Patents Issued in July 31, 2018
  • Patent number: 10034697
    Abstract: A detachable actuator arm as part of or in combination with an osteogenesis distractor device, the actuator arm being detachable from the distraction mechanism of the distractor device by manipulation of a proximally disposed release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: KLS-MARTIN, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Johnston, Jr., Klaus Kohler
  • Patent number: 10034698
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an orthopedic plate blocking assembly that can be used for the fixation or fastening of an orthopedic plate to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention, in one embodiment, provides an orthopedic plate having a plurality of cavities where each cavity is configured and dimensioned to receive a bone anchoring member. The orthopedic plate further provides a blocking mechanism having a plurality of blocking members that block the bone anchoring members to prevent the bone anchoring members from “backing out” of cavities once the bone anchoring members are finally seated in the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean Suh
  • Patent number: 10034699
    Abstract: Stand alone fusion cage assemblies that can be secured to the adjacent vertebral bodies via an in-line approach that is substantially perpendicular to the anterior wall of the stand alone cage (or substantially parallel to the cage insertion direction).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Mazzuca
  • Patent number: 10034700
    Abstract: An adjustable balloon that includes a handle having an inflation port, an access cannula, a rotary handle, an inner sleeve and sharp tip. The inner sleeve extends within the access cannula to support compliant, inflatable structure. The access cannula may be retracted into the handle by operation of the rotary handle to expose the inflatable structure, such that the inflatable structure may have an adjustable length. The access cannula may include length indicators to show a length of the inflatable structure as a result of the access cannula being withdrawn into the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Mueller
  • Patent number: 10034701
    Abstract: A torque limiting tool is described. The tool comprises a torque limiting mechanism that drives a shank about a rotational axis. The torque limiting mechanism comprises a plurality of opposed first and second gears having a plurality of outwardly extending first and second gear prongs. The plurality of first and second gear prongs extends outwardly at an inclined angle along an intermediate prong portion from a prong proximal end positioned along the disc sidewall surface to a prong distal portion. Each of the prong distal portions comprises a plateau portion that extends about parallel with the disc sidewall surface and resides at a distance away from the sidewall surface of the respective first and second discs. The mechanism is constructed such that toque is transferred therebetween when the respective intermediate portions of the opposed first and second prongs are in physical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventor: John William Adamiec
  • Patent number: 10034702
    Abstract: A system for ablating tissue includes a reusable control unit including a processor monitoring and controlling ablation and a control interface receiving input to and output from the processor in combination with a disposable procedure set releasably connectable to the control unit to couple to the control interface for communication with the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Aidan Petrie, Andrew W. Marsella, Daniel Nelsen, David Robson, Joseph M. Gordon
  • Patent number: 10034703
    Abstract: A control device is a control device for an energy treatment tool including a first holding member and a second holding member which hold a biological tissue, and a heating element configured to generate heat corresponding to supplied power, thereby heating a holding surface. The control device includes a temperature acquiring section that acquires a temperature of the heating element; and a surface temperature estimating section that estimates, as a surface temperature, a temperature of at least a part of a surface of the first holding member which is different from a portion facing the second holding member, based on a change of the temperature of the heating element after supply of the power is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Takashino, Yusuke Takei, Kazuhiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10034704
    Abstract: Various forms are directed to systems and methods for dissection and coagulation of tissue. A surgical instrument includes an end effector configured to dissect and seal tissue at a distal end thereof, and a selector switch having a plurality of surgical modes. A generator is electrically coupled to the surgical instrument and is configured to deliver energy to the end effector. Each surgical mode of the selector switch corresponds to an algorithm for controlling the power delivered from the generator to the end effector, and each algorithm corresponding to the plurality of surgical modes is configured to allow a user to control the power output level of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Ryan M. Asher, Craig N. Faller, Charles J. Scheib, Paul F. Riestenberg, Jacob S. Gee, Benjamin M. Boyd, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Rafael J. Ruiz Ortiz, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Thomas C. Gallmeyer, John A. Hibner
