Nozzle Insertable Into Body Orifice Patents (Class 604/275)
  • Publication number: 20130158513
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a nozzle apparatus includes a body having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a gripping portion for attaching and removing the nozzle apparatus from a container. In one embodiment, the second portion is sized and configured to be positioned in at least one nostril of an individual. A portion of the second portion being asymmetrical to the first portion of the body. The first and second portions of the body define a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet of the body. A portion of the fluid passageway is centrally disposed from the inlet of the body along an axis of the body. A portion of the fluid passageway angles obliquely substantially near the outlet of the body. The outlet of the fluid passageway has a diameter greater than the diameter of the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Jay Betz, Daniel Darst, William Robert Worrell, Eric Jason Krause
  • Patent number: 8430865
    Abstract: Enteral safety system (ESS) may include oral dispenser having visual indicator such as barrel with measurement marks of a color. Barrel may allow content viewing. ESS may include hub for connecting oral dispenser to enteral set. Hub may have a visual indicator such as being same color as barrel's marks. Enteral tubing or set may have a visual indicator such as a lengthwise stripe same color as barrel's marks. Enteral tubing may allow content viewing. ESS may include an enteral tubing-feeding tube hub for connecting enteral tubing to a feeding tube. This hub may have visual indicator such as same color as barrel's marks. Feeding tube may have visual indicator such as a lengthwise stripe same color as barrel's marks. Feeding tube may allow content viewing. The oral dispenser, oral dispenser-enteral tubing hub, enteral tubing, enteral tubing-feeding tube hub, and feeding tubing are properly connectable by reference to visual indicators such as color matching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony C. Lair
  • Patent number: 8425475
    Abstract: A sanitary apparatus for intestinal cleansing to be attached to a water faucet (R), comprises a faucet filter (2), a quick coupling (3) connectable to the faucet filter (2) and containing a pressure-relief device. A spiral hose (4) connects the pressure-relief device to a series of devices situated in a rectilinear tube section (16), the series of devices including a temperature control device (5), a flow regulator (6), a metering device (7), a check valve (13) and a rectal nozzle (14) in an end section of the sanitary apparatus. Said end section comprises a semirigid tube (9, 12) sustained by a fixing removable support (10) including a base plate (19) provided with at least a sucker (21) in its lower part, and with U bolt-shaped members (24) clamping the semirigid tube (9, 12) in its upper part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Iniziativa centro sud srl
    Inventor: Diego Sodo
  • Patent number: 8425474
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical dispenser including a tube having an open end and a space filled with a composition, and an applicator including a first end removably coupled to the open end of the tube and a longitudinal portion with at least one aperture is described. The dispenser can also include a removable cover extending longitudinally and having a bore surrounding the longitudinal portion of the applicator. The composition may be an anal medication. A single dosage unit of the composition is usually contained in the tube, and the tube, applicator, and cover are disposable after use. Methods of using the dispenser include squeezing the tube, allowing the composition to exit the aperture of the applicator, and applying the composition to a target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley P. Glassman, Alan S. Goldstein, Daniel Glassman
  • Patent number: 8419722
    Abstract: An apparatus for percutaneous delivery of a sealant comprising: at least two fluid reservoirs, an introducer needle having a distal tip that is in fluid communication with at least one reservoir, a fluid delivery tube that is in fluid communication with a second reservoir, wherein the fluid delivery tube has a tip and wherein the fluid delivery tube is configured so that the tip of the fluid delivery tube does not extend past the distal tip of the introducer needle during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Spinal Restoration, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Richards, Brian D. Burkinshaw, Kevin Pauza, James B. Rogan, John Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8419675
    Abstract: An applicator insertable into a living body includes a nozzle having an elongated nozzle main body and a nozzle head on a front end side of the nozzle main body and through which a liquid together with a gas is expelled, with the nozzle main body including a flexible curved section. The applicator also includes an outer tube in which is positioned a portion of the nozzle main body so as to be movable along a longitudinal direction. The angle or degree of curvature of the curved section is changed by inserting the curved section into the outer tube to thereby adjust a direction of the nozzle head relative to a axis of the nozzle main body. In addition, a longitudinally extending gap exists between the outer tube and the nozzle. The gap functions as a discharge path for discharging gas within the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 8414549
