Patents Issued in January 15, 2019
  • Patent number: 10179033
    Abstract: Present example embodiments relate generally to a surgical system comprising an internal anchor assembly configurable to be inserted into and positioned inside a cavity of a body. The surgical system further comprises an external anchor assembly configurable to magnetically couple to the internal anchor assembly. The external anchor assembly may comprise a magnetic assembly. The magnetic assembly may include one or more superconducting magnets configurable to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic assembly may further include a conductive housing for receiving the one or more superconducting magnets. The external anchor assembly may further include a temperature control section configurable to control a temperature of the one or more superconducting magnets via the conductive housing. The external anchor assembly may further include an external anchor body configurable to receive the magnetic assembly and the temperature control section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Bio-Medical Engineering (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Archibald MacRobert Campbell, David Anthony Cardwell, John Hay Durrell, Yuanhua Shi, Kai Yuan Huang, Kysen Grant Boyd Palmer, Anthony Robert Dennis, Chung Kwong Yeung
  • Patent number: 10179034
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for planning a bracket system (1) for the correction of malpositions of teeth (2), comprising a plurality of brackets (3) and an arch (4) wherein at least one platelet (6) per tooth is mounted on certain tooth surfaces (5) of the teeth to be corrected (2), a three-dimensional optical image (50) of the tooth region to be treated is created, the platelets (6) have registration elements (10) comprising registration points (11) and the registration points (11) have a characteristic form for registration in the three-dimensional optical image (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.
    Inventor: Christian Schiemann
  • Patent number: 10179035
    Abstract: Direct 3D-printed orthodontic aligners with torque, rotation, and full-control anchors are provided. In an implementation, an orthodontic system uses 3D-printed aligners to perform orthodontic treatment of teeth. Manufacturing the aligners by 3D-printing or additive manufacturing processes imparts novel geometries to the aligners for applying torque, rotation, and full 3D control forces to the teeth in novel ways. The 3D-printed aligners may contain multiple different plastic or metal materials with different orthodontic properties. In an implementation, divot anchors can be strategically applied to teeth to work in conjunction with a 3D-printed aligner fitted over the divot anchors and teeth. The divot anchors may include a depression, channel, groove, or notch providing an attachment point for the aligner to apply a force to the tooth through the divot anchor, such as a torque, rotational force, leverage, push, pull, or 3D control force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Real 3D Polymers Group LLC
    Inventors: Prasanna-Kumar Shivapuja, Dinesh Shah, Nidhi Shah, Sureshkumar Shah
  • Patent number: 10179036
    Abstract: Disclosed is an archwire with a varied cross section which is formed integrally with a hook. The archwire includes a customized archwire body corresponding to a setup model of patient's teeth, and the hook which is formed integrally with the archwire body. The archwire body is formed in such a way that at least one region has a cross section different from that of another region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Jong Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 10179037
    Abstract: A brush head for performing reciprocating rotation comprises a driving wheel and a housing on which a top hole and/or a central through hole are/is distributed in a centering manner. The center line(s) of the holes and a rotation axis (L1) of a driving shaft are located at a same line, and the driving shaft penetrates through the central through hole. The fitted region of the driving shaft and the driving wheel enters the through holes distributed on the driving wheel to link the driving shaft and the driving wheel fixedly. A driven part matching a driving part is distributed on a protrusion of the brush disc on which a hollow region is formed. The driving shaft penetrates through or enters the hollow region and limits the brush disc to move. The brush disc is incapable of performing reciprocating rotation when the driving shaft is not installed or is damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Shanghai Shift Electrics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaoguo Dai, Zhenwu Xu, Ling Dai
  • Patent number: 10179038
    Abstract: An oral care implement includes a housing defining a cavity and configured for at least partial insertion into an oral cavity. An opening in the housing fluidly connects the cavity to an environment of the housing. First and second spaced electrodes are disposed in the cavity. An electrical connection electrically connects the first electrode and the second electrode to a power source. At least one of the first electrode or the second electrode is a sacrificial electrode and passing a current through the electrical connection causes the sacrificial electrode to oxidize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Patrik Johansson, Gerald Gontarz
