Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090114110 | DUAL FAULT SAFE AND ARM DEVICE, ADAPTIVE STRUCTURES THEREWITH AND SAFETY AND RELIABILITY FEATURES THEREFOR - A safe and arm device includes a booster base assembly having a booster base housing and a rotatable barrier. The booster base housing includes a shaft port extending substantially inline with a longitudinal axis, at least three initiator ports disposed about the axis, and a matching number of explosive transfer paths in respective communication with the at least three initiator ports. The barrier includes a matching number of fire-train transfer ports and a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the barrier is coupled within the shaft port of the booster base housing allowing the barrier to be selectively rotationally positioned about the axis into at least one of a safe position and an arm and fire position, allowing the fire-train transfer ports to be substantially aligned with the explosive transfer paths when the barrier is positioned in the arm and fire position. A booster basket assembly is also provided. | 05-07-2009 |
20110005421 | DUAL FAULT SAFE AND ARM DEVICE, ADAPTIVE STRUCTURES THEREWITH AND SAFETY AND RELIABILITY FEATURES THEREFOR - A safe and arm device includes a booster base assembly having a booster base housing and a barrier. The booster base housing includes a shaft port extending substantially in line with a longitudinal axis, at least three initiator ports disposed about the axis, and a matching number of explosive transfer paths in respective communication with the at least three initiator ports. The barrier includes a matching number of fire-train transfer ports and a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the barrier is coupled within the shaft port of the booster base housing allowing the barrier to be selectively rotationally positioned about the axis into at least one of a safe position and an arm and fire position, allowing the fire-train transfer ports to be substantially aligned with the explosive transfer paths when the barrier is positioned in the arm and fire position. A booster basket assembly is also provided. | 01-13-2011 |
20130174755 | CONNECTORS FOR SEPARABLE FIRING UNIT ASSEMBLIES, SEPARABLE FIRING UNIT ASSEMBLIES, AND RELATED METHODS - Connection cables for separable firing unit assemblies comprise a first mating connector at a first end and a second mating connector at a second, opposing end. A stripline cable electrically connects the first mating connector to the second mating connector. Separable firing unit assemblies comprise an initiation device. An electronics assembly is configured to transmit a firing pulse to the initiation device. One of a first mating connector and a second mating connector is coupled to the initiation device and the other of the first mating connector and the second mating connector is coupled to the electronics assembly. A second housing of the second mating connector is configured to receive a portion of a first housing of the first mating connector therein. | 07-11-2013 |
20140067164 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT TERMINATION - Embodiments include a flight safety assembly onboard an aerial vehicle, which includes a first sensor configured to sense first information related to flight of the aerial vehicle and a second sensor configured to sense second information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A sensor input is adapted to receive third information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A processor is operably coupled to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the sensor input. The processor is configured to determine three independent instantaneous impact points for the aerial vehicle by independently analyzing each of the first information, the second information and the third information. The processor is also configured to generate three independent onboard flight termination indicators for each of the three independent instantaneous impact points that intersects with a region to be protected. | 03-06-2014 |
20140069289 | DISTRIBUTED ORDNANCE SYSTEM, MULTIPLE STAGE ORDNANCE SYSTEM, AND RELATED METHODS - A distributed ordnance system comprises a plurality of ordnance controllers and a plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller of the plurality of ordnance controllers may be operably coupled with at least one firing unit of the plurality of firing units. Each ordnance controller may be configured to provide power signals to the at least one firing unit coupled therewith, and communicate with the at least one firing unit for initiation of an ordnance event. A multiple-stage ordnance system may comprise a first stage and a second stage that each include an ordnance controller configured to control operation of an ordnance event, and at least one firing unit to initiate the ordnance event. Related methods for constructing a multiple-stage ordnance control system and controlling initiation of an energetic material are also disclosed. | 03-13-2014 |