  • Patent number: 10034705
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to electrode assemblies, and specifically to struts comprising electrode assemblies and electrodes contained on the struts. The electrode assembly struts are constructed to have a low profile and to have superior strength over the length of the strut such that an electrode assembly including the strut is highly resistant to radial compression. The electrodes included on the low profile, high strength strut also is designed to have a reduced profile such that electrode assemblies including the strut and electrode can easily be used with 6 French and smaller guide catheter assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: John Jason Buysman, Ryan Kenneth Buesseler, Qingshan Ye, Victor Yevgenyevich Kotov, Gregory James Dakin, Russ Terwey, Janson Lee Ayer
  • Patent number: 10034706
    Abstract: A control handle for a steerable catheter body for navigation of the catheter body through a biological lumen and manipulation at a treatment site. The control handle includes a housing assembly that houses a piston assembly and a resistance adjusting assembly. The resistance adjusting assembly can be adjusted to provide the desired frictional characteristics of the user for control of the resistance between the piston assembly and the housing assembly. In one embodiment, the piston assembly is configured to provide a frictional resistance that varies dynamically to substantially match the restorative force across the range of catheter tip deflection. Other embodiments include a vibrating member that provides tactile feedback to the operator to indicate conditions at the distal end of the catheter, such as contact force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical International Holding S.à r.l.
    Inventor: Alexandre Romoscanu
  • Patent number: 10034707
    Abstract: A catheter has a multifunctional “virtual” tip electrode with a porous substrate and a multitude of surface microelectrodes. The surface microelectrodes are in close proximity to each other and in a variety of configurations so as to sense tissue for highly localized intracardiac signal detection, and high density local electrograms and mapping. The porous substrate allows for flow of conductive fluid for ablating tissue. The surface microelectrodes can be formed via a metallization process that allows for any shape or size and close proximity, and the fluid “weeping” from the porous substrate provides more uniform irrigation in the form of a thin layer of saline. The delivery of RF power to the catheter tip is based on the principle of “virtual electrode,” where the conductive saline flowing through the porous tip acts as the electrical connection between the tip electrode and the heart surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Athanassios Papaioannou, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Assaf Govari
  • Patent number: 10034708
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues. In some embodiments, thermally-induced renal neuromodulation is achieved via delivery of a pulsed thermal therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Andrew Wu, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Mark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin
  • Patent number: 10034709
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a method of applying spatially localized radio frequency (“RF”) beam to a target location by placing RF resonant circuits at the target location. In a preferred embodiment, the target location is a portion of the anatomy of a subject, e.g., a tumor in a human body, and the RF resonant circuits are placed at the target location using a catheter or needle injection. The localized RF beam is provided is provided by a RF transmitter whose frequency is tuned to those of the RF resonant circuits. The RF transmitter may thus selectively supply concentrated thermal radiation capable of treating the target location without significantly heating (e.g., damaging due to high temperatures, or exposure to prolonged increased temperatures, etc.) areas proximate the target location (e.g., healthy tissue in other portions of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Fonar Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond V. Damadian
  • Patent number: 10034710
    Abstract: A cosmetic instrument capable of reading a memory card includes a first housing; a second housing, assembled with the first housing to cooperatively form a shell having a chamber; a massage head mounted on a first end of the shell, the massage head extending into the chamber; a control panel comprising a display panel, the control panel being mounted on the shell beside the massage head; a micro controller unit and a drive unit positioned in the chamber and electrically connected with each other, the micro controller unit being electrically connected to the control panel and the display panel. The first housing and the seconding housing define a card insertion hole. The micro controller unit is configured to read information of a memory card inserted into the card insertion hole and generates a result. The display panel displays the result to remind the user to operate the cosmetic instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Shenzhen GOODWIND Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ziming Yang, Liu Yang
