Patents Issued in September 25, 2018
  • Patent number: 10080665
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a novel method for accessing the spinal disc space, instrumentation for discectomy and implantation of spinal implants, and unique designs for intervertebral spinal implants. In particular, the present disclosure describes modular interlocking spinal implants that can be assembled during surgery, for the purpose of implantation between vertebral bodies that is unique to the disc space, creating vertebral stabilization, correction of spinal scoliosis, reducing segmental motion, greater arthrodesis potential, reduction of pain, and other benefits. The present disclosure provides increased permutation of implant shapes to match a subject specific spinal disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Hoan Phan Tran
  • Patent number: 10080666
    Abstract: An expandable spinal implant configured for positioning within the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies is disclosed. The spinal implant includes a first body, a second body, a ratchet, and a locking mechanism. The first and second bodies are pivotably affixed to each other on respective first ends thereof and are capable of movement relative to each other in a medial-lateral direction with respect to the adjacent vertebral bodies. The ratchet is pivotably supported within a slot defined in the first body and is capable of engaging the second body thereby permitting movement of the first and second body relative to each other in a first direction, but not in a second direction that is different than the first direction. A method of performing spinal surgery is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Loubert Suddaby, Larry McClintock
  • Patent number: 10080667
    Abstract: Systems and tools for inserting and securing an implant within the intervertebral space. An intervertebral disc implant with upper and lower bearing members with an articulation interface between the members for providing relative motion therebetween. The implant may be provided with various securing members for fixing the implant within the intervertebral space. A tool may be used to insert the implant, which includes a plurality of shiftable implant engaging members that are shiftable between non-engaging and engaging configurations to alternatively release or hold the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Brian Patrick Janowski, Thomas Kilpela, Michael R. Jackson, Qi-Bin Bao
  • Patent number: 10080668
    Abstract: A method for fusing vertebral bodies comprising the steps of: mounting a first engagement member of a fixation member to a pedicle of a first vertebra and a second engagement member of the spinal fixation member to a pedicle of a second vertebra, the first engagement member having a first extension engaged with an expansion ring, the second engagement member having a second extension engaged with the expansion ring; inserting screws through the first and second engagement members and into the pedicles of the respective first and second vertebrae; rotating the expansion ring in a first direction, thereby distracting the first and second vertebrae; implanting an intervertebral implant between the first and second vertebrae after rotating the expansion ring in the first direction; and rotating the expansion ring in a second direction after implanting the intervertebral implant, thereby compressing the first and second vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Christine Herrmann, Bryan D. Milz
  • Patent number: 10080669
    Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Davenport, Duncan Sibson, Andrew Iott, Chad Glerum, Jason Gray, Ben Silber
  • Patent number: 10080670
    Abstract: Instruments, kits, and methods are disclosed for installing an implant spacer through an incision and down a surgical corridor. The instruments also serve to align a drill guide and align and insert a spacer stabilizer for stabilization of adjacent bone portions. The instrument comprises an elongated guide bar body, an inserter face at a distal end of said guide bar body for abutting an instrument attachment portion of a spacer, a connection tip portion for securing a spacer against an inserter face, and a guide portion of said elongated guide bar body for aligning instruments with said spacer and for introducing a stabilizer to secure the spacer in a predetermined position between the bone portions. Included is a retractable graft block for securing graft material within an aperture of said spacer during insertion of the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: J.M. LONGYEAR MANUFACTURING LLC
    Inventors: Jason Sandstrom, Fran Korhonen, Matthew N. Songer
  • Patent number: 10080671
    Abstract: A trial for insertion into a disc space between adjacent vertebrae in order to facilitate sizing of an interbody spinal implant includes an end portion and a shaft portion. The end portion is dimensioned to approximate the dimensions of an available interbody spinal implant. The trial includes passages extending through at least portions of the end portion and the shaft portion to facilitate access to the disc space during use of the trial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orhtopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, Daniel A. Shimko
  • Patent number: 10080672
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: BIONX MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Rick Casler, Hugh Miller Herr, Zhixiu Han, Christopher E. Barnhart
