Suction Generated By Self-acting Fluid Pressure, Motor-driven Or Mechanical Energy Storing Means (e.g., Spring, Etc.) Patents (Class 604/315)
  • Patent number: 7731702
    Abstract: A portable closed wound drainage system that uses a pouch shaped dressing which is inserted into a wound. At least a portion of the outer surface of the pouch is porous to allow exudates to enter. Exudates are removed from the pouch by flexible tubing which is secured inside the pouch at one end and secured at the other end to a portable drain/suction unit. The pouch contains porous material. The tubing can have a single or multi-lumen structure. The pouch and the tube are sealed by a flexible sealing material which is applied to the outer surface of the skin. A cosmetic cover sheet is attached to the patient's skin over the closed wound drainage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: NeoGen Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Farhad Bybordi, John J. Biggie, Lydia B. Biggie, John A. Dawson
  • Publication number: 20100137256
    Abstract: A method for contouring the body by destroying adipose tissue is disclosed. This method can reduce the circumference of the treated area, improve skin contour irregularities and smooth the appearance of the skin surface. The method is also used as a body treatment before and after a liposuction procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Colette Haddad
  • Patent number: 7717890
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a central vacuum producing system suitable for collecting both liquid and gaseous material, one or more end effectors for use at a site at which liquid and gaseous material are produced, and a coupling device or connector for operably coupling one or more end effectors to the central vacuum. In this embodiment, the connector may be made of various materials, and may include a suitable liquid monitor or counter such as a flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Innovative Surgical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Drogue, Leonard S. Schultz, Barry M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7699823
    Abstract: A wound dressing apparatus includes a wound dressing member dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed. The wound dressing member including an internal vacuum reservoir and has a port in communication with the vacuum reservoir for applying subatmospheric pressure to the vacuum reservoir to facilitate removal of fluid from the wound bed. The wound dressing member includes a visual pressure indicator associated therewith for indicating a level of pressure within the vacuum reservoir. The visual pressure indicator includes color indicia having a plurality of colors corresponding to a condition of the pressure within the vacuum reservoir. The wound dressing member includes a lower absorbent member positionable adjacent the wound bed and an upper member which at least partially defines the vacuum reservoir. At least one of the top member and the lower absorbent member has the visual pressure indicator mounted thereto. The preferred visual pressure indicator includes an electronic position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Kurt Haggstrom, David Fink, Katja Grundmeier
  • Publication number: 20100069886
    Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a first fluid pathway in communication with a reduced pressure source and a second fluid pathway. The system includes a reduced pressure manifold having a substantially gas impermeable barrier and at least one outer conduit defining a lateral edge of an interior region. The outer conduit and the substantially gas impermeable barrier enclose a portion of the interior region. The outer conduit is in fluid communication with one of the first and second fluid pathways. The outer conduit has at least one opening in fluid communication with the interior region. An inner conduit is at least partially disposed within the interior region and is in fluid communication with another of the first and second fluid pathways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Robert P. Wilkes
  • Publication number: 20100042058
    Abstract: Disclosed is a drainage system that extracts fistula-produced discharge, or other bodily fluids, from an injury, such as a burn, laceration, or contusion. The system allows for the collection and convenient disposal of these fluids. The system components generally include an adhesive backed pad that is secured to a clear plastic bag and a length of perforated tubing that is slidably positioned within the bag. The tubing is connected to a suction pump and a collection reservoir. The pump generates a suction along a perforated extent of the tubing to thereby evacuate bodily fluids that collect within the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Sheryl L. Casey
  • Patent number: 7648488
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the treatment of a wound on a patient. The apparatus is capable of administering localized negative pressure therapy to the wound using a negative pressure source and a drain line for removing exudate from the wound. The apparatus is also capable of administering localized hyperbaric fluid therapy to the wound using a fluid source and a supply line for supplying fluid to the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Pioneer Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua David Smith, David Myron Smith, Thomas G. Andrews, Jack Fisher, David P. Bohman, Robert Stephen Porter
  • Patent number: 7648467