20140330457 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT TERMINATION - A flight safety assembly onboard an aerial vehicle includes a first sensor configured to sense first information related to flight of the aerial vehicle and a second sensor configured to sense second information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A sensor input is adapted to receive third information related to the flight of the aerial vehicle. A processor is operably coupled to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the sensor input. The processor is configured to determine three independent instantaneous impact points for the aerial vehicle by independently analyzing each of the first information, the second information and the third information. The processor is also configured to generate three independent onboard flight termination indicators for each of the three independent instantaneous impact points that intersects with a region to be protected. | 11-06-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080237402 | Aircraft trim safety system and backup controls - Methods and apparatuses that control trim of an aircraft even in the presence of conflicting trim inputs, for example by disabling the trim input switches on the aircraft when conflicting switch inputs are received. When conflicting switch inputs are received and certain time conditions are met, the controller can disable the switch inputs and provide a backup and independent means to control the trim circuitry. The pilot can be allowed to re-enable the disabled inputs. | 10-02-2008 |
20090212975 | In-Circuit Testing For Integrity Of Solid-State Switches - A switching and fault detection circuit comprises two controllable switches capable of coupling a power source to a load. A controller can control the switches and test them for faults, and a voltage sensor can read the output voltage going to the load. Dual-redundant switches and fault detection circuitry can provide correct operation if one should fail. Control and feedback logic can determine if each of the solid-state switches is operating correctly during the power-on and power-off cycles and can also check for a fail-open condition during normal operations. If it is determined that a solid switch has failed open or closed, a fault can be generated. | 08-27-2009 |
20090302174 | Variable Speed Flap Retraction and Notification - The present invention provides systems and methods for controlling the speed of flap retraction on aircraft, and alerts to the pilot of potentially unsafe flap position. The invention accepts direction from a pilot and senses operation of the aircraft to determine appropriate flap position and flap retraction speed. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306836 | Aircraft Emergency Handling - The present invention provides methods and apparatuses that reduce pilot workload and increase the performance and efficiency of the pilot's control of the aircraft. The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses for determining the presence and type of an emergency condition, for example by detecting corresponding sensor outputs or by accepting input from a pilot or a combination thereof; and then responding to that emergency by initiating a pre-determined set of actions specific to the determined emergency. Embodiments of the invention can include the ability to monitor engine conditions as well as control electrical functions such as the fuel boost pump, alternator field, battery contactor and other important electrical devices. Some examples described below assume a single-engine piston aircraft for ease of illustration. The invention can also be applied to multi engine and turbine powered aircraft as well. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306837 | Aircraft Exhaust Gas Temperature Monitor - A computer-implemented function monitors and displays exhaust gas temperatures (EGT) in a plurality of cylinders in an engine. The invention provides an easy way to read exhaust gas temperature on a specific cylinder, and to provide a means for leaning the engine while in a climb. Efficient leaning in a climb reduces fuel consumption and reduces the chance of harmful conditions that can lead to engine failure. | 12-10-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090110966 | Method for Improving FCS Reliability After End Cell Heater Failure - A method for improving fuel cell system reliability in the event of end cell heater failure in a fuel cell stack. The method includes detecting that an end cell heater has failed. If an end cell heater failure is detected, then the method performs one or more of setting a cooling fluid pump to a predetermined speed that drives a cooling fluid through cooling fluid flow channels in the fuel cell stack, limiting the output power of the fuel cell stack or the net power of the fuel cell system, limiting the maximum temperature of the cooling fluid flowing out of the stack, turning off stack anti-flooding algorithms that may be used to remove water from reactant gas flow channels in the stack, and turning off cathode stoichiometry adjustments for relative humidity control in response to water accumulating in cathode flow channels in the fuel cell stack. | 04-30-2009 |
20100190079 | METHOD AND ALGORITHM TO DETECT FROZEN ANODE PRESSURE SENSOR - A method for performing a plausibility check of a fuel cell stack anode side pressure sensor to determine whether the pressure sensor is providing an accurate measurement. Prior to system start-up when a cathode side compressor is not providing cathode air to a fuel cell stack, and the cathode side of the stack is at ambient pressure, a pressure measurement from a differential pressure sensor between the anode side and the cathode side of the fuel cell stack is provided. The differential pressure sensor reading is added to a pressure measurement from an ambient pressure sensor, where the sum should be about the same as the pressure measurement from the anode side pressure sensor if the anode side pressure sensor is operating properly. | 07-29-2010 |
