Patents Issued in August 16, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180229022
    Abstract: An iontophoresis drug delivery system and method for denervation of the renal sympathetic nerve and iontophoresis drug delivery. The system includes an iontophoresis catheter fitted with a drug coated balloon. The iontophoresis catheter includes a balloon near its distal tip or end that contacts the vessel wall circumferentially when inflated. One or more electrodes are associated with a surface of the balloon, and may be disposed on an outer surface of the balloon. The electrodes are operably coupled to an energy source configured to produce a bipolar or monopolar electric field between two balloon electrodes and/or between one balloon electrode and another electrode placed in contact with a part of the patient's body. During use, the disclosed drug-delivery catheter produces an electric potential gradient within adjacent tissue, that, in turn, facilitates iontophoresis delivery of a drug. The disclosed catheter can also include a store of one or more drugs to be delivered to the targeted tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Meyer
  • Publication number: 20180229023
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bio-electrode composition capable of forming a living body contact layer for a bio-electrode that is excellent in conductivity and biocompatibility, is light-weight, can be manufactured at low cost, and can control significant reduction in conductivity even though the bio-electrode is soaked in water or dried. The present invention is accomplished by a bio-electrode composition including an (A) ionic material and a (B) resin other than the component (A), in which the component (A) has both a repeating unit “a” of a lithium salt, a sodium salt, a potassium salt, or an ammonium salt of sulfonamide including a partial structure represented by the following general formula (1) and a repeating unit “b” having a silicon atom, —R1—C(?O)—N?—SO2—Rf1M+??(1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun HATAKEYAMA, Motoaki IWABUCHI, Osamu WATANABE, Takayuki FUJIWARA, Yasuyoshi KURODA
  • Publication number: 20180229024
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bio-electrode composition capable of forming a living body contact layer for a bio-electrode that is excellent in conductivity and biocompatibility, is light-weight, can be manufactured at low cost, and can control significant reduction in conductivity even though the bio-electrode is soaked in water or dried. The present invention is accomplished by a bio-electrode composition including an ionic material and a resin, in which the ionic material is a lithium salt, a sodium salt, a potassium salt, a calcium salt, or an ammonium salt of sulphonamide represented by the following general formula (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun HATAKEYAMA, Takayuki FUJIWARA, Motoaki IWABUCHI, Yasuyoshi KURODA
  • Publication number: 20180229025
    Abstract: An electrode array includes a body portion, at least one tail portion, at least one tissue surface contact, and at least one intratissue contact. The electrode array can provide stimulation or record signals from both the surface of a target tissue and within the target tissue. A system for tissue surface and intratissue signal recording and/or stimulation contains an electrode array, a controller or receiver, and at least one connection between the electrode array and the controller or receiver. A method of recording signals and/or stimulating tissue includes contacting the target tissue surface and target tissue interior with an electrode array and providing or recording an electrical, chemical, or optical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Jesse J. Wheeler, John R. Burns, IV, John Lachapelle, Caroline K. Bjune, Philip D. Parks, II
  • Publication number: 20180229026
    Abstract: Example implantable cardiac electrotherapy leads are disclosed herein. In an example, a lead may include a plurality of cable conductors within an insulating jacket. A first one and a second one of the conductors include a proximal end at a proximal end of the jacket, the second conductor extends to at least the distal end of the jacket, and the first conductor includes a distal end at an intermediate location between the proximal end and the distal end of the jacket. The lead may also include a crimp connector connected to the first one of the cable conductors at the intermediate location, as well as a conductive element that may be connected to the crimp connector. A number of conductors along the proximal portion of the jacket may be greater than a number of conductors along at least a segment of the distal portion of the jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Childers, Keith Victorine, Steven R. Conger, Alexander Farr
  • Publication number: 20180229027
    Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods that can treat dementia or other brain disorders via electrical stimulation. Embodiments disclosed herein utilize brain stimulation of brain areas involved in memory and cognition through an intraventricular approach. Brain stimulation is combined with CSF flow in an intraventricular electrode having one or more passageways to permit fluid to flow therethrough. For example, an intraventricular electrode shunt catheter can be safely placed in any part of the ventricular system and through any foramen or aqueduct of the ventricular system without fear of obstruction to CSF flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: Sherwin Hua
  • Publication number: 20180229028
