James C Conti

US Patent:

7018327, Mar 28, 2006

Filed:

Aug 27, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/649589

Inventors:

James C. Conti - Galena MO, US

International Classification:

A61N 1/362

US Classification:

600 16, 434268, 738664

Abstract:

A test apparatus provides pulsatile flows that replicate the human cardiovascular system for qualifying implantable cardiovascular devices before implantation in a patient. A pump provides flow pulses to a mock left ventricle, a mock aortic valve, and a mock aorta. A loop from the ventricle to the aorta bypasses the mock aortic valve and affords connection of the test device. The mock aorta comprises elastic tube sections serially connected in progressively diminishing diameters, and interconnected by adjustable flow restrictors. Each elastic tube section shows about 7% to 12% inside-diameter expansion for 100 mm mercury step increase. A designer's choice over the elasticity of the tube sections and a user's control over the flow restrictor(s) allows the user to shape various target waveforms in regards of flowrate and pressure against time as well as the peaks and drop-off forms in addition.

US Patent:

7335027, Feb 26, 2008

Filed:

Aug 27, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/649587

Inventors:

James C. Conti - Galena MO, US

International Classification:

G09B 23/28

US Classification:

434267

Abstract:

A lost candy method for producing polymeric mock human tissue that has to meet an exacting specification comprise producing a batch of cores of a candy material from a sugar composition, and then coating such cores repetitively in pre-polymer material to build up sufficient thickness estimated to be short of or otherwise meeting the specification. After allowing completion of the polymerization process, then testing one polymerized member of the batch for if it meets the specification. If it does, then the remaining members can be tested for it they do too. If not but if things can be remedied by adding additional thickness, then returning to the step of coating with the remaining members of the batch. Otherwise, then returning to the beginning by of producing anew a fresh batch of cores of the candy material, and then coating such repetitively in said pre-polymer material except fewer times as originally.

US Patent:

7621192, Nov 24, 2009

Filed:

Jul 28, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/494839

Inventors:

James C. Conti - Galena MO, US
Elaine R. Strope - Galena MO, US

Assignee:

Dynatek Laboratories, Inc. - Galena MO

International Classification:

G01N 17/00
A61F 2/24

US Classification:

738656, 623912, 623913

Abstract:

Apparatuses and methods for determining particle shed rates of implantable or inter-dwelling devices are disclosed. Durability test apparatuses with integrated particle counters produce time-dependent particle shed rate profiles. The apparatuses are designed to accommodate pulsatile flow, resembling a heartbeat at the implantable device. In an embodiment, the pulsatile flow is converted to a steady flow before fluid enters the integrated particle counter.

US Patent:

8226723, Jul 24, 2012

Filed:

Nov 20, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/313395

Inventors:

James C. Conti - Galena MO, US
Elaine R. Strope - Galena MO, US

Assignee:

Dynatek Laboratories, Inc. - Galena MO

International Classification:

A61F 2/44

US Classification:

623 1716

Abstract:

A self-retaining artificial spinal disc is formed of a flexible material and has a peripheral lip or meniscus extending from its top and/or bottom surface. The meniscus/menisci encircle portions of vertebrae adjacent the implant site, to enhance retention of the artificial spinal disc when seated in the spinal column. The meniscus/menisci for example snugly overlie the vertebral portions, and foster a suction seal between the disc and the adjacent vertebrae. The disc may be formed as an integral whole, or as two half-discs joinable by gluing, melting or like methods. In a related method, a self-retaining artificial spinal disc is formed in layers, by pouring and drying measures of liquid disc solution in a mold. A meniscal extension is formed from the disc body. Drugs or salts may be added to the disc layers, for example to provide an artificial spinal disc with time-release antibiotics or a desired porosity.

US Patent:

49727214, Nov 27, 1990

Filed:

Jan 23, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/468699

Inventors:

James C. Conti - Galena MO

Assignee:

Dynatek Laboratories, Inc. - Galena MO

International Classification:

G01N 300

US Classification:

73807

Abstract:

A dynamic vascular compliance tester (change in radius with change in pressure) comprises an oscillatorily driven bellows to simulate pulsing a fluid pressure within a test specimen and a method of use thereof. The tester includes a high frequency pressure transducer and a pair of linear voltage-to-displacement transducers ("LVDT") providing outputs that are utilized cooperatively to determine the compliance of a test specimen. A first LVDT measures the volume of fluid in each pulse provided by the bellows and a second LVDT measures the change in length of the test specimen during the pulse. The tester also includes an offset drive mechanism that is operably adjustable such that the volume of fluid passing into the test specimen can be altered as desired.

US Patent:

49894463, Feb 5, 1991

Filed:

Jan 23, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/468568

Inventors:

James C. Conti - Galena MO

Assignee:

Dynatek Laboratories, Inc. - Galena MO

International Classification:

G01F 2500

US Classification:

73 3

Abstract:

An ultrasound calibrator apparatus and method for calibrating ultrasound equipment. The apparatus includes a pair of opposed bellows oscillatorily transferring a fluent medium back and forth through a channel with a well-defined cross-sectional area such that the flow velocity therethrough is known. A probe in communication with ultrasound equipment to be tested is submerged in a reservoir which is situated in close proximity to the channel such that the flow velocity can be measured therewith. The ultrasound equipment is then adjusted to correct the discrepancies between the known and measured velocities so as to calibrate the ultrasound equipment.