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus (10) for treating inverted nipples and/or the collection of NAF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: Paul C. Wang, Kathleen McConnell
  • Patent number: 7641629
    Abstract: An electric breast pump is disclosed as including a hood to be fitted over a breast of a user, a chamber in fluid communication with the hood member via a one-way valve, a pump motor operatively associated with a pump diaphragm movable to draw air from the hood into the chamber via the valve, in which the chamber has an opening and a lid which is operatively associated with the motor, in which the lid is movable between a first position to close the opening and a second position in which the opening is open, and in which the lid is at the first position when the motor is in operation and is at the second position when the motor is not in operation. The breast pump also includes sensors for detecting the passing of milk, and a microcontroller for calculating the rate of flow of milk on the basis of data received from the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Sea Profit (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Yat Keung William Yuen
  • Patent number: 7615036
    Abstract: A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid-retention chamber for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid-retention chamber. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid-retention chamber by a liquid barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kalypto Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, John Howard Gordon, Sai Bhavaraju, Troy C. Dayton
  • Publication number: 20090264837
    Abstract: A vacuum system for draining an open wound from liquids exuded therefrom, comprising an enclosure sealable to the wound circumference, a vacuum pump including a disposable pump unit detachably attachable to a non-disposable drive unit, and a waste container for collection of drained liquids. The enclosure has an outlet connected by means of a tube to an inlet of the pump unit and the waste container is connected to an outlet of the pump unit, such that when the vacuum pump is operated the drained liquids flow through the vacuum pump. The enclosure has one or more bleeding holes provided therethrough or adjacent to its outlet so that ambient air may enter the tube and flow together with the drained liquids. The enclosure and the waste container are disposable so that the drained liquids contact only disposable elements and may be disposed of together with all disposable elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2005
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Carmeli Adahan
  • Patent number: 7578808
    Abstract: The invention provides a suction-cleansing device that is capable of forming a swirling stream at a position close to skin and has both a cleansing and a massaging effect by adequately maintaining a state of minute air bubbles in the stream of water, comprising a vessel body having a hollow portion converging from the rear part side thereof toward the front part side thereof, an air/liquid jetting port secured at the front end portion of the vessel body, a liquid-introducing pipe 4 connected to the circumferential wall at the rear part side of the vessel body in the tangential direction, and an air/liquid jet-guiding portion that is disposed at the outer circumferential portion of the air/liquid jetting port and is widened to open from the air/liquid jetting port toward the jetting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Ryosaku Fujisato
  • Patent number: 7569742
    Abstract: A composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a micropump system housed within or above a wound dressing member. The micropump system includes a miniature pump that applies a subatmospheric pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed without the need for a cumbersome external vacuum source. Hence, the wound dressing and micropump system is portable which allows the patient mobility that is unavailable when an external vacuum source is used. The patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Kurt Haggstrom, Alain Tranchemontagne, Loredana Jinga
  • Patent number: 7569031
    Abstract: A portable pumping device for drawing milk from a human breast includes a breast shield adapted to fit over a nipple of a breast and a flow line coupled to the breast shield. The flow line is adapted to allow air to flow there through a pump coupled to the breast shield via the flow line. The pump includes a pump intake and a pump exhaust and is operable to create a pressure drop between the nipple and the pump, wherein the pressure drop creates a suction at the breast shield by lowering the pressure of air in the flow line. A blow-back valve is disposed between the flow line and the pump. The blow-back valve has a valve piston disposed in a valve housing The valve housing includes a flow line aperture that communicates via the flow line with the breast shield, a valve inlet adapted to communicate external to the flow line, and a valve exhaust adapted to communicate external to the flow line. The valve piston is adapted to alternatively seal the valve inlet and the valve exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventor: James Joseph Britto
  • Publication number: 20090157016
    Abstract: A suction head in fluid communication with a pump head provides a sub-ambient working pressure to a target area, enabling drainage thereof to a waste container. A passive pressure regulation system enables the working pressure to be maintained at a desired level. A monitoring system for a suction system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Carmeli Adahan
