical instrument, comprising a grip element and at least one sheathing tube that is inserted into the grip element and connected with said grip element in a fluid-tight manner in a connecting region. At least one support element is coaxially configured and arranged in the cavity of the sheathing tube such that the sheathing tube is clamped in place between the grip element and the support element in the connecting region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Sick, Markus Amann, Hansjoerg Besch
  • Patent number: 9980765
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for use in the selective disruption of visceral fat tissue by controlled cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew M. Avram, Richard R. Anderson, Joshua Tam
  • Patent number: 9980766
    Abstract: Methods for treating preventing or decreasing the likelihood of a human patient developing hypertension and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to methods for therapeutic renal neuromodulation that partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in renal nerves proximate a renal blood vessel of a human patient. This reduction in sympathetic neural activity is expected to therapeutically treat one or more conditions associated with hypertension or prehypertension of the patient. Renal sympathetic nerve activity can be modulated, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a neuromodulation assembly, e.g., a neuromodulation assembly configured to use mechanically-induced, electro-magnetically-induced, and/or chemically-induced approaches to modulate the renal nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Sandeep S. Brar, Minglei Liu, Manuela Negoita
  • Patent number: 9980767
    Abstract: A method for the selective elevation and separation of tissues comprised of multiple layers and a surgical instrument for performing the method. The method may be performed without the requirement of a solid mechanical device insertion or transection through the mucosal layer. In particular, the method and surgical instrument may be used for the selected separation and/or resection of selected portions of benign or malignant tissues (e.g. defining tissue planes, polyp elevation and removal, submucosal tissue tunneling, endoscopic mucosa resection, etc).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus Fischer, Dan Maurice, John Day, Markus Enderle
  • Patent number: 9980768
    Abstract: To achieve a safe transition from the ignition of a plasma in incision mode to the combustion of the plasma during a cutting mode, an electromedical device to supply an instrument with electrical power is equipped with an ignition recognition mechanism formed by a sensor device. This ignition recognition mechanism switches the HF generator provided in the device from an incision operating mode to a cutting operating mode as soon as ignition is recognized. The switching is brought about by the switching of an HF modulation from a low crest factor in the incision operating mode to a high crest factor in the cutting operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventor: Erich Werner
  • Patent number: 9980769
    Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling motorized surgical devices are provided. In general, the methods and devices can allow a surgical device to grasp and cut tissue. In some embodiments, the device can include at least one sensor and a motor, and an output of the motor can be configured to be adjusted based at least in part on an output from the at least one sensor. The output of the motor can be configured to provide power for translation of a cutting element along an end effector of the device. Adjusting the motor's output can cause the cutting element to translate through the end effector at different speeds, thereby allowing the cutting element to cut through tissue being grasped by the end effector at different speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Trees, Chad P. Boudreaux, Matthew C. Miller, Mark A. Davison, David C. Yates, John A. Hibner, Jill A. Inkrott-Smith
  • Patent number: 9980770
    Abstract: An over shoe for use with electrosurgical instruments having a pair of juxtaposed jaw members pivotably associated with one another, at least one of which includes an electrically conductive surface disposed thereon which is in electrical engagement with an electrosurgical energy source. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the over shoe includes a tissue contacting wall configured and dimensioned to selectively and substantially overlie the electrically conductive surface of the electrosurgical instrument. The tissue contacting wall is fabricated from a non-conductive material and includes a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. In another embodiment, the tissue contacting wall is electrically conductive and is configured for selective engagement atop on of the jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Chelsea Shields, Edward C. Meagher
  • Patent number: 9980771
    Abstract: Methods and surgical tools for treating back pain use a spinal facet debridement tool with cautery and denuding action and minimally invasive protocol that can denude and cauterize soft tissue associated with a synovial capsule of the spinal facet joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Medovex Corp.