  • Patent number: 10034711
    Abstract: A method for implanting a spinal plate includes the steps of displaying information about target vertebrae on which the implantation is to be performed and inserting a spacing device between two adjacent vertebrae to achieve a desired relationship there between. The method further includes planning placement of the spinal plate to achieve a desired relationship between the two adjacent vertebrae and defining a virtual cutting boundary on a virtual representation of each of the first and the second vertebrae according to the planned placement of the spinal plate. The method further includes tracking the vertebrae using a tracking array and tracking a position of a cutting tool held by a force feedback device as the tool is manipulated to form a sculpted cavity independently on each vertebrae for receiving the spinal plate, and providing force feedback to the user indicative of interaction between the tool and the virtual cutting boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Jonathan Greenwald, Ron Irwin
  • Patent number: 10034712
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a data processing method of determining at least one operating parameter of a medical imaging device, the method being executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: a) acquiring entity geometry data comprising entity geometry information describing a geometry of a corporeal entity to be considered in a medical procedure; b) acquiring imaging device operability data comprising imaging device operability information describing a mode of operation of the medical imaging device; c) determining, based on the entity geometry data and the imaging device operability data, operating parameter data comprising operating parameter information describing a value of at least one operating parameter of the medical imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Till Gerken, Dieter Ceglarz
  • Patent number: 10034713
    Abstract: Devices and systems are provided for tracking a position and orientation of a handheld implement, such that the handheld implement may be trackable with an overhead tracking system. A support member secures one or more markers relative to a longitudinal portion of the handheld implement, and a marker plane containing the markers is orientated an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion. A marker assembly may include a support member for supporting the markers, and a connector for removably attaching the marker assembly to one or more handheld implements. The marker assembly may be configured to be removably attachable to a plurality of connection adapters, where each connection adapter is further connectable to a handheld implement, optionally at a calibrated position, such that a single connection adapter can be optionally employed to track a plurality of handheld implements. The handheld implement may be a medical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: 7D SURGICAL INC.
    Inventors: Victor X. D. Yang, Peter Siegler, Adrian Mariampillai, Beau Anthony Standish, Michael Leung
  • Patent number: 10034714
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of defining a mating surface in a first side of an arthroplasty jig. The mating surface is configured to matingly receive and contact a corresponding patient surface including at least one of a bone surface and a cartilage surface. The first side is oriented towards the patient surface when the mating surface matingly receives and contacts the patient surface. The method may include: a) identifying a contour line associated with the patient surface as represented in a medical image; b) evaluating via an algorithm the adequacy of the contour line for defining a portion of the mating surface associated with the contour line; c) modifying the contour line if the contour line is deemed inadequate; and d) employing the modified contour line to define the portion of the mating surface associated with the contour line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corporation
    Inventor: Ilwhan Park
  • Patent number: 10034715
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for use in electronic guidance systems for surgical navigation. A sensor is provided with an optical sensor and an inclinometer (e.g. accelerometer or other inclination measuring sensor) and communicates measurements of patient inclination to an inter-operative computing unit. The computing unit is configured to determine patient movement (e.g. relative to an initial patient position) and provide inclination measurements graphically via a GUI to represent patient movement during a procedure. The graphic may be selectively displayed. In one example, a bubble level graphic is displayed to indicate patient movement. A direction of the bubble level may utilize a registration coordinate frame of the patient and the current inclination expressed with respect to the anatomical directions of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: INTELLIJOINT SURGlCAL INC.