  • Patent number: 10080673
    Abstract: A prosthesis or orthosis has a first body and a second body rotatable relative to one another, a passive mechanical converting mechanism with a third body arranged movably with respect to the first body, and an elastic element arranged between the third and the second body. The mechanical converting mechanism is configured for converting an angular change between the first body and the second body into a change of load on the elastic element. There is further provided a ratio adapting device interacting with the converting mechanism and configured for modifying the conversion ratio by which the change of load on the elastic element is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    Inventor: Dirk Lefeber
  • Patent number: 10080674
    Abstract: A branched stent graft, a convey system comprising thereof and manufacturing method thereof, the branched stent graft includes a main body (100) and a side branch (200), at least a portion of a lowermost stent section of the side branch (200) closest to the main body (100) is not stitched to the cover of the side branch from a lower end to an upper end, the at least a portion of the lowermost stent section is located on a side of the side branch corresponding to a folding direction of the side branch. After deployed, the branched stent graft has an effective supporting force at the base portion of the side branch. In addition, during the deployment of the stent, the side branch can expand to a maximal extent even when the positioning is slightly inaccurate. Further, vascular stenosis or occlusion will not be caused even when subsequent endothelialization occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: MICROPORT ENDOVASCULAR (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhenyu Yuan, Qing Zhu, Yanbin Gao, Zhonghua Li, Qiyi Luo
  • Patent number: 10080675
    Abstract: An endoprosthesis is conditioned prior to use within a patient by placing a scaffold of the endoprosthesis in contact with a sterile liquid optionally at body temperature, following by causing the scaffold to bend. The scaffold may be bent by moving the scaffold through a conditioning tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Julia C. Fox, Leah Compas
  • Patent number: 10080676
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, a treatment method may include treating a wall of a portion of a gastrointestinal tract of a patient. Treating the wall may include positioning one or more injection units adjacent to the wall. Treating the wall may also include affecting at least one of movement of gastrointestinal tract contents through the gastrointestinal tract and absorption of gastrointestinal tract contents by the gastrointestinal tract, by injecting material into the wall using the one or more injection units. Injecting the material may include injecting the material between layers forming at least a portion of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeri'Ann Hiller, Sandra Nagale, John W. Sheets, Jr., Mark W. Boden
  • Patent number: 10080677
    Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Stack, Richard Glenn, Trevor Moody, Fred Silverstein, Nathan Every, William Eubanks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10080678
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a wrist and thumb brace with a wrist brace portion for stabilizing a user's wrist, the wrist brace portion having a first aperture adapted for a user's right thumb when the brace is on a user's right hand, and a second aperture adapted for a user's left thumb when the brace is on a user's left hand, the first and second apertures facilitating ambidextrous use of the brace; and a thumb brace portion for stabilizing a user's thumb, the thumb brace portion removably attachable to the wrist brace portion at a first location adjacent to the first aperture when the brace is on a user's right hand, the thumb brace portion removably attachable to the wrist brace portion at a second location adjacent to the second aperture when the brace is on a user's left hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Mike Williams
  • Patent number: 10080679
    Abstract: An orthosis for fastening to a human hand for immobilizing the carpometacarpal joint and metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb of the hand has a stiff body which can be of multi-piece or single-piece design. The rigidity of the body enables the latter to support, to stabilize and to immobilize the hand and dimensional stability is provided such that the body can be placed in a simple manner with a defined shape onto the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: BSN MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventors: Jennifer Grunden, Timo Schmeltzpfenning, Joachim Bauer
  • Patent number: 10080680
    Abstract: A dental appliance for treating bruxism is disclosed. The appliance may include upper and lower portions. The upper portion may include a first base and a first feature. The first base may engage the upper teeth of a patient. The first feature may secure to an anterior area of the first base and include a concave surface forming a concavity. The lower portion may include a second base and a second feature. The second base may engage the lower teeth of the patient. The second feature may secure to an anterior area of the second base and include a protrusion. As the patient bites down, the protrusion may contact the concave surface at a point of contact that is a sole or initial contact between the upper and lower portions. Thus, the interaction of the protrusion and concave surface may control certain mandibular loadings and motions of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: R. Joseph Magness