  • Patent number: 10179039
    Abstract: A biphasic scaffold and devices and methods for making the scaffold are disclosed. An example scaffold may include (a) a first plurality of randomly-oriented nanofibers defining a first tab region, (b) a second plurality of randomly-oriented nanofibers defining a second tab region, and (c) a plurality of aligned nanofibers coupled to and extending between the first tab region and the second tab region, where the plurality of aligned nanofibers are suspended between the first tab region and the second tab region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: University of Connecticut
    Inventors: Cato T. Laurencin, Shaun W. McLaughlin, James Veronick, Yusuf Kahn, Lakshmi S. Nair, David J. Goldhamer
  • Patent number: 10179040
    Abstract: An animatronic eye with fluid suspension, electromagnetic drive, and video capability. The eye assembly includes a spherical, hollow outer shell that contains a suspension liquid. An inner sphere is positioned in the outer shell in the suspension liquid to be centrally floated at a distance away from the shell wall. The inner sphere includes painted portions providing a sclera and iris and includes an unpainted rear portion and front portion or pupil. The shell, liquid, and inner sphere are have matching indices of refraction such that interfaces between the components are not readily observed. A camera is provided adjacent a rear portion of the outer shell to receive light passing through the shell, liquid, and inner sphere. A drive assembly is provided including permanent magnets on the inner sphere that are driven by electromagnetic coils on the outer shell to provide frictionless yaw and pitch movements simulating eye movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Lanny Starkes Smoot, Katherine May Bassett, Marcus Hammond
  • Patent number: 10179041
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a medical implant may comprise a buckle member fixedly attached to a tubular anchor member, a post member axially translatable relative to the buckle member, wherein the post member includes a first proximal portion and a second proximal portion, the first proximal portion being disposed adjacent to the tubular anchor member and the second proximal portion being disposed radially inward of the first proximal portion, and an actuator element including a lateral protrusion proximate a distal end thereof, the actuator element being releasably coupled to the post member. The post member may include an engagement portion configured to engage the buckle member such that movement of the post member distally relative to the buckle member is prevented. The second proximal portion may be configured to deflect away from the first proximal portion to release the actuator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED ICN.
    Inventor: Andrew J. H. Backus
  • Patent number: 10179042
    Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve having an inflow end and an outflow end includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a plurality of commissure features, a plurality of first struts and a plurality of second struts. The plurality of first struts define a substantially cylindrical portion and the plurality of second struts have first ends attached to the cylindrical portion and free ends projecting radially outward from the cylindrical portion and configured to couple to adjacent heart tissue to anchor the stent. A collapsible and expandable valve assembly disposed within the stent has a plurality of leaflets coupled to the commissure features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter N. Braido, Mina S. Fahim, Thomas M. Benson, Theodore Paul Dale, Andrea N. Para, Mark Krans, Mathias Charles Glimsdale
  • Patent number: 10179043
    Abstract: Embodiments of a prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. An implantable prosthetic valve may be radially collapsible to a collapsed configuration and radially expandable to an expanded configuration. The prosthetic valve may comprise an annular frame, a leaflet structure positioned within the frame and a plurality of outer skirts positioned around an outer surface of the frame, each outer skirt comprising an inflow edge secured to the frame and an outflow edge secured at intervals to the frame. The plurality of outer skirts may include a first outer skirt and a second outer skirt, wherein in the expanded configuration the first and second outer skirts include openings unsecured to the frame between the intervals. The inflow edge of the first annular outer skirt may be secured to the frame with sutures including radiopaque material. The first annular outer skirt may include radiopaque dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Hanoch Cohen-Tzemach, Tamir S. Levi, Noam Nir, Bella Felsen
  • Patent number: 10179044