    Abstract: A trans mucosal neuromuscular electrical stimulation device (1) including a mouthpiece (3, 103), electrodes (32a, 33a, 132a, 133a) associated with the mouthpiece (3, 103). The device (1) and/or mouthpiece (3, 103) incorporates electrical circuitry operatively connecting to the electrodes (32a, 33a, 132a, 133a) to a power source and is configured to provide, in use, electrical stimulation to one or more palate and/or tongue muscles via the electrodes (32a, 33a, 132a, 133a) through the oral mucosa. The treatment regime, including the location of stimulation and the parameters used, is designed to increase resting muscle tone and/or muscle tone during sleep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: Anshul Sama
  • Publication number: 20180229029
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and systems used for the treatment of medical disorders via stimulation of the superficial elements of the trigeminal nerve. More specifically, minimally invasive systems, devices and methods of stimulation of the superficial branches of the trigeminal nerve located extracranially in the face, namely the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, auriculotemporal, zygomaticotemporal, zygomaticoorbital, zygomaticofacial, nasal and mentalis nerves (also referred to collectively as the superficial trigeminal nerve) are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Ian A. Cook, Christopher M. DeGiorgio
  • Publication number: 20180229030
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable medical lead. The implantable medical lead may include a lead body, a substrate, and an elastic deflection component. The lead body includes a proximal end configured to couple to an implantable pulse generator, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and an electrical conductor extending through the lead body. The substrate is at the distal end and supports an array of electrodes. The elastic deflection component physically and electrically connects the electrical conductor and an electrode of the array of electrodes. The elastic deflection component is configured to compensate for at least one of tension forces or compression forces transferred from the electrical conductor to the electrode of the array of electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Jodi Townsley Dubuclet, Jeffrey Urbanski
  • Publication number: 20180229031
    Abstract: An implantable medical device includes an elongated tubular body having opposed proximal and distal end portions and defining a longitudinal axis. The elongated tubular body includes an interior lumen extending therethrough. A plurality of axially spaced apart electrode rings are operatively associated with the distal end portion of the tubular body. The electrode rings are formed from at least one of bismuth or pyrolytic graphite. A plurality of electrical conductors extend through the interior lumen of the tubular body. Each of the electrical conductors is operatively associated with a respective one of the plurality of electrode rings. The electrical conductors are formed from at least one of bismuth or carbon fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Timothy Searfoss, Thomas P. Osypka
  • Publication number: 20180229032
    Abstract: An oral care device for placement in the oral cavity. The oral care device may include a support component, a piezoelectric component, and/or a therapeutic element. The support component is configured for placement between one or more maxillary teeth and one or more mandibular teeth. The piezoelectric element is configured to generate an electrical current from relative movement of the maxillary teeth and the mandibular teeth. The therapeutic element is configured to release a therapeutic composition into the oral cavity at least in part in response to receiving the electrical signal. The device may include the piezoelectric component, the therapeutic element, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Scott Demarest, Mark DOBROVOLNY
  • Publication number: 20180229033
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Mark E. Deem, Hanson Gifford, III, Denise Zarins, Douglas Sutton, Erik Thai, Mark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin
  • Publication number: 20180229034
    Abstract: An implantable system, and methodology, for improving a heart's hemodynamic performance featuring (a) bimodal electrodes placeable on the diaphragm, out of contact with the heart, possessing one mode for sensing cardiac electrical activity, and another for applying cardiac-cycle-synchronized, asymptomatic electrical stimulation to the diaphragm to trigger biphasic, diaphragmatic motion, (b) an accelerometer adjacent the electrodes for sensing both heart sounds, and stimulation-induced diaphragmatic motion, and (c) circuit structure, connected both to the electrodes and the accelerometer, operable, in predetermined timed relationships to the presences of valid V-events noted in one of sensed electrical and sensed mechanical, cardiac activity, to deliver diaphragmatic stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: Peter T. Bauer
  • Publication number: 20180229035
    Abstract: A stapedius reflex threshold determination system is communicatively coupled with a loudspeaker and a cochlear implant implanted within a patient. The system identifies a baseline evoked response level associated with a baseline acoustic stimulation level too low to trigger a stapedius reflex within the patient. The system directs an electro-acoustic stimulation event to be applied to the patient, including electrical stimulation applied by the cochlear implant at a particular electrical stimulation level and acoustic stimulation applied by the loudspeaker at the baseline acoustic stimulation level. The system determines an evoked response level associated with the applied acoustic stimulation and detects that the stapedius reflex is triggered by determining that the evoked response level is at least a predetermined threshold amount lower than the baseline evoked response level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Kanthaiah Koka, Leonid M. Litvak
