Patents by Inventor Robert A. Harrison

Robert A. Harrison has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10327839
    Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for treating tissue comprises an elongate shaft including a proximal region, a distal region having an electrically conductive region and one or more lumens through the shaft. A stylet is located within one of the lumens for obturating at least a portion of an opening defined by a distal end of the elongated shaft. The stylet distal end has a sensor and may include an occluding component substantially surrounding and affixed to it. The elongated shaft and the stylet can possibly be configured to allow passage of fluid through the lumen while the stylet is located within the lumen. Related stylet configurations are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Harrison, Neil Godara, Kathleen Bell, Anton Santhiapillai
  • Patent number: 10321953
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a system that maps the proximal and distal ablation subzones and their respective margins using the tools that are used to access the ablation target wherein the tools have markings to indicate which probe and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) system or vertebroplasty (VP) system to use. Examples of access tools comprise introducers, stylets, and bone drills. In some embodiments of the system, the probe has a marking indicating which BKP or VP system to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Holding Company Sàrl
    Inventors: Neil Godara, Robert Harrison
  • Patent number: 10225016
    Abstract: Wavelength multiplexed optical communication systems include a channeled chromatic dispersion compensator coupled to receive modulated optical beams associated with a plurality of optical channels at respective communication wavelengths. The channeled chromatic dispersion compensator applies independently selected dispersion compensations to each of the optical channels by identifying a dispersion compensation associated with a preferred bit error rate, inter-symbol interference, or other signal quality metric, or determined using optical fiber properties such as dispersion slope and zero dispersion wavelength. Chromatic dispersion compensation can be coupled with channel power equalization, and can be performed at a receiver or a transmitter or in the middle of a fiber span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Khaleghi, Emily Abbess, Christopher Rodenchuk, Alaa Adel Mahdi Hayder, Robert Harrison, Matt Connolly
  • Patent number: 10188939
    Abstract: A modular assembly system is described which enables interaction with an interactive software experience such as a game. The system enables a coherent physical whole object to be assembled from a core module and one or more peripheral modules. The core module includes a battery, processor and a wireless module which is able to communicate with the interactive software experience which runs on a separate computing device such as a smartphone, tablet or games console. Each of the peripheral modules stores a module ID and these IDs are collected by the core module and communicated to the interactive software experience. The user experience within the interactive software experience changes dependent upon the set of modules which are connected to form the coherent physical whole object and may also be altered as a result of manipulation of the coherent physical whole object or individual modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Haiyan Zhang, Nicolas Villar, James William Scott, Greg Saul, Alexandra Keeley Bunting, Lee Jason Schuneman, Philip Robert Harrison, Struan Andrew Robertson, Jonathan Leslie Venables, Thomas James Mejias Stott, Sandeep Bhara, Navtej Sunner
  • Patent number: 10180415
    Abstract: An article is provided with a web of polymer fibers forming a scrim with openings between the polymer fiber elements. A particulate is distributed in, or on the polymer fiber in a quantity to make the scrim detectable by X-ray detection or magnetic detection. One or more layers are laminated to the scrim. A process for detecting a multi-layered laminated scrim-containing article with magnetic or X-ray detection equipment in a production setting is also provided. With process implementation article loss in a product can be detected thereby reducing precautionary product discard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Karen S. Mertins, Robert Harrison Martin
  • Patent number: 10159894
    Abstract: An interactive computer game is described which works in conjunction with a number of physical modules that a user can connect together in different ways to form a coherent physical whole object. The game receives data from the object via a wireless link, the data identifying at least which modules form part of the object and updates game play based on the data received. At some point within the game play, the game presents an objective or goal to the user which the user can only achieve by interacting with the physical object formed from the modules. In an embodiment, this interaction comprises re-arranging the modules or swapping modules to form an object with a different visual appearance, moving all or part of the object and/or interacting with a sensor on a module in the object. The game may receive further data from the object during the user interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: James William Scott, Haiyan Zhang, Nicolas Villar, Greg Saul, Alexandra Keeley Bunting, Lee Jason Schuneman, Philip Robert Harrison, Jonathan Steven Robinson, Sabina Lopez-Moreno, Simone Rita Thomas, Patrizio Spadoni, Alex Hall, Tariq Adaci, Levi Naess, Sebastien Vandenberghe, Alma Coyolxauhqui Salinas Lopez, Simon Jay Carter