    Abstract: A prosthesis can be configured to grasp intralumenal tissue when deployed within a body cavity and prevent axial flow of fluid around an exterior of the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an expandable frame configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within the body cavity, and an annular flap positioned around an exterior of the expandable frame. In some embodiments, the annular flap can extend outward from the frame and have a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventors: J. Brent Ratz, Luca Pesce, Glen T. Rabito, Christine Thanh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10179045
    Abstract: Systems and methods of delivering and deploying a stented prosthetic heart valve having a wrap that is automatically deployed to prevent or mitigate paravalvular leakage. In various embodiments, during transcatheter delivery of the stented prosthetic heart valve, the wrap is extends beyond a stent frame of the stented prosthetic heart valve so that the profile of the stented prosthetic heart valve is not increased during delivery. The disclosed embodiments are arranged and configured so that upon expansion of a stent frame of the stented prosthetic heart valve, a plurality of elongated members automatically pull the wrap distally into a deployed arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Racchini, Kshitija Garde, Paul Rothstein, Jeffrey Sandstrom, Cynthia Clague
  • Patent number: 10179046
    Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a gripping and pushing device for a medical instrument comprises an elongated main body defining a lumen. The elongated main body comprises one or more deflectable portions that can be pressed radially inwardly toward a shaft of the medical instrument extending through the lumen. One or more elastomeric gripping layers can be secured to the inner surface of a respective deflectable portion at axially spaced apart attachment locations. The one or more gripping layers are axially deformable relative to the one or more deflectable portions between the attachment locations when manual pressure is applied to the one or more deflectable portions to press the one or more gripping layers against the shaft and move the shaft longitudinally into a patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Tamir S. Levi
  • Patent number: 10179047
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods from delivering prosthetic devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, through the body and into the heart for implantation therein. The prosthetic devices delivered with the delivery systems disclosed herein are, for example, radially expandable from a radially compressed state mounted on the delivery system to a radially expanded state for implantation using an inflatable balloon of the delivery system. Exemplary delivery routes through the body and into the heart include transfemoral routes, transapical routes, and transaortic routes, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Walter Lee, Mark Dehdashtian, Teodoro S. Jimenez, Gilbert S. Leung, Bryan Janish, Michael G. Valdez, Tram Ngoc Nguyen, Timothy C. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 10179048
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a delivery apparatus for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native valve site via the human vasculature without the need for a separate introducer sheath. The delivery apparatus is particularly well-suited for advancing a prosthetic valve through the aorta (i.e., in a retrograde approach) for replacing a stenotic aortic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe Marchand, David M. Taylor, Robert Milich, David J. Evans, Christopher Chia, Ronaldo C. Cayabyab, Robert Bowes
  • Patent number: 10179049
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include devices, systems, and methods for reducing the distance between two locations in tissue. In one embodiment, an anchor may reside within the right ventricle in engagement with the septum. A tension member may extend from that anchor through the septum and an exterior wall of the left ventricle to a second anchor disposed along a surface of the heart. Perforating the exterior wall and the septum from an epicardial approach can provide control over the reshaping of the ventricular chamber. Guiding deployment of the implant from along the epicardial access path and another access path into and through the right ventricle provides control over the movement of the anchor within the ventricle. The joined epicardial pathway and right atrial pathway allows the tension member to be advanced into the heart through the right atrium and pulled into engagement along the epicardial access path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: BioVentrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Van Bladel, Lon Annest, Murray Sheldon, Ernie Heflin, Andrew Wechsler, John Stiggelbout, Rovil Arcia, John Bower
  • Patent number: 10179050
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for repairing an encephalocele. Specifically, this invention relates to a patching component that can be implanted or grafted on to the skull to repair an encephalocele from the inner or outer surface of the skull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventors: Kelly J. Scrantz, Bret Michael Berry
  • Patent number: 10179051
    Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component having a condyle surface. The condyle surface is defined by one or more radii of curvatures, which are controlled to reduce or delay the onset of anterior translation of the femoral component relative to a tibial bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: DEPUY IRELAND UNLIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark A. Heldreth, Daniel D. Auger, Joseph G. Wyss, Danny W. Rumple, Jr., Christel M. Wagner, Dimitri Sokolov, Jordan S. Lee, John L. Williams, Said T. Gomaa, John M. Armacost
  • Patent number: 10179052
    Abstract: A total knee implant prosthesis is disclosed. The total knee implant prosthesis includes a tibial component including a pair of bearing surfaces and a post positioned between the bearing surfaces, and a femoral component configured to rotate relative to the tibial component. The femoral component includes a pair of condyles sized and shaped to articulate on the bearing surfaces and a cam positioned between the pair of condyles. The cam engages the post at a first contact point when the femoral component is at 0 degrees of flexion and engages the post at a second contact point located lateral of the first contact point when the femoral component is at a first degree of flexion greater than 0 degrees. The cam is disengaged from the post when the femoral component is at a second degree of flexion greater than the first degree of flexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: DEPUY IRELAND UNLIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: Chadd W. Clary, Paul J. Rullkoetter, Mark A. Heldreth, Travis D. Bennett, Richard D. Komistek
  • Patent number: 10179053
    Abstract: Stand-alone interbody fusion devices for engagement between adjacent vertebrae. The stand-alone interbody fusion devices may include a spacer or endplates and one or more inserts, members, or frames coupled to the spacer or endplates. The inserts, members, or frames may be configured and designed to provide the apertures which are designed to retain bone fasteners, such as screws or anchors, and secure the implant to the adjacent vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Zappacosta, Michael Hunt, Veronika Martynova, Jason Gray, Jody Seifert, Noah Hansell, David Paul, Nick Padovani
  • Patent number: 10179054
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spinal fusion impactor tool that includes an attachment means for securing an implant device to the distal end of the tool, a means for adjusting the angle of the distal head relative to the handle to better position the implant for introduction into the implant site, means for remotely releasing the implant device at the distal end and a clamp device on the shaft of the tool to secure tabs, attachments and other devices. The impactor tool is preferably used in conjunction with implantation of an intervertebral fusion cage that is equipped with shims having tabs or other removing means, but may also be used to introduce, for example, an implant, graft, fusion device, wedge or distractor device into any joint space or bony region in preparation for implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Kleiner
  • Patent number: 10179055
    Abstract: A vacuum suspension system includes a prosthetic socket adapted to receive a residual limb. A pump system includes a pump mechanism in fluid communication with the prosthetic socket, and at least one sensor associated with the prosthetic socket and/or the pump mechanism. A control system is operably connected to the pump mechanism and the least one sensor. The control system is arranged to receive and process data from the at least one sensor and to actuate the pump mechanism based on the received data from the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: OSSUR ICELAND EHF
    Inventors: Atli Orn Sverrisson, Gudfinna Halldorsdottir
  • Patent number: 10179056
    Abstract: An intra-frame positioning sling may be disposed internally within a prosthetic socket frame. The sling may include one or more proximal suspension portions adapted to suspend from a proximal aspect of the frame and a tensioning system. The sling may include a first longitudinal side with one or more proximal suspension portions and an opposite longitudinal side that includes the residual limb interfacing or force application portion of the sling. When the tensioning system is tensioned, the sling is pulled toward the first longitudinal side of the prosthetic socket frame. A set of two positioning slings may be rigged in a transfemoral prosthetic socket frame; one sling applies force on a medial side of a hosted residual limb, and the other sling applies force on the lateral side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: LIM Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett Ray Hurley, Juan Jacobo Cespedes, Jesse Robert Williams, Preston Fung, Monica Ha
  • Patent number: 10179057
    Abstract: Y-stents and delivery apparatus for delivering the Y-stents include a delivery catheter with an open distal end having two, circumferentially opposed extensions separated by two receiving portions which receive an anatomical junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: George Kramer
