Patents Issued in September 15, 2020
  • Patent number: 10772666
    Abstract: A bone plate locking cannula and drill guide assembly having a locking cannula detachably mountable onto screw-receiving apertures of a bone plate and a drill guide received within the locking cannula such that pilot holes are drilled through the apertures into bone at the proper angle to receive bone screws. The screw receiving apertures have a proximal bore of greater diameter than a distal bore, and the proximal bore is provided with internal threading to mate with external threading located on the distal end of the locking cannula. The bone screws are inserted through the locking cannula after removal of the drill guide and fastened into the bone to secure the bone plate in position without having to remove the locking cannulas from the bone plate, the internal diameter of the locking cannula bore being greater than the maximum diameter of the screw heads. The locking cannula is detached from the bone plate after the bone plate has been secured in place on the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: KLS-MARTIN, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Johnston, Jr., Jennifer C. Pinto
  • Patent number: 10772667
    Abstract: Various bone screws configured to be implanted into bone and methods of use are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a bone screw is provided with an elongate shank having at least two threads thereon, and having a distal facing surface with at least two cutting edges. The cutting edges can be configured to cut bone as the bone screw is rotated into bone, thereby forming a path for the threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventors: Chris Ramsay, Joseph Peterson
  • Patent number: 10772668
    Abstract: A surgical tool of a surgical torque-transferring instrument includes a distal engagement segment or tool head which is adjoined by a tool shaft whose proximal end portion is prepared for a torque-transferring insertion into a tool mounting of the instrument. The proximal end portion is subdivided at least in a functional section for torque transmission and a functional section for axial locking which is axially spaced from the functional section for torque transmission. The functional section for axial locking, with respect to its geometry, includes parameters which are intended to be changed and cooperate according to the key/keyhole principle only with one tool mounting including corresponding geometrical mating parameters for a correct mounting of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: AESCULAP AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Barth, Florian Kraft
  • Patent number: 10772669
    Abstract: Drill and/or guide wire guides and methods are usable with at least one orthopedic surgical implant screw, wherein the guides have a length defined between a first end and a second end located opposite to the first end and a thickness defined between a front side and a back side located opposite to the front side of the guide. The guides have a guide hole formed adjacent to the first end of the guide, wherein the guide hole extends through the thickness of the guide from the front side to the back side of the guide, wherein the guide hole has a diameter sized to receive a diameter of a drill bit or a guide wire. The guides have a slot formed on the front side of the guide and located adjacent to the front side of the guide, wherein the slot extends along at least a portion of the length of the guide, wherein the slot has a diameter sized to receive a diameter of a drill bit or a guide wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: FLOWER ORTHOPEDICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oliver Burckhardt, Brian Garvey
  • Patent number: 10772670
    Abstract: A vapor delivery needle and method is provided that is adapted for treating prostate cancer. The energy delivery probe can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a peripheral zone tissue in a human prostate. In one method, a needle is introduced into peripheral zone tissue of a human prostate, and vapor media is delivered through the needle to ablate peripheral zone tissue without ablating non-peripheral zone tissue. Systems for treating prostate cancer with vapor therapy are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hoey, Grant Mauch, Mark Schrom
  • Patent number: 10772671
    Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma is an emerging technology in the treatment of cancer. Meanwhile, different types of self-organized pattern (SOP) phenomenon have been reported in a wide of range of plasmas. In this paper, we describe the application of SOP plasma to two breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. Specifically, the effect of SOP plasma on reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) were investigated. SOP plasma-generated RONS displayed significantly decreased cancer cell viability in both breast cancer cell lines; significantly inhibiting cell proliferation via while inducing apoptosis. SOP plasma induced DNA damage, activating the ATM/ATR kinase signaling cascade. ATR phosphorylates the checkpoint effector kinase Chk-1 activating ?-H2AX resulting in cell cycle arrest and ATM induced apoptosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: US Patent Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Zhitong Chen, Jerome Canady, Michael Keidar
  • Patent number: 10772672
    Abstract: A device and method for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula includes a proximal base having a distal diagonal end surface and a distal tip connected to the proximal base and movable relative to the proximal base. The distal tip has a proximal diagonal end surface. A heating assembly, including an energized heating element, is disposed one of the distal diagonal end surface and the proximal diagonal end surface. A passive heating assembly is disposed on the mating diagonal end surface. The distal diagonal end surface and the proximal diagonal end surface are adapted to contact opposing sides of a tissue portion to create a fistula. The angle of the proximal diagonal end surface matches the angle of the distal diagonal end surface, so that the two surfaces match one another during deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Avenu Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Hull, David T. Aldridge, Seth A. Foerster, Brad M. Kellerman, Gene B. Reu, Mark A. Ritchart, David K. Wrolstad