  • Publication number: 20180360442
    Abstract: Meniscal extrusion can occur due detachment of the knee capsule from structures of the knee. Disclosed herein are methods to repair the meniscal detachment. Additionally, cadaveric and synthetic models can be used to teach said methods of repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: David Crane, George Paletta, John Purcell, Andrew Osika, Robert Harrison
  • Publication number: 20180365174
    Abstract: A data store for a modular assembly system is described. The data store comprises a number of records, each record relating to a physical module in the modular assembly system and comprising a module ID, an owner ID for the module and one or more properties fields. The properties field(s) define any property of the module and different records may define different properties. At least one of the fields in each data record (e.g. the module ID or owner ID) is verified by an authentication service. A user assembles two or more modules into a coherent physical whole object to act as a user input device to an interactive software experience. The data store communicates with the interactive software experience and causes a change in behavior of the interactive software experience in response to a check of the data records for each of the modules in the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Nicolas Villar, Haiyan Zhang, James William Scott, Greg Saul, Alexandra Keeley Bunting, Lee Jason Schuneman, Philip Robert Harrison
  • Patent number: 10150043
    Abstract: Interactive smart beads are described. The beads are attached to a connecting element and form a fashion item such as a necklace or bracelet. The connecting element detects the presence of beads which are part of the fashion item and also beads which are part of nearby fashion items. The connecting element also autonomously generates interactions between two or more detected beads and transmits data about the interactions to a software experience so that a user can view a graphical representation of the interactions. In various examples each bead represents a character, environment, object, etc. and the software experience displays an animated story based on the characters, environments, objects, etc. represented by the beads involved in an interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Haiyan Zhang, Nicolas Villar, James William Scott, Alexandra Keeley Bunting, Greg Saul, Lee Jason Schuneman, Philip Robert Harrison, Jonathan Leslie Venables, Simon Terence Prodger
  • Patent number: 10085738
    Abstract: Meniscal extrusion can occur due detachment of the knee capsule from structures of the knee. Disclosed herein are methods to repair the meniscal detachment. Additionally, cadaveric and synthetic models can be used to teach said methods of repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Arthex, Inc.
    Inventors: David Crane, George Paletta, John Purcell, Andrew Osika, Robert Harrison, Brian R. Dorn
  • Patent number: 10089253
    Abstract: A data store for a modular assembly system is described. The data store comprises a number of records, each record relating to a physical module in the modular assembly system and comprising a module ID, an owner ID for the module and one or more properties fields. The properties field(s) define any property of the module and different records may define different properties. At least one of the fields in each data record (e.g. the module ID or owner ID) is verified by an authentication service. A user assembles two or more modules into a coherent physical whole object to act as a user input device to an interactive software experience. The data store communicates with the interactive software experience and causes a change in behavior of the interactive software experience in response to a check of the data records for each of the modules in the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Nicolas Villar, Haiyan Zhang, James William Scott, Greg Saul, Alexandra Keeley Bunting, Lee Jason Schuneman, Philip Robert Harrison
  • Patent number: 10076321
    Abstract: Meniscal extrusion can occur due detachment of the knee capsule from structures of the knee. Disclosed herein are methods to repair the meniscal detachment. Additionally, cadaveric and synthetic models can be used to teach said methods of repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: David Crane, George Paletta, John Purcell, Andrew Osika, Robert Harrison
  • Patent number: 10066795
    Abstract: Flexible light engines capable of being cut, and methods thereof, are provided. A cuttable flexible light engine includes a flexible strip and strings of solid state light sources coupled in parallel. A voltage balancer establishes a desired current flow through the strings of solid state light sources when the flexible strip is cut to a desired length, and may be part of a connector placed where the strip is cut. The strings may be provided in a first set of strings coupled in parallel between a first conductive path and an intermediate conductive path and a second set of strings coupled in parallel between the intermediated conductive path and a second conductive path. A cuttable flexible light engine may also include test points positioned within the strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Ming Li, Robert Harrison, Keng Chen, Arnulf Rupp