20110076582 | METHOD TO IMPROVE FUEL CELL SYSTEM PERFORMANCE USING CELL VOLTAGE PREDICTION OF FUEL CELL STACK - A system and method for determining the maximum allowed stack current limit rate for a fuel cell stack that considers cell voltage. The method includes estimating a fuel cell stack voltage based on a fuel cell resistance value, stack variables and a current request signal. The fuel cell resistance value can be modeled based on stack temperature and stack relative humidity. The stack variables can include exchange current density and mass transfer coefficient. The method then uses the estimated fuel cell voltage and a look-up table based on estimated voltage to determine a current rate limit value for changing the current of the stack. The method then adds the current rate limit value and the current request signal to obtain the current set-point. | 03-31-2011 |
20110244349 | METHOD TO DETECT NO COOLANT FLOW IN A FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A method for determining whether a fuel cell stack cooling fluid is flowing at cold fuel cell system start-up. The method monitors the temperature of the cooling fluid outside of the fuel cell stack, and determines whether the temperature of the cooling fluid is increasing properly as the temperature of the stack increases. | 10-06-2011 |
20120255366 | METHOD TO DETECT GROSS LOSS IN COOLANT BASED ON CURRENT FEEDBACK FROM THE HIGH TEMPERATURE PUMP - A system and method for determining a loss of cooling fluid from a thermal sub-system in a fuel cell system. The method includes monitoring current feedback from a high temperature pump that pumps the cooling fluid through a coolant loop. A measured current from the pump is compared to an expected current for the system operating conditions, and if that current is significantly less than what is expected, then it may be as a result of low cooling fluid. If the measured current is less than the expected current for a predetermined period of time, then the system can take mitigating action as a result of a low cooling fluid. Further, if the pump speed is too low to provide an accurate current measurement, then it can be increased if an overflow tank level sensor indicates a low cooling fluid level. | 10-11-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080218566 | Metallized print head container and method - Various embodiments of a metallized print head container and method are disclosed. | 09-11-2008 |
20100220127 | Ink Delivery System - An ink delivery system includes a plurality of ink supplies, an air pressure source to generate ink pressure for each ink supply, an ink valve associated with each ink supply, where each ink valve is configured to prevent a reverse flow of ink from a pen to the associated ink supply, and each ink valve has a switch configured to provide an open signal when the ink valve is open, and a controller configured to determine one of a normal ink condition, an out of ink condition or a system pressure problem based on receiving the open signals and to regulate the pressure source according to the determination. | 09-02-2010 |
20120012195 | AEROSOL SUPPLY DEVICE AND PRESSURE REGULATOR APPARATUS USED THEREWITH - A pressure regulator apparatus usable with an aerosol supply device containing a fluid includes an inflatable diaphragm unit including an upper surface member, a lower surface member, and a diaphragm chamber formed between the upper surface member and the lower surface member, an output port member having an output cavity and an output port, at least a portion of the output port member is disposed within and in fluid communication with the diaphragm chamber, a valve actuator including an actuator cavity and one or more actuator openings in fluid communication with the output port, at least a portion of the valve actuator is moveably disposed within the output cavity, an input port member having an input port configured to allow the fluid to enter the actuator cavity, at least a portion of the input port member is disposed proximate to the actuator cavity, and an axial flow path extending between the input port and the output port, and configured to allow the fluid to selectively pass in a substantially axial direction therethrough, wherein the valve actuator moves to close and open the input port based on an inflation status of the inflatable diaphragm unit to regulate a pressure of the fluid to be transported from the inflatable diaphragm unit substantially constant. | 01-19-2012 |
20130088552 | METALLIZED PRINT HEAD CONTAINER AND METHOD - An ink container for an inkjet print head includes a substantially rigid body of polymer material, the body including a base and a side wall integrally formed with the base at a perimeter of the base, the body containing ink in a low pressure chamber, and the polymer material having moderate to high air permeability. A flexible film is sealed over the low pressure chamber, inwardly flexible in response to a decrease in pressure and ink volume in the low pressure chamber, and outwardly flexible in response to an increase in pressure and ink volume in the low pressure chamber. A metal is coated on a perimeter of the polymer body and on an outer exposed surface of the flexible film, the metal to form a metal coating configured to decrease the air permeability of the polymer body, the metal coating being formed from at least copper. | 04-11-2013 |
20130111986 | FLUID DETECTION APPARATUS - Fluid detection apparatus including fluid non-retention members and fluid detection members is disclosed. The fluid non-retention members have concave curved portions having a concavity in an outwardly direction from the respective fluid detection member. The fluid non-retention members are configured to prevent retention of the fluid on at least one of the respective fluid detection members. | 05-09-2013 |