  • Patent number: 10080681
    Abstract: A design for dynamically adjusting parameters applied to a surgical instrument, such as an ocular surgical instrument, is presented. The method includes detecting surgical events from image data collected by a surgical microscope focused on an ocular surgical procedure, establishing a desired response for each detected surgical event, delivering the desired response to the ocular surgical instrument as a set of software instructions, and altering the surgical procedure based on the desired response received as the set of software instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Claus
  • Patent number: 10080682
    Abstract: Glaucoma can be treated by implanting an intraocular shunt into an eye. The eye has an anterior chamber and sclera. A shunt can be placed into the eye to establish fluid communication from the anterior chamber of the eye through the sclera, and a pharmaceutical or biological agent can be administered to the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: AQUESYS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Horvath, Richard A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 10080683
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic treatment apparatus and to a beam control method therefor. The ophthalmic treatment apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a beam generating unit for generating beams having different pulse energies; a bubble sensing unit for sensing whether or not bubbles have been generated, as well as the amount of generated bubbles, on the basis of the pulse energy of the beam generated by the beam generating unit and radiated onto the treatment region of an eyeball; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the beam generating unit such that the pulse energy of the beam generated by the beam generating unit can be adjusted in accordance with the signal from the bubble sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: LUTRONIC VISION INC
    Inventors: Tae Ho Ha, Cheol San An
  • Patent number: 10080684
    Abstract: A first image of the eye is generated when the cornea of the eye is exposed to a gas. The cornea is covered with an optic of a patient interface. A second image of the eye with the patient interface over the cornea is generated. In this second image, the patient interface distorts the second image of the eye. One or more of a position or an orientation of the eye is determined in response to the first image and the second image when the patient interface has been placed over the cornea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Optimedica Corporation
    Inventor: David D Scott
  • Patent number: 10080685
    Abstract: There is disclosed a trephine guide having an upper guide member having a first substantially circular guide aperture and a first circumferential portion and a lower guide member having a second substantially circular guide aperture and a second circumferential portion. The upper and lower guide members are connected in a spaced apart configuration by at least one arm extending from the first circumferential portion to the second circumferential portion, such that the first and second guide apertures are substantially concentric, thereby to allow a trephine to pass through the upper and lower guide members. The at least one arm has a width that extends over less than three quarters of the circumference of the first or second circumferential portions to allow good visibility to a trephine blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Coronet Medical Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Philip Douglas Weston, Ian Douglas Weston
  • Patent number: 10080686
    Abstract: A digital image segment of a human body part is captured and matched against a reference image segment. If the match score meets a threshold, the digital image segment is stored and the human body part is recognized as a target object. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object. If the match score does not meet a threshold, a second image containing a representation of the human body part is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: NANT HOLDINGS IP, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne C. Boncyk, Ronald H. Cohen
  • Patent number: 10080687
    Abstract: A structure for use in repairing a defect in a substrate is provided. The structure includes a first layer and a second layer coupled to the first layer using a first coupling process. The first layer is formed by a plurality of polymeric fibers, and the second layer has a plurality of densities formed by a plurality of polymeric fibers. The first and second layers of the structure are configured to separate after at least one of a predetermined time and an environmental condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventor: Matthew R. MacEwan
  • Patent number: 10080688
