Patents Issued in January 21, 2020
  • Patent number: 10537366
    Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Purcell, Don Hair, Tamas T. Frech
  • Patent number: 10537367
    Abstract: A bidirectional fixating intervertebral implant system includes at least one implant body, a perimeter enclosure, and first and second anchors. The at least one implant body has first and second vertebral body-facing surfaces with first and second sets of ridges. The first and second vertebral body-facing surfaces define first and second anchor openings. The perimeter enclosure extends around a body perimeter of the implant body. The implant body and the perimeter enclosure are sized to fit within a disc space. The perimeter enclosure defines at least one tool hole. The first and second anchors are sized and configured to extend through the first and second anchor openings. The first and second anchors have first and second shaft portions and first and second vertebral body engagement portions extending laterally outward from the first and second shaft portions, respectively, in multiple directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Moskowitz Family LLC
    Inventors: Nathan C. Moskowitz, Mosheh T. Moskowitz, Daniel Glozman
  • Patent number: 10537368
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, methods and apparatus for treatment of vertebral fractures that include a containment assembly for cement containment and/or a balloon assembly for maintaining vertebral height. A containment assembly comprising a containment jacket adapted to be deployed inside bone; and a dividing wall that separates the interior of the containment jacket into a proximal region and a distal region, the dividing wall having an opening for providing access to the distal region from the proximal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Damien O'Halloran, Sean Suh
  • Patent number: 10537369
    Abstract: Provided herein are bone anchor devices including embodiments using adaptive materials, including shape memory materials such as shape memory alloys. Embodiments using shape memory alloys may use super-elastic properties of shape memory alloys to provide forces and deflections that actuate bone anchoring element(s) within bones. Embodiments of bone anchoring elements may be created that actuate with respect to one or more pivot point(s), with the bone anchoring elements on an opposite side of the pivot point from the actuating member composed of, for example, shape memory material. The pivot point(s) of a bone anchor device may be positioned in a central portion of the bone anchor device. The central portion of the bone anchor device may span between two pieces of bone or two separate bones (e.g., two bones of a joint) into which bone anchoring elements may be embedded and fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: MEDSHAPE, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Blair, Clay Williams
  • Patent number: 10537370
    Abstract: A new shape changing bone implant and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue. This new implant stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This unique implant locks into bone and then simultaneously expands and shortens to lock into bone and then pull the bone segments together. This implant once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the implant's and bone's materials structure. The implant may be fabricated from any biocompatible material that acts elastically when deformed including but not limited to nitinol, stainless steel, titanium, and their alloys as well as polymers such as polyetheretherketone, silicone elastomer and polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Patent number: 10537371
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of a plate and guide that enable fixation of a fractured bone while reducing damage to tissue in the vicinity of the fractured bone. The plate may be sized and dimensioned such that the plate may be slid underneath a muscle or other tissue and positioned into a proper location for providing fixation of the plate to the fractured bone without requiring cutting of the muscle or other tissue. The guide may be sized and dimensioned to interface with the plate such that the guide is place over the top of the muscle or other tissue, thereby enabling the guide to be used for providing screws or other devices (e.g., rods, K-wires, etc.) to the plate in a proper orientation to provide fixation to the fractured bone without requiring cutting of the muscle or other tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: OsteoMed LLC
    Inventors: Randall W. Viola, Nicholas Monks, Joseph Pepin, Eduardo Franco
  • Patent number: 10537372
    Abstract: A bone repair system and method for percutaneously fixing a first bone segment to a second bone segment, such as rib bone segments, in a body of a patient include drilling a first hole through the first bone segment and a second hole through the second bone segment, and feeding a first tether through the first hole and a second tether through the second hole, each tether having a proximal end and a distal end. The first and second tether distal ends are withdrawn from the body while the first and second tether proximal ends have not passed through the first and second bone segments, respectively. A reinforcing member, such as a bone plate, having first and second openings, is passed onto the first and second tether distal ends, and the reinforcing member is pulled into engagement with the first and second bone segments guided by the tethers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Barry M. Fell, Peter W. Dillon, Donald R. Mackay, Randy S. Haluck
  • Patent number: 10537373