20130169710 | DUAL REGULATOR PRINT MODULE - A print module includes a printhead die, an input regulator to regulate input fluid pressure to the die, and an output regulator to regulate output fluid pressure from the die. A method includes receiving fluid at an input regulator to a print module, creating a fluid pressure differential within the print module between the input regulator and an output regulator, flowing fluid from the input regulator through a printhead die and to an output regulator using the pressure differential, and drawing fluid from the output regulator. | 07-04-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090169939 | MODULAR UNIT FUEL CELL ASSEMBLY - A modular unit fuel cell is disclosed, which comprises a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an anode current collector/porous transport layer (PTL), a bipolar separator plate (BSP), a corrugated or finned spring cooling and transport structure, a cathode current collector/PTL and an anode frame. In this embodiment, air is passed through the finned spring cooling and transport structure and the air acts as both the cathode reactant and as a coolant. | 07-02-2009 |
20090199475 | Reformer and Method of Startup - A linear reformer for liberating hydrogen from a hydrogen containing feedstock, operable on both gaseous and liquid fuels, has a linear burner distributor with at least two fuel distribution apertures for distribution of fuel, a supply of air, where the fuel and air mix in a linear mixing cavity to form a catalytically combustible mixture, a catalytic burner element, an electric heater in heat transferring relation to at least one of the burner distributor and the catalytic burner element, a catalyst bed, a boiler for boiling and heating the feedstock, and an exhaust heat exchanger effective for pre-heating the supply of air to the burner. The burner distributor, catalyst bed, feedstock boiler, and exhaust heat exchanger are all linear elements with a common parallel axis, such that heat exchange gases from the burner travel transversely to the common parallel axis, and where the burner distributor receives heat from the electric heater such that incoming fuel may be at least partially vaporized, and the electric heater heats the catalytic burner element to sufficient temperature such that the vaporized fuel and air mixture initiates catalytic combustion. | 08-13-2009 |
20100263538 | Hydrogen Purifier Module and Method for Forming the Same - A hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen-permeable membrane to purify hydrogen from mixed gases containing hydrogen is disclosed, with improved sealing means where the seals are formed by first melting a metal with a low temperature melting point, and then allowing the metal to form a subsequent alloy which has a melting temperature above the operational temperature of the purifier. The improved seal allows for the fabrication of hydrogen purifiers at lower temperatures than conventional methods such as brazing. Various metallurgical combinations and methods for achieving the seal are disclosed. | 10-21-2010 |
20100282085 | Hydrogen Purifier Module with Membrane Support - A hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen-permeable membrane to purify hydrogen from mixed gases containing hydrogen is disclosed. Improved mechanical support for the permeable membrane is described, enabling forward or reverse differential pressurization of the membrane, which further stabilizes the membrane from wrinkling upon hydrogen uptake. | 11-11-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110071432 | Fine Needle Aspiration Device with Distal Anchor - A device for capturing a tissue sample from within a body comprises a needle slidably comprising a needle lumen extending therethrough to a needle opening in the distal end and a stylet slidably received in the needle lumen for movement between an extended position in which a tissue penetrating distal tip of the stylet extends out of the needle opening to penetrate target tissue and a retracted position in which the distal tip of the stylet is received within the needle opening to substantially seal the needle lumen. The stylet further comprises an anchoring feature located proximally of the tissue penetrating distal tip. The anchoring feature comprises a first gripping member including a first proximal facing abutting surface adjacent to a first tissue receiving gap. Movement of the stylet distally out of the needle lumen brings the first gripping member into engagement with surrounding tissue to anchor the stylet at a desired position within the body. | 03-24-2011 |
20120226101 | Endoscopic Ultrasound Fine Needle Aspiration Device - A handle for a medical device comprises a proximal segment defining a proximal lumen extending therethrough and sized and shaped to receive an endoscopic medical device therein. A medial segment is received within a distal portion of the proximal segment and has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter thereof. A medial lumen extends through the proximal segment and is open to the proximal lumen. A distal segment is received within a distal portion of the medial segment and defines a distal lumen extending therethrough open to the medial lumen. The distal segment has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the medial segment. The medial segment includes a first movement limiting mechanism limiting movement of an endoscopic medical device inserted therethrough along an axis of the distal lumen and a second movement limiting mechanism limiting advancement of an endoscope attached to the distal body portion. | 09-06-2012 |