  • Publication number: 20180229036
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods for applying epidural electrical stimulation to improve motor function or physiological responses in paralyzed individuals. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for creating and applying specific configurations of epidural stimulation to assist or cause a patient to perform a complex motor function or to mitigate one or more secondary consequences of paralysis including, but not limited to, cardiovascular, respiratory, bladder, temperature and sexual dysfunction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Susan J. Harkema, Yangshen Chen, Manikandan Ravi, Claudia Angeli, Charles Hubscher
  • Publication number: 20180229037
    Abstract: Methods comprising applying electrical stimulation to patients in conjunction with physical training are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Victor Reggie Edgerton, Roland R. Roy, Yury Gerasimenko, Joel W. Burdick, Susan J. Harkema, Jonathan Hodes, Yu-Chong Tai, Mandheerej S. Nandra, Claudia A. Angeli, Thomas Anthony Desautels
  • Publication number: 20180229038
    Abstract: Neurostimulator devices are described. An example neurostimulator device includes a stimulation assembly connectable to a plurality of electrodes, wherein the plurality of electrodes are configured to stimulate a spinal cord. The neurostimulator device also includes an interface and at least one processor configured to modify at least one complex stimulation pattern deliverable by the plurality of electrodes by integrating data from the interface and performing a machine learning algorithm on the at least one complex stimulation pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Joel W. Burdick, Yu-Chong Tai, John F. Naber, Robert S. Keynton, Victor Reggie Edgerton, Roland R. Roy, Yury Gerasimenko, Susan J. Harkema, Jonathan Hodes, Claudia A. Angeli, Mandheerej S. Nandra, Thomas Anthony Desautels, Steven L. Upchurch, Douglas J. Jackson, Nicholas A. Terrafranca, JR., Yangsheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20180229039
    Abstract: A lead assembly for networked implants may contain a controller, an implantable tissue contact system connected to the controller and including a plurality of leads, and a breakout connector connected to each of the plurality of leads, and further connected to a shared communication path. A physiological interface system may contain a controller and an implantable tissue contact system. Methods of treating a subject and monitoring a subject include transmitting signals between a controller and an implantable tissue contact system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Jesse J. Wheeler, John Lachapelle, Caroline K. Bjune, Philip D. Parks, II, Carlos A. Segura
  • Publication number: 20180229040
    Abstract: An Example of a system for providing a patient with pain management may include a sleep monitoring circuit, a pain relief device, and a control circuit. The sleep monitoring circuit may be configured to sense one or more sleep signals from the patient and to determine a sleep state of the patient using the one or more sleep signals. The one or more sleep signals may include one or more physiological signals corresponding to the sleep state of the patient. The pain relief device may be configured to deliver one or more pain relief therapies. The control circuit may be configured to control the delivery of the one or more pain relief therapies using therapy parameters and to adjust the therapy parameters based on the determined sleep state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Kyle Harish Srivastava, Bryan Allen Clark, Elizabeth Mary Annoni, Jianwen Gu
  • Publication number: 20180229041
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to implantable neuromodulation systems and methods, and in particular to systems and methods for sensing blood-based parameter changes triggered by neural stimulation and subsequently optimizing the stimulation parameters based on feedback from the sensed blood-based parameter changes. Particularly, aspects of the present invention are directed to a method that includes delivering neural stimulation to a nerve or artery/nerve plexus based on a first set of stimulation parameters, monitoring a response to the neural stimulation that includes monitoring responses of the nerve or artery/nerve plexus and blood-based parameters of the artery, modifying the first set of the stimulation parameters based on the blood-based parameters to create a second set of stimulation parameters, and delivering the neural stimulation based on the second set of the stimulation parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Brian Pepin, Shiv Sabesan
  • Publication number: 20180229042
    Abstract: An electronic programmer is used to program a pulse generator to generate electrical stimulation to be delivered to a patient via an implantable lead. The electronic programmer simultaneously displays, via an user interface, a first control mechanism and a second control mechanism that is separate and different from the first control mechanism. A first user input is received via the first control mechanism, and a second user input is received via the second control mechanism. In response to the received first user input and the second user input, the electronic programmer sends instructions to the pulse generator to cause a migration of the electrical stimulation from a first set of electrodes on the implantable lead to a second set of electrodes on the implantable lead. The first user input defines a stimulation amplitude change for the migration, and the second user input defines a direction for the migration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Paul Landers, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Publication number: 20180229043