    Inventors: Richard Tyler Fanson, Eric Ryterski, Armen Garo Bakirtzian, Andre Novomir Hladio
  • Patent number: 10034716
    Abstract: An automated medical system and method for using the automated medical system. The automated medical system may comprise a robot support system. The robot support system may comprise a robot body. The robot support system may further comprise a selective compliance articulated robot arm coupled to the robot body and operable to position a tool at a selected position in a surgical procedure. The robot support system may further comprise an activation assembly operable to transmit a move signal to the selective compliance articulated robot arm allowing an operator to move the selective compliance articulated robot arm. The automated medical system may further comprise a camera tracking system and an automated imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil R. Crawford, Norbert Johnson, Timothy Moulton, Jared Judson
  • Patent number: 10034717
    Abstract: A system and method of breakaway clutching in a computer-assisted medical device includes an articulated arm having one or more first joints and a control unit coupled to the articulated arm and having one or more processors. The control unit operates each of the first joints in multiple states. The multiple states include a locked state, wherein movement of respective first joints is restricted, and a float state, wherein movement of the respective first joints is permitted. The control unit further switches one or more second joints selected from the first joints from the locked state to the float state when a stimulus on the second joints exceeds one or more unlock thresholds and switches the second joints from the float state to the locked state when a velocity of each of the second joints is below one or more lock thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Miller, Nitish Swarup, Michael Turner, Arjang M. Hourtash, Paul G. Griffiths, Paul W. Mohr
  • Patent number: 10034718
    Abstract: Robotic and/or surgical devices, systems, and methods include kinematic linkage structures and associated control systems configured to facilitate preparation of the system for use. A set-up mode employs an intuitive user interface in which one or more joints of the kinematic linkage are initially held static by a brake or joint drive system. The user may articulate the joint(s) by manually pushing against the linkage with a force, torque, or the like that exceeds a manual articulation threshold. Articulation of the moving joints is facilitated by modifying the signals transmitted to the brake or drive system. The system may sense completion of the reconfiguration from a velocity of the joint(s) falling below a threshold, optionally for a desired dwell time. Embodiments of the invention can provide for manual movement of a platform supporting a plurality of surgical manipulators or the like without having to add additional input devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Intutitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Griffiths, Paul Mohr, Nitish Swarup, Michael Hanuschik
  • Patent number: 10034719
    Abstract: A method of controlling an end effector of a robotically-controlled surgical instrument may include receiving a first input signal indicative of a high grip level input at a master grip input mechanism that controls a slave gripping force of the end effector; receiving a second input signal indicative of a user's readiness to operate the surgical instrument to perform a first surgical procedure; and outputting a locking signal in response to receiving the first input signal and the second input signal together to lock one or more degrees of freedom of the surgical instrument during the first surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory F. Richmond, Gary S. Guthart
  • Patent number: 10034720
    Abstract: An overforce mechanism comprising a driving assembly, a driven assembly, and a variably engageable coupling, shunts or dampens a motion of a control cylinder for a hydraulic device when that motion exceeds a predefined, unsafe threshold. The overforce mechanism avoids or reduces damage either to the device itself, to ancillary devices and/or to the patient. In an aspect, the variably engageable coupling may include a biasing mechanism and a coupling member, wherein the biasing mechanism automatically resets or releases upon reaching a force or tension threshold. Further, the overforce driven assembly may include an overforce rod that allows the force or motion to be channeled away from the source. The variably engageable coupling may comprise a dowel and spring mechanism that automatically resets with tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 2200, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Doyle
  • Patent number: 10034721
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods described herein relate to arm carts for transporting and coupling a robotic arm to a surgical table. In some embodiments, an arm cart may include a damping mechanism (e.g., a spring, a dashpot) configured to damp an impact force imparted to the robotic arm due to the arm contacting another object, such as a surgical table. In other embodiments, an arm cart may include a backstop with an inclined surface configured to damp an impact force imparted to the robotic arm. In other embodiments, the arm cart may include a compliant arm support that is bendable to damp an impact force imparted to a robotic arm. In some embodiments, the arm cart may include a damping mechanism configured to move from an extended position to a retracted position to permit a robotic arm to couple to a surgical table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Verb Surgical Inc.