    Abstract: A personal cleaning apparatus includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall has an upper edge defining an opening into the housing. A conduit has a first end and a second end and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are open. The upper edge of the peripheral wall is integrally attached to and coextensive with the conduit and the conduit is in fluid communication with an interior of the housing. An applicator includes a body portion and a top wall. The body portion has an open distal end with respect to the top wall that is positioned in the conduit. The top wall has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The housing may be filled with fluid, the applicator inserted into a person's body and the housing squeezed to eject the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher Y. Thomas, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130085456
    Abstract: An applicator 270 includes a stem 174 having an axially-formed slot delivery passage 200. A slot 176 is formed transaxially through the stem 174 and is in communication with the slot delivery passage 200. An extended side wall 176b is formed on one side of the slot 176. A flat surface 276 is formed in the stem 174 and extends angularly away from an opposite side of the slot 176 and from the extended side wall 176b to provide a wide slot opening at an external surface 195 of the stem for dispensing a cream from the opening. A trough-like cleft 306 can be formed in the external surface 195 of a solid portion of the stem 174, distally of the slot 176, to provide an axially-extended path for the cream being dispensed through the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Irwin R. Berman, Richard D. Gillespie, III, Gervasio Salgado, Armand Maaskamp, Ryan Maaskamp
  • Publication number: 20130085476
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for delivering therapeutic compositions to the inner-ear to treat inner-ear disorders. An embodiment of such a system comprises a sheath for insertion into the auditory canal and a cannula which can be inserted through the sheath. The cannula can include a tip for piercing the tympanic membrane and delivering the composition to an inner-ear tissue surface. The system may also include a therapeutic composition comprising a therapeutic agent and a thixotropic material which allows the composition to be delivered (e.g., by injection) through the cannula in liquid form and transition to gel-form once delivered to the tissue surface. A method for using the system comprises introducing the sheath into the ear, introducing the cannula through the sheath to pierce the tympanic membrane and position the tip adjacent an inner-ear tissue surface; and delivering the composition through the cannula to adhere to the tissue surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: InClube Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Mir A. Imran
  • Patent number: 8409152
    Abstract: A nozzle for a nasal rinse device includes a collar that forms a conduit. The collar is configured to attach the nozzle to the nasal rinse device. An outlet aperture defined by the collar is on a top portion of the nozzle. The nozzle also includes a skirt extending outwards and downwards from the collar, and an outer surface of the skirt is faceted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Hair
  • Patent number: 8403923
    Abstract: A method and kit for treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Spinal Restoration, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven I. Whitlock, Brian D. Burkinshaw, Kevin Pauza
  • Patent number: 8398578
    Abstract: A surgical tool whose shaft terminates into a tip having a smooth, rounded edge and that has pores on its top or side, but none one the underside of its base. There may be a flattened base indicative of the shape of a bubble, basket, funnel, circular disc, oblong shape, Maltese cross or mulberry. The pores may be directed backward. A spring spiral may be provided within the shaft to exert a spring bias. The globe may be in the form of a sleeve fitted over a conventional phacoemulsification tip and needs to be positioned to keep the phacoemulsification tip from contacting the sleeve during operation. Alternatively, the globe may be part of a tip itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Christine Lydie Zolli
  • Publication number: 20130053792
    Abstract: A catheter-based/intravascular ablation (denervation) system includes a multiplicity of needles which expand open around a central axis to engage the wall of a blood vessel, or the wall of the left atrium, allowing the injection of a cytotoxic or/or neurotoxic solution for ablating conducting tissue, or nerve fibers around the ostium of the pulmonary vein, or circumferentially in or just beyond the outer layer of the renal artery. The expandable needle delivery system is formed with self-expanding materials and include structures, near the end portion of the needles, or using separate guide tubes. The system also includes means to limit and/or adjust the depth of penetration of the ablative fluid into the tissue of the wall of the targeted blood vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: ABLATIVE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: DAVID R. FISCHELL, TIM A. FISCHELL
  • Patent number: 8366681
    Abstract: A high flow volume nasal irrigation device for alternating pulsatile and continuous fluid flow includes a tube comprising a free end and a housing at a second end adjoined to a cap with a coaxial cap nipple. A valve assembly inside the housing comprises a disk-like valve and a plurality of housing standoffs configured to stop the valve but allow a fluid flow in the housing and out the nipple. A cylindrical elastic valve seat is adjoined to the cap nipple and forms a gap with the valve on the standoffs. A spring opposes the valve moving toward the valve seat from the standoffs and assists in returning the valve from the seat to the standoffs and thus with the valve seat creates a periodic pulsatile fluid flow in the nipple in response to a chamber pressure which exceeds a critical chamber pressure threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Carpenter