  • Publication number: 20090143753
    Abstract: A surgical tool (21) for probing bone tissue includes an elongate member (30, 30?, 30?) coupled to a handle assembly (50). The handle assembly (50) is electrically coupled to a electrical signal source (22). The surgical tool (21) includes an electrically conductive portion (34) in communication with an un-insulated distal end of the elongate member (30, 30?, 30?), and an insulated portion extending from the tip along the elongate member (30, 30?, 30?) and handle assembly (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Patrick Lewis Blott, Bryan Greener, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Julian Lee-Webb, Derek Nicolini
  • Patent number: 7500968
    Abstract: A urine collection apparatus includes an adaptable reservoir that is sized and shaped for conveniently and effectively being transported by a user. The reservoir includes a top portion including an intake valve in fluid communication with the reservoir. The intake valve is provided with an opening such that the male catheter can be selectively biased in fluid communication with an interior of the reservoir. Such an intake valve further has a threaded screw cap directly and adjustably coupled thereto for effectively allowing a selected quantity of air to continuously flow into and out of the reservoir wherein the quantity of air is commensurate with a quantity of fluid discharging and entering the reservoir respectively. The intake valve preferably has a monolithically formed conical tip that terminates proximal to the top portion such that the male catheter can effectively be supported at a fixed relationship with the reservoir during operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas P. Nappa, Michael J. Nappa
  • Patent number: 7491193
    Abstract: A personal care apparatus (1) is provided with a suction nozzle configuration (4) which has two different suction nozzles (15, 22) with two different suction sections (27, 26), wherein the suction nozzles (15, 22) are held adjustably in relation to each other along a path of motion (16) which is preferably perpendicularly to their suction sections (27, 26), so that by means of an adjustment of this type in each case one of the suction nozzles (15, 22) may be adjusted with its suction section (27, 26) into an operating position permitting suctorial interaction with an area of the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Arthur Putzer
  • Publication number: 20090043268
    Abstract: A system is provided for the treatment of wounds by applying a negative pressure to a wound. The system comprises an electronically controlled suction regulator that comprises: a vacuum regulator, a coupler for coupling the vacuum regulator to an external vacuum source, a valve connected to the vacuum regulator for supplying a negative pressure to the wound, and a control circuit for generating control signals for controlling the valve so that negative pressure may be continuously or intermittently supplied to the wound. The system further comprises a wound dressing provided at the wound site and coupled to the electrically operated valve. The wound dressing comprises a wound dressing pad for placing over the wound, and a wound drape provided over the wound dressing pad and the wound site for sealing the wound site for application of the negative pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Patrick E. Eddy, Albert A. Schenk, III, David K. Platt, Joseph A. Carmichael
  • Publication number: 20090030383
    Abstract: A suction system for removal of fluids from a surface, e.g. a wound site, the system comprising a cover (1) attachable to a circumference of the surface to form an enclosed suction space sealed from ambient space. The system further comprises a pump (4) in fluid communication with the enclosure via a tube (2) to provide a pressure difference between a suction pressure in the enclosure and an air pressure of an ambient space. To provide an improvement over the known systems and to facilitate pressure measurement, the system comprises flushing means (11) to clean the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Truels Sterm Larsen, Erik Lund Jepsen, Niels Hvid
  • Publication number: 20090012483
    Abstract: A dressing (2) and an apparatus (1) comprising the dressing, for cleansing the wounds (5) in which an irrigant fluid from a reservoir (12) connected to a conformable would dressing and would exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (18) (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow Path (6, 7, 9, 10) which passes through the dressing with a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, to provide a desired balance of fluid at a controlled nominal flow rate that removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting would healing over the would bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Patrick Lewis Blott, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Derek Nicolini, Julian Lee-Webb
  • Publication number: 20090005746
    Abstract: A suction system for removal of exudate from a wound comprises a wound cover which is attachable to a wound circumference of a living being thereby to form an enclosure, and a pump in fluid communication with the enclosure to provide a pressure difference between a negative pressure in the enclosure and an air pressure of an ambient space. A deflectable member is arranged such with respect to the enclosure that the pressure difference may cause deflection of the deflectable member, and a pressure sensing device is located outside the enclosure and arranged to provide a signal in response to the pressure or the deflection of the deflectable member. The deflectable member forms an essentially air tight barrier between the sensor and the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Nielsen, Jesper Mads Bartroff Frederiksen, Truels Sterm Larsen, Erik Lund Jepsen, Niels Hvid, Klaus Budig