    Abstract: An implant having a porous portion with a plurality of interconnected voids for receiving at least one injectable substance such that an injectable substance can elute from the porous portion. A syringe can be inserted into the at least one porous portion for administering the at least one injectable substance into the voids of the porous structure. The implant can be implanted with the at least one porous portion pre-loaded with the at least one injectable substance. The at least one porous portion can be loaded by inserting the syringe into the at least one porous portion after implanting the implant. The porous portion can be re-loaded with the syringe after the at least one injectable substance has eluted from the porous portion or replaced with a different injectable substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC
    Inventors: Jacy C. Hoeppner, Jason D. Meridew, Kevin T. Stone
  • Patent number: 10537374
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a device having a body extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite proximal and distal ends. The body includes a proximal chamber, a distal chamber and a wall between the chambers. The body includes a first port in communication with the proximal chamber and a second port in communication with the distal chamber. A shaft is movably positioned within the body. The shaft extending through the wall and comprising a proximal plunger positioned within the proximal chamber and a distal plunger positioned within the distal chamber. Wherein pressure introduced through an opening in the proximal end moves the shaft such that the proximal plunger moves a material within the proximal chamber out of the first port and the distal plunger moves a material within the distal chamber out of the second port. Kits and methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Holding Company Sàrl
    Inventors: Neil Sasaki, Amy L. Arthur, Samuel V. Bolosan, Carl M. Kling
  • Patent number: 10537375
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device and a method for treating at least one of hypertension, pulmonary arteries, diabetes, obesity, heart failure, end-stage renal disease, digestive disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, urological disease, cancers, tumors, pain, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by delivering an effective amount of a formulation to a tissue. In embodiments of the present invention, the formulation may include at least one of a gas, a vapor, a liquid, a solution, an emulsion, or a suspensions of one or more ingredients. In embodiments of the present invention, amounts of the formulation and/or energy are effective to injure or damage tissue, nerves, and nerve endings in order to relieve disease symptoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Neurotronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Lixiao Wang
  • Patent number: 10537376
    Abstract: A high-frequency surgical device having a high-frequency generator, which produces a high-frequency output signal for treating, in particular for cutting or coagulating, biological tissue, the high-frequency generator being designed in such a way that the output signal of the high-frequency generator has a predetermined fundamental frequency and a modulation apparatus being provided, which is used to modulate the output signal with a modulation frequency, the modulation frequency being smaller than the fundamental frequency. The high-frequency surgical device is characterized in that the modulation frequency is at least 100 kHz, and in that the output signal can be modulated in such a way that a crest factor of the modulated output signal suitable for a specific application of the high-frequency surgical device arises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventor: Martin Hagg
  • Patent number: 10537377
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes: a power supply configured to output a direct current; an energy metering stage including at least one metering switching component operated by a metering switching waveform, the energy metering stage configured to generate a metered energy packet from the direct current; a power converter coupled to the energy metering stage, the power converter including at least one power switching element operated by a power switching waveform, the power converter configured to generate a radio frequency half cycle based on the metered energy packet; and a controller coupled to the power converter, the controller is configured to modulate the metering switching waveform and the power switching waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Daniel A. Friedrichs, Robert B. Smith, Steven C. Rupp
  • Patent number: 10537378
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes: a power supply configured to output a DC waveform; a current or voltage source coupled to the power supply and configured to output current; and a power converter coupled to the current source. The power converter includes at least one power switching element operated at a switching waveform and configured to generate a radio frequency waveform based on the energy from the current or voltage source. The radio frequency waveform includes at least one pulse having an overshoot peak. The electrosurgical generator further includes a clipper circuit coupled to the current source and the power converter, the clipper circuit configured to generate a clipping voltage to clip the overshoot peak; and a controller coupled to the power converter and configured to modulate the switching waveform to generate the radio frequency waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert B. Smith, Steven C. Rupp, Daniel A. Friedrichs
  • Patent number: 10537379
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical treatment of diseases and disorders, as well as the field of biomedical engineering. Embodiments of the invention relate to the delivery of Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) through the vasculature of organs to treat tumors embedded deep within the tissue or organ, or to decellularize organs to produce a scaffold from existing animal tissue with the existing vasculature intact. In particular, methods of administering non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) in vivo are provided for the treatment of tumors located in vascularized tissues and organs. Embodiments of the invention further provide scaffolds and tissues from natural sources created using IRE ex vivo to remove cellular debris, maximize recellularization potential, and minimize foreign body immune response. The engineered tissues can be used in methods of treating subjects, such as those in need of tissue replacement or augmentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Sano, Rafael V. Davalos, John L. Robertson, Paulo A. Garcia, Robert E. Neal
