Patents Examined by David C. Comstock
  • Patent number: 11974894
    Abstract: An illuminated dental prop for holding a patient's mouth open during dental procedures is disclosed. The illuminated dental prop is completely disposed within the patient's mouth during use and includes a bite prop and a lighting assembly that is selectively detachable from the bite prop to allow for intense sterilization of the components before or after use. The lighting assembly is selectively repositionable along the bite prop to accommodate different patient situations. Under certain embodiments of the invention, the body portion and/or the lighting assembly will be disposable after a single use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Inventor: Louie Khouri
  • Patent number: 11974729
    Abstract: Disclosed is a video laryngoscope having a body, an insertion section extending from the body generally parallel to a median plane of the laryngoscope extending through the body, and a display screen assembly extending from the body generally perpendicular to the median plane, the body having a grip portion intermediate the display screen assembly and the insertion section. The display screen assembly, including a display screen, extends laterally from the body and the inner edge of the display screen falls within the lateral extent of the body. The display screen may be adjustable about an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventor: Matthew John Ross McGrath
  • Patent number: 11964074
    Abstract: Additive-manufacturing systems for forming non-woven fibrous implants are disclosed. Additive-manufacturing systems may include a robotic subsystem having scanning and imaging equipment configured to scan a patient's anatomy, and an armature including at least one dispensing nozzle configured to selectively dispense at least one material. The system may further include a controller apparatus configured to send a control signal to control the scanning and imaging equipment to determine a target alignment of a patient's spine, and develop an additive-manufactured printing plan including an additive-manufactured material selection plan based on the target alignment of the patient's spine. The controller may execute the additive-manufactured printing plan to: dispense the at least one material to form a non-woven fibrous component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventor: Jonathan M. Dewey
  • Patent number: 11944286
    Abstract: A surgical rib retractor has a housing and a body pivotably coupled to the housing and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The retractor also has a first arm unit coupled to the housing and configured to atraumatically receive tissue. The first arm unit has a first arm, a first strut movable relative to the first arm in a first plane defined by the first arm, and a first frame attached to the first strut. The retractor also has a second arm unit coupled to the body and configured to atraumatically receive tissue. The second arm unit has a second arm, a second strut movable relative to the second arm in a second plane defined by the second arm, wherein the second plane is not parallel to the first plane when the body is in the closed position, and a second frame attached to the second strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: LSI Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Jude S. Sauer
  • Patent number: 11944265
    Abstract: An exemplary medical imaging system includes an imaging device that includes a visible light camera configured to obtain image data representative of a two-dimensional visible light image of a scene and a depth sensor separate from the visible light camera and configured to obtain depth data representative of a depth map of the scene. The medical imaging system further includes a image processing system communicatively coupled to the imaging device and configured to generate, based on the image data and the depth data, a right-side perspective image of the scene and a left-side perspective image of the scene that together form a stereoscopic image of the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Stricko, III, Jacob L. Divone, Glenn C. Stante
  • Patent number: 11944397
    Abstract: Embodiments of an actuated cannula seal are disclosed In some embodiments, a cannula seal includes a base portion that engages with a cannula; and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion, the sealing portion capable of engaging with an instrument shaft, the sealing portion capable of being actuated by an actuator so that the sealing portion is continually in motion relative to the instrument shaft. The actuation of the sealing portion can be accomplished by rotation or vibration of the sealing portion relative to the instrument shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawton N. Verner, Stephen J. Blumenkranz
  • Patent number: 11925392
    Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a receiver with a base defining an internal cavity with a seating surface adjacent a bottom opening and an upper portion defining a channel configured to receive an elongate rod. The assembly also includes an anchor member having a proximal end portion with a partial spherical or spheroid shaped head to establish pivotable motion between the anchor member and the receiver, and a planar top surface surrounding an internal drive socket. The assembly further includes an insert positionable within the channel to transfer a downwardly-directed force onto the proximal end portion to lock a position of the anchor member relative to the receiver, with the planar top surface remaining spaced apart from the insert so as to not directly receive the downwardly-directed force therefrom. A method of use is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11925394
    Abstract: An orthopedic intramedullary sleeve apparatus for internal bone fixation for bone fracture treatment of a patient. The apparatus may comprise a multilayer sleeve component comprising one or more access valves disposed on a surface of the sleeve. Each access valve may comprise one or more resealable ports for injecting polymers or monomers or resins or any curable types of cement. The sleeve component may be positioned inside the intramedullary cavity in a minimally invasive way and removed from the intramedullary cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: MEDICARBONE, INC.