  • Patent number: 7431718
    Abstract: A skin care device includes a suction nozzle to be brought into contact with skin to suction skin impurities therefrom, a suction pump for generating a suction force of the suction nozzle, a mist nozzle installed near the suction nozzle, for ejecting a mist of liquid, a tank for storing therein a liquid to be supplied to the mist nozzle, a liquid supply pump for supplying the liquid to the mist nozzle from the tank, a drive motor for driving the suction pump and the liquid supply pump at the same time, and a liquid amount control unit for controlling an amount of the liquid ejected from the mist nozzle. The liquid amount control unit is a flow rate regulation device disposed between the tank and the mist nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyasu Ikadai
  • Patent number: 7399297
    Abstract: A skin care device includes a suction nozzle for drawing and removing sebum or other impurities from a user's skin while contacting the skin, a suction pump for generating a suction force for the suction nozzle, a mist nozzle, provided at a position around the suction nozzle, for spraying liquid, a liquid storage tank for storing the liquid to be supplied to the mist nozzle, a liquid supply pump for supplying the liquid in the liquid storage tank to the mist nozzle, and a drive motor for operating the suction pump and the liquid supply pump at the same time. Further, the suction pump and the liquid supply pump are disposed opposite to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyasu Ikadai, Mitsuru Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7396352
    Abstract: A skin care device includes a suction pump for generating a suction force, a suction nozzle detachably attached to a mounting portion of the suction pump and having a first end portion having a suction port with a smaller opening and a second end portion having a suction portion with a larger opening, and a sealing member disposed between an inner peripheral surface of the mounting portion and an outer peripheral surface of the suction nozzle, for sealing a gap between the mounting portion and the suction nozzle. Both of the first end portion and the second end portion are capable of being attached to the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyasu Ikadai
  • Publication number: 20080091152
    Abstract: Embodiments of a chest dressing assembly having a rigid body defining an inner chamber accessible by an opening for placement over a chest wound and one or more protected check valves on the rigid body that allow fluid, e.g., blood or air, to flow out of the chamber but prevent fluid flow into the chamber are disclosed. The body is rigid in order to prevent the dressing from being crushed when heavy clothing such as body armor covers the dressing, or in cold weather climates which require heavy clothing such as Afghanistan. Similarly, the body is shaped and the check valves are located on the body, such as in a recess, in order to prevent the same heavy clothing or body armor from interfering with the operation of the check valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Asherman
  • Patent number: 7351235
    Abstract: A snivel removing device includes a housing having a partition to form two chambers and an outlet port and an inlet port communicating with the chambers. One or more bladders are attached to the housing, and communicating with the chambers, and compressible and expandable to draw the snivel into one of the chambers of the housing via the inlet port, and then into the other chamber of the housing, and to flow out through the outlet port of the housing. Two or more check valve may be used to control the flowing of the snivel. An arm is attached to each bladder, and an operating device may operate the arm to depress and to expand the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Jackey Chiou
  • Patent number: 7258675
    Abstract: An Improved Facial Rejuvenation Device and Method. The device is small and portable. The device further has an ergonomic nozzle shape defined by a housing having a suction bore defined by a throttle positioned within it. The throttle may perform its throttling action by adjusting the diameter of the suction bore formed within the housing. The method employs the unique device to create a localized suction force to the skin in the vicinity of a previously-applied medicinal formulation. The device further may have a housing defined by a conical outer shape terminating in a sealing ring at its tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Nichols
  • Patent number: 7214202
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing concurrent applications of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and vacuum assisted closure therapy generally comprises a wound dressing for introduction of a negative pressure into a wound on a patient's foot and a foot wrap for application of positive, compressive forces to substantially all of the patients foot. A suction pump, having an associated vacuum sensor and first feedback mechanism, supplies negative pressure to the wound dressing. A ventable source of pressurized gas, having an associated pressure transducer and second feedback mechanism, supplies positive force to the foot wrap. At least one control system is operably associated with the suction pump and ventable source of pressurized gas for controlling the negative and positive applications of pressure to the patient's foot. Controlled modes for operation include continuous or intermittent application of one or both therapies and simultaneous or cycled application of the therapies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Vogel, David M. Tumey, Susan P. Morris, L. Tab Randolph