  • Patent number: 8357147
    Abstract: A method of repairing a defect in an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, without excising the entire nucleus pulposus of the disc. The method includes inserting an introducer needle through the annulus fibrosus by puncturing the annulus fibrosus with the introducer needle, injecting an in situ curable, bio-compatible polymerizable or polymeric material composition into the disc through the introducer needle directly or indirectly so that the in situ curable composition contacts a defect in the annulus fibrosus; and curing said material in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Spinal Restoration, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Burkinshaw, John L. Wheeler, James B. Rogan, Steven I. Whitlock
  • Patent number: 8348906
    Abstract: A pneumostoma management system includes a pneumostoma management device for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma and a pneumostoma aspirator for pneumostoma care. The pneumostoma aspirator includes a bulb or syringe for applying positive or negative pressure, a tube for entering the pneumostoma and a limiting device for limiting the depth of insertion of the tube into a pneumostoma. The pneumostoma aspirator may also be used to introduce irrigation fluid into the pneumostoma and/or remove irrigation fluid and discharge from the pneumostoma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Portaero, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Tanaka, Joshua P. Wiesman, David C. Plough
  • Patent number: 8343114
    Abstract: A device for nasal lavage is described. The device ejects a gentle flow of fluid under pressure. The fluid stream provides a high quantity of fluid at low pressure. The low pressure fluid stream is more comfortable for a user than a high pressure fluid stream that are delivered by some types of pressurized cans of solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Ketan C. Mehta
  • Patent number: 8333754
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying medical or veterinary utility modules comprising a first module operable in a digestive or respiratory tract to engage a second module, optionally by a magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, systems may be operable to remain in situ and also operable to permit a therapeutic material dispensation. In some contexts, for example, systems or methods may dispense a therapeutic material via a subject's throat or elsewhere in the digestive or respiratory tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8298213
    Abstract: A medical instrument comprises a funnel having a tube with opposite first and second ends, respectively, with a conical portion at the first end. Conical portion has an outer conical surface which increases in outer diameter in a direction from the second end to the first end. A mouth is provided at an end of the conical portion distant to the end, and a lip extends about a part of the circumference of the mouth. The lip protrudes from the conical surface. A first grip is formed axially along the tube and provides a visual reference to the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Jiwan Singh
  • Patent number: 8273051
    Abstract: A pneumostoma management system includes a pneumostoma management device for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma and a drug delivery device for pneumostoma care. The drug delivery device may be used to introduce therapeutic agents into the pneumostoma for direct treatment of the pneumostoma, treatment of the lung by way of collateral ventilation, and/or treatment of non-lung tissues by diffusion into the bloodstream. The drug delivery device includes a therapeutic agent dispenser for supplying a therapeutic agent and a propellant at positive pressure, an outlet and a connector for correctly positioning the outlet relative to a pneumostoma management device. The drug delivery device includes a self-centering and self-sealing connector for engaging the pneumostoma management device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Portaero, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Tanaka, Joshua P. Wiesman, David C. Plough
  • Patent number: 8267904
    Abstract: A medicinal delivery device is provided. The device includes a clip defining an ala inner surface-engaging portion about a first end thereof. The clip also defines an ala outer surface-engaging portion about a second end thereof. The ala outer surface-engaging portion is in spaced-apart and generally inward facing arrangement relative to the first end of the clip. This forms a gap between the ala inner surface-engaging portion and the ala outer surface-engaging portion for receiving a patient's ala. A medicine chamber is carried about the first end of the clip for dispensing medicine into the patient's nasal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: The Hunt Project, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Douglas Hunt, Paul Bradley Forrest
  • Patent number: 8231588
    Abstract: A method for delivering medicament such as for ameliorating pain in a patient includes introducing an injector through a nasal passage of the patient into a region substantially medial and/or posterior and/or inferior to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the patient; and delivering a medicament from the injector superiorly and/or laterally and/or anteriorly towards the SPG. A device for delivering a medicament to a patient in need thereof includes (a) an injector containing a first end configured to remain outside a nasal passage of the patient and a second end configured for entry into the nasal passage of the patient; and (b) an introducer configured for engagement with a nostril of the patient and containing a passageway configured for slidably receiving the injector. The injector is moveable between a storage position preceding the engagement and an engaging position pursuant to the engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Tian Xia