    Inventors: Krishna Kolan, Ravichandran Kollarigowda, Neda Saadatmanesh, Hamid Saadatmanesh, Abiraman Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 11918266
    Abstract: A wire tensioner tip includes a body having a first extension and a second extension spaced apart to define a ring slot. An engagement body is disposed within the ring receiving slot. The engagement body includes one or more projections configured to engage an outer surface of a ring positioned within the ring receiving slot. A coupling element extends from the body and is configured to couple the body to a wire tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: WRIGHT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Kian-Ming Wong, Freddie Lobianco
  • Patent number: 11918253
    Abstract: An active variable stiffness clamping device for pelvic fracture reduction robot, belonging to the technical field of medical robots. The clamping device includes an affected side adjusting support module and a healthy side fixing module which are in fit with each other. The affected side adjusting support module is provided with a pair of electric pin rod connector modules connected to the affected side adjusting support module. The healthy side fixing module includes a healthy side bed clamp seat, the healthy side bed clamp seat is provided with a healthy side support rod, the healthy side support rod is provided with a healthy side spherical hinge base, and the healthy side spherical hinge base is provided with a pair of healthy side fixers which are in clearance fit with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Shanghai University
    Inventors: Jingtao Lei, Xinyi Chen, Shenyang Cai
  • Patent number: 11918207
    Abstract: A horizontal-transvertebral curvilinear nail-screw (HTCN) including a body portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is opposed to the second end; and a head at the first end of the body portion, wherein the body portion has a predetermined curvilinear shape and includes a pointed tip at the second end of the body portion, and a method of surgically implanting universal horizontal-transvertebral curvilinear nail-screws (HTCN) into a plurality of adjacent vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Moskowitz Family LLC
    Inventors: Nathan C. Moskowitz, Mosheh T. Moskowitz, Ahmnon D. Moskowitz
  • Patent number: 11911074
    Abstract: A strut measurement and feedback device and corresponding systems and methods for use with an external fixator are disclosed. The strut measurement and feedback device can be attached to a strut of an external fixator. The strut measurement and feedback device can confirm that the strut measurement and feedback device is attached to a proper strut to be adjusted. The strut measurement and feedback device can provide real-time feedback to an individual as the length of the strut is being adjusted to ensure the length adjustment complies with a prescription for the length of the strut. As a result, a patient can more effectively comply with the prescription as adjustments to the strut are made over time, thereby improving the likelihood of successful bone alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Pte. Limited Smith, Nephew Orthopaedic.; AG
    Inventors: Charles Heotis, Johnny Mason, Andrew Noblett, Paul Bell, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin, Joseph Ferrante
  • Patent number: 11911075
    Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a receiver having an upper portion defining a channel for receiving a rod and a base defining a central bore with a seating surface adjacent a lower opening and a cut-out portion extending radially outward from the lower opening that is defined, in part, by one or more downward-facing planar surfaces. The assembly includes a shank having a capture portion with rounded shape including a spherical lower outer surface extending downward toward a neck, and an anchor portion opposite the capture portion. The capture portion is positionable into the central bore with the lower outer surface in pivotal engagement with the seating surface and the shank extending downward through the lower opening, and with the neck of the shank being positionable in the cut-out portion of the lower opening to provide for increased pivotal angulation of the shank with respect to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11903617
    Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a collar, and a collet including an outer surface and an inner surface. The collet is connectable with a shaft. A crown includes a surface configured for disposal of a spinal rod. The collet is disposed with the collar such that the inner surface frictionally engages the spinal rod to capture the spinal rod with the crown. In some embodiments, implants, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc
    Inventor: William Alan Rezach
  • Patent number: 11903573