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing rate responsive pacing therapy to a heart of a patient. One example method for providing rate responsive pacing therapy includes sensing cardiac electrical data with a leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) that is implanted within or proximate the heart. From this location, the LCP may provide pacing therapy to the heart based at least in part on the sensed cardiac electrical data. An implantable medical device located remotely from the heart may sense patient activity, and may wirelessly communicate patient activity data from the implantable medical device to the LCP, sometimes using conducted communication. The LCP may be then determine an adjustment to the provided pacing therapy (e.g. adjust the pacing rate) based at least in part on the received patient activity data signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kane, Jeffrey E. Stahmann, Keith R. Maile
  • Publication number: 20180229044
    Abstract: Implantable devices and/or sensors can be wirelessly powered by controlling and propagating electromagnetic waves in a patient's tissue. Such implantable devices/sensors can be implanted at target locations in a patient, to stimulate areas such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, or muscle tissue, and/or to sense biological, physiological, chemical attributes of the blood, tissue, and other patient parameters. The propagating electromagnetic waves can be generated with sub-wavelength structures configured to manipulate evanescent fields outside of tissue to generate the propagating waves inside the tissue. Methods of use are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Ada Shuk Yan Poon, Alexander Yeh, Yuji Tanabe, John Ho, Sanghoek Kim
  • Publication number: 20180229045
    Abstract: A holding device is disclosed which can hold a charging coil for providing power to an Implanted Medical Device (IMD). To assist with charging coil to IMD alignment, movable elements are provided to allow a patient to move the charging coil on or in the holding device while the holding device stays stationary against the patient. The holding device can accommodate an integrated external charger or a charging coil assembly that is controlled by a separate charging controller, and the charging controller may also be affixed in or on the holding device. Movable elements preferably allow the charging coil to be moved parallel to the long axis of the holding device (x), although they may also allow the charging coil to be moved perpendicularly to the long axis (y), or to be rotated (?) around an axis pointing away from the holding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew L. McDonald, Daniel Aghassian
  • Publication number: 20180229046
    Abstract: Communications along a neural pathway are provided. The neural pathway is stimulated at a first location, in order to evoke neural responses which propagate along the neural pathway, the neural responses being modulated with data. At a second location spaced apart from the first location along the neural pathway the evoked neural responses are sensed. The sensed neural responses are then demodulated to retrieve the data. The stimulation could comprise peripheral sensory stimulation, and the second location could be at an implanted electrode array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: Saluda Medical Pty Ltd
    Inventors: John Louis Parker, Mark Staples
  • Publication number: 20180229047
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a nitrogen-based non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma for treating damaged muscles or promoting regeneration of damaged muscles, and to a method for treating damaged muscle or promoting regeneration of damaged muscles using the atmospheric pressure plasma. The nitrogen-based non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma according to the present invention can effectively induce muscle cell activation, migration of muscle cells to damaged sites, muscle cell proliferation, and muscle cell differentiation, without surgical operation or during a treatment procedure after surgical operation, and thus can be advantageously used as a novel therapeutic agent and therapeutic method against muscle damage and muscle damage-associated diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: AJOU UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Chul Ho KIM, Sung Un KANG, Jae Won CHOI
  • Publication number: 20180229048
    Abstract: A method of soft tissue treatment of a patient includes placing a treatment sleeve with at least one first treatment energy source onto the patient. Massage of the patient's soft tissue is provided by at least one massage unit, with the massage unit including at least two pressure changing elements applied on the patient's soft tissue. An additional or second treatment therapy, different from the massage, is provided by a second treatment energy source. The massage unit creates a pressure gradient between at least two successive elements changing a pressure value in range from 0% to 95% on the patient's soft tissue across a treated body area and stimulates body liquid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Jan Sikora, Tomás Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20180229049
    Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for treatment of anxiety. Described are methods and devices to treat anxiety that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect symptoms of anxiety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: James William PHILLIPS, Yi JIN
  • Publication number: 20180229050