    Inventors: Robert D. Carter, Adam L. Gullickson, Scott M. W. Haufe, Seth Iverson, Jacob Blank, Arik Zoran
  • Patent number: 9980772
    Abstract: A method, consisting of modeling physical parameters representative of a probe in proximity to body tissue during an ablation procedure performed by the probe. The method also includes measuring a subgroup of the physical parameters during a non-ablation stage of the ablation procedure so as to generate measured non-ablative values of the subgroup, and measuring the subgroup of the physical parameters during an ablation stage of the ablation procedure so as to generate measured ablative values of the subgroup. In response to the modeling, the method includes generating calculated non-ablative values of the subgroup for the non-ablation stage, and generating calculated ablative values of the subgroup for the ablation stage. The method compares the measured non-ablative values with the calculated non-ablative values, and compares the measured ablative values with the calculated ablative values, so as generate optimal values of the physical parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Meir Bar-Tal, Abraham Berger, Avri Hazan, Daniel Osadchy
  • Patent number: 9980774
    Abstract: The invention comprises novel microwave antennas wherein the microwave field profile generated by an antenna is tailored and optimized for a particular clinical application. The antennas disclosed herein incorporate one or more additional elements called shaping elements that use unique properties of microwaves such as interaction of a microwave field with one or more conductive or non-conductive elements to shape or redistribute the microwave field. Such shaping elements may be used to reduce the undesired backward coupling of the emitted microwave field to the transmission line. Such shaping elements may be used to increase the power efficiency of the antenna. The invention also discloses devices and methods for treating tissue with microwave energy emitted from the antennas for use in applications such as destroying a soil tissue by microwave ablation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: MicroCube, LLC
    Inventors: Chun Yiu Chu, Ketan Shroff, Dinesh I. Mody, Clarence Emmons, Amrish Jayprakash Walke
  • Patent number: 9980775
    Abstract: An optical radiation delivery structure including a waveguide conduit having a surgical access portion and a handle portion. The handle portion includes a gripping portion and a waveguide lock, which is configured to have only a locked state and an unlocked state. In some embodiments, the handle portion includes a gripping portion and a counterbalance region, such that a center of mass of the waveguide conduit is disposed towards a proximal end of the waveguide conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: OmniGuide, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Shurgalin, Marc Graham
  • Patent number: 9980776
    Abstract: A medical laser system and related methods of utilizing cooling within and around an optical fiber tip to prevent premature failure of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is surrounded by protective jacket assembly including a body tube assembly and a tip cap assembly. The body tube assembly includes an internal fiber jacket and an external body tube with a body tube channel defined therebetween. The tip cap assembly includes an inner cap member and an outer cap member defining a cap irrigation channel therebetween. Together, the cap irrigation channel and body tube channel cooperatively define an internal irrigation channel. The optical fiber can be delivered to a treatment location through a cystoscope. Saline is directed through an external irrigation channel between the cystoscope and the protective jacket assembly as well as the internal irrigation channel to cool the fiber tip and prevent overheating and failure of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Yihlih Peng, Gerald M. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9980777
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface assembly and a shaft assembly. The interface assembly is configured for use with a robotic system and includes a first drive assembly and a mounting plate. The mounting plate includes an opening. The first drive assembly is positioned within the opening such that the first drive assembly is laterally translatable within the opening from a first position to a second position. The shaft assembly is removably coupled with the interface assembly. The shaft assembly includes an end effector and a first coupling feature. The first drive assembly of the interface assembly actuates the end effector of the shaft assembly. The first coupling feature is longitudinally aligned with the first drive assembly. The first drive assembly engages the first coupling feature of the shaft assembly when the first drive assembly is laterally translated from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon, LLC
    Inventors: Shailendra K. Parihar, David T. Martin, Gregory W. Johnson, William J. White, Thomas W. Lytle, IV, Jason L. Harris, Michael L. Stokes, Omar J. Vakharia
  • Patent number: 9980778
    Abstract: One RFID equipped instrument includes an elongate body with a plurality of uniquely identified radio frequency identification chips spaced along the length of the elongate body. One system used for determining the position of an instrument includes an instrument; a plurality of radio frequency identification chips attached to the instrument; a reader connected to an antenna and adapted to communicate with each radio frequency identification chip using the antenna. One method for determining the position of an instrument using radio frequency identification chips includes providing a radio frequency identification chip reader and antenna; providing an instrument having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of radio frequency identification chips placed along the longitudinal axis; moving the instrument relative to the antenna; and using information about a radio frequency identification chip detected by the antenna to determine the position of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert M. Ohline, Katherine Whitin, Amir Belson, Christopher D. Justice