  • Patent number: 10179058
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for fabricating and deploying an implantable device within the body. The invention is particularly suitable for delivering and deploying a stent, graft or stent graft device within a vessel or tubular structure within the body, particularly where the implant site involves two or more interconnecting vessels. The delivery and deployment system utilizes a plurality of strings which are releasably attached to the luminal ends of the implantable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Taheri LaDuca LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. LaDuca, Paul A. LaDuca
  • Patent number: 10179059
    Abstract: The oral appliance for appetite suppression is a device that limits the range of motion of the mouth which prevents impulse eating. In one potential embodiment of the disclosure the oral appliance of appetite suppression comprises an upper molar clip, a lower molar clip, and an elastic band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Shahla Gorovoy
  • Patent number: 10179060
    Abstract: In one aspect, an obesity treatment device includes multiple inflatable space-filling compartments and a valve system for introducing fluid into each compartment, where the device forms, upon filing the compartments, to a curved shape conforming to a natural three-dimensional kidney shape of the stomach. In one aspect, a method for deploying a gastric balloon structure in a gastric cavity includes determining dimensions of the gastric cavity in a feeding state, selecting a fill volume for each of a number of isolated chambers of the balloon structure, and filling each chamber while the balloon structure is in the gastric cavity. In one aspect, a system for treating obesity includes a means for conforming a flexible, space-filling structure to a natural kidney shape of the gastric cavity, a means for maintaining at least two isolated inflatable regions of the flexible, space-filling structure, and a means for introducing fluid into each inflatable region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: FULFILLIUM, INC.
    Inventors: Richard D. Y. Chen, Craig A. Johanson, Christopher S. Jones, Reinhold H. Dauskardt, Mark B. Taub
  • Patent number: 10179061
    Abstract: A foot pivoting device for correcting drop foot includes a belt that is configured to extend around a waist of a person, such that the belt is supported on the waist of the person. The device also comprises a strap that has a first end and a second end. The first end is couplable to the belt such that the strap is configured to extend along a front side of a leg of the person. A fastener is coupled to the second end of the strap. The fastener is configured to couple the second end of the strap to a shoe worn by the person proximate to a front end of the shoe. The front end of the shoe is pivoted upwardly when the leg of the person is pivoted forwardly at the hip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Donald Wiemann
  • Patent number: 10179062
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods are presented for protecting a limb, e.g., an arm, of a patient during a medical procedure. The medical devices and methods utilize a plurality of longitudinal sealed fluid pockets to thermally insulate and cushion an extremity of a limb. The plurality of longitudinal sealed fluid pockets is incorporated in a protective body that is shaped to wrap around the extremity when the medical device is deployed. The protective body has at least one access opening to provide access through the protective body to one or more corresponding portions of the extremity. Access panels may be formed into the protective body to allow portions of the extremity to be covered or uncovered and used with left or right limbs. Other devices and methods are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventors: J. Michael Putman, William W. Gardetto
  • Patent number: 10179063
    Abstract: An appliance and methods are described that include embodiments of a mandibular advancement or positioning device which can use elastic bands to pull the jaw forward. The appliance has an upper plastic tray conforming to the patient's upper teeth and including 3D printed sets of retention hooks coupled to the upper plastic tray via being encased in plastic, one on the right and one on the left anterior buccal portion of an upper plastic base. The appliance also has a lower plastic tray conforming to the patient's lower teeth including mandibular dentition, and includes having a 3D printed bite pad which opens the bite vertically. The lower tray also has a set of 3D printed plastic retention hooks encased in plastic extending outwardly from the teeth, one on the right and one on the left of the posterior buccal portion of the lower plastic base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Frantz Design Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph Lee Frantz, Donald Frantz
  • Patent number: 10179064