  • Patent number: 10537380
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an electrically power surgical instrument having a handle assembly. The apparatus also comprises a communication device positioned within the handle assembly. The communication device is operable to communicate with at least a portion of the electrically powered surgical instrument. The apparatus further comprises an external device in wireless communication with the communication device. The external device is operable to receive information from the communication device and the external device is operable to provide an output viewable to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Houser, Daniel W. Price, Gavin M. Monson, Hitesh Jain
  • Patent number: 10537381
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, first, second, and third actuators operably coupled to the housing, an at least partially semi-rigid shaft extending distally from the housing, an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft, and first, second, and third bars extending through the shaft in non-coaxial arrangement. The first bar is operably coupled between the first actuator and the end effector assembly such that actuation thereof effects manipulation of the end effector assembly. The second bar is operably coupled between the second actuator and a first deployable component such that actuation thereof effects deployment of the first deployable component relative to the end effector assembly. The third bar is operably coupled between the third actuator and a second deployable component such that actuation thereof effects deployment of the second deployable component relative to the end effector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Daniel A. Joseph, Gregory P. Hertrich, Jeremy P. Green, Dylan R. Kingsley, Judd C. Nutting
  • Patent number: 10537382
    Abstract: Instruments and methods for providing selective surgical instrument trigger lockout are provided herein. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument can include a distal end effector, a proximal actuator portion, a first trigger, a second trigger, and a lock arm. The lock arm can be configured to move between a first position, in which it interferes with actuation of the first trigger, and a second position, in which it permits actuation of the first trigger. Further, actuation of the second trigger can be effective to move the lock arm from the first position to the second position. Actuation of the first trigger can therefore be prevented if the second trigger is not already actuated. Selective trigger lockout can be useful in a variety of instruments, including, for example, surgical instruments that grasp, seal, and transect tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Gregory A. Trees, Geoffrey S. Strobl
  • Patent number: 10537383
    Abstract: A surgical instrument has an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector grasps, cuts, and seals and/or coagulates tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism has an actuator, drive shaft and flanged component for transferring movement of the actuator to the drive shaft whose movement controls the end effector. The actuator has a collar portion arranged to receive and retain the component. The component is free to rotate within the collar and has a keyhole-shaped arrangement, with a wider upper portion, and narrower lower portion to provide a sliding fit to the component main body. The component can be inserted into the wider upper portion, and then the main body of the component lowered into the narrower lower portion, with the flange of the component helping the component to be retained therein axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: GYRUS MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Marno Nagtegaal
  • Patent number: 10537384
    Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes a pair of spaced apart electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces which each have an insulator disposed therebetween, the conductive surfaces are connected to an electrosurgical energy source. The first jaw member includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator which extends towards the second tissue contacting surface to create a gap therebetween. The cutting element is inactive during the sealing process while the two pairs of electrically conductive surfaces are activated to seal tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M. Couture, Jeff Unger, Robert Sharp
  • Patent number: 10537385
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 10537386
    Abstract: A microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. Proximal and distal radiating portions of the antenna assembly are separated by a junction member. A reinforcing member is disposed within the junction member to increase structural rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Roman Turovskiy, Ted Su, Mani Prakash, Steven Kim
  • Patent number: 10537387
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides, according to some embodiments, methods and systems for selectively reducing, blocking or inhibiting at least part of the neural activity in an organ of a subject. In preferred embodiments, the method and system are used for selectively blocking at least part of the neural activity in a duodenum of a subject in need thereof. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of laser radiation. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of ultrasound energy. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking comprises causing damage to at least part of sensory nerves located within a target area while maintaining functional activity of tissue surrounding the sensory nerves by means of shielding it from the effects of laser radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: DIGMA MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Ilan Ben Oren, Irit Yaniv, Tamir Wolf, Avia Herschkovitz
  • Patent number: 10537388
    Abstract: Systems and methods for planning and performing image free implant revision surgery are discussed. For example, a method for generating a revision plan can include collecting pre-defined parameters characterizing a target bone, generating a 3D model, collecting a plurality of surface points, and generating a reshaped 3D model. Generating the 3D model of the target bone can be based on a first portion of the pre-defined parameters. Generating the reshaped 3D model can be done based on the plurality of surface points collected from a portion of the surface of the target bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Blue Belt Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Branislav Jaramaz, Alberto Gregori
  • Patent number: 10537389
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a surgical system, an image processing device, and an image processing method capable of obtaining the posture of an eye more firmly and with a high degree of accuracy. An image information acquisition unit acquires a tomographic image that is a cross-sectional image taken in a direction substantially parallel to an eye axis direction of an eye of a patient. An image recognition unit recognizes each part of the eye on the tomographic image by means of image recognition on the basis of the tomographic image. The control unit calculates the posture of the eye on the basis of the result of recognition of each part of the eye. In this way, by recognizing each part of the eye on the basis of the tomographic image and calculating the posture of the eye on the basis of the result of recognition, the posture of the eye can be obtained more firmly and with a high degree of accuracy. The present technology can be applied to a surgical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Ootsuki
  • Patent number: 10537390
    Abstract: A method of pre-operatively developing a reverse shoulder arthroplasty plan can include receiving an image of a patient shoulder comprising a humerus and a glenoid. The image can be segmented to develop a 3D shoulder model. Virtual surgery can be performed on the 3D shoulder model to generate a modified shoulder model. The virtual surgery can include resecting and reaming a virtual humerus of the 3D shoulder model, and reaming a virtual glenoid of the 3D shoulder model. Selection of a humeral implant and selection of a glenoid implant can be received. A virtual representation of the humeral implant can be implanted on the virtual humerus and a virtual representation of the glenoid implant on the virtual glenoid to virtually update the modified shoulder model. A range of motion of the patient shoulder can be determined and a reverse shoulder arthroplasty can be finalized based on the range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Ravikumar Varadarajan, Jeffrey E. Bischoff, Clinton E. Kehres, Bryce A. Isch
  • Patent number: 10537391
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical guide tool for use in total hip replacement surgery. The surgical guide tool may include a customized mating region and a resection guide. The customized mating region and the resection guide are referenced to each other such that, when the customized mating region matingly engages a surface area of a proximal femur, the resection guide will be aligned to guide a resectioning of the proximal femur along a preoperatively planned resection plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corporation
    Inventors: Ilwhan Park, Michael Koehle, Lorenzo R. Deveza
  • Patent number: 10537392
    Abstract: A method for providing positional relationship data, which represent the position of a marker device relative to a bone which it is affixed to, to a medical navigation system, comprising the steps of: a) receiving bone registration data which represent locations of points on the surface of the bone; b) calculating, from the bone registration data, the current relative position between the bone and a medical instrument which bears the marker device; c) determining an offset between the current relative position and a desired relative position; d) outputting indication information which is based on the calculated offset; e) receiving bone re-registration data which represent locations of points on the surface of the bone; and f) calculating the positional relationship data from the bone re-registration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Manuel Millahn, Bert Bracke, Christian Brack
  • Patent number: 10537393
    Abstract: A device and manufacturing method for a surgical navigation system, comprising a frame member having an attachment location and a rigid mounting device disposed in the attachment location. The frame member comprises an upper straight portion connected to a lower straight portion via a bent portion, wherein the lower straight portion comprises a plurality of mounts each having a top surface. A centerline extending through the rigid mounting device is level with each of the top surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: IZI Medical Products, LLC
    Inventors: Nelson L. Huldin, Greg Groenke, Holger-Claus Rossner
  • Patent number: 10537394
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a first detector that includes a first array of pixels configured to detect light reflected by a surgical instrument and generate a first signal comprising a first dataset representative of a visible image of the surgical instrument. The surgical system also includes a second detector, comprising a second array of pixels configured to detect infrared radiation produced by the surgical instrument during a procedure using the surgical instrument and generate a second signal comprising a second dataset representative of an infrared image of the surgical instrument. The surgical system further includes a processor configured to receive the first and second signals, identify from the first dataset data representative of the surgical instrument, and identify from the second dataset data representative of one or more regions of the surgical instrument above a predetermined threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventor: Geoffrey S. Strobl