  • Patent number: 7207977
    Abstract: An improved smoke evacuation system and method for removing gaseous byproducts of surgical procedures and noxious vapors from chemicals is provided. The smoke and vapor evacuation system includes a vacuum head positionable at a surgical site or incorporated into a workstation. The vacuum head includes a plenum, and a plenum support for preventing the plenum from collapsing when a vacuum or low pressure is established therein, and is adapted to facilitate the use of the system in a variety of surgical or commercial procedures at a variety of surgical sites or commercial workstations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Innovative Surgical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry M. Thompson, Jeffrey K. Drogue
  • Patent number: 7195624
    Abstract: A ventilated bandage system is provided for use with a wound. The system includes a bandage positioned adjacent the wound to create a sealed environment around the wound. A vacuum source of the system is in communication with the bandage to create negative pressure between the bandage and the wound. The system may also include a first passageway or vent in communication with the bandage and with the surrounding atmosphere, and a second passageway in communication with the bandage and with the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Lockwood, Robert Petrosenko
  • Patent number: 7025757
    Abstract: A syringe loading/filling device (or “syringe loader”) includes a syringe mounting mechanism adapted to cooperate with an attachment mechanism of a syringe to attach the syringe to the syringe loader and a drive member adapted to impart motion to the syringe plunger. The syringes for use with the syringe loader include a syringe plunger slidably disposed therein and an attachment mechanism for attachment of the syringe to an injector. Such injectors include a mounting mechanism adapted to cooperate with the attachment mechanism on the syringe to mount the syringe on the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reilly, Frederick W. Trombley, III, Mark Trocki
  • Patent number: 7004915
    Abstract: A system for stimulating the healing of tissue comprises a porous pad positioned within a wound cavity, and an airtight dressing secured over the pad, so as to provide an airtight seal to the wound cavity. A proximal end of a conduit is connectable to the dressing. A distal end of the conduit is connectable to a negative pressure source, which may be an electric pump housed within a portable housing, or wall suction. A canister is positioned along the conduit to retain exudates suctioned from the wound site during the application of negative pressure. A first hydrophobic filter is positioned at an opening of the canister to detect a canister full condition. A second hydrophobic filter is positioned between the first filter and the negative pressure source to prevent contamination of the non-disposable portion of the system by exudates being drawn from the wound. An odor filter is positioned between the between the first and second hydrophobic filters to aid in the reduction of malodorous vapors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Boynton, Teryl Blane Sanders, Keith Patrick Heaton, Kenneth William Hunt, Mark Stephen James Beard, David M. Tumey, L. Tab Randolph
  • Patent number: 6964643
    Abstract: Therapeutic devices and methods according to embodiments of the invention alleviate e.g. urinary incontinence in female and male patients. Suction or vacuum, for example, is applied to the genital region, clitoris or clitoral region, the external urethral orifice, and/or other designated areas, e.g. physically stimulating the sacral/pudendal nerves and/or nerve roots and alleviating incontinence. Such embodiments also can encourage or cause clitoral engorgement, or otherwise promote blood flow in the genital region. Vacuum or suction applied to e.g. the clitoris creates a negative pressure in the clitoris that is lower than the systolic blood pressure, tending to promote engorgement of the clitoris with blood. Aspects of the invention are applicable not only to treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence, but also to the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. Aspects of the invention are also applicable to treatment of male incontinence and male erectile dysfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: NuGyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Claire T. Hovland, Curtis E. Olson, Jerome H. Abrams, Paul J. Robinson, Philip A. Messina
  • Patent number: 6955664