  • Patent number: 10772673
    Abstract: A surgical energy system includes a first and second surgical instruments and a generator including a universal interface. The first surgical instrument includes a first instrument connector having one or more instrument couplers disposed in a first instrument coupler configuration. The second surgical instrument includes a second instrument connector having one or more instrument couplers disposed in a second instrument coupler configuration. The first and second instrument coupler configurations are different. The generator includes a universal interface including generator couplers arranged to provide generator coupler configurations at the universal interface. Each generator coupler configuration accommodates one of the first and second instrument coupler configurations in order to electronically couple the generator to a respective one of the first and second surgical instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: James D. Allen, IV, Duane E. Kerr
  • Patent number: 10772674
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first actuation assembly coupled to a first component and movable from a first position to a second position to actuate the first component. A biasing member coupled to the first actuation assembly is configured to bias the first actuation assembly towards the first position. A second actuation assembly is coupled to a second component and is selectively actuatable to actuate the second component. The second actuation assembly is coupled to the first actuation assembly such that actuation of the second actuation assembly effects movement of the first actuating assembly from the first position towards the second position. A linkage assembly is configured to reduce the bias applied to the first actuation assembly when the second actuation assembly effects movement of the first actuation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: John J. Kappus, David N. Heard
  • Patent number: 10772675
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps incorporates a support element within an interior of a cup for supporting one or both tines at their proximal ends. The support element minimizes or prevents misalignment of the tips of the forceps during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Kirwan Surgical Products LLC
    Inventors: Chadwick J. Whitcher, Robert T. Boyd
  • Patent number: 10772676
    Abstract: A microsurgical bipolar forceps may include an actuation structure, a hypodermic tube, a first electrical conductor, and a second electrical conductor. The actuation structure may include an actuation structure distal end, an actuation structure proximal end, and a plurality of actuation limbs. The hypodermic tube may be disposed in the actuation structure. The first electrical conductor may be disposed in the hypodermic tube and the actuation structure wherein the first electrical conductor is electrically connected to a bipolar cord. The second electrical conductor may be disposed in the hypodermic tube and the actuation structure wherein the second electrical conductor is electrically connected to the bipolar cord. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to decrease a distance between a first jaw of the first electrical conductor and a second jaw of the second electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: KOGENT SURGICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Jacob D Harris
  • Patent number: 10772677
    Abstract: Surgical systems and methods are provided for controlling actuation and movement of various surgical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10772678
    Abstract: The devices and method described herein allow for therapeutic damage to increase volume in these hyperdynamic hearts to allow improved physiology and ventricular filling and to reduce diastolic filling pressure by making the ventricle less stiff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventors: Michael D. Laufer, Freddy Abnousi
  • Patent number: 10772679
    Abstract: A surgical system for connecting body tissue is provided. The surgical system includes a surgical instrument having two tool elements movable relative to each other, each of which comprises a high-frequency electrode. The high-frequency electrodes, in an approach position of the tool elements, define a minimum distance from each other, lying opposite each other and facing each other. The instrument has a shaft at the distal end of which at least a first one of the tool elements is arranged or formed. A second tool element is movable from an operating position, in which it is adapted for movement into the approach position, into a removal position and/or vice versa. A surface area of a perpendicular projection of the second tool element onto a projection plane extending perpendicularly to a shaft direction in a region of the second tool element is smaller in the removal position than in the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Dieter Weisshaupt, Anton Keller, Christoph Rothweiler
  • Patent number: 10772680
    Abstract: One aspect relates to an ablation electrode for high-frequency ablation in medical technology, whereby the ablation electrode includes a gold alloy. One aspect relates to a catheter tip for use with a catheter device, including an ablation electrode, as well as a catheter device for high-frequency ablation, including a catheter tip, as well as the use of an ablation electrode, a catheter tip or a catheter device for high-frequency ablation; as well as a process for production of an ablation electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Heraeus Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christiane Leitold, Thorsten Keller, Lydia Buckow, Christian Hammermeister, Winfried Krämer