  • Patent number: 10537395
    Abstract: A kinematic connector assembly for kinematically coupling two objects is provided. The kinematic connector assembly comprises a receiver defining a cavity and having a plurality of constraint surfaces accessible in the cavity. The kinematic connector assembly further comprises a key having a triplicity of kinematic elements to repeatably position the key in the receiver. The kinematic connector assembly further comprises a preloading mechanism having a load member movable between a clamped position and an unclamped position to secure the key in the receiver, so that the kinematic elements contact the receiver at the plurality of constraint surfaces such that the key is kinematically constrained to the receiver by being constrained by six points of contact with the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Group
    Inventor: Timothy Wade Perez
  • Patent number: 10537396
    Abstract: A variety of systems and methods are described which enable quantitative information to be extracted regarding automated procedures, including those performed at a high speed that may require a user input, without having to interrupt the procedure. In addition, these systems and methods serve to provide information on one or more parameters of the automated procedure, whereby they may be modified, if required, to improve the automated procedure or the results from such a procedure. The systems and methods provided are especially useful in automated hair transplantation procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriele Zingaretti, Mohan Bodduluri, Miguel G. Canales, Brian E. Tippett
  • Patent number: 10537397
    Abstract: A robotic surgical system comprising a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an elongate, hollow shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a flexible section. The surgical instrument also includes a sensor apparatus comprising an electromagnetic sensor. The robotic surgical system also includes a force transmission mechanism coupled to the proximal end of the shaft and a processor communicatively coupled to at least the sensor apparatus. The processor is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor apparatus and to use the sensor data with mechanical property data for the surgical instrument and material property data for the surgical instrument to determine external force information for the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Q. Larkin, Vincent Duindam
  • Patent number: 10537398
    Abstract: A medical manipulator system includes a manipulator having a first joint; a first detecting means detecting an orientation of the first joint; an operation unit having a second joint associated with the first joint for operating the first joint; a second detecting means detecting an orientation of the second joint; a control unit outputting a signal for operating the first joint, the signal being based on the orientation of the second joint detected by the second detecting means; and a display unit displaying information output by the control unit, wherein a display of the information by the display unit includes a first display indicating a predetermined range of an orientation determined by using the orientation of the first joint that is detected by the first detecting means as a reference and a second display indicating the orientation of the second joint that is detected by the second detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryuichi Yorimoto, Takahiro Komuro
  • Patent number: 10537399
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided in which movement of a tool is controlled based on sensed parameters. In one embodiment, an electromechanical tool is provided having an instrument shaft and an end effector formed thereon. The electromechanical tool is configured to be mounted on an electromechanical arm, and the electromechanical tool is configured to move with or relative to the electromechanical arm and perform surgical functions. A controller is operatively coupled to the electromechanical arm and the electromechanical tool and is configured to retard advancement of the electromechanical tool toward a tissue surface based on a sensed amount of displacement of a tissue surface, a strain on the tissue of the patient, the temperature of the electromechanical tool, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chad E. Eckert, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Michael J. Vendely, David C. Yates
  • Patent number: 10537400
    Abstract: An instrument carriage provides control of a surgical instrument coupled to the instrument carriage. The instrument carriage includes a control surface that is coupled to the surgical instrument to provide the control. A detection pin having a first distal end that extends from the control surface is coupled to the instrument carriage. A sensor fixed relative to the instrument carriage detects a position of the detection pin. A carriage controller coupled to the sensor, provides a signal that indicates at least a first state and a second state responsive to a distance between the distal end of the detection pin and the control surface. The signal may indicate if an instrument sterile adapter is coupled to the control surface of the instrument carriage. A third state of the signal may indicate if a surgical instrument is coupled to the instrument sterile adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory W. Dachs, II, Bruce Michael Schena, Amir Chaghajerdi, Niels Smaby, Tyler Morrissette
  • Patent number: 10537401