    Abstract: A handheld device for delivering therapeutic light toward an eye of a patient includes a device housing that is configured to be held by a user in delivering the therapeutic light, a plurality of light sources disposed within the device housing, and an array of lenses disposed near the distal end of the device housing. Each light source is configured to independently emit a beam of therapeutic light and each lens of the array is aligned with a respective light source so that each beam of therapeutic light that is emitted from the respective light sources is focused and directed by the respective lenses of the array to target tissue of the eye in order to therapeutically treat to the target tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: Howard Chen
  • Publication number: 20180229051
    Abstract: A light based system for treating an eye includes a mask that is configured for positioning on the eye and a light source that is configured to deliver therapeutic light. The mask has an inner surface that is positionable against the eye and an outer surface that is opposite the inner surface. The mask is optically opaque to prevent transmission of light through the mask and the mask includes at least one transparent opening that allows transmission of light through the mask to target tissue of the eye posterior the transparent opening. The light source is positioned relative to the mask so that the delivered therapeutic light irradiates at least a portion of the mask and the transparent opening. Therapeutic light traverses through the transparent opening to the target tissue positioned posterior the transparent opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: Howard Chen
  • Publication number: 20180229052
    Abstract: A breast support device for radiation therapy includes a cuplike body with a through aperture. The cuplike body has a base portion and a compression portion connected continuously forming a concave inner surface, the compression portion is extended from the base portion, the concave inner surface have contours that fit over the female patient's breast as patient been in a predetermined posture. The through aperture is formed on the cuplike body to receive a portion of the female patient's breast through, it has a contour curve defined by a cutting plane and the contours of the patient's breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Long-Sheng LU, Kuo-Hsiung TSENG, Der-Chi TIEN, Meng-Yun CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20180229053
    Abstract: A brachytherapy seed localization system for localizing radioactive seeds within a diseased tissue, the brachytherapy seed localization system employs a tool tracking machine (50) for generating a tracked seed distribution map (51) of delivered locations of the radioactive seeds within the diseased tissue, and a tissue imaging machine (60) for generating a seed distribution image (61) of projected locations of the radioactive seeds within the diseased tissue including at least one false projected location. The brachytherapy seed localization system further employs a brachytherapy seed localizer (70) for generating a composite seed distribution map (71) of estimated locations of the radioactive seeds within the diseased tissue derived from a combination of the tracked seed distribution map (51) and the seed distribution image (61) excluding any false projected location(s) within the seed distribution image (61).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: JOCHEN KRUECKER, Ehsan DEHGHAN MARVAST, Shyam BHARAT, Cynthia Ming-Fu KUNG
  • Publication number: 20180229054
    Abstract: A surgical buttress for use in a surgical stapling apparatus is provided. The surgical buttress includes an elongate rectangular body portion defining a width; a nose portion integrally formed with and extending from a distal end of the body portion, the nose portion defining a width that is less than the width of the body portion; a neck portion integrally formed with and extending from a distal end of the nose portion, the neck portion defining a width; a head portion integrally formed with and connected to a distal end of the neck portion, the head portion defining a width; and a tail portion integrally formed with and extending from a proximal end of the body portion, the tail portion defining a width that is less than the width of the body portion. The surgical buttress is formed from a material having filaments. The surgical buttress include radioactive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: David Racenet, Gerald Hodgkinson, Seth Gleiman
  • Publication number: 20180229055
    Abstract: Methods and devices for the application of beta radiation treatment following trabeculectomy for helping to prevent post-trabeculectomy wound reversion. The devices may feature a handle and a beta radiation source. The beta radiation source may include strontium-90, yttrium-90, potassium-32, or any other appropriate radiation source or combination thereof. The device may be used to expose a trabeculectomy wound to the radiation source following the surgical procedure. In some embodiments, a drug such as 5-fluorouracil or mitomycin c is used in combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: Laurence J. Marsteller
  • Publication number: 20180229056
    Abstract: Reconstruction of projection images of a CBCT scan is performed by generating simulated projection data, comparing the simulated projection data to the projection images of the CBCT scan, determining a residual volume based on the comparison, and using the residual volume to determine an accurate reconstructed volume. The reconstructed volume can be used to segment a tumor (and potentially one or more organs) and align the tumor to a planning volume (e.g., from a CT scan) to identify changes, such as shape of the tumor and proximity of the tumor to an organ. These changes can be used to update a radiation therapy procedure, such as by altering a radiation treatment plan and fine-tuning a patient position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicants: Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: Pascal Paysan, Marcus Brehm, Adam Wang, Dieter Seghers, Josh Star-Lack