  • Patent number: 10772681
    Abstract: A method to apply a nerve inhibiting cloud surrounding a blood vessel includes creating a treatment plan, wherein the treatment plan prescribes application of the nerve inhibiting cloud towards at least a majority portion of a circumference of a blood vessel wall, and applying the nerve inhibiting cloud towards the majority portion of the circumference of the blood vessel wall for a time sufficient to inhibit a function of a nerve that surrounds the blood vessel wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Utsuka Medical Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Gertner
  • Patent number: 10772682
    Abstract: A radiation applicator with a dielectric body (2) surrounding the antenna. The dielectric body (2) is comprised of three sections (3, 4 and 5) with different dielectric constants to provide broad-band matching of the applicator to surrounding material. Washers (10) and (11) are mounted on the antenna to act as reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Nigel Cronin
  • Patent number: 10772683
    Abstract: Systems for enabling delivery of very high peak power laser pulses through optical fibers for use in ablation procedures preferably in contact mode. Such lasers advantageously emit at 355 nm wavelength. Other systems enable selective removal of undesired tissue within a blood vessel, while minimizing the risk of damaging the blood vessel itself, based on the use of the ablative properties of short laser pulses of 320 to 400 nm laser wavelength, with selected parameters of the mechanical walls of the tubes constituting the catheter, of the laser fluence and of the force that is applied by the catheter on the tissues. Additionally, a novel method of calibrating such catheters is disclosed, which also enables real time monitoring of the ablation process. Additionally, novel methods of protecting the fibers exit facets are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: EXIMO MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Yoel Zabar, Oren Meshulam Stern, Ilan Ben Oren
  • Patent number: 10772684
    Abstract: A system for visualizing an anatomical target includes an imaging device having a field of view for imaging a portion of a region to be imaged. A three-dimensional model is generated from pre-operative or intra-operative images and includes images of an internal volume in the region to be imaged not visible in the images from the imaging device. An image processing module is configured to receive images from the imaging device such that field of view images of the imaging device are stitched together to generate a composite image of the region to be imaged. The composite image is registered to real-time images and the three-dimensional model. An internal view module is configured to generate for display an internal view of the internal volume at one or more positions along the composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Aleksandra Popovic, Haytham Elhawary
  • Patent number: 10772685
    Abstract: A process and system are provided for placing recovery markers on a bone, prior to surgery, at locations that permit the bone to be re-registered within a desired degree of accuracy. The process includes installing a first recovery marker on the bone, and digitizing a first position with a digitizer probe having a probe tip. Subsequently, a user navigates along a surface of the bone with the probe tip to place a second recovery marker on the bone. A processor calculates a distance between the first recovery marker and the probe tip, and notifies a user when the processor calculates that a probe tip position is at or beyond a pre-determined distance from the first recovery marker. A second recovery marker is installed on the bone at or beyond the pre-determined distance, and is digitized to permit bone re-registration using the first recovery marker and the second recovery marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: THINK SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Klaus George Erbe
  • Patent number: 10772686
    Abstract: A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can determine one or more intersections between a medical device and an image region based at least in part on first emplacement data and second emplacement data. Using the determined intersections, the system can cause one or more displays to display perspective views of image guidance cues, including an intersection ghost in a virtual 3D space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: InnerOptic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrei State, Brian Heaney, Luv Kohli, Kurtis Keller, Caroline Green
  • Patent number: 10772687
    Abstract: A computer-assisted imaging and localization system assists the physician in positioning implants and instruments into a patient's body. The system displays overlapping images—one image of the surgical site with the patient's anatomy and another image showing the implant(s) or instrument(s). The overlapping image of the implant/instrument is moved over the static image of the anatomy as the implant/instrument is moved. These moving image of the implant/instrument can be an unaltered image or an image altered to intensify or mitigate the anatomical or non-anatomical aspects of the moving image. Sliding these images over one another helps the surgeon in positioning devices or instruments with a high degree of accuracy and with a limited number of additional x-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: TrackX Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Isaacs, Samuel Morris Johnston, David Alexander Skwerer
  • Patent number: 10772688