  • Patent number: 8231589
    Abstract: An irrigation system includes a control unit and a pump integrated with the control unit. The control unit includes an adjustment knob attached to a major surface of the control unit, a first conduit extending from a side of the control unit to a reservoir that is configured to contain a volume of irrigation liquid, and a second conduit extending from the side of the control unit to an anal probe that is inflatable for fixation of the anal probe within a user. The adjustment knob has a first setting that is selectable to inflate a cuff of the anal probe and a second setting that is selectable to allow the pump to pump gas into the reservoir and thereby transfer the irrigation liquid from the reservoir through the inflated anal probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Peter Moeller-Jensen, Kristoffer Zeuthen, Jimmy Groetner, Christian Grünewaldt
  • Patent number: 8216175
    Abstract: Fluid removal systems and methods for removing fluid from a tissue site are presented. The system includes a semi-permeable inbound conduit, which is fluidly coupled to a treatment-fluid delivery unit, for placement proximate to the tissue site, and a semi-permeable outbound conduit, which is fluidly coupled to the inbound conduit and to a treatment-fluid collector, for placement proximate to the tissue site of a patient. The treatment-fluid collector receives a treatment fluid and a recruited fluid from the tissue site. A recruited-fluid determination unit may be coupled to the treatment-fluid collector to determine a volume of fluid recruited from the patient. The treatment fluid is any fluid (including a gas) that pulls fluid from the interstitial and intracellular space. A reduced-pressure treatment subsystem may also be included, among other things, for removing ascites and other fluids from a body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: George Hutchinson, Richard Paul Mormino
  • Patent number: 8206349
    Abstract: Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Slenker, Cecil O. Lewis, Gerould W. Norman, John R. Prisco
  • Patent number: 8187236
    Abstract: A device for irrigating cerumen from one's ear canal, which includes a universal adaptor affixed to the spout of a lavatory faucet (one which allows the cold and hot to be mixed); a flow line extending from the adaptor; a valve on the adaptor, which when opened allows for adjusting the temperature and force of flow by feeling the flow at a nozzle on the second end of the flow line; a cup for placement over the ear to contain the water flow; a double loop within the cup to mount a first loop to a tragus portion of the outer ears for directing fluid flow from the nozzle into the ear canals, a second loop engaged around a probe to limit the depth the nozzle is able to enter the ear canal; and a return line for returning water and debris collected from the ear canal into the lavatory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald J. French
  • Patent number: 8167853
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self service cleaning device for woman comprising a handle and a flexible conduit. The handle has a connector at its one end and is removably connected with a water supply pipe by the connector. The flexible conduit has one end connected with the handle and the other end which has a curved portion with a closed top corresponding to a curvature of vagina, wherein an opening is arranged at an introverted segment of the curved portion, and a plurality of outlets are orderly arranged on a circumferential surface of the curved portion, a plurality of circular protrusions are projecting outwardly and radially from the circumferential surface; and a counterflow preventer is arranged around an inlet of the flexible conduit. The present invention is low in cost, portable, simple in use, and good in cleaning effect, whereby it is easy to promote and widely adapted for effective prevention and treatment of diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Chi Lan Wong
  • Patent number: 8167867
    Abstract: A method of performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery includes the step of creating an access aperture into a patient's chest cavity, the access aperture being considerably smaller than a traditional cardiac surgery incision. A cannula is provided that has an oval portion with a longer major axis and a shorter minor axis and the cannula is inserted into the chest cavity through the access aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Roderick E. Briscoe, Paul F. Rom, Karyl L. Stapert, David B. DeWindt, Ronald A. Devries, Steven R Gundry, William F Sidor
  • Patent number: 8162906
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering liquid within an orifice of an animal is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hollow syringe defining a vessel having an open end; a plunger, slidingly and sealingly disposed within the vessel; and a flexible delivery tube, having a first end sealingly coupled to the open end and a delivery end for dispensing the liquid proximate the orifice. A light source directing light to the delivery end of the flexible tube may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Matthew J. Terrill, David E. Louvet
  • Patent number: 8147445
    Abstract: An enema includes a liquid in a dispenser having a bottle, a nozzle attached to the bottle, and a valve. The valve may be a membrane having a slit and a thickness of at most 0.90 mm. The valve may be attached to the bottle or it may be attached to the nozzle. The enema can be administered more easily, with a lower amount of force. A method of bowel cleansing includes inserting the enema into a rectum and applying a compression force to the enema bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: C.B. Fleet Company Inc.