    Abstract: A low cost suction regulator is disclosed in conjunction with a fluid drainage system that includes a suction chamber and a collection chamber. The suction regulator is comprised of an atmospheric chamber and a suction chamber separated by a divider. An opening in the divider has a variably biased closing member associated therewith for opening or closing the opening according to operator selected pressure differentials between the chambers. The closing member is movable along an axis that differs from the direction of airflow, thus eliminating the need for damping the forces applied to the closing member. The dividing means and its closing member will operate over the full range of angles from the vertical to horizontal axis. One embodiment of the drainage system further includes devices for measuring patient airflow, patient negativity and imposed suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: D'Antonio Consultants International, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas F. D'Antonio
  • Patent number: 6942650
    Abstract: An improved smoke evacuation system (10), a method for removing gaseous byproducts of surgical procedures, and noxious vapors from chemicals, is provided. The smoke, and vapor evacuation system includes a vacuum head (18) positioned at a surgical site or incorporated into a workstation. The vacuum head includes a plenum (28), a plenum support for preventing the plenum from collapsing when a vacuum or low pressure is established therein, and is adapted to facilitate the use of the system in a variety of surgical or commercial procedures at a variety of surgical sites or commercial workstations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Innovative Surgical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard S. Schultz, Jeffrey K. Drogue, Kevin W. Gracie
  • Patent number: 6926681
    Abstract: Massage device (10) comprising head (12), which 76 defines cavity (8) and an opening to cavity (8). Head (12) has one or more contact surfaces and post (32) connected to head (12). Post (32) is positioned within cavity (8) and extends toward the opening. Post (32) also has one or more contact surfaces. Vacuum source (49) communicating with cavity (8) provides a means for creating negative pressure with cavity (8). Additionally, a method and system for performing abrasion on a surface, such as on the skin 74 of a patient, is disclosed. The dermabrasion apparatus includes means for delivering and retrieving material to and from a selected site to be abraded, a delivery and retrieval hand piece, an abrasive handling device, and a waste retrieval holding device. Hand piece (118) is coupled to the abrasive handling device as well as the waste retrieval holding device, which is further coupled to the delivery and retrieval means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Dynatronics Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Ramey, Larry K. Beardall, Eric M. Simon, Randall D. Block
  • Publication number: 20040249353
    Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: James R. Risks, Robert Petrosenko
  • Publication number: 20040243073
    Abstract: A wound vacuum therapy dressing kit is provided for use with a wound drainage system having a vacuum source. The kit may include a wound dressing member, a sealing film, and a wound measurement device. The wound dressing member may include a wound contacting surface configured to be in contact with and generally conform to a wound surface of a patient. The member may be adapted to be coupled to the vacuum source for communicating suction from the vacuum source to the wound surface. The sealing film of the kit may be provided for placement over the member and may be configured to adhere to a patient's healthy skin surrounding the wound. The wound measurement device may include a transparent top portion and a transparent bottom portion configured for placement adjacent the wound surface. The top portion may include a drawing surface and a grid associated with the drawing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Lockwood, Robert Petrosenko
  • Patent number: 6752778
    Abstract: A arrangement and processes is disclosed for the suction removal of waste products such as smoke and tissue particles in the ablation of biological tissue by means of a laser beam, wherein the laser beam is directed to the tissue through the orifice of a tubular channel and the waste products are sucked through the orifice into the channel. It is provided in an arrangement of the type mentioned above that the inner wall of the channel has at least one outlet opening for a gas in the vicinity of the orifice and the flow of gas is directed to the center of the channel and therefore toward the laser beam. In this way, it is effectively achieved that the gas does not flow through between the orifice and the treatment area so as to flow over the surface of the substance, but exits already from the orifice or from the immediate vicinity of the orifice under by suitable pressure and is guided into the interior of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Joachim Fiedler, Claus Goder, Eckhard Schroeder, Bernhard Seitz
  • Patent number: 6699213
    Abstract: A prophylactic device for protecting the diaphragm of a pump, such as a diaphragm pump for a breastpump, from fluid (air/milk) is disclosed. A removably mounted flexible cover is located between the shell of the pump and the movable diaphragm membrane within the shell which isolates the membrane from fluid. The cover is removable for at least one of cleaning and disposal. The flexible membrane has a circumferential rim upon which the cover is received over the rim. The shell has an internal opening defined therein sized to encompass the rim with the cover mounted on the rim in a substantially airtight fit. The cover thereby forms a gasket between the rim and shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Larry D. Annis, Brian H. Silver, Michael Dettling
  • Patent number: 6679856