    Abstract: This invention is a sleep environment control system which uses wearable technology with physiological sensors to predict when a person will have a hot flash and to proactively provide localized cooling or accelerated airflow for that person for a limited time to alleviate the adverse effects of that hot flash. In an example, a physiological sensor can be a body temperature sensor, skin conductance sensor, or EEG sensor. This system can reduce interruptions of a person's sleep due to hot flashes and improve their quality of life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Sleepnea LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Connor
  • Patent number: 10179065
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve applying thermal therapy to tissue (e.g., localized cooling or heating of tissue), and in particular applying thermal therapy to the spinal canal, tissue disposed within the spinal canal, and/or nerve roots extending from the spinal canal. In some embodiments, tissue can be cooled or heated by implanting a malleable or deformable thermal device in proximity to the targeted tissue. The thermal device can be left in place following surgery to facilitate application of post-surgical thermal therapy. In some embodiments, the thermal device can be removed post-surgery in a minimally- or non-invasive manner. The thermal device can be connectionless or can include penetrable regions, pre-attached tubing, or detachable connectors to facilitate application of cooling or heating means to the device. Methods are disclosed for utilizing thermal devices and for carrying out various treatment regimens that involve cooling or heating tissue using such devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: NEURAXIS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Drnek, Dan Farley, John Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10179066
    Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Sight Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: David Y. Badawi, Daniel O'Keeffe, Paul Badawi
  • Patent number: 10179067
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an adjustable endoscopic surgical device for illuminating a tissue surface with diffuse and oblique light. In some embodiments, light emanates from the sides of an optical fiber, which is optionally formed at least in part into a loop shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Olson
  • Patent number: 10179068
    Abstract: A surgical hand piece has a connecting body having first and second passages detachably connected to first and second lumens which are used in the eye for phacoemulsification procedures and/or cleanup of the eye capsule after the procedure. The lumens receive or discharge fluid from first and second fluid sources. A work tip supporting the first and second tubes can be rotated so as to change the function of the first and second tubes from aspiration to irrigation and vice versa. As an alternative, a sleeve holding the fluid sources can be rotated so as to change the function of the first and second tubes from aspiration to irrigation and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: SURGICAL DESIGN CORPORATION
    Inventor: William Banko
  • Patent number: 10179069
    Abstract: A device for producing control data for a laser device for the surgical correction of defective vision. The device produces the control data such that the laser emits the laser radiation such that a volume in the cornea is isolated. The device calculates a radius of curvature RCV* to determine the control data, the cornea reduced by the volume having the radius of curvature RCV* and the radius of curvature being site-specific and satisfying the following equation: RCV*(r,?)=1/((1/RCV(r,?))+BCOR(r,?)/(nc?1))+F, wherein RCV(r,?) is the local radius of curvature of the cornea before the volume is removed, nc is the refractive index of the material of the cornea, F is a coefficient, and BCOR(r,?) is the local change in refractive force required for the desired correction of defective vision in a plane lying in the vertex of the cornea, and at least two radii r1 and r2 satisfy the equation BCOR(r=r1,?)?BCOR(r=r2,?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Gregor Stobrawa, Mark Bischoff, Michael Bergt
  • Patent number: 10179070
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally describe systems, devices, and methods for directly measuring pulse profiles during pulse delivery. In some embodiment, the pulse profiles may be measured while the pulse is delivered to ablate a material. Embodiments, may calculate ablation spot parameters based on the pulse profiles and may refine one or more subsequent laser pulses based on deviations from the calculated ablation spot parameters from desired ablation spot parameters. In some embodiments, a fluence profiler is provided. The fluence profiler may measure a pulse profile of a laser pulse from a portion of the laser pulse. The fluence profiler may utilize a UV radiation energy sensor device and a camera-based imager. The measurements from the UV radiation energy sensor device and the camera-based imager may be combined and scaled to provide a measured pulse profile that corresponds to the delivered pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: AMO Manufacturing USA, LLC
    Inventors: Ihor Berezhnyy, Anatoly Fabrikant, Guangming Dai, Benjamin Logan, Anthony Tang, Henry Price, Stephen Calebotta
  • Patent number: 10179071