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vitreous visualization system including a vitreous illuminator including a vitreous visualization light source and a vitreous visualization tool that transmits lights from the vitreous visualization light source into an eye having vitreous, a pupil, and a vitreous-pupil axis. The vitreous visualization system further includes a general illuminator, which may include a general light source and a general illumination tool that transmits light from the general light source into the eye. The present disclosure further provided a vitreous visualization system including only a vitreous illuminator that transmits light from the vitreous visualization light source into an eye having vitreous, a pupil, a vitreous-pupil axis, and a retina at an angle B with the vitreous-pupil axis of the eye such that the brightness of vitreous in the eye is higher than the brightness of the retina of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Cesario Dos Santos, Andrew David Johnson, Ronald Smith, Gerald David Bacher, Alireza Mirsepassi, Ryan Takakawa
  • Patent number: 10537402
    Abstract: A surgical cleaning tool and method of cleaning a surgical tool. The surgical cleaning tool includes a shaft, a handle and an end portion. The shaft has a distal end and a proximal end. The handle is attached to the distal end of the shaft The end portion is connected to the proximal end of the shaft, wherein the end portion has an outer surface, an inner cavity, an inner surface, at least one cleaning element connected to at least a portion of the inner surface, and an opening in a wall portion of the end portion, wherein the opening allows access to the cleaning element in the inner cavity of the end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: Nilesh Vasan, Michael Petri, Andrew Stewart, Patrick Stevens, Rannyu Ngoran, Jonathan Schick, Derrick Jones
  • Patent number: 10537403
    Abstract: A wearable, wireless and battery-free continuous health monitor includes an RFID tag used as an On-Off Keying Device to measure the heart rate. The tag's returned signal strength variations are used to calculate the respiration rate. Machine learning algorithms are employed to determine the health parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Shrenik Vora, Timothy Kurzweg
  • Patent number: 10537404
    Abstract: A directional guide for use with an air-water tip for a syringe includes an elongated member fixedly attached to a longitudinal section of the air-water tip. Extending outwardly from the elongated member is a position control member. The position control member is formed and positioned to rotate the elongated member and the air water tip together and to selectively activate air-water buttons on a syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: Kristine J. Medin
  • Patent number: 10537405
    Abstract: A method includes to receive, via a computing device, data representing a plurality of teeth, identify data indicating which of the plurality of teeth are unerupted or erupting, predict at least one characteristic of a tooth of the unerupted or erupting teeth after they have fully erupted using one or more tooth eruption prediction factors, generate new data representing the unerupted or erupting teeth in multiple states of eruption based upon the predicted at least one characteristic of the fully erupted teeth, and generate a series of incremental tooth arrangements with the new data to define a proposed orthodontic treatment based on the new data representing the unerupted or erupting teeth in multiple states of eruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeeyoung Choi, Chunhua Li, John Morton, Bastien Pesenti, Vadim Matov, Alexander Beliaev, Petr Ushanov, Roman A. Roschin
  • Patent number: 10537406
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, computing device readable medium, and devices for dental appliances with repositioning jaw elements. An example of a method can include identifying a misaligned jaw of a patient from a virtual image of the patient's jaw, providing a treatment plan for the patient including a virtual model of a dental appliance having a first shell and a second shell configured to reposition at least one tooth of the patient, and adjusting the position of the repositioning jaw elements on the first shell and the second shell to comply with a number of constraints. The virtual model of the dental appliance including repositioning jaw elements on the first shell and the second shell configured to move a position of the misaligned jaw of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Wu, Eric E. Kuo, Mitra Derakhshan, Crystal Tjhia, Eric Yau, Allen R. Boronkay, Chunhua Li, Gleb Krivovyaz
  • Patent number: 10537407
    Abstract: A method for correcting a malocclusion in the mouth of a user including the steps of: providing an appliance having an upper body and a lower body, wherein the upper body has an anterior portion having an angled surface and a lingual tab and a posterior portion having an elevated occlusal surface, and wherein the lower body has an anterior portion, a trough and a shield configured to surround the user's lower teeth when the lower body is placed in the user's mouth; positioning the upper body of the appliance relative to the user's tongue to achieve contact therebetween, wherein the lingual tab of the upper body is configured to contact a palate as the appliance is worn in the user's mouth; and positioning the anterior portion of the lower body relative to the user's lips to achieve contact therebetween and to push the lower teeth in a rearward direction within the user's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: Earl O. Bergersen
  • Patent number: 10537408
    Abstract: A dental implant includes an anchoring region (12) for anchoring in a bone, which preferably includes a thread (14) for screwing in the bone, and a fastening region (22) for attaching a supra-construction, wherein an abutment region (16) adjoins the anchoring region (12), the abutment region (16) having a guide structure with a plurality of outwardly projecting ridges (18) provided thereon, and preferably, grooves (20) being formed between the ridges (20). The guide structure of the anchoring region (12) allows a better osseointegration and counteracts peri-implant bone loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignees: UNIVERSITAET BASEL, UNIVERSITAET ZUERICH