    Abstract: An input device for a robotic surgical system includes a body, a light source, and control interfaces. The body is configured to couple to a user interface. The control interfaces are each associated with a function of the robot system. The light source is configured to selectively illuminate each of the control interfaces independent of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: William Peine, Peter Vokrot
  • Patent number: 10772689
    Abstract: To perform a tool exchange in a medical robotic system, tool is retracted back into an entry guide from a deployed position and pose so that an assistant in the operating room may replace it with a different tool. While the tool is being retracted back towards the entry guide by user action, its configuration is changed to an entry pose while avoiding collisions with other objects so that it may fit in the entry guide. After the tool exchange is completed, a new tool is inserted in the entry guide and extended out of the guide by user action to the original position of the old tool prior to its retraction into the entry guide while the tool's controller assists the user by reconfiguring the new tool so as to resemble the original deployed pose of the old tool prior to its retraction into the entry guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Gomez, Nicola Diolaiti, David Q. Larkin, Tabish Mustufa, Probal Mitra, Paul E. Lilagan
  • Patent number: 10772690
    Abstract: A system comprises a medical instrument including a rotatable capstan. The rotatable capstan includes a capstan coupling member that can engage with a drive shaft coupling member such that rotation of the drive shaft causes rotation of the capstan about a drive axis concentric with the drive shaft, and can disengage from the drive shaft coupling member such that rotation of the drive shaft does not cause rotation of the capstan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Maria Prisco
  • Patent number: 10772691
    Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical instrument includes a first mechanism including a periphery and an opening in the periphery, a second mechanism including a surface and a helical slot in the surface, a pin extending through the opening of the first mechanism and into the helical slot of the second mechanism, and a surgical device coupled to an end of the first mechanism. A first axial axis of rotation is defined for the first mechanism. A second axial axis of rotation is defined for the second mechanism. The second axial axis of rotation is coincident with the first axial axis of rotation. Rotation of the first mechanism relative to the second mechanism results in motion of the second mechanism along the second axial access of rotation relative to the first mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Bailey, Simon P. DiMaio
  • Patent number: 10772692
    Abstract: The invention provides a probe device, a precision detection method, a precision detection system, and a positioning system. The probe device includes a positioning part and a guide detection part, wherein the positioning part is provided with a support having three or more non-collinear positioning element installed thereon, and the guide detection part is connected with the support, has a first preset positional relation with the positioning elements, and has a cylindrical outer contour matched with a guide element of the positioning system. The precision of the guide element can be accurately detected, so that the control precision of a surgical robot is effectively improved, and the system safety is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: TINAVI MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yinyan Li, Bo Chen, Yubiao Wei
  • Patent number: 10772693
    Abstract: A surgical instrument may include a shaft, a force transmission mechanism, and an end effector. The shaft may have a proximal end and a distal end. The force transmission mechanism may be coupled to the proximal end of the shaft. The end effector may be coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The shaft may include a body having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface may surround a lumen configured to receive a drive member that extends through the lumen. The outer surface of the body may form an outer surface of the shaft. The body may be made of a single material from the inner surface of the body to the outer surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicole Kernbaum, Samuel T. Crews, Harsukhdeep Singh Ratia
  • Patent number: 10772694
    Abstract: Disclosed are a compact activation member for operating a medical treatment tool, an activation mechanism having the activation member, and a method for fabricating the activation mechanism. An activation member is directed to an activation member which is provided in a housing as to be rotatable about a rotational axis and around which an elongate element for operating a treatment tool is wound. The activation member includes: a plurality of rotation members which rotate about the rotational axis; and a pressing member which engages with at least one of the plurality of rotation members. Each of the plurality of rotation members includes a surface provided with ridges and grooves. The plurality of rotation members are attached to a base of the housing by being pressed by the pressing member in an extending direction of the rotational axis, with the surfaces of the plurality of rotation members engaged with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: MEDICAROID CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuki Ishihara, Yu Usuki, Kenji Ago
  • Patent number: 10772695
    Abstract: A glove with thinner and thicker parts is disclosed. The thinner parts, in one version of the glove, cover all of a thumb and index finger and a distal phalanx of a middle and ring finger. The rest of the glove, in such an embodiment, is thicker. The thicker parts can include the palm and dorsal side of the hand. The thinner region palmar side of the distal phalanx of the middle and ring finger include, in embodiments of the disclosed technology, a pad with a peelable cover which reveals a local anesthetic and disinfectant. Such pads can further be used/attached with a version of the glove with only thinner material throughout. In this manner, one can grasp with greater dexterity with the thinner regions of the glove compared to the thicker regions and also use a disinfectant followed by an anesthetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Henny Avitan
  • Patent number: 10772696
    Abstract: Connection systems are disclosed for establishing one or more electrical connections through a drape. An example connection system includes a first connector and a second connector configured to connect to each other. The first connector includes a first-connector housing, an electrical lead extending from the first-connector housing, and at least a first piercing element within the first-connector housing configured to pierce the drape. The first piercing element is orthogonally connected to the electrical lead. The second connector includes a second-connector housing and at least a first receptacle within the second-connector housing. The first receptacle is configured to form at least a first electrical connection of the one or more electrical connections with the first piercing element when the first connector is disposed over the second connector with the drape therebetween. Methods are also disclosed herein for establishing one or more electrical connections through a drape with the connection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Bard Access Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Chase Thompson, Jerry Zhao, Kent F. Beck
  • Patent number: 10772697
    Abstract: Disclosed is an anatomical drape, such as a dental drape, for covering a treatment area of an anatomical part. The drape includes an elastomeric material capable of conforming to the contours of the anatomical part. The drape preferably includes a curing agent. Activation of the curing agent, for example by a light source, causes selective hardening of the stretched material to at least partially set the drape in a configuration conforming to the anatomical part. The semi-rigid set drape preferably is liquid impermeable but gas permeable. A method of manufacturing the drape is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: MAVRIK DENTAL SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Daniel Sanders
  • Patent number: 10772698
    Abstract: A package for an object includes a support element with means for coupling the object to the support element. A first hollow protective element is provided as a stopper coupled to the support element of the object. The support element presents a grip portion which projects from the stopper, the support element, alone or in co-operation with the stopper, defining a first chamber containing the object. A second hollow protective element is provided as a cover. The cover is coupled to the stopper so as to cooperate with the stopper to define a second chamber inside which the grip portion of the support element extends. The cover is coupled to the stopper, with the grip portion of the stopper projecting from the cover. The means for coupling is configured to hold the object suspended through the means for coupling, so that the object extends into the space left free between the means for coupling and a bottom portion of the support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Olivier Richart
  • Patent number: 10772699
    Abstract: A mechanotransductive bowel extender device that can be used to correct short bowel syndrome by applying tension to the bowel tissue which, via the process of mechanotransduction, grows in length in response to the applied tension. Such a device is placed within the small bowel and applies tension over a period of several days or weeks by attaching to the lumen of the bowel at two different locations and moving those two points apart, stretching the tissue between. The extender device further capable of localized application and/or evacuation of medically relevant liquid and other material within the bowel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Luntz, Meredith Barrett, Diann Erbschloe Brei, Brent Utter, Farokh R. Demehri
  • Patent number: 10772700
    Abstract: A loading unit detection system includes an elongate member, a loading unit, a magnet, and a GMR IC. The elongate member defines a receiver. The loading unit includes a connector that is configured to be received within the receiver to releasably couple the loading unit to the elongate member. The magnet is supported on the connector and is configured to translate relative to the elongate member as the connector is received within the receiver. The GMR IC is embedded within the elongate member and is configured to output a differential voltage in response to a magnetic field produced by the magnet of the loading unit. The differential voltage is indicative of the position of the loading unit within the receiver of the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: John Pantazis, Anthony Calderoni
  • Patent number: 10772701
    Abstract: A teleoperated surgical system is provided that comprises a support arm; a surgical instrument, moveably mounted to the support arm, including a housing a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and having an end effector at the distal end portion thereof; an actuator to impart movement to the surgical instrument; an optical fiber, including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, mounted to the surgical instrument to emit first light from its distal end at the distal end portion of the surgical instrument; and a light source disposed to impart the first light to the proximal end of the optical fiber at a first angle within an acceptance angle of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian E. McDowall, Brian D. Hoffman, Theodore W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 10772702
    Abstract: A surgical lighting apparatus for illuminating a surgical environment includes a lighthead and a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive data from sensors positioned in one or more light emitting modules and identify, from the received data, an obstruction inhibiting delivery of a predetermined amount of light from one or more of light emitting elements of moveable light emitting modules to corresponding areas of a surgical site. The lighthead is configured to illuminate the surgical site. The lighthead includes a plurality of the light emitting modules and the sensors. Each of the light emitting modules includes a plurality of the light emitting elements positioned on a front side thereof. Each of the light emitting elements is configured to emit the predetermined amount of light from the light emitting modules to illuminate one of the corresponding areas of the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: James Allyn Petrucci, Lance Clark Bellows
  • Patent number: 10772703
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for positioning a camera of a surgical robotic system to capture images inside a body cavity of a patient during a medical procedure are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method involves receiving location information at a controller of a surgical robotic system performing the medical procedure, the location information defining a location of at least one tool with respect to a body cavity frame of reference, and in response to receiving an align command signal at the controller, causing the controller to produce positioning signals operable to cause the camera to be positioned within the body cavity frame of reference to capture images of the at least one tool for display to an operator of the surgical robotic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Titan Medical Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Kralicky
  • Patent number: 10772704
    Abstract: An end effector coupler for a surgical arm can include an end effector body, a proximal coupler, and a tool lock. The tool lock can releasably retain a tool stem to the end effector coupler. The tool lock can include a keyed opening, a pin bore, a pin disposed in the bin bore, a biasing element located in the pin bore, and a pin release including an actuator, the pin release operable to retract the pin into to the end effector body to disengage the pin from the tool stem allowing release of the tool stem from the keyed opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet CMF and Thoracic, LLC
    Inventors: Saddy Garcia, Ryan Luby, Shawn Robinson, Benjamin Witten, Max Holland Billard, Nicolai Ussin, Catherine Boniface, Aurelien Bruneau, Robert Carlton, Ralph Paul, Demetrius Siachames, Jeffrey Schlosser
  • Patent number: 10772705
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand operated dental instrument that allows a user to manually operate tool bits that are ordinarily operated by a power operated tool. Then invention includes a handle that carries a shaft; a bore-hole extending through at least a portion of the shaft for receiving a tool bit; an elevated stop disposed in the bore-hole for engaging at least a portion of a tool bit that is inserted into the bore-hole; a securing ring receiving slot disposed in the shaft and is in fluid communication with the bore-hole; and a securing ring that when placed in the securing ring receiving slot presses at least a portion of the tool bit towards the elevated stop so that when the shaft is rotated, the tool bit rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Charles Buist, DMD, PA
    Inventor: Charles Buist, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10772706
    Abstract: A retainer cooperating with a plurality of teeth and configured to stabilize the plurality of teeth, the retainer including at least one elongated arc which is shaped overall adapted to a natural curvature of a lower jaw or an upper jaw, wherein the at least one elongated arc is locally adapted individually to a surface contour of respective abutting teeth, wherein the retainer is machined from a sheet metal plate and includes two mutually parallel surfaces, wherein the sheet metal plate is made from a nickel titanium alloy, preferably a nitinol, wherein the retainer contacts a tooth surface in an installed condition of the retainer, wherein a machined surface of the retainer faces the tooth surface in the installed condition of the retainer, and wherein an upper side or a lower side of the retainer corresponds to an original surface plane of the sheet metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: RETAINTECHNOLOGY UG
    Inventor: Hildegard Brigitte Schumacher
  • Patent number: 10772707
    Abstract: Provided herein are crosslinked polymers useful in orthodontic appliances and light polymerizable liquid compositions and formulations useful for making crosslinked polymers. Also provided are methods of making an orthodontic appliance comprising a cross-linked polymer formed by a direct fabrication technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Yan Chen, Chunhua Li, Srinivas Kaza, Neil Brian Cramer, Mary Catherine Berard
  • Patent number: 10772708
    Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth includes a bracket body that has an archwire slot adapted to receive the archwire. A movable member is engaged with the bracket body and is movable between an opened position and a closed position. The bracket body and movable member are made from a transparent or translucent ceramic for improved aesthetics. The bracket body may include one or more stop surfaces that limit movement of the moveable member in the gingival direction. The bracket body may include a support surface that is positioned lingually of a labial edge of the archwire slot. The moveable member may include a bracket-engaging portion having a first surface confronting the bracket body and a slot-covering portion having a second surface confronting the archwire slot, the first and second surfaces being offset from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Yeh, Rodolfo Rodriguez, Farrokh Farzin-Nia