    Abstract: System and method for generating patterns P of aiming and treatment light on target eye tissue (e.g. the retina) of a patient's eye. The system includes light sources for treatment and aiming light, a scanner for generating patterns of spots of the generated light, a controller, and a graphic user interface that allows the user to select one of several possible spot patterns, adjust the spot density and/or spot size, and apply patterns with fixed or varied density. The patterns can be formed of interlaced sub-patterns and/or scanned without adjacent spots being consecutively formed to reduce localized heating. Partially or fully enclosed exclusion zones within the patterns protect sensitive target tissue from exposure to the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: TOPCON MEDICAL LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: David Haydn Mordaunt, George Marcellino, Michael W. Wiltberger, Justin Hendrickson, Katrina Bell, Dan E. Andersen
  • Patent number: 10179072
    Abstract: A wound care bandage for treating a wound is provided. The bandage includes an SIS layer to be placed on the wound surface and a cover to be placed over the wound. The bandage further includes a structure to provide a vacuum space. A method for promoting wound healing is further provided. The method includes applying the above-mentioned wound care bandage to the wound and creating a vacuum in the vacuum space to draw blood controllably from the wound into the SIS layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: KCI Medical Resources Unlimited Company
    Inventor: Arthur C. Coffey
  • Patent number: 10179073
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed relating to the creation and use of bespoke wound fillers and other wound treatment apparatuses. Some embodiments provide for the creation of bespoke wound fillers based on characteristics of a wound. Certain embodiments also include the use of bespoke wound fillers in combination with negative pressure to treat a wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Mark Richardson, Carl Saxby
  • Patent number: 10179074
    Abstract: A method (400) of manufacturing a wound dressing includes obtaining alginate fibers (108) and the step (404) of spraying either the alginate fibers (108) or a dressing or dressing layer (610) of the alginate fibers with an aqueous solution (801) comprising a polysaccharide, which can be carboxymethylcellulose. The step of spraying can occur while the alginate fibers, dressing, or dressing layer are wet. A step (405) of flash drying can follow to remove the solute of the aqueous solution to leave the polysaccharide along the alginate. The step of spraying can be selective, such that only portions of the dressing layer include the polysaccharide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Debashish Chakravarthy
  • Patent number: 10179075
    Abstract: A heat/cold therapy wrap for the shoulder envelops the shoulder, over the clavicle and down over a portion of the upper arm. Compression against the shoulder is adjustable via a torso strap and a separate compression strap. A pair of pockets receive thermal gel material, preferably a non-migrating gel which will easily form to the contours of the shoulder and will remain as an integral plastic mass, not migrating within the enveloping bag under pressure. The ergonomically designed shoulder wrap is light in weight and engages the shoulder in a way that allows range of motion exercises in which heat/ice therapy combined with motion are useful to treat frozen shoulder syndromes or adhesive capsulitis. In one embodiment of the wrap an arm cuff is provided at the lower end of the device to encircle the upper arm. Another embodiment has no permanent arm cuff but has a versatile compression strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Shawn Hickling
  • Patent number: 10179076
    Abstract: A wheel assembly comprising a wheel (5) for a wheelchair (1), a gripping ring (6) connected to the wheel, and a gear-shift arrangement (7; 10; 40; 70); the wheel being provided with a wheel axle (17; 47; 77); the gear-shift arrangement being configured to change a gear ratio between the wheel and the gripping ring; the gear-shift arrangement comprising an internal-gear hub (8; 16; 46; 76) comprising a number of internal gears (18, 18?, 18?; 48, 48?, 48?; 78, 78?, 78?), a shift member (15; 45; 75), and a gear selector (9; 11; 41; 71) located on the same side of the wheel as the gripping ring, wherein the gear selector is operatively connected to the shift member (15; 45; 75) that is axially moveable within the internal-gear hub to engage a specific gear of said number of internal gears, and that the gear selector has an inner base portion (12; 42; 72) and an outer handle portion (13; 43; 73) and extends radially away from the wheel axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: GEARWHEEL AB
    Inventors: Nils Didner, Dan â„«kerfeldt
  • Patent number: 10179077