  • Publication number: 20180229057
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system has a thin two dimensional array transducer probe which is taped or belted to a patient to image a target region during radiotherapy. The radiotherapy procedure is conducted based upon planning done based on images of the target region acquired prior to the procedure. The array transducer is operated by an ultrasound system to produce three dimensional images of the target region by electronic beam steering, either during or between fractions of the treatment procedure. The ultrasound images are used to adjust the treatment plan in response to any movement or displacement of the target anatomy during the treatment procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: DAVIDE FONTANAROSA
  • Publication number: 20180229058
    Abstract: A nozzle for a retractable fall arrest defines a passage extending through the nozzle between a top surface and a bottom surface of the nozzle through which a retractable cable or lifeline can extend. The passage has a passage axis, an elongate entrance, and an elongate exit. The passage defines a constricted portion having opposed end sections and a middle section. The end sections of the constricted portion define a width greater than a width of the middle section of the constricted portion, and the width of the middle section of the constricted portion is less than a width of at least one of the entrance and exit to the passage. A perimeter of the passage defines a plane which intersects said passage axis at an angle greater than zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Jonathan Majala, Gary Choate
  • Publication number: 20180229059
    Abstract: A system and method for a coupling housing. The housing houses a coupling, such as a cable. The housing is coupled to a lift via an attaching device. The coupling can be lowered down to secure to ground equipment. This allows a stranded lift, such as a ski lift, to be properly secured to the ground equipment. This allows for the safe and efficient removal of any stranded passengers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: James Glazier
  • Publication number: 20180229060
    Abstract: A fire suppression system of an airflow system includes an airflow passage having an inlet and an outlet configured to provide an airflow path from the inlet to the outlet to exhaust air therethrough and a dispensing system is located within the airflow passage proximal to the inlet and configured to dispense a water mist discharge from within the airflow passage toward the inlet to form a water mist discharge sufficient to disrupt an airflow into the airflow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Arto Huotari, Antti Virkajarvi
  • Publication number: 20180229061
    Abstract: A valve controls the discharge of fluid stored under pressure in cylinders (4) and includes a body (2) with a fluid inlet hole (3), a fluid outlet hole (5), and a sealing shaft (6) whose movement, determined by release means (7), opens or closes the fluid passage The release means (7) includes at least one pneumatic actuation hole (11) with non-return valve (12) and a hermetic chamber (10) associated with said sealing shaft (6), a pressure cartridge (8) of compressed gas associated with an electric and manual actuator (9) external to the body (2) and the hermetic chamber (10), which, transmits the motion to a rod (15) linked to said sealing shaft (6). A spring (16) tends to keep the sealing shaft (6) closed, when the pressure is zero or when the cylinder (4) is empty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: Raul MELGOSA ARCOS
  • Publication number: 20180229062
    Abstract: A fire suppression system for a compartment of an aircraft includes a sensor system, at least one valve, and a controller. The sensor system is located within the compartment and includes, at least, a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is configured to detect atmospheric substances within the compartment and the second sensor is configured to detect combustion products within the compartment. The at least one valve is configured for regulating flow of a fire suppressant to the compartment. The controller is configured to control flow of the fire suppressant, via the at least one valve, in response to input from the sensor system. The controller provides instructions to discharge the fire suppressant if the first sensor detects atmospheric substances and the second sensor detects combustion products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Charles Meis, Rachel Darr
  • Publication number: 20180229063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to gas-producing materials, methods of forming gas-producing materials, and uses of gas-producing materials. The gas-producing materials comprise a comminuted foamed polymer, a nitrogen-containing fuel and an oxidiser. The gas-producing materials may be used to suppress a fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Aldino ALBERTELLI, Michael FRIEH
  • Publication number: 20180229064
    Abstract: A method of determining a more suitable appropriate pressure for use in muscle strength enhancement methods involving the restriction of blood flow. The pressure of air in a gas bladder of a compression band is temporarily increased to a pressure higher than a presumed appropriate pressure and then gradually reduced. During this process, a pulse wave amplitude is measured, and a maximum pulse wave pressure, which is the pressure of the air in the gas bladder at a time when the pulse wave amplitude that is temporarily increased and then reduced has its maximum value is specified by a maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E. The unit 12E sends maximum pulse wave pressure data representing a maximum pulse wave pressure to an appropriate pressure calculating unit 12F. The unit 12F multiplies the maximum pulse wave pressure by a coefficient, to obtain an appropriate pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: Katsutoshi Tagami