    Inventors: Richard William Timm, Seung Mo Lim, Robert T. Wiggers, Bernard Fai Kin Siu, Karen Shakespear Koenig
  • Patent number: 10034722
    Abstract: A dental surgical drill guide assembly and method includes a surgical guide housing and a base frame that fits to both gum tissue and one or multiple small areas of jawbone. The apparatus may be configured to accurately place dental implants according to planned positions. Such apparatus may increase the stability of the surgical guide by clasping and/or contacting the jawbone, while improving the overall fit and minimizing the need of invasive surgery and flapping by also clasping and/or contacting selected areas of the gum tissue at the same time. Self-locking alignment members aid in easy removal, and re-installation, of the surgical guide housing to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: IBUR, LLC
    Inventors: Randall C. Groscurth, Shoko U. Groscurth
  • Patent number: 10034723
    Abstract: A tooth bracket extraction device which comprises a motor housed within a motor housing, and a motor shaft extending from the motor. A gear cover is fastened to the motor housing, and a first shaft is coupled to the motor shaft, where the first shaft receives the drive from the motor via the motor shaft. A first gear is attached to the first shaft, and a second shaft comprises a second gear, where the second shaft is in communication with the first shaft via engagement of the second gear to the first gear. A torque generated from the motor is transferred to the second shaft, and the second shaft comprises a head receiver member which is configured to receive and mount a plurality of heads. Each head is configured to transfer the torque to a bracket section attached to teeth, thereby removing the bracket section from the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventors: Abdolhossein Mozaffari, Mohsen Shirazi
  • Patent number: 10034724
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an orthodontic appliance are provided. In one embodiment, an orthodontic appliance is provided, the appliance comprising: a body; at least one ring-shaped member connected to the body via at least one connecting portion; wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are oriented adjacent to one another; and wherein the body and the at least one ring-shaped member are not coplanar when in an unloaded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Designer Ties, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy G. Wigal
  • Patent number: 10034725
    Abstract: A dental superstructure defines a channel formation for the fixing element of a dental superstructure. The superstructure (1) is fixed to an implantation (3) integrated in the jaw bone by means of a fixing element (2). A channel (7) is formed in the superstructure (1). The axis line (8) of the channel (7) is shaped to follow an arc (9) whose radii pointing to given points of the axis line (8) diverge from the plane of the arc (9) by 0-5°. The channel (7) is shaped in such a manner that the sections determined by the planes perpendicular to its axis line (8) are circles with the same diameter with their centers on the axis line (8). In the method according to the invention a computer controlled device is used for forming the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Elsner LLC
    Inventor: Edvin Elsner
  • Patent number: 10034726
    Abstract: An air driven impression syringe designed to be held with a pen type grip and capable of precise placement of impression material. An embodiment of the device is a dental tool useful in the fabrication of dental prostheses capable of extruding impression material comprising a cylindrical grip body with two ends, an air-driven piston with a center rod; and where the cylindrical body defines a bore to accept the air driven piston, a channel on one end of the syringe and a source of pressurized air. The syringe includes a disposable tip pre-loaded with dental impression material attached to the channel such that a second bore in said syringe tip containing dental impression material aligns with the rod and wherein the rod can extend beyond the end of the body into the second bore to extrude material from the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc
    Inventor: Don E. Abel
  • Patent number: 10034727
    Abstract: An articulator for dental use includes a first base, a second base coupled to the first base, and an occlusion pin configured to couple the first base and the second base in a closed position. The first base includes a first base body including a first groove configured to receive plaster, a first hinge portion configured to extend outwardly from one end of the first base body, and a plurality of pin holes. The second base includes a second base body including a second groove configured to receive the plaster, a second hinge portion configured to extend outwardly from one end of the second base body, and a plurality of guide pin holes. The second hinge portion is configured to couple to the first hinge portion via the occlusion pin in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventors: Young Sun Cho, Rafael Wonjun Choi