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include wound packing devices and methods of making and using the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a wound packing device including a plurality of spacing elements capable of absorbing exudate, wherein the surface of the spacing elements resist colonization by microorganisms. The wound packing device can also include a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: SURMODICS, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn Fuller, Bryan A. Claseman, Joram Slager, Jeffrey J. Missling, Gary Maharaj, Gary W. Opperman, Nathan A. Lockwood, Robert W. Hergenrother, Charles Olson
  • Patent number: 10080689
    Abstract: Many embodiments of wound filling devices and methods of their use in systems for the application of negative pressure therapy are described herein. In one embodiment, a wound filling device comprises: an inflatable bag member having at least one fluid carrying conduit operably connected thereto to inflate/deflate said bag member; a separate textured covering sock member at least partially covering the inflatable bag member. Another embodiment comprises a three-dimensional wound packing member, and may optionally comprise a plurality of such members linked together. Certain embodiments of wound packing members may comprise a porous bag member adapted to be non-adherent to the wound. Yet other embodiments may comprise a non-porous bag member provided with means to connect a fluid supply to the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Kristian David Hall, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Derek Nicolini
  • Patent number: 10080690
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling inflammatory response at an internal tissue site of a patient utilizes a reduced-pressure treatment device. Controlling the inflammatory response may be accomplished in a number of ways that involve treating the inflammatory milieu. Treating the inflammatory milieu may include removing or moderating pro-inflammatory stimuli, e.g., fluids, enhancing perfusion of the tissue at or near the internal tissue site, or providing reduced-pressure therapy. The reduced-pressure treatment device is placed at or near the internal tissue site and is fluidly coupled to an external reduced-pressure source. The reduced-pressure treatment device provides reduced pressure proximate the tissue site and treats the inflammatory milieu. The reduced-pressure treatment device for controlling inflammatory response may be a minimally-invasive treatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Stevenson, Kenneth Norbury, Richard Paul Mormino, George M. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 10080691
    Abstract: In one aspect, an absorbent product includes a package and at least n absorbent articles contained in the package (n is greater than 10). Each of the absorbent articles has a body contacting surface and a garment contacting surface. Each of the absorbent articles includes a component material disposed between the body contacting surface and the garment contacting surface. The component material has a printed graphic which is seen through either the body contacting or garment contacting surfaces. The n graphics of the n absorbent articles are different from each other, and preferably have a predetermined association. In another aspect, a method is directed to printing a graphic on a sheet material which will become a component material for the absorbent articles. In another aspect, a method is directed to producing the absorbent product including the package and the n absorbent articles contained in the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Radhakrishnan Janardanan Nair, Kesyin Fugger Hsueh, Michael Vincent Gray, Jay Tao, Kazuyuki Ohnishi, Limin Song, Michael Irwin Lawson, Matthew Gerald McNally, Deborah Kay Kokoruda, George Bartol Glackin, III, Koichi Tomi
  • Patent number: 10080692
    Abstract: A feminine needs container may comprise an elongated member having a hollow compartment, a clothing attachment member coupled to the elongated member and configured to removably attach to a garment, wherein the hollow compartment is configured to receive and store at least one feminine needs product. The elongated member can be removably attachable to the garments via the clothing attachment member such that the feminine needs container may be concealed from public view and carried hands-free without the need for a larger bag/purse to carry them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Elizabeth Thomas Dold
  • Patent number: 10080693
    Abstract: A harness system for a patient transport apparatus. The harness system comprises one or more harness assemblies. Each harness assembly comprises a flexible restraint member formed of a coated fabric and comprising one or more joints in which stitches join sections of the coated fabric. Covers are attached to the coated fabric over the stitches to provide a barrier to outside contaminants and to ease cleaning of the flexible restraint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi Scheenstra, Tyler Ethen, Roy E. Holmberg, III
  • Patent number: 10080694
    Abstract: A harness system for a patient transport apparatus. The harness system comprises one or more harness assemblies. Each harness assembly comprises a flexible restraint member formed of a coated fabric and comprising one or more joints in which stitches join sections of the coated fabric. Covers are attached to the coated fabric over the stitches to provide a barrier to outside contaminants and to ease cleaning of the flexible restraint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi Scheenstra, Tyler Ethen, Roy E. Holmberg, III