20120289911 | Flexible Needle - An endoscopic instrument comprises a first flexible insertion member sized for insertion through a body lumen to a target site and a needle coupled to the insertion member for penetration of tissue, the needle including a plurality of flexibility enhancing grooves formed therein along at least a first portion of the length of the needle. | 11-15-2012 |
20140148767 | Flexible Needle - An endoscopic instrument comprises a first flexible insertion member sized for insertion through a body lumen to a target site and a needle coupled to the insertion member for penetration of tissue, the needle including a plurality of flexibility enhancing grooves formed therein along at least a first portion of the length of the needle. | 05-29-2014 |
20140276911 | TISSUE RESECTION SNARES - A tissue resection device for resecting tissue from a target site within a patient's body. The device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. An actuation member extends partially through the shaft, and reciprocates within the shaft between a retracted position and an extended position. Multiple snare wires extend through the actuation member, and emerge outwards from a distal portion of the actuation member. The snare wires cooperate and join to form a snare loop, which engages the tissue intended to be resected. The snare loop is configured to enhance friction while engaging the tissue, to resect the tissue. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090177114 | Echogenic needle aspiration device - An echogenic needle aspiration device. In one embodiment, the device includes an echogenic needle, the needle including a tubular sidewall having a non-circular transverse cross-section over at least a portion of its length. The non-circular cross-sectional shape of the needle may be provided, for example, by radially spacing one or more straight, longitudinally-extending fins, ribs or other projections about the periphery of the needle and/or by providing the needle with a polygonal cross-sectional shape. | 07-09-2009 |
20140222030 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FASTENING TISSUE LAYERS - Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The device may include, for example, an elongated tubular member having a proximal end for extending outside of the body and a distal end for positioning proximate the multiple tissue layers, a grasper configured for positioning proximate the distal end of the tubular member and for grasping at least one of the multiple tissue layers, a device coupled to the distal end of the tubular member for folding the multiple tissue layers together, a tissue fastener configured to be inserted into the tissue layers to hold the tissue layers together, and a fastener head for inserting the tissue fastener into the tissue layers. | 08-07-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090216265 | Tissue fasteners and related deployment systems and methods - Surgical tissue fasteners and related deployment systems and methods are disclosed. A tissue fastener used to join multiple tissue layers includes a first member, a second member, and a connecting member connecting the first and second members. In some embodiments, the first and second members are configured to expand from a delivered state to a deployed state in which the fastener secures the tissue layers together. Other tissue fastener embodiments include means for applying a substantially constant force on the tissue layers and/or means for adjusting a length of the connecting member between the first and second members. | 08-27-2009 |
20100152612 | ENDOSCOPES HAVING MULTIPLE LUMENS FOR TISSUE ACQUISITION AND REMOVAL AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - Embodiments of the invention include an endoscope including multiple lumens for tissue acquisition and removal and related methods of use. | 06-17-2010 |
20100154791 | Endoscopic Bite Guard and Related Methods of Use - A medical device may include a bite guard assembly configured to restrict sliding movement of an elongated member relative to the bite guard assembly. The bite guard assembly may include a main portion including a mouthpiece. The main portion may include a surface defining a passageway for receipt of the elongated member therethrough. The bite guard assembly may also include a securing portion configured to restrict movement of the elongated member through the passageway and that is configured to be disposed between the surface and the elongated member. | 06-24-2010 |
20100318119 | BIOPSY FORCEPS ASSEMBLIES - Embodiments of the invention include devices for obtaining tissue including a proximal actuator and a distal assembly having first and second end effectors. The first and second end effectors include the features of at least one element within the inner surface either of the first and second end effectors for aiding in the capture and retention of a targeted tissue sample. | 12-16-2010 |
20110124963 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FASTENING TISSUE LAYERS - Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The device may include, for example, an elongated tubular member having a proximal end for extending outside of the body and a distal end for positioning proximate the multiple tissue layers, a grasper configured for positioning proximate the distal end of the tubular member and for grasping at least one of the multiple tissue layers, a device coupled to the distal end of the tubular member for folding the multiple tissue layers together, a tissue fastener configured to be inserted into the tissue layers to hold the tissue layers together, and a fastener head for inserting the tissue fastener into the tissue layers. | 05-26-2011 |