    Inventor: Stefan Bernd Stuebinger
  • Patent number: 10537409
    Abstract: A dental-implant system having a first implant part provided for being inserted into a jawbone and having a second implant part associated therewith, provided for fixing a dental prosthetic piece, the implant parts being mechanically connectable to each other via a connection pin which is formed onto one of the implant parts and which can be pushed into a receiving channel provided in the other implant part, and the cross-section of the connection pin and the cross-section of the receiving channel associated therewith each presenting in an indexing area a number of main directions in which the radius takes in each case a relative maximum value, shall offer an even increased mechanic load-carrying ability and thus a particularly long service life when used in the patient's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: Holger Zipprich
  • Patent number: 10537410
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for extracting a broken fragment of a dental abutment screw from a dental implant. One system includes an extractor tool having a tubular outer body and a conductor positioned within the tubular outer body, and an applicator that receives and end of the extractor tool and also includes a heating element that converts electrical energy into heat that is conducted to the extractor tool to melt a thermoplastic adhesive in a cavity at the distal end of the extractor tool, such that the melted thermoplastic adhesive can conform to and engage with a broken fragment of a dental abutment screw within a dental implant when the adhesive cools. The extractor tool can then be rotated to unscrew the broken fragment from the dental implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Steve J. Kukunas, Ashley Smoots, Hannah M. Smith, Paul Kukunas, Fanying Sun, Tyler Hughes
  • Patent number: 10537411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a monolithic form body, in particular a dental restoration, comprising the steps of: providing of a blank, producing of the form body through pressing and/or machining of the blank, and softening of the form body exclusively in its surface region by irradiation with infrared radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventor: Markus Vollmann
  • Patent number: 10537412
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding prosthetic teeth (2), the device comprising a negative form (1) and at least one clamping unit (6), wherein in the negative form (1), recesses (4) for holding coronal sides (12) of the prosthetic teeth (2) are provided, wherein the recesses (4) are formed in such a manner that the prosthetic teeth (2) can be inserted in an unequivocally position and orientation into the recesses (4), wherein the at least one clamping unit (6) is affixable or is affixed to the negative form (1) with a connecting means (10), and wherein the at least one clamping unit (6) has at least one elastic holding means (8), wherein with the at least one elastic holding means (8), an elastic force is exercisable or is exerted from at least two different directions onto the prosthetic teeth (2) inserted into the negative form (1), while the at least one clamping unit (6) is affixed to the negative form (1), so that the prosthetic teeth (2) are affixed in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Kulzer GmbH
    Inventor: Yohannes Woldegergis
  • Patent number: 10537413
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of and dental flask, suitable for use with a dental reline jig for the purpose of cold pour acrylic processing of dentures, acrylic implant retained bridges and other dental prosthesis as well as any other manufactured products using conventional flask techniques and materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: Charles John Cushing
  • Patent number: 10537414
    Abstract: An actuator (12) for a personal care appliance (10) having an eccentric core (21) to preload the actuator (12) to prevent rattling caused by detrimental reactionary forces. The eccentric core (21) includes a pole assembly (24) radially extending from a spindle (22) having at least a first set (25-1) and a second set (25-2) of pole members. The first set (25-1) has a greater length as measured from the center of the spindle (22) than the second set (24-2), reducing the magnet gap on one side of the spindle (22) to create an eccentric core and preload the actuator (12). Alternatively, the preload can be mechanically created by a set of bearings (28) disposed within housing (18) of the actuator (12), where the bearings (28) have a centerline (A3) offset from the principal axis (A1) of the housing (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Kevin Arnold Miller, Wolter F. Benning, Gregory Russ Goddard, Evert Alle Helfrich
  • Patent number: 10537415
    Abstract: It refers to an artificial insemination device which comprises a tube and a tip engageable at one end of the tube, the tip being formed by a hollow tubular body with a semi-spherical upper end provided with at least three orifices; the tip internally comprises at least a first frustoconical portion tapering towards the upper end for insertion of a first vane containing biological material to be inseminated, followed by a first annular portion for coupling this vane, a second frustoconical portion tapering toward the upper end, arranged next to the first annular portion for insertion of a second vane containing biological material having a smaller diameter than the first vane, a second annular portion, arranged after the second additional frustoconical portion, for coupling with the second vane smaller than the first one, and a niche in the region of the upper semi-spherical end where the at least three orifices are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: Osnir Yoshime Watanabe