    Inventor: Charles H. Cox
  • Patent number: 8109920
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying medical or veterinary utility modules comprising a first module operable in a digestive or respiratory tract to engage a second module, optionally by a magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, systems may be operable to remain in situ and also operable to permit a therapeutic material dispensation. In some contexts, for example, systems or methods may dispense a therapeutic material via a subject's throat or elsewhere in the digestive or respiratory tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8092434
    Abstract: A nasal passage washing device includes a pliable body including an open top; and an applicator cap removably attached to the pliable body to cover and uncover the open top. The applicator cap includes an applicator tip having a substantially frustoconical configuration sized and shaped for receipt at least partially within a nostril of a user for sealing engagement therewith, the applicator tip including a hole to transfer washing solution there through, a washing solution transfer tube in communication with the hole of the applicator tip and a bottom of an inside of the pliable body to transfer washing solution from the bottom of the inside of the pliable body to the hole of the applicator tip, and a one-way air valve that only allows air flow into the pliable body through the one-way air valve and does not allow air flow and washing solution flow out of the pliable body through the one-way air valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Med-Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Harlan, Diane Heatley, David Gallo
  • Patent number: 8088117
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a fill port for a flexible container such as a flexible self supporting dewatering or marine structure. The container includes a flexible material having at least one opening and a fill port having an inner port body and an outer port body. At least one face of the inner and/or outer port body has a plurality of cellular surfaces with cavities that do not extend through the inner and/or outer port body on which they are positioned. The cavities receive a portion of the flexible material when the inner port body, the flexible material, and the outer port body are secured together and in use, thus minimizing stresses on the flexible material surrounding the fill port by equally distributing the forces acting on this material during the filling stage and thus reducing the risk of tears or failure to the flexible container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nicolon Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Charles Stephens, Edward Warren Trainer
  • Publication number: 20110319840
    Abstract: A nozzle for a nasal rinse device includes a collar that forms a conduit. The collar is configured to attach the nozzle to the nasal rinse device. An outlet aperture defined by the collar is on a top portion of the nozzle. The nozzle also includes a skirt extending outwards and downwards from the collar, and an outer surface of the skirt is faceted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Hair
  • Patent number: 8079988
    Abstract: An enema device for use with a source of enema fluid having an elongated nozzle includes a hollow elongated rigid body having an interior extending between first and second ends and a feed portion formed at the first end defining a feed portion opening. A hollow nozzle receiving portion extends from the feed portion opening and is in fluid communication with the feed portion opening and the interior of the hollow elongated body. The hollow nozzle receiving portion is sized and configured to slidably receive the elongated nozzle, wherein when the elongated nozzle is slidably received within the hollow nozzle receiving portion, the elongated nozzle is in fluid communication with the interior of the hollow elongated body. The enema device further includes a discharge portion disposed at the second end of the elongated body. The discharge portion defines a discharge opening in communication with the interior of the hollow elongated body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Beechie Company
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Beechie
  • Publication number: 20110288468
    Abstract: An implantable drug-delivery sleeve for an elongate component of an implantable medical device. The sleeve includes a tubular substrate having a lumen configured to receive the elongate component so as to allow relative displacement of the substrate and the elongate component, wherein the substrate is shaped so as to be retained stationary at a desired position along the elongate component, and a drug releasably carried by the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Fysh Dadd, Jane L. Rapsey, Peter Gibson, Peter Schuller, Carrie Newbold
  • Publication number: 20110288500
    Abstract: An implantable medical device including an implantable elongate component and at least one elongate drug-delivery element. The elongate drug-delivery element releasably carries at least one drug and is configured to be mounted to the elongate component such that the longitudinal axis of the drug-delivery element is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the elongate component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Fysh Dadd, Jane L. Rapsey, Peter Gibson, Peter Schuller, Carrie Newbold