    Abstract: A bed is provided having a base frame, a patient support assembly connected to the base frame, and a tilt frame connected between the base frame and the patient support assembly. The tilt frame is rotatable adjacent the foot end of the bed to place the patient support assembly, including the head section, seat section and foot section thereof, in a generally vertical position to allow a patient to exit the bed in a standing orientation. The bed also has a foot board assembly connected to the foot section, the foot board assembly having a foot board separately moveable about a longitudinal axis of the bed toward the head end and the foot end of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Kreg Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Poulos, Carlos Portillo, Tho Quang Thieu
  • Patent number: 10179078
    Abstract: The invention relates to embodiments of methods for extending a subject-controllable range of joint motion, and for increasing subject control of joint movement within a range of motion. Embodiments include fastening a powered device around a joint so as to be able to control the joint, allowing the subject to move the joint within a range of volitional motion, and then engaging the powered device to support movement of the joint into an expanded, rehabilitative range. In some embodiments, the device supports joint movement by substantially providing the force to move the joint beyond the volitional boundary. In other embodiments, supporting movement includes the subject substantially providing the force, and the device allowing movement only in a desired direction. The invention further relates to a system for increasing the functional capability of a joint by implementing embodiments of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: AlterG, Inc.
    Inventors: Kern S. Bhugra, Robert W. Horst, Robert L. Jardine
  • Patent number: 10179079
    Abstract: A lower extremity orthotic control system determines a movement desired by a user, particularly with a user employing gestures or other signals to convey or express their intent to the system, and automatically regulates the sequential operation of powered lower extremity orthotic components. In a particular application, the orientation of a stance leg is used to determine when the user wants to initiate a step, as well as when the user is in a safe position from which to take a step. The invention has particular applicability for use in enabling a paraplegic user to walk through a controlled operation of a human exoskeleton coupled to the user's lower limbs. A controller receives inputs regarding a motion desired by the user, determines the desired motion and then controls the movement of the user's legs or limbs through actuation of the exoskeleton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine Strausser, Adam Zoss, James Alexander Stryker, Kurt Reed Amundson
  • Patent number: 10179080
    Abstract: A guide device providing a dimensional and ornamental guide that, engaging a leg of an ambulatory assist device used by a person, provides walking assistance, including a boot leg or sleeve for joining about a portion of the leg of the ambulatory assist device and receiving a resilient body axially for dimensional extents and receiving a guide member having a bottom glide surface for contact with a floor surface. A method of facilitating guidance of an ambulatory assist device is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Walker Buddezz Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Dollarhide
  • Patent number: 10179081
    Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure provides a binocular viewing system. In one embodiment, the binocular viewing system includes a binocular viewer and a computer. The binocular viewer has left and right display screens and a variable focal depth optical subsystem located in an optical path between and separate from the display screens and a user when the user uses the binocular viewer. The computer is configured to provide control signals to the binocular viewer. The control signals are operable to place images on the left and right display screens and vary a focal depth of the variable focal depth optical subsystem. The images include a plurality of objects controlled by the variable focal depth optical subsystem to make at least one of the plurality of objects appear closer to the user and at least one of another of said plurality of objects appear farther away from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: VITAL ART AND SCIENCE, LLC
    Inventor: William R. Krenik
  • Patent number: 10179082
    Abstract: A device for compressing an extremity of a user includes a wearable support member operable to be worn on the extremity of the user. The device also includes a plurality of chamber members that are arranged across and coupled to the support member. The chamber members each have a respective chamber therein. The chamber is at least partially defined by a base wall that is disposed adjacent the support member, a side wall that is attached to and that extends away from the base wall, and a top wall that is attached to the side wall and that is spaced away from the base wall. Furthermore, a foot pump member is operable to be disposed underneath a foot of the user. The foot pump member is operable to change a pressure inside the chambers as a result of being stepped upon by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrie L. Davis, Lee D. Peyton, Eric S. Schindler, Bradley W. Wilkins