  • Patent number: 9980779
    Abstract: A method of providing a modular prosthetic socket for a residual limb of a patient may involve receiving digital data defining a three-dimensional digital profile of the residual limb and selecting prosthetic socket components from component-specific inventories, based at least in part on the digital profile. The selected prosthetic socket components may include: multiple longitudinal struts; one or more proximal brim members for attachment to the longitudinal struts; and a distal socket base to which the longitudinal struts attach at or near their distal ends. The method may further involve providing the selected prosthetic components to an operator for assembling into the modular prosthetic socket. The prosthetic socket, when assembled, defines an internal space substantially complementary to the profile of the residual limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: LIM Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett Ray Hurley, Andrew C. Pedtke
  • Patent number: 9980780
    Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a surgical step or surgical procedure with visual guidance using an optical head mounted display are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Philipp K. Lang
  • Patent number: 9980781
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a breast implant sizer assembly for accurately sizing surgically implantable breast implants prior to implantation. The breast implant sizer assembly can include an inflatable, flexible shell containing an adjustable volume of liquid and a valve assembly, once filled with liquid, that is associated with the shell and configured like an anatomically correct nipple. The breast implant sizer assembly can have a size, shape, and weight that mimics the size, shape, and weight of a breast implant. In addition, the breast implant sizer assembly is disposable, intended for single use by a patient, allows for use in the home and everyday settings, and provides accurate, actionable information to a surgeon or other medical professional in regards to selecting actual breast implant sizes for clinical use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Jason Leedy
  • Patent number: 9980782
    Abstract: Technology is described for augmenting medical imaging for use in a medical procedure. The method can include the operation of receiving an image of patient anatomy captured by a visual image camera during the medical procedure. An acquired medical image associated with the patient anatomy can then be retrieved. Another operation can be associating the acquired medical image to the patient anatomy. An augmentation tag associated with a location in one layer of the acquired medical image can be retrieved. A further operation can be projecting the acquired medical image and the augmentation tag using an augmented reality headset to form a single graphical view as an overlay to the patient anatomy in either 2D, 3D or holographic form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Novarad Corporation
    Inventors: Wendell Arlen Gibby, Steven Todd Cvetko
  • Patent number: 9980783
    Abstract: A method and a control module for calculating and displaying result data based on at least one medical image, which has been captured by an imaging device, are provided. At least one image is captured by the imaging device in a digital format with a plurality of bone fragments. Subsequently, a segmentation method is applied to the captured image for identification of the bone fragments contained in the image. Thereafter, a fragment-matching algorithm is executed on the segmented bone fragments for calculation of result data. The result data includes instruction data for assembling at least a part of the bone fragments, which is output on the monitor in a configurable format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Wiets, David Winneberger
  • Patent number: 9980784
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a pen. The pen includes a reservoir configured to store a fluid. The pen also includes a tip configured to transfer the fluid from the reservoir onto a surface of an object during writing. The pen further includes a regulator configured to control a flow of the fluid from the reservoir to the tip. The apparatus also includes the fluid stored within the reservoir. The fluid includes a carrier fluid and particles of an X-Ray opaque material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen T. Fasolino, William J. Wolfgong
  • Patent number: 9980785
    Abstract: An instrument device manipulator (IDM) is attached to a surgical arm of a robotic system and comprises a surgical tool holder and an outer housing. The surgical tool holder includes an attachment interface that can secure a surgical tool in a front-mount configuration (where the attachment interface is on a face opposite of a proximal extension of the surgical tool) or a back-mount configuration (where the attachment interface is on the same face as the proximal extension of the surgical tool). The surgical tool holder may rotate continuously within the outer housing. In a back-mount configuration, the surgical tool holder may have a passage that receives the proximal extension of the tool and allows free rotation of the proximal extension about the rotational axis. A surgical drape separates the IDM and robotic arm from a tool, while allowing electrical and/or optical signals to pass therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Travis Schuh
  • Patent number: 9980786