  • Patent number: 10772709
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental implant having at least one but preferably a plurality of split fins that are vertically spaced along the vertical axis of the body portion of the implant. These split fins hold the body portion of a dental implant stationary within the patient's jaw by engaging the patient's jawbone and promoting osseointegration—the growth bone around and on the surface of the implant. Each split fin has a first end that is vertically spaced from a second end along the implant body's vertical axis such that the split fin extends from the first end and around the body's circumference along an inclined plane until it terminates at the second end so that the split fin creates a single spiral that extends around the entire circumference of the body portion of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Charles Buist, DMD, PA
    Inventor: Charles Buist, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10772710
    Abstract: A tooth implant system is provided, comprising a fixture, protrusions, and an abutment. The fixture has a top opening portion, a bottom closed portion, an inner surface portion, an outer surface portion, and a central hole portion surrounded by the inner surface portion. The plurality of protrusions are provided on the inner surface portion of the fixture at locations of substantially same heights from the bottom closed portion and with even circumferential intervals, and each of the plurality of protrusions comprises a vertical stop and a bottom edge. The abutment comprises an upper cylindrical portion, a middle connecting portion extending from the top cylindrical portion, and a lower engaging portion extending from the middle connecting portion. The lower engaging portion of the abutment is configured to be received into the central hole portion surrounded by the protrusions and engage with the protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Kwang Seob Kim
  • Patent number: 10772711
    Abstract: A reinforcement bar combination for a direct dental bridge, the reinforcement bar combination including: first and second elongate bars, each of the first and second elongate bars contacting a single occlusal preparation formed in a single abutment tooth and each of the first and second elongate bars having an end positioned on a central pad of a third elongate bar to form a reinforcement scaffold. The first elongate bar is a first elongate torque bar that is optionally bent. The second elongate bar is a second elongate torque bar that is optionally bent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Christopher Morris
  • Patent number: 10772712
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a method of using a hardenable dental article. The method can include providing the hardenable dental article; applying the hardenable dental article to a dental structure; customizing the shape of the hardenable dental article; and at least partially curing the hardenable dental article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jie Yang, Naimul Karim, Todd D. Jones, Gerald S. Deeb, Dwight W. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 10772713
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibrating toothbrush, and more particularly to a vibrating toothbrush enabled to perform toothbrushing for a running time, periodically output an alarm signal in a multisensory way to guide change of a region subject to toothbrushing, and supply driving power in the form of pulses according to a period, thereby reducing power consumption and rapid driving stress of a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: ONE STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jae Hoon Sohn
  • Patent number: 10772714
    Abstract: A storage case for a dental appliance includes a storage portion, a cover, and a location device. The storage portion includes a compartment that is configured to hold a dental appliance of a user. The cover is coupled to the storage portion and configured to selectively move between an open position and closed position. The cover permits access to the compartment when in the open position and restricts access to the compartment when in the closed position. The location device includes a communications device and a speaker. The speaker is configured to generate a sound based on the communications device receiving a signal from a mobile device of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Josh Chapman, Brittany Lacey
  • Patent number: 10772715
    Abstract: An injecting gun for the treatment of animals with identification aid with a push button on the handle comprising a body formed by two main housings linked by their edges with delimitate the free space, in which there is an electronic card consisting of: a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which is connected by means of: a) a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) module with connections to: i) a RFID (Radio-Frequency IDentification) module, ii) a wireless connectivity module; and iii) a keyboard; b) a GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) module with connections to: iii) a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diode), iv) a vibrator, vi) a buzzer, vii) a syringe sensor, viii) a verification sensor, and ix) a TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) liquid crystal parallel port; c) a USB module (Universal Serial Bus) with: x) a micro USB plug (micro USB); wherein, said CPU is connected to a memory; and wherein said CPU is connected to an energy source, which is connected to a charger and energy manager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: DIGIRODEO S.A.
    Inventors: Fernando Oscar Diaz Offeney, Carlos Ignacio Iturriaga, Leopoldo Simini, Nicolás Alejandro Reyes Viserie