Patents by Inventor Wesley M. Johnson
Wesley M. Johnson 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).
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Patent number: 9968378Abstract: An improvement of a polyaxial screw head disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 8,277,490. A saddle resides within a tulip. The saddle is configured to mate with a rod. An outer set screw engages an inner surface of the tulip. An inner set screw is disposed within a lumen of an outer set screw. A force distributor has a concave surface configured to mate with the rod. The force distributor has a bore configured to accept a conical end of the inner set screw. The force distributor is configured to distribute the force applied onto the bore by the inner set screw along the contact area with rod. The force distributor allows the rod to pivot and have sagittal motion when the inner set screw is untightened. The force distributor immobilizes the rod within the saddle when the inner set screw is tightened.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Wesley M. Johnson, Thomas B. Freeman
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Patent number: 9300104Abstract: An electrical contact insertion tool includes an insertion assembly, a handle assembly slidably coupled to the insertion assembly such that the insertion assembly is translatable between a first position with respect to the handle assembly and a second position with respect to the handle assembly, and a retention mechanism selectively movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The handle assembly is configured to retain the insertion assembly in the first position with a first predetermined amount of force when the insertion assembly is in the first position. The retention mechanism is configured to retain an object between the retention mechanism and the insertion assembly with a second predetermined amount of force when the retention mechanism is in the second configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Luis J. Lazaro, Jr., Wesley M. Johnson, Curtis A. Davis
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Patent number: 9263840Abstract: An electrical contact insertion tool includes a handle, an insertion tip assembly extending from the handle, a surface probe assembly extending from the handle, and an indicator. The insertion tip assembly is configured to apply a force to an electrical contact to accomplish insertion of the electrical contact into an electrical connector. The surface probe assembly is configured to determine a displacement associated with the insertion tip assembly. The indicator is configured to present an indication of positive electrical contact insertion based at least in part on the force and the displacement associated with the insertion tip assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Luis J. Lazaro, Jr., Wesley M. Johnson, Frederick Boyd McGalliard, III
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Patent number: 9226776Abstract: An apparatus for stabilization of a patient's head relative to the patient's neck joint includes an occi-cervical base member having a “C”-shaped central part and first and second attachment rods respectively connected to and extending transversely from free ends of the central part. An occiput attachment has a first end slideably engaged to the central part and a flat, straight second end that extends radially outwardly relative to the first end. First and second polyaxial screw heads are adapted to be implanted in first and second occipital condyles of a patient, respectively. The first and second polyaxial screw heads are adapted to engage first and second stabilizing rods, respectively, that are placed in-line with the cervical spine of a patient and to engage the first and second attachment rods, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Juan S. Uribe, Wesley M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20140052188Abstract: An apparatus for stabilization of a patient's head relative to the patient's neck joint includes an occi-cervical base member having a “C”-shaped central part and first and second attachment rods respectively connected to and extending transversely from free ends of the central part. An occiput attachment has a first end slideably engaged to the central part and a flat, straight second end that extends radially outwardly relative to the first end. First and second polyaxial screw heads are adapted to be implanted in first and second occipital condyles of a patient, respectively. The first and second polyaxial screw heads are adapted to engage first and second stabilizing rods, respectively, that are placed in-line with the cervical spine of a patient and to engage the first and second attachment rods, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventors: Juan S. Uribe, Wesley M. Johnson
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Patent number: 8579986Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method that will allow surgeons to produce bone growth masses for use in spinal surgery that are capable of maintaining their physical integrity during placement and during the acute post operative period.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Thomas B. Freeman, Wesley M. Johnson, Ben Guiot
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Patent number: 8568459Abstract: An apparatus for stabilization of a patient's head relative to the patient's neck joint includes an occi-cervical base member having a shaped “C”-shaped central part and first and second attachment rods respectively connected to and extending transversely from free ends of the central part. An occiput attachment has a first end slideably engaged to the central part and a flat, straight second end that extends radially outwardly relative to the first end. First and second polyaxial screw heads are adapted to be implanted in first and second occipital condyles of a patient, respectively. The first and second polyaxial screw heads are adapted to engage first and second stabilizing rods, respectively, that are placed in-line with the cervical spine of a patient and to engage the first and second attachment rods, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Juan S. Uribe, Wesley M. Johnson
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Patent number: 8540771Abstract: The present invention provides both a device and a method. The device is a human made replacement for the soft discs in the spine. A fabric pouch encloses a central hydraulic element made up of small soft beads. Two pouches with beads are implanted into a prepared disc space to function as an intervertