Steven Wade Hobbs

US Patent:

6343223, Jan 29, 2002

Filed:

Jan 14, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/483098

Inventors:

Rodney Chin - Oakland CA
Steven Hobbs - Pasadena CA

Assignee:

Mallinckrodt Inc. - Hazelwood MO

International Classification:

A61B 500

US Classification:

600323, 600334

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for improving blood perfusion by both heating a patients skin and providing emitters and a detector which are offset from each other. Since the emitters and detector are not directly opposite each other, the light is forced to pass through more blood perfused tissue (with blood perfusion enhanced by heating) to pass from the emitters to the detector. This causes the light emitted by the emitters to pass through more blood-perfused tissue to reach the detector than it would on the direct path through the appendage if the emitters and detector were opposite each other.

US Patent:

6466808, Oct 15, 2002

Filed:

Nov 22, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/447449

Inventors:

Rodney Chin - Oakland CA
Steven Hobbs - Pleasanton CA

Assignee:

Mallinckrodt Inc. - Hazelwood MO

International Classification:

A61B 500

US Classification:

600323, 600334, 600322

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for both heating a patients skin and for measuring the temperature using the same device, such as a thermistor. Thus, the thermistor generates controlled heat, and is not just used for sensing the temperature. In an oximetry sensor, the thermistor is located in the vicinity of the light emitter and photodetector to warm the optically-probed tissue region. As heat is dissipated, temperature changes are sensed as resistance changes according to Ohms law. Active thermal regulation by varying the amount of thermistor current and power can safeguard against burning the tissue while maximizing perfusion.

US Patent:

20060076482, Apr 13, 2006

Filed:

Nov 14, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/273064

Inventors:

Steven Hobbs - Pleasanton CA, US
Stephen O'Connor - Pasadena CA, US
Ronald Gamble - Altadena CA, US

International Classification:

H01J 49/00

US Classification:

250287000

Abstract:

Systems and methods for analyzing multiple samples in parallel using mass spectrometry preferably coupled with fluid phase separation techniques are provided. A modular mass spectrometer includes a vacuum enclosure, multiple sample inlets, multiple common vacuum pumping elements, and multiple mass analysis modules disposed substantially within the enclosure, with each module preferably including a mass analyzer and a transducer. In one embodiment, the modules mate with the vacuum enclosure to define multiple sequential vacuum regions, with each vacuum region having an associated common vacuum pumping element. At least one multi-pole ion transfer optic element is preferably associated with each module. Fluid phase separation devices may include microfluidic devices utilizing chromatographic, electrophoretic, or other separation methods.

US Patent:

20130126021, May 23, 2013

Filed:

Nov 18, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/299506

Inventors:

Steven Edward Hobbs - Pleasanton CA, US

Assignee:

DH Technologies Development Pte. Ltd. - Singapore

International Classification:

F17D 1/00
B29C 65/56
F16L 9/12

US Classification:

137557, 138177, 1563042, 156267, 156293

Abstract:

A sealed microfluidic conduit assembly is fabricated by forming a joint through which a first conduit fluidly communicates with a second conduit, by bringing the first conduit into contact with the second conduit. A layer of malleable material surrounding one or both conduits is compressed against the joint to fluidly seal the joint, by applying a radial force to an outer surface of a jacket surrounding the conduits and malleable layer. The respective compositions and/or sizes of the first conduit and second conduit may be different.

US Patent:

59161540, Jun 29, 1999

Filed:

Apr 22, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/064639

Inventors:

Steven E. Hobbs - Pleasanton CA
Ross Flewelling - Oakland CA

Assignee:

Nellcor Puritan Bennett - Pleasanton CA

International Classification:

A61B 500

US Classification:

600334

Abstract:

An improved method for optically measuring a characteristic of a patient's blood or tissue is provided which involves first passing an arterialization current (typically from about 1-10 mA AC or DC) through a relatively short tissue segment of a patient (up to about 12 inches) for a period of time sufficient to significantly increase blood flow, whereupon a transcutaneous optical measurement is made. The method is especially suited for pulse oximetry and permits more accurate readings owing to the increased amplitude of the detection signal. In another embodiment, a probe molecule composition may be initially applied to the patient's skin, and the arterialization current is used to rapidly and evenly diffuse the probe molecule into the tissue segment. An appropriate sensor can then be employed for detecting the probe molecule.