    Abstract: Systems, and methods of disassembling systems that includes a medical device, a shaft that is optionally steerable, and a handle assembly. The methods can include providing a system after it has been exposed to a blood environment of a subject, disconnecting a medical device electrical contact from an electrical contact on the printed circuit board, moving the medical distally relative to the sheath and out of the distal end of the sheath, and cleaning at least a portion of the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Shifamed Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Tom Saul, Amr Salahieh, Alan Schaer
  • Patent number: 9980787
    Abstract: An orthodontic system includes an orthodontic arch wire having a shape that corresponds to a dental arch, the arch wire having a first end portion that has a first series of grooves. In some examples, the first end portion has a second series of grooves, and the first and second series of grooves are positioned on opposite sides of the first end portion. In some examples, a bracket can be provided in which the bracket has a first gear and a second gear, the first gear is configured to engage the first series of grooves and the second gear is configured to engage the second series of grooves, enabling one or both of the first and second gears to drive the first end portion and provide a force along a longitudinal direction of the arch wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Naif Bindayel
  • Patent number: 9980788
    Abstract: An electrically safe treatment system for use in treating a patient includes two or more sections coupled with a joint that permits any one section to rotate relative to another coupled section. At least one of the sections includes an electrical component. An electrical contact associated with the joint is designed to maintain an electrical connection between a pair of sections throughout an angular range of motion of one of the sections relative to the other, coupled section. The electrical contact can also maintain a total resistance of a series connection including the two sections and the contact below a specified threshold. Alternatively, one or more insulator joints may be employed to meet safety requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Convergent Dental, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan P. Monty, William H. Groves, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9980789
    Abstract: A dental laser treatment system includes a treatment laser beam and a pilot (e.g., aiming/marking) laser beam sharing a collinear beam path, where the beam path is guided by a guidance system through a handpiece/main chamber assembly having a beam exit. A laser beam presence detector is removably affixed to or within the handpiece/main chamber assembly. The laser beam presence detector provides feedback to a computer which can control actuation of the treatment laser beam and the pilot laser beam, and the beam guidance system. The computer performs a search for determining the center location of the beam exit based on the feedback and controls the beam guidance system to guide the beam path approximately to the center of the beam exit, thereby providing automatic alignment of the laser beam with the beam exit or an optional hollow waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Convergent Dental, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher B. Courtin, William H. Groves, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9980790
    Abstract: A dental valve device having a disposable turret is disclosed having a valve body having a tip receiving end, a hose receiving end, a lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, an opening formed in the valve body, and a rotatable valve sealing body adapted to being inserted into the opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having a bore for alignment with the lumen formed between the tip receiving end and the hose receiving end, the bore having a tip receiving end opening and a hose receiving end opening, the rotatable valve sealing body having an outer surface having an indentation formed in the outer surface adjacent to the tip receiving end opening with the indentation having an upper ramp portion, a lower ramp portion, and an end having a tab portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: STOMA VENTURES, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Thomas, Edward Arguello
  • Patent number: 9980791
    Abstract: An orthodontic remodeling device includes a sleeve having first and second screw holes in two ends thereof. The first and second screw holes have opposite thread directions. A first screw rod includes a first threaded portion threadedly engaged with the first screw hole and a first assembling portion exposed outside of the sleeve. A second screw hole includes a second threaded portion threadedly engaged with the second screw hole and a second assembling portion exposed outside of the sleeve. Two tooth pushing members are respectively engaged with the first and second assembling portions. Each tooth pushing member includes at least one tooth coupling ring mounted on at least one tooth of a patient for pushing the at least one tooth outward. The sleeve is rotatable to move the first and second screw rods toward or away from each other to change a relative position between the two tooth pushing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Metal Industries Research & Development Centre
    Inventors: Yue-Jun Wang, Tung-Lin Tsai, Chun-Chieh Tseng, Li-Wen Weng, Chih-Lung Lin
  • Patent number: 9980792
    Abstract: A hybrid temporary anchorage device implant system and method of use is disclosed. A temporary anchorage device (TAD) implant includes an external hex head, a cupped inner portion, a threaded core, a platform, and an implant portion. A first abutment is installed on the implant portion. The first abutment may include a graduated portion, a screw-retained healing collar, and a threaded portion. A second abutment may be installed over the first abutment. The second abutment may include a graduated head, a bulbous base, and an inner canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Paul Ouellette