  • Patent number: 10034728
    Abstract: A method of coloring pre-sintered dental restoration, comprises: securing a pre-sintered dental restoration; applying a preceding liquid on the dental restoration; dipping the dental restoration, with the preceding liquid thereon, into a subsequent liquid for coloring; and sintering the dental restoration to acquire a fully sintered dental restoration. The subsequent liquid is different from the preceding liquid. The preceding liquid at least partly blocks or interferes with an infiltration of the subsequent liquid into an area where the preceding liquid was applied. The fully sintered dental restoration has less color/chroma in the area where the preceding liquid was applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: B & D Dental Corporation
    Inventors: Yunoh Jung, Daniel Yonil Jung
  • Patent number: 10034729
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a bottom portion comprising a spindle for receiving a quantity of floss. A first locking plate is operable for receiving a feed portion of the floss upon a horizontal surface. A plate extends from the first locking plate where a distal end of the plate engages the feed portion and a return portion of the feed portion returns back over the horizontal surface. An aperture enables an exiting portion of the return portion to exit the bottom portion. A top portion includes a spindle cap portion operable for engaging the spindle. A second locking plate is operable for engaging the first locking plate to substantially constrain the feed portion of the floss and the return portion. A stretching mechanism is joined to the second plate for applying a stretching force along a portion of the feed portion and a portion of the return portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventor: Roman Kozak
  • Patent number: 10034730
    Abstract: The power toothbrush includes a brushhead arm (36) and a brush element (38) at a distal end thereof. A V-spring assembly (14) converts the movement of a power drive assembly in a back-and-forth movement. A mounting member (55) at the rear end of the V-spring assembly provides a base for a magnet (56). The back end of the V-spring assembly is displaced in accordance with pressure applied to the brush member. A Hall effect sensor (58) is mounted within the changing magnetic field produced by the magnet as the rear end of the V-spring assembly is displaced due to pressure on the brushhead. A processor (65) is responsive to the output from the Hall sensor and provides an indication when the pressure exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas Skaanland, Harold Robert Rowan, Kevin Arnold Miller
  • Patent number: 10034731
    Abstract: An oral care appliance comprises an gas-liquid cleaning assembly which comprises a fluid pump assembly (46); a source of liquid (50); and a source of gas(12). The pump is in operative communication with the sources of liquid and gas to produce a series of gas-injected fluid pulses, directed to a nozzle assembly (80) from which the resulting pulses are directed to the teeth by a user. The individual pulses have a pulse width within the range of 0.001-0.5 seconds, a pulse height from 0.1-10 Newtons, a rise/fall time range of 0.5-250 ms, a repetition rate in the range of 2 Hz to 20 Hz. The gas/liquid mixture range from 40-95% volume to volume, gas to liquid. The appliance also includes a mechanical teeth cleaning assembly, in combination with the gas-liquid assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Yu-Wen Chang, Gregory Russ Goddard
  • Patent number: 10034732
    Abstract: The sheath (30) comprises a tube (31) and an end piece (32) that comprises a foot (33) introduced into an end portion of the tube (31), and a head (34) arranged in the extension of the tube (31). The foot (33) comprises, on the outer surface (40) thereof, a plurality of annular ribs (41-44) facing the inner surface (45) of the tube (31). The head (34) comprises a shoulder (38) facing the section (39) of the tube (31), projecting over the root of the foot (33). The end piece (32) and the tube (31) are attached to the periphery of at least one of said annular ribs exclusively by intrinsic welding. The method comprises the step of carrying out a peripheral tightening of the outer surface (37) of the tube on a level with the ribs (41-44), and the step of applying a sonotrode to the outer surface (35-36) of the head (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: IMV TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Eric Schmitt, Jean-Charles Gorges
  • Patent number: 10034733
    Abstract: Described are pelvic implants and methods of surgically placing pelvic implants, that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders by support of the levator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Anderson, Karen Pilney Montpetit, Kelly Ann Chapman
  • Patent number: 10034734
    Abstract: A hysteropexy apparatus includes a hysteropexy mesh and a package containing the hysteropexy mesh. The hysteropexy mesh includes an anterior vaginal portion that is substantially rectangular in shape, a right broad ligament portion that is substantially L-shaped, a left broad ligament portion that is substantially L-shaped, a sacral portion that is substantially rectangular in shape, and a posterior vaginal portion that is substantially rectangular in shape. The anterior vaginal portion is folded on a longitudinal midline. The sacral portion is folded onto the posterior vaginal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventor: Amir Shariati
  • Patent number: 10034735
    Abstract: Described are devices, systems, and combinations useful for monitoring tension in an implant, which may be an implant useful to treat a pelvic condition, the device, system, or combination including an implant and a tension indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica L. Roll, James R. Mujwid, John E. Titus, Mark S. Bouchier, Karl A. Jagger, Jessica E. Felton, Scott L. Sjoquist, Danielle E. Steffens, James A. Alexander, Randall P. Rowland
  • Patent number: 10034736
    Abstract: A patch for repairing a hernia defect including a patch body that is reducible into a small configuration for delivery through a narrow incision or cannula into a patient. A support member assists in unfurling the patch body from the small configuration into an expanded configuration. A sleeve releasably mounts the support member to the patch body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Blackburn, Alexander Kirby Tee, Mariah Levitt, Craig McCarthy, Aaron Abroff, Evan Gant
  • Patent number: 10034737
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a biomaterial comprising a nanofibrous scaffold made of polymers, such as poly(?-caprolactone) or collagen, coated with at least one layer pair consisting of a layer of polyanions and a layer of polycations, wherein said at least one layer pair incorporates a therapeutic molecule such as a growth factor. The biomaterial may optionally comprise living cells such as osteoblasts and/or chondrocytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE (INSERM)
    Inventors: Nadia Benkirane-Jessel, Didier Mainard, Carlos Mendoza Palomares
  • Patent number: 10034738
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the formation of cardiac tissue constructs. In some embodiments, methods are provided for forming cardiac tissue constructs that including cardiomyocytes, non-myocytes, and extracellular matrix, and which exhibit properties associated with healthy cardiac tissue. In some embodiments, microfabrication platforms are provided to support the transmission of dynamic electromechanical forces, such that the cardiac microtissue constructs may be formed mimicking the basic microenvironment found in the heart. The microfabrication platform may include retaining features for stabilizing the position of the microtissue construct during its formation, and the microfabrication platform may include a ramped support configured to produce tissue constructs having a ring geometry. In some embodiments, the microfabrication platform may be configured to for the application of point electrical stimulation, and/or to amplify the transduction of force into a visible displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
    Inventors: Nimalan Thavandiran, Milica Radisic, Peter Zandstra
  • Patent number: 10034739
    Abstract: There is described an arteriovenous fistula stent, having a tubular body comprising a series of sinusoidal shaped struts along the length of the tubular body. A plurality of curvilinear connectors extend between and are attached to adjacent struts wherein a first end of a connector is attached to a distal face of a proximal strut apex and a second end of a connector is attached to a proximal face of a distal strut apex. A pair of unconnected strut apexes are between pairs of connected apexes. When the tubular body is in a stowed configuration a proximal aperture and a distal aperture are circular and when the tubular body is in a deployed configuration the distal aperture is oblong or ovoid. There is also described a method for inserting a stent for use in creation of an arteriovenous fistula by identifying a candidate artery and a candidate vein and dissecting the candidate vein. Next, inserting a stent into the vein and creating a breach in the candidate artery at a desired angle and location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventor: Marius C. Florescu
  • Patent number: 10034740