  • Patent number: 10080695
    Abstract: A wheelchair is disclosed. Two ends of each of the seat connection tubes are connected with the seat frame and the corresponding side frame, respectively. The seat frame and the seat connection tubes are telescopic by the combination of pressing units and holes. Two ends of each of the front connection tubes are connected with the front tube and the corresponding side frame, respectively. The front tube and the front connection tubes are telescopic by the combination of pressing units and holes. Two ends of each of the rear connection tubes are connected with the rear tube and the corresponding side frame. The rear tube and the rear connection tubes are telescopic by the combination of pressing units and holes. Each back connection tube is connected with the back unit and the corresponding supporting frame. The back unit and the back connection tubes are telescopic by the screwing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Green Young Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 10080696
    Abstract: A securing element for securing a spindle in a bushing, in particular for a medical stand device, includes a supporting portion configured to arrange the securing element in a predefined axial position on a supporting apparatus of the stand device, and an engagement portion configured to interact with a spindle rotatably supportable about an axis of rotation in the supporting apparatus, or a pin of the stand device, to secure the spindle or pin in a predefined axial position relative to the supporting apparatus rotatably within the supporting apparatus. The securing element can be supported in at least one radial position on the supporting apparatus, in particular in a mounting preparation position and/or a securing position, wherein the engagement portion is configured to interact with the spindle or the pin by engagement in the radial direction, in particular in the securing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ondal Medical Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Oginski, Markus Höser, Andreas Göbel
  • Patent number: 10080697
    Abstract: Examples of a motion system are disclosed. The motion system comprises a plurality of Stewart platform based actuators connected one to each another forming a desired modular configuration. Each of the plurality of actuators is controlled by a central controller that is configured to independently control the plurality actuators and adjust in real time their position, orientation and motion trajectory. The plurality of actuators are arranged in the desired configuration, shape and size to provide motion system that can mimic a natural motion/gait of human or animal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen Glen Swift, Michael Peter McCrodan, Siamak Arzanpour, Sohell Sadeqi
  • Patent number: 10080698
    Abstract: A walking aid accessory that is an aesthetic glider for a walker and a method of manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Steve Ayre
  • Patent number: 10080699
    Abstract: A seat device is provided, comprising: a frame, a seat platform which is hinged to the frame so as to be pivotable between a completely folded position and a completely unfolded position, in which a user is allowed to seat thereon, and a spring mechanism with a variable overall spring constant, via which the seat platform is connected to the frame in a manner so as to be biased towards its folded position, thereby reducing an effort required by the user, who seats on the seat platform, for standing up therefrom, wherein the spring mechanism comprises a plurality of spring devices, each of which has an at least substantially constant spring characteristic which is at least substantially defined by a corresponding spring constant, and which are connected to each other in series, wherein the spring mechanism is provided such that, when the seat platform is at least substantially in its completely folded position, the variable overall spring constant is lower than in the case when the seat platform is at least su
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: XENTIQ PARTNERS (PTE.) LTD.
    Inventors: Ulrich Schraudolph, Pascal Yun Fo Yee Chong San, Zhenglong Donn Koh, Ching Chiuan Yen
  • Patent number: 10080700
    Abstract: A harness for lifting a person in conjunction with a walker apparatus includes a seat portion made with flexible webbing. Two flexible, adjustable back straps are each fixed with a rear edge of the seat portion proximate one of two opposing lateral edges. Two flexible, adjustable front straps are each fixed with a front edge of the seat portion proximate one of the lateral edges. The back straps and front straps each include a connection mechanism for fixing with the walker apparatus. As such, with the harness under the person either in a prone position or a seated position, the back straps extend up the person's back and around his shoulders such that the back straps may be pulled forward and the walker apparatus raised so as to lift the person from the prone position into the seated position, or from the seated position into a standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Kourosh Bagheri
  • Patent number: 10080701