  • Patent number: 8057448
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, method, system and kit for receiving effluent from an individual. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device, method, system and kit for collecting effluent from an individual during a medical or diagnostic procedure including but not limited to, imaging or viewing one or more sections of an individual's gastrointestinal tract. In another alternative embodiment, the effluent is collected in a hollow area in order to prevent the effluent form contaminating a component, device or apparatus used in connection with the medical or diagnostic procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Williams, Harry Bratton, David J. Vining
  • Patent number: 8048023
    Abstract: Systems and methods for nasal irrigation are provided in which a nasal irrigation device includes a source of saline solution, an effluent receptacle, a nasal interface, a vacuum source, a fluid passageway to communicate the source of saline solution with the effluent receptacle through the nasal interface and a nasal cavity of the user, and a switch and valve assembly for selectively controlling the vacuum source and flow of the saline solution through the fluid passageway. The saline solution source is disposed relative to the device to provide gravitational inducement of saline solution to the nasal interface in engagement to the device user's nostrils. A combination of the gravitational inducement and the relative vacuum from the effluent receptacle generates a fluid flow for irrigating, cleansing and massaging the nasal cavity and ostia of a user. The entire device is assembled as a hand-held device for convenient lifting and disposal against the user's nostrils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: RhinoSystems Inc.
    Inventors: Martin R. Hoke, Paul R. Metcalfe
  • Patent number: 8043269
    Abstract: A dispenser head for mounting on a fluid dispenser, said dispenser head comprising a body (1) provided with a dispenser orifice (10), said head being provided with a cap (2) that is displaceable between a closed position, in which it covers said dispenser orifice (10), and an open position, in which it does not cover said dispenser orifice, said cap (2) being connected in permanent manner to said body (1), regardless of the position of said cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Valois SAS
    Inventors: Olivier Fourment, Samuel Pruvot
  • Patent number: 8029497
    Abstract: A mucous suction device, comprising in combination, a longitudinally elongated, generally tubular, one-piece plastic body, the body having an axially elongated tapered, first portion extending toward an inlet proximate one end of the body, the body having an axially elongated second portion extending toward an outlet proximate an opposite end of the body, radially outwardly extending annular retention rings in said body second portion, said rings having sharp annular peripheries and said rings being axially resiliently flexible and axially spaced apart, and there being body side porting between said body first and second portions, said side porting being manually controllable to control suction exertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Neotech Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. McCrary, Thomas R. Thornbury, Arnold M. Heyman
  • Patent number: 8021320
    Abstract: A pneumostoma management system includes a pneumostoma management device for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma and a drug delivery device for pneumostoma care. The drug delivery device may be used to introduce therapeutic agents into the pneumostoma for direct treatment of the pneumostoma, treatment of the lung by way of collateral ventilation, and/or treatment of non-lung tissues by diffusion into the bloodstream. The drug delivery device includes a therapeutic agent dispenser for supplying a therapeutic agent and a propellant at positive pressure, an outlet and a connector for correctly positioning the outlet relative to a pneumostoma management device. The drug delivery device includes a self-centering and self-sealing connector for engaging the pneumostoma management device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Portaero, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Tanaka, Joshua P. Wiesman, David C. Plough
  • Patent number: 8012135
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for attachment of an endolumenal gastrointestinal device, such as an artificial stoma device, a gastrointestinal bypass sleeve or other therapeutic or diagnostic device, within a patient's digestive tract. In one application of the invention, an endolumenal bypass sleeve is removeably attached in the vicinity of the gastroesophageal junction to treat obesity and/or its comorbidities, such as diabetes. The bypass sleeve may be at least partially deployed by eversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: ValenTx, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Dann, Jonathan Kagan, Paul Swain, Joshua Butters, Lee Guterman
  • Patent number: 8007477