    Abstract: A covered stent having a selected arrangement of uncovered cells is provided. The uncovered cells are configured to provide a desired flexibility profile to the stent structure. In one preferred embodiment, the stent contains one or more circumferential rows of uncovered cells located between two or more circumferential rows of covered cells. In some embodiments, the stent may have a central body portion and one or more flanges where the circumferential rows of uncovered cells may be located within the flange(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Michael Ryan
  • Patent number: 10034741
    Abstract: Example stent grafts and methods for placement thereof are provided. An example stent graft may include (a) a main body stent graft defining a lumen having an inlet defined at a proximal end of the main body stent graft and having an outlet defined at a distal end of the main body stent graft, (b) a visceral-vessel opening defined in a sidewall of the main body stent graft between the proximal end and the distal end of the main body stent graft, (c) a diaphragm disposed within the lumen of the main body stent graft and coupled to the main body stent graft, wherein a first renal inlet, a second renal inlet, an infrarenal inlet and a visceral inlet are defined in the diaphragm and (d) a visceral chamber defined by a sidewall coupled to the visceral inlet and to the visceral-vessel opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Sanford Health
    Inventor: Patrick W. Kelly
  • Patent number: 10034742
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring a ligament or tendon to bone. In one embodiment, a surgical implant is provided having a sheath and an expander that is received within the sheath. Various delivery tools, including a sheath inserter and a driver, are also provided. In use, the sheath inserter can be used to position a tendon within a prepared bone hole, and it can be used to deliver the sheath with a guidewire coupled thereto into the bone hole. The driver can be provided for delivering the expander into the sheath. A loader can optionally be used to load the driver and expander onto the guidewire coupled to the implanted sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventors: David R. Diduch, Mark H. Getelman, Gerome Miller, Jacob A. Marks, Matthew J. Ravenscroft, Mehmet Z. Sengun, Howard C. Tang, Gregory R. Whittaker
  • Patent number: 10034743
    Abstract: Breast implants including sensor modules and related methods are described herein. Breast implants include those with: a shell configured to be substantially filled with a viscous material; and a plurality of sensor modules attached to the shell and positioned at a distance from each other, each of the plurality of sensor modules oriented to detect one or more analytes in a fluid adjacent to the shell, wherein each of the plurality of sensor modules includes a unique identifier and is configured to utilize energy transmitted from an external source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Edward S. Boyden, Gregory J. Della Rocca, Daniel Hawkins, Roderick A. Hyde, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Terence Myckatyn, Parag Jitendra Parikh, Dennis J. Rivet, Joshua S. Shimony, Michael A. Smith, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene
  • Patent number: 10034744
    Abstract: There is provided an implant which is utilized in the treatment of corneal defects and conditions, such as for example Keratoconus. An intracorneal implant is provided having a first and second curved segment, which form a ring-like device. The first and second curved segments of the ring-like device are detached. The ring-like device has an inner diameter in the range of 4.95 mm to 5.25 mm and an outer diameter in the range of 6.8 mm to 7.1 mm. The first and second curved segments are symmetrical in cross section and are comprised of a transparent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventor: Islam Mahmoud Hamdi Ibrahim Mostafa
  • Patent number: 10034745
    Abstract: System, ophthalmic lens, and method for extending depth of focus includes an optic having a clear aperture disposed about a central axis. The optic includes a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first and second surfaces are configured to introduce an asymmetric aberration to the eye while maintaining the in-focus visual acuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: AMO GRONINGEN B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik A. Weeber, Patricia Ann Piers, Pablo Artal, Silvestre Manzanera
  • Patent number: 10034746
    Abstract: A valve prosthesis for replacing an atrioventricular valve of the heart is disclose, having a double ring body, on which heart cusps are fastened and that comprises a ventricle-side ring and an atrium-side ring, wherein the ventricle-side ring has an oval shape, and wherein anchors projecting substantially radially outward are arranged on the ventricle-side ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventors: Hans Rainer Figulla, Alexander Lauten