20110224575 | Needle with Helical Grooves Converting Axial Movement to Rotational Movement - A device for penetrating tissues within a living body, comprises a shaft extending from a proximal end which, in an operative position, remains outside the body to a distal end which, in the operative position, is within a living body, the shaft comprising a channel extending therethrough from the proximal end to an opening at the distal end. The device also comprises a needle extending within the channel and comprising a tissue penetrating tip. A portion of an outer surface of the needle includes a first structure wrapping therearound and configured to mate with a second structure formed on a corresponding portion of an inner wall of the shaft. The first and second structures mate with one another so that, as the needle is urged axially through the channel, the mating causes the needle to rotate about an axis of the channel. | 09-15-2011 |
20120004505 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TISSUE INVAGINATION - Surgical devices and methods used for invaginating tissue during, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The device includes an elongated tube having a proximal end configured to extend outside of the body and a distal end configured to extend proximate the tissue to be invaginated, and a distal member coupled to the distal end of the tube. The distal member is configured to hold or grasp the tissue to be invaginated. The devices may include a protective distal sleeve. | 01-05-2012 |
20120316391 | DISPOSABLE SHEATH - A sheath for a medical instrument may include an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal face, and a first hollow lumen extending from a first end proximate the proximal end to a second end proximate the distal face. The sheath may also include a transparent window positioned at the second end of the first lumen to seal the first lumen at the second end. The transparent window may be configured to transmit light therethrough. | 12-13-2012 |
20120316603 | TISSUE FASTENING DEVICES AND PROCESSES THAT PROMOTE TISSUE ADHESION - The invention in certain aspects relates to a surgical fastener for fastening tissue segments having tissue surfaces. The fastener includes a first fastener member having a base and a piercing element connected to the base for piercing the tissue segments to be fastened, a second fastener member having an opening for receiving and retaining the piercing element of the first fastener member such that the tissue segments to be fastened are retained between the first and second fastening members, and means for promoting adhesion between the tissue surfaces. The invention also relates to related methods and devices for promoting adhesion of tissue segments and preventing fastener migration, especially in an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of GERD. | 12-13-2012 |
20130053644 | EXTENDIBLE FLEXIBLE SHEATH - A sheath for a medical instrument includes an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal face. The elongate body may be configured to axially extend from a first length to a second length greater than the first length. The sheath may include a first hollow lumen extending from a first end proximate the proximal end to a second end proximate the distal face, and a second hollow lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal face. The second lumen may be open at the distal face. The sheath may also include a transparent window positioned at the second end of the first lumen to seal the first lumen at the second end. The transparent window may be configured to transmit light therethrough. | 02-28-2013 |
20130053645 | DISPOSABLE SHEATH WITH LIGHTING - A sheath for a medical device may include an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal face and a first hollow lumen and a second hollow lumen extending from a first end proximate the proximal end to a second end proximate the distal face. The sheath may also include at least one lighting device positioned in the sheath proximate the distal face, and a transparent window positioned at the second end of the first lumen to seal the first lumen at the second end. The transparent window may be configured to transmit light therethrough. | 02-28-2013 |
20130085412 | BIOPSY FORCEPS ASSEMBLIES - Embodiments of the invention include devices for obtaining tissue including a proximal actuator and a distal assembly having first and second end effectors. The first and second end effectors include the features of at least one element within the inner surface either of the first and second end effectors for aiding in the capture and retention of a targeted tissue sample. | 04-04-2013 |
20140031841 | TISSUE FASTENERS AND RELATED DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Surgical tissue fasteners and related deployment systems and methods are disclosed. A tissue fastener used to join multiple tissue layers includes a first member, a second member, and a connecting member connecting the first and second members. In some embodiments, the first and second members are configured to expand from a delivered state to a deployed state in which the fastener secures the tissue layers together. Other tissue fastener embodiments include means for applying a substantially constant force on the tissue layers and/or means for adjusting a length of the connecting member between the first and second members. | 01-30-2014 |