    Abstract: A massaging apparatus (1) with a casing (2) with casing walls (6, 7, 8, 9) of which part (10, 11) can be placed on the skin of a user during operation and moved over the skin, and with a suction chamber (17) which is designed to open towards the skin of the user and is bounded by suction chamber walls (18, 19, 20, 21), at least part (19, 21) of which transforms, in a transitional area (22, 23), into the part (10, 11) of the casing walls (6, 7, 8, 9) which can be placed on the skin of the user, the part (10, 11) of the casing walls (6, 7, 8, 9) which can be placed on the skin of the user being structured so as to be rough with a roughness of maximum 10 &mgr;m while in the transitional area (22, 23) a roughness of 0.4 &mgr;m at the most is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Ingo Mueller
  • Patent number: 6595949
    Abstract: An automatic mucus removal device for extracting mucus from a nasal cavity includes a transportable housing which encases a compact vacuum source connected to a power source, and to which a disposable mucus trap member is removably attached. The housing includes a base portion and a barrel portion, with the mucus trap member preferably attached to one end of the barrel portion. An ejection rod is resiliently mounted to the opposing end of the barrel portion, with the ejection rod operable to expel the mucus trap member from the housing. The user therefore is not required to contact the mucus trap member or the mucus associated with it, and the mucus trap member may be disposed of or cleaned as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bryan Shapiro
  • Patent number: 6517511
    Abstract: A cleansable multi-purpose nasal discharge aspirator is easily cleanable by constructing its housing hermetical and water tight so that the aspirator is submergible for washing its inner pressure chamber. Its multi-purpose effect is carried out by replacing its sucking disc into variety of tool heads so as to perform various missions such as imbibing acnes other than its principal application, inhaling nasal discharge. Besides, this aspirator is able to serve as an eyes or nose syringing apparatus by replacing its sucking disc into a special tool head and adding a water intake tube and a water ejection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Tzu-Chiang Yao
  • Publication number: 20030028157
    Abstract: A protective and pressure normalizing device including a support member having an exterior wall and an interior wall which define a first chamber and a second chamber, and a pressure adjustment device sealed within at least a portion of the second chamber, the pressure adjustment device defining a third chamber and a medium transfer passageway interconnecting the first chamber and third chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Joel T. Jusiak, Roland E. Flick
  • Publication number: 20030014022
    Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus has a vacuum bandage covering a wound of a patient, a vacuum source coupled to the vacuum bandage, and a controller that operates the vacuum source to apply negative pressure to the wound through the bandage in a controlled manner. The controller is programmed to limit the rate of change of the negative pressure applied to the wound. A caregiver has the ability to change one or more negative pressure setpoint values and the controller of the wound treatment apparatus controls the rate of change of the negative pressure to reduce patient discomfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Lockwood, Robert Petrosenko, James Robert Risk
  • Publication number: 20030004473
    Abstract: A retainer to retain the viscera displaced from an internal body area to be accessed for surgery comprises an outer envelope of pliable material with an evacuation port. At least two sheets of material are arranged in face to face relation in the envelope. The sheets have a forming configuration in which they are relatively free to slide over one another in conforming the envelope to a desired shape and a form retained configuration in which the sheets are restrained from sliding relative to one another on evacuation of the envelope. In one case there are sheets of an inelastic material and sheets of an elastic material. Alternatively the sheets may be of the same inelastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Frank Bonadio, Shane Joseph MacNally, Conor Hand, Alan Reid
  • Publication number: 20020198488
    Abstract: A cleansable multi-purpose nasal discharge aspirator is easily cleanable by constructing its housing hermetical and water tight so that the aspirator is submergible for washing its inner pressure chamber. Its multi-purpose effect is carried out by replacing its sucking disc into variety of tool heads so as to perform various missions such as imbibing acnes other than its principal application, inhaling nasal discharge. Besides, this aspirator is able to serve as an eyes or nose syringing apparatus by replacing its sucking disc into a special tool head and adding a water intake tube and a water ejection tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Tzu-Chiang Yao
  • Publication number: 20020198503
    Abstract: A control unit is adapted for use with a vacuum wound bandage. The control unit has a canister to collect waste material from the vacuum wound bandage, a fluid source to irrigate the wound, and a door to at least partially cover the fluid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: James R. Risk, Robert Petrosenko
  • Publication number: 20020198504
    Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: James R. Risk, Robert Petrosenko