    Abstract: A walker is disclosed providing motorized height adjustment and having U-shaped lower and upper frames, each with left and right members. Both the left and right lower and upper member front ends mutually connect. Both frames are horizontally oriented, with the upper frame generally above the lower frame, which includes wheels. Generally vertical left and right double scissor mechanisms interposed between the upper and lower members maintain the alignment of the upper and lower frames. At least one powered, user-controllable linear actuator with a pneumatic lift spring and position memory raises and lowers the upper frame. The upper frame has three positions: the raised position, ready for a person to use; the lowered position, ready for a person to sit or stand, and collapsed position for storage and transportation. A width adjustment mechanism spreads or contracts the rear ends of the members to best fit any size person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Kourosh Bagheri
  • Patent number: 10080702
    Abstract: A carrier for a blister pack includes a first panel having an opening for movably receiving a blister of the blister pack, and a second panel having one or more dispensing openings aligned with the first panel opening. The first panel and the second panel slidably receive the blister pack there between. The carrier includes a blocking tab between the first and second panels that is selectively moveable between a blocking position and a dispensing position. When the blocking tab is in its blocking position it prevents movement of the blister in the first panel opening into alignment with a dispensing opening, thereby preventing dispensing of the blister's contents through the dispensing opening. When the blocking tab is in the dispensing position, it permits the blister to be moved into alignment with a dispensing opening for dispensing the blister's contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Multi Packaging Solutions UK Limited
    Inventors: Carol Lynn Hammond, Nigel Davis
  • Patent number: 10080703
    Abstract: An assembly having an adaptor for coupling with a medical container having a septum. The adaptor includes a gripping member for securing the adaptor to the medical container; a pierceable elastomeric piece which, in an inactive state of the adaptor, does not contact the septum outer surface with pressure, and, in an active state of the adaptor, contacts the septum outer surface with pressure; a blister comprising a shell and a removable closing membrane forming a housing receiving the adaptor; a retaining system having a first retaining portion on the adaptor and a second retaining portion on the shell, the first retaining portion adapted, in a locked position of the retaining system, to cooperate with the second retaining portion, when the adaptor is not in the active state; and an unlocking portion adapted to transition the retaining system to an unlocked position, when the adaptor is in the active state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France
    Inventors: Franck Carrel, Frédéric Perot
  • Patent number: 10080704
    Abstract: A filling aid. The filling aid includes a locking portion including a groove feature; and a locking feature having a locked and an unlocked position; and a filling syringe holder slidably attached to the locking portion, the filling syringe holder including a filling needle cradle portion having a tongue feature; and a needle housing portion comprising at least one tab having a starting position and a filling position, wherein the groove feature configured to accommodate the tongue feature, and wherein the locking feature interact with the filling syringe holder wherein when the locking feature moves from the locked position to the unlocked position the needle housing portion moves from the starting position to the filling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Richard J. Lanigan, Kevin L. Grant, Lisa A. Gustin, Timothy D. Moreau
  • Patent number: 10080705
    Abstract: A teat for a baby product comprises a flexible wall which is collapsible and has first and second protrusions disposed on an inner face thereof. When a force is applied to the wall, portions of the wall are brought proximal to one another and a protrusion is arranged to contact the inner face of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Jackel International Limited
    Inventor: Arnold Rees
  • Patent number: 10080706
    Abstract: A spring loaded nipple assembly includes a cover including a top wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends downwardly from the top wall. The perimeter wall has a cylindrical shape and the top wall has a central opening extending therethrough. A nipple is integrally coupled to the top wall and extends upwardly therefrom. The nipple extends around the opening and forms a seal around the opening. The nipple has a distal end with respect to the top wall and the distal end has an aperture extending therethrough. A threading engagement member is positioned on an inner surface of the perimeter wall. The threading engagement member engages threading on a neck of a fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventors: Santiago Fernandez, Tiffain Reneau
  • Patent number: 10080707
    Abstract: A pacifier assembly including a compressible pacifier, a cover, a clip and a strap. The compressible pacifier has a nipple with a radial base which is secured between a ring and a handle. The cover is adapted to be secured to the compressible pacifier while the clip is adapted to be fastened to a general object. The strap is attached to the clip at a first end and the compressible pacifier at a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Nairi Khachikian, Sung Yun Chan, Matthew Joseph Saxton