20140276407 | Medical Devices Having Micropatterns - Medical devices having one or more micropatterned surfaces (e.g., micropatterned coatings). | 09-18-2014 |
20140283355 | STEERABLE CATHETER WITH RAPID EXCHANGE LUMEN - A medical device for advancement over a guidewire includes a number of lumens therein including a working channel lumen, one or more control wire lumens, and a guidewire lumen. A flexible support within the device includes number of interlocking elements that resist longitudinal compression, transfer rotational torque, and can bend side to side. The flexible support also includes a slot that is aligned with the guidewire lumen. An outer jacket includes a perforation, slot, slit, or thinned area that is aligned with the slot in the support member and the guidewire lumen in order to allow a device such as a guidewire to be removed from the guidewire lumen and through the support member. | 09-25-2014 |
20140336673 | TISSUE FASTENING DEVICES AND PROCESSES THAT PROMOTE TISSUE ADHESION - The invention in certain aspects relates to a surgical fastener for fastening tissue segments having tissue surfaces. The fastener includes a first fastener member having a base and a piercing element connected to the base for piercing the tissue segments to be fastened, a second fastener member having an opening for receiving and retaining the piercing element of the first fastener member such that the tissue segments to be fastened are retained between the first and second fastening members, and means for promoting adhesion between the tissue surfaces. The invention also relates to related methods and devices for promoting adhesion of tissue segments and preventing fastener migration, especially in an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of GERD. | 11-13-2014 |
20150057681 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR LUMEN OCCLUSION - A system may include an introducer sheath including a retention member configured to anchor the introducer sheath in a natural body lumen having a wall. The system may also have an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis through a working channel of the introducer sheath. Additionally, the system may have a manipulating portion coupled to a distal end of the elongate member. The manipulating portion may include at least one selectively actuatable member configured to transition between an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the undeployed configuration, the at least one actuatable member may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and in at least one position in the deployed configuration, the at least one actuatable member may extend radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis. In the deployed configuration, the manipulating portion and elongate member may be configured to be proximally retracted toward the working channel of the introducer sheath so as to move a distal portion of the wall towards a proximal portion of the wall. | 02-26-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140023428 | ELONGATE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH ARTICULATING PORTION - An articulating portion for an elongate medical device is disclosed. The articulating portion may include a plurality of segments movable relative to one another, and a plurality of hinges disposed between adjacent segments. The segments can be configured to bend at the hinges upon manipulation of a control member of the device. The segments and the hinges can also be a single continuous piece of material. | 01-23-2014 |
20140357946 | TISSUE SPREADER FOR ACCESSING PAPILLA, AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - The medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of legs coupled to the distal end of the elongate member. The medical device may also include a moveable element distal to the distal end of the elongate member, disposed around the plurality of legs. The moveable element may be reciprocally moveable relative to the elongate member and plurality of legs between a first and second position. The plurality of legs may be in a collapsed configuration when the moveable element is in the first position, and may be in an expanded configuration when the moveable element is in the second position. | 12-04-2014 |
20140371586 | FIDUCIAL DEPLOYMENT MECHANISMS, AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A medical device that may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a lumen disposed through the elongate member is disclosed. The medical device may also include an opening disposed at the distal end of the elongate member in communication with the lumen, and a pushing element disposed with the lumen. The medical device may also include at least one fiducial disposed within the lumen and distal to the pushing element, and a separating mechanism disposed at the distal end of the elongate member. The separating mechanism may be configured to apply a separating force to deploy the at least one fiducial. | 12-18-2014 |
20150073391 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH A MOVABLE TIP - Medical devices and methods are disclosed. An example medical guidewire for accessing a body lumen along a biliary and/or pancreatic tract may include an elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end. The guidewire may include a movable distal tip positioned at the distal end of the elongated member. The guidewire may also include an electromechanical actuator for actuating movement of the distal tip. The actuation of the electromechanical actuator actuates movement of the adjustable distal tip and facilitates cannulation of one or more of a bile duct and a pancreatic duct. | 03-12-2015 |