  • Publication number: 20180206840
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for loading a closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use and for using the apparatus for treating the intervertebral disc. The apparatus includes a cartridge for loading a closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use, the cartridge comprising a tab holding feature for holding one or more tabs of the closing device and a tab loading feature for loading tabs onto the delivery device. A method of treating an intervertebral disc includes the steps of loading a closing device into a delivery device at the point of use, the closing device comprising at least two tabs coupled to a connecting element, and substantially approximating a defect in the intervertebral disc using the closing device delivered by the delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Oldham, Robert Harrison, Neil Godara, llinca Popovici
  • Publication number: 20180206841
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for loading a closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use. The apparatus may include a cartridge comprising an anchor holding feature for holding one or more anchors of the closing device; and an anchor loading feature for loading the one or more anchors onto the delivery device. The anchors may include tabs such as suture tabs. Embodiments of methods of loading the closing device onto a delivery device at the point of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Oldham, Ilinca Popovici, Robert Harrison
  • Patent number: 9999418
    Abstract: A medical device is described, the medical device comprising a moveable member, moveable between a first position and a second position; an actuating member coupled to the moveable member, directly or indirectly, for manipulating the moveable member, that is for causing the movement of the moveable member; and an indicator mechanism coupled, directly or indirectly, to the actuating member, said indicator mechanism comprising at least two components that interact to produce an indication; the indicator and actuating member being cooperatively operable such that the interaction between the at least two components of the indicator mechanism occurs automatically to automatically indicate advancement of the moveable member to the second position from the first position upon a predetermined actuation of the actuating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Anchor Orthopedics XT Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Harrison, Jeffery Arnett, Neil Godara, Laura Man Yee Yu
  • Publication number: 20180010745
    Abstract: Flexible light engines capable of being cut, and methods thereof, are provided. A cuttable flexible light engine includes a flexible strip and strings of solid state light sources coupled in parallel. A voltage balancer establishes a desired current flow through the strings of solid state light sources when the flexible strip is cut to a desired length, and may be part of a connector placed where the strip is cut. The strings may be provided in a first set of strings coupled in parallel between a first conductive path and an intermediate conductive path and a second set of strings coupled in parallel between the intermediated conductive path and a second conductive path. A cuttable flexible light engine may also include test points positioned within the strings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Ming Li, Robert Harrison, Keng Chen, Arnulf Rupp
  • Patent number: 9820808
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the treatment of a thoracic region of a patient's body. Embodiments of the method comprise positioning an energy delivery portion of an electrosurgical device to face a segment of a thoracic vertebra at a distance from the segment; and cooling the energy delivery portion and delivering energy through the energy delivery portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy Lefler, Neil Godara, Robert Harrison
  • Publication number: 20170327154
    Abstract: A body structure for a passenger car has B-pillar reinforcements of which each have an upper attachment section for attachment to the roof area and a lower attachment section for attachment to the floor assembly or to a side sill. The B-pillar reinforcements are formed as integral tubes made of high-strength steel material and, between the lower attachment sections of the tubes and the upper attachment sections thereof, have a curved course having a constant radius of curvature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Robert HARRISON, Robert LOCH
  • Publication number: 20170325804
    Abstract: Meniscal extrusion can occur due detachment of the knee capsule from structures of the knee. Disclosed herein are methods to repair the meniscal detachment. Additionally, cadaveric and synthetic models can be used to teach said methods of repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: David Crane, George Paletta, John Purcell, Andrew Osika, Robert Harrison