  • Patent number: 10080708
    Abstract: The invention relates to a kit of parts for preparing a glass ionomer cement, the kit comprising a Part A and a Part B, Part A being a powder and comprising an acid-reactive filler in an amount above about 60 wt. %, the acid-reactive filler having a mean particle size in the range of 3.5 to 10 ?m, an non acid-reactive filler in an amount above about 1 wt. %, the non acid-reactive filler having a mean particle size in the range of 1.0 to 3.5 ?m, Part A not comprising a polyacid in an amount above about 1 wt. %, wt. % with respect to the weight of Part A, Part B being a liquid and comprising a polyacid in an amount above about 30 wt. %, water, a complexing agent, wt. % with respect to the weight of Part B. The invention also relates to a process of producing a hardenable or hardening composition and use thereof in the dental field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert Peez, Peter Braun, Markus Mikulla, Rainer Guggenberger
  • Patent number: 10080709
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing solid round emulsion beads by dropping liquid emulsion into a cryogenic freezing refrigerant. The obtained solid round emulsion beads can be stored and used at a low temperature. The solid round emulsion beads can be coated with a solution containing a composition which is solid at room temperature or which can form gel. The emulsion beads can be prepared by using liquid emulsion containing additional composition, which is solid at room temperature or can form gel, in the water phase of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion or the oil phase of oil-in-water (W/O) emulsion. The emulsion beads prepared by the present invention can maintain its shape without swelling and/or damage but with stability and does not give any grainy feeling when the liquid emulsion was applied on the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: KPT LTD
    Inventors: Yanfu Jiang, Ik Joo Lee, Woon Jang Lee, Byung-Ho Park, Jae Uk Lee
  • Patent number: 10080710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dyeing keratin fibers, in particular human hair, in which alter applying and allowing a thickened pre-treatment agent in the form of a lightening or bleaching agent (M1), comprising at least one oxidation agent, to react, a dye (M2) is applied directly and is allowed to react without rinsing. By carrying out said method, hair can be colored in a dyeing step and simultaneously multi-tonal dyeing with highlights is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Constanze Neuba, Burkhard Mueller
  • Patent number: 10080711
    Abstract: An oral composition is provided comprising at least 0.5% by weight of the composition of pyrophosphate in an orally acceptable carrier, wherein the pyrophosphate is provided by a mixture of disodium pyrophosphate and tetrasodium pyrophosphate in a ratio from disodium pyrophosphate to tetrasodium pyrophosphate in the range of from 1:0.4 to 1:1.2 and wherein the pH value of the composition is in the range of from 6.0 to 8.0. The oral composition can be used for prevention and control of tartar and/or calculus formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Golam Faruque Khan, William Michael Glandorf
  • Patent number: 10080712
    Abstract: An oral composition is provided comprising at least 0.5% by weight of the composition of pyrophosphate in an orally acceptable carrier, wherein the pyrophosphate is provided by a mixture of disodium pyrophosphate and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate in a ratio from disodium pyrophosphate to tetrapotassium pyrophosphate in the range of from 1:0.4 to 1:1.2 and wherein the pH value of the composition is in the range of from 6.0 to 8.0. The oral composition can be used for prevention and control of tartar and/or calculus formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Golam Faruque Khan, William Michael Glandorf
  • Patent number: 10080713
    Abstract: The invention provides surface-treated spherical calcium carbonate particles for use in cosmetics which comprise spherical calcium carbonate particles having a volume mean diameter in a range of 0.5 to 20 ?m, and having on their surfaces a hydrous silica coating, and further a silicone oil coating on the hydrous silica coating. The surface-treated spherical calcium carbonate particles for use in cosmetics are obtained by forming a hydrous silica coating on the surfaces of spherical calcium carbonate particles, and then by forming a silicone oil coating on the surfaces of the hydrous silica coating of the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: SAKAI CHEMICAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Izumikawa, Seiji Sakamoto, Takeshi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 10080714
    Abstract: Peptides, topical compositions, and methods of improving health and/or appearance of human integuments, such as keratinous surfaces and fibers are provided. The peptides have from 3-12 amino acid residues and comprise the sequence YNT (SEQ ID NO: 1) or PVG (SEQ ID NO: 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Avon Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jolanta Idkowiak-Baldys, Uma Santhanam