  • Publication number: 20180229065
    Abstract: A braking system for gymnastic machines having one rotating member, as a flywheel, on which magnetic braking members are arranged, and operating methods thereof. The system comprises a magnetic sensor for detecting the magnetic field intensity induced from the braking members on the flywheel, and a sensor for measuring the rotation velocity of the flywheel. The braking system comprises also a second magnetic sensor, arranged at a predetermined distance from the first magnetic sensor, to measure the magnetic field induced on the flywheel as conditioned by the structure of the gymnastic machine, and a temperature sensor, arranged in correspondence of the first magnetic sensor, to detect the temperature of the flywheel. The system comprises a control logic unit, operatively connected to the first and second magnetic sensor, to the temperature sensor and to the angular velocity sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Andrea LEONARDI, Guido Nenna, Marco Magnarosa
  • Publication number: 20180229066
    Abstract: An elastic band for use in a resistance-type exerciser. The elastic band includes a continuous loop of elastic material having a pair of receiving portions and a pair of spanning portions extending between the pair of receiving portions. A cross-sectional area of each receiving portion is greater than a cross-sectional area of each spanning portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Douglas S. Dennis, David W. Frey
  • Publication number: 20180229067
    Abstract: An exercise device includes an elastic cable, a panel, and a spindle coupled to an interior side of the panel. The spindle has a locked state and an unlocked state, the spindle being rotatable in a first direction to wind the elastic cable and being rotatable in a second direction to unwind both ends of the elastic cable when the spindle is in the unlocked state, and the spindle being non-rotatable when the spindle is in the locked state. A first stirrup is coupled to a first end of the elastic cable, and a second stirrup is coupled to a second end of the elastic cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: Eric Michael Smith
  • Publication number: 20180229068
    Abstract: An exercise device includes an adjustable strap to secure the device to a free standing object, such as a piece of furniture having two sections. The strap includes hook fabric portions and a loop fabric portion to adjust to a desired length to fit within the sections of the furniture. The exercise device also includes oval rings to attach to the strap at ends thereof. Each oval ring includes a bar located in its center to engage the strap. The position of the oval rings is secured against the furniture. Attachments for exercising, such as exercise bands, are attached to the oval rings so that a user operates the exercise device as needed, then disassembles the device for storage or to use elsewhere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: Vicki LINDSEY
  • Publication number: 20180229069
    Abstract: An exercise machine for performing a variety of different exercise routines includes a rotating arm assembly and a swing-away workout station. The workout stations may include a bench seat and a stabilizing support, and may be adjusted to provide for a number of different configurations. For example, the bench seat and the stabilizing support may pivot forward and backward, and the stabilizing support may extend upward and downward for supporting the user's body in different positions, while performing different exercise routines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: HOIST FITNESS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce HOCKRIDGE, Grzegorz Lyszczarz
  • Publication number: 20180229070
    Abstract: A body weight support system includes a tether configured to be coupled to an attachment device worn by a user to couple the user to the body weight support system. A method of providing gait training includes defining a reference length of the tether when the attachment device is in an initial position and defining a threshold length of the tether. A first amount of body weight support is provided during the gait training as the user moves relative to a surface and the length of the tether is less than the threshold length. A second amount of body weight support is provided during the gait training as the user moves relative to the surface and the length of the tether is greater than the threshold length. The method further includes displaying data associated with the gait training on a display of an electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: Bioness Inc.
    Inventors: Keith MCBRIDE, Arkady GLUKHOVSKY, Augustine SMITH
  • Publication number: 20180229071
    Abstract: A sit box for use on a reformer exercise apparatus carriage is disclosed. The box is a unitary body having a rectangular flat top surface portion joining four curved portions. Each curved portion merges with one of an upright front wall, an upright back wall, an upright left side wall, and an upright right side wall. The walls terminate at a generally flat rectangular bottom parallel to the top surface portion. Each wall curves to merge with an adjacent wall. Each of the left and right side walls has an outwardly open vertical recess therein adjacent the front wall to receive within each recess one of a pair of shoulder stops projecting from the carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: Ken Endelman