    Abstract: A trocar-cannula insertion tool for ophthalmic procedures may include a cap with a body having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. A marking element extends in a distal direction from the distal end of the body and includes at least one marking tip for forming one or more indentations on a patient's eye during an ophthalmic procedure. A manipulation element extends from the body in a direction different from the marking element and includes at least one manipulation tip for gripping a tissue of the patient's eye during the ophthalmic procedure. The cap may further include at least one window for exposing a photoluminescent cannula of the trocar-cannula insertion tool to light, enabling the cannula to absorb photons prior to insertion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: James Y. Chon, Joel Cicchella, Russell Finlay, Grace Chuang Liao, Ashish Sinha
  • Patent number: 11896267
    Abstract: An external fixation system may include first and second fixation rings and a plurality of adjustable length struts. Each adjustable length strut may have two joints, a rod, a tube, and an actuator configured to drive the rod axially relative to the tube to change an effective length of the strut. The system may include a plurality of controller modules each configured to couple to a corresponding strut. The external fixation system may have a manual mode of operation in which the controller modules are not coupled to the struts, and manual actuation of the actuators changes the effective lengths of the struts in discrete length increments. The external fixation system may have an automated mode of operation in which the controller modules are coupled to the struts, and automated actuation of the actuators changes the effective lengths of the struts in infinitesimally small length increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Limited
    Inventors: Chulho Pak, Subash K. Mannanal, Peter Sterrantino, Noah Roberson, Anup Kumar, Andrew J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11896209
    Abstract: An ophthalmic speculum includes arms, a locking mechanism, and an air-flow system. The arms include a first arm and a second arm. Each arm has a retractor shaped to conform to an eyelid of a pair of eyelids of an eye. The retractors are substantially symmetrical about a lateral axis. The locking mechanism is coupled to the arms. The locking mechanism moves the arms to allow the retractors to retract the pair of eyelids, and fixes the arms into place to maintain retraction of the pair of eyelids. The air-flow system is coupled to at least one arm, and moves air in a region disposed outwardly from a surface of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Abraham, Michael Wittnebel
  • Patent number: 11896269
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a securement arm, a clamp lock, and a tensioning assembly. The body defines a longitudinal axis and has proximal and distal portions. The distal portion defines a recess. The securement arm is coupled to the body and translatable along the body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between first and second position. The clamp lock is pivotally coupled to the distal portion of the body. The clamp lock is pivotable between secured and unsecured configurations. The tensioning assembly translatable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between proximal and distal position. The tensioning assembly configured to draw a flexible band to tension the flexible band about a bony element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Hsu, Greg Mundis, Jr., Burt Yaszay, Suken Shah, Behrooz Akbarnia, Catherine Ross, Brian Kunes, Brandon Moore
  • Patent number: 11890033
    Abstract: A spinal implant includes a receiver having a first arm connected to a first extension and a second arm connected to a second extension. The arms are connected to the extensions via a break away surface. The arms include a proximal most end surface and the receiver includes an implant receiving surface. The proximal most end surface and the implant receiving surface defining an implant cavity. The break away surface is disposed within the implant cavity. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry T. McBride, Rex W. Armstrong, Domagoj Coric, Robert M. Loke
  • Patent number: 11883075
    Abstract: A correction clamp assembly that permits a physician to surgically correct a bunion or similar deformity is provided. The assembly includes an elongate bridge, as well as first and second blocks slidably or rotatably connected to the elongate bridge. More specifically, first block is configured to slide along a slot formed in the elongate bridge, as well as rotate relative thereto. Additionally, the second block is configured to rotate relative to the elongate bridge. First and second pins may be configured to extend through the first and second block, and then into various pieces of bone. Once a cut is made in a portion of joint or bone, the pins can thereafter be moved towards and away from one another to position the respective pieces of bone in a desired location. Locking screws may also be provided to releasably secure the blocks relative to the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: RELJA Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Robby A. Amiot, Jacob Flagle