    Abstract: A surgical access port for insertion into a body cavity can have an elongate tubular body extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, and a tip at the distal end of the tubular body for penetrating through a body wall and into the body cavity. The distal tip moves from a first, penetrating position to a second, retaining position when the body wall has been traversed. The surgical access port may further comprise a seal housing connected to the proximal end of the tubular body, the seal housing having an access port providing an opening into the tubular body to allow passage of surgical instruments. The distal tip may be sharp, pointed or bladed. The distal tip may also be substantially blunt or have a conical surface. The access port may further comprise a retention member for connecting the tubular body and the distal tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Gary M. Johnson, John R. Brustad, Charles C. Hart
  • Patent number: 7975690
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering a substance, in particular one of a liquid, as a suspension or solution, or a powder containing a medicament, especially systemic or topical pharmaceuticals, or a vaccine to the nasal airway of a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: OptiNose AS
    Inventor: Per Gisle Djupesland
  • Publication number: 20110152794
    Abstract: A device that helps clear an obstruction lodged in a person's throat has a barrel with a proximal end and an open distal end. A plunger assembly is slidably received within the barrel through the proximal end such that drawing the plunger outwardly from the proximal end produces a suction in the barrel thereby drawing air into the barrel through the distal end. The inside diameter at the distal end is relatively smaller compared to the inside diameter of the barrel at its medial section. One or more O-rings encircle the outer surface of the barrel at the distal end. The distal end is intubated into the throat of the person with the O-ring helping create a seal within the throat. The plunger is drawn outwardly from the proximal end drawing air into the distal end causing a suction in the throat, which suction helps dislodge the obstruction upwardly toward the mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Alan R. Carver
  • Publication number: 20110152838
    Abstract: A device for delivering a medicament to a patient in need thereof includes: (a) an injector including a first end configured to remain outside a nasal passage of the patient and a second end configured for entry into the nasal passage of the patient, wherein the injector is moveable between a storage position and an engaging position; and (b) an introducer configured for engagement with a nostril of the patient, wherein the introducer includes a passageway configured for slidably receiving the injector, and wherein the introducer includes a curvature along a portion thereof adjacent to the passageway. Methods for ameliorating pain in a patient include (a) introducing the injector through the nasal passage of the patient into a region substantially medial and/or posterior and/or inferior to a sphenopalatine ganglion of the patient; and (b) delivering a medicament from the injector superiorly and/or laterally and/or anteriorly towards the sphenopalatine ganglion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Tian Xia
  • Patent number: 7918841
    Abstract: This invention relates to the placement of nasogastric tubes. Specifically, the present invention relates to devices, methods, and kits for assisting intubation and insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Ashish C. Sinha, Owen J Halloran
  • Patent number: 7914505
    Abstract: The irrigation system comprises a reservoir (1) for irrigating liquid, a probe (3) for arrangement in a user, conduit means (6,7,10,11) for conducting the irrigating fluid from the reservoir to the probe, and a fixation member (5) for fixation of the probe in the user. Pumping means (9) are provided for pumping gas into the reservoir (1) to transfer the irrigating liquid from the reservoir to the probe (3). The fixation member includes an inflatable cuff (5), and the system includes a control unit (8) which may be set in at least a cuff inflating position and a liquid transferring position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Peter Moeller-Jensen, Kristoffer Zeuthen, Jimmy Groetner, Christian Grunewaldt
  • Patent number: 7914506
    Abstract: A nose rinsing apparatus includes a main container provided with a receiving space to receive a nose rinsing liquid, a spraying device mounted on the main container to spray the atomized nose rinsing liquid, and a recycle container mounted on the main container and having an inside provided with an opening and a periphery provided with at least one three-dimensional concave portion. Thus, the three-dimensional concave portion of the recycle container has an ergonomically designed shape to fit that of the user's upper jaw so that the three-dimensional concave portion of the recycle container abuts the user's upper jaw closely and entirely to prevent the wasted rinsing liquid and the dirt in the user's nose from leaking outwardly from the opening of the recycle container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: DTC-Healthkare Inc.
    Inventors: Jui-Jen Lee, To-Chan Chen