Andrew J Richardson

US Patent:

61834432, Feb 6, 2001

Filed:

Oct 26, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/179231

Inventors:

William F. Kratoska - Plymouth MN
Andrew G. Richardson - Chanhassen MN
Sew-Wah Tay - Plymouth MN
Scott P. Thome - Waite Park MN
Peter T. Keith - Fridley MN

Assignee:

Scimed Life Systems, Inc. - Maple Grove MN

International Classification:

A61M 5178

US Classification:

60416403

Abstract:

The present invention comprises a method and device for providing an expandable introducer sheath. The method of employing the inventive device comprises inserting an elongate flexible tubular sheath into a vessel (with a proximal end of the sheath extending proximally outward through the skin), to slidably receive intravascular devices. When a larger size introducer sheath is desired, the sheath is manipulated while still in the vessel to expand its inner diameter to a larger size. In one embodiment, the sheath is made of a shape-memory polymer and is manipulated by inserting a heated mandrel (with an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the sheath) within the sheath to cause the sheath to expand to an inner diameter at least approximately equal to an outer diameter of the mandrel. The shape-memory polymer material ensures that the sheath will retain its expanded inner diameter. Alternatively, the sheath is formed from a telescoping multi-tubular arrangement of progressively larger tubes.

US Patent:

56141360, Mar 25, 1997

Filed:

Mar 2, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/398213

Inventors:

Henry J. Pepin - Loretto MN
Michael S. Ferrandino - Elk River MN
Andrew G. Richardson - Chanhassen MN

Assignee:

SciMed Life Systems, Inc. - Maple Grove MN

International Classification:

B29C 4792

US Classification:

264 403

Abstract:

Process for forming a dimensionally variable tubular member for use in catheterization procedures. The process includes a mechanism for extruding a tubular member. A variable speed puller pulls the tubular member through or from the extrusion means at a selectively variable speed. A variable air or gas pressure supply supplies pressurized air or gas to the extrusion mechanism at a selectively variable rate. The dimensionally varying tubular member may be cut to desired lengths for use as catheter shafts or catheter soft tips. The process may include forming a tubular member having a dimensionally varying first layer and a dimensionally varying second layer, wherein a portion of the first layer at a distal end of the tubular member is removed.

US Patent:

58687181, Feb 9, 1999

Filed:

Oct 24, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/736409

Inventors:

Henry J. Pepin - Loretto MN
Michael S. Ferrandino - Elk River MN
Andrew G. Richardson - Chanhassen MN

Assignee:

SciMed Life Systems, Inc. - Maple Grove MN

International Classification:

A61M 500

US Classification:

604264

Abstract:

Process for forming a dimensionally variable tubular member for use in catheterization procedures. The process includes a mechanism for extruding a tubular member. A variable speed puller pulls the tubular member through or from the extrusion means at a selectively variable speed. A variable air or gas pressure supply supplies pressurized air or gas to the extrusion mechanism at a selectively variable rate. The dimensionally varying tubular member may be cut to desired lengths for use as catheter shafts or catheter soft tips. The process may include forming a tubular member having a dimensionally varying first layer and a dimensionally varying second layer, wherein a portion of the first layer at a distal end of the tubular member is removed.

US Patent:

20150275954, Oct 1, 2015

Filed:

Jun 10, 2015

Appl. No.:

14/735234

Inventors:

- Clarence NY, US
Tom Walch - Centerville MN, US
Andrew Richardson - Chanhassen MN, US
Erik Jagger - Deephaven MN, US

International Classification:

F16B 35/04

Abstract:

In various examples, a set screw apparatus includes a set screw including a set screw body. An abutment extends radially outwardly from the set screw body and longitudinally separated from a threaded set screw area of a first length by an unthreaded set screw area of a second length of the set screw body. A block includes a bore. A threaded block area includes a third length, wherein the abutment inhibits movement of the set screw past the threaded block area and removal of the set screw from the bore. The third length is shorter than the second length so that an entirety of the threaded block area can be disposed within the unthreaded set screw area, such that the set screw is freely rotatable within the bore, but retained within the bore, if turned in a first direction with respect to the block.

US Patent:

20150086292, Mar 26, 2015

Filed:

Sep 20, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/032316

Inventors:

- Clarence NY, US
Tom Walch - Centerville MN, US
Andrew Richardson - Chanhassen MN, US
Erik Jagger - Deephaven MN, US

Assignee:

Greatbatch Ltd. - Clarence NY

International Classification:

F16B 39/22

US Classification:

411 81

Abstract:

In various examples, a set screw apparatus includes a set screw including a set screw body. An abutment extends radially outwardly from the set screw body and longitudinally separated from a threaded set screw area of a first length by an unthreaded set screw area of a second length of the set screw body. A block includes a bore. A threaded block area includes a third length, wherein the abutment inhibits movement of the set screw past the threaded block area and removal of the set screw from the bore. The third length is shorter than the second length so that an entirety of the threaded block area can be disposed within the unthreaded set screw area, such that the set screw is freely rotatable within the bore, but retained within the bore, if turned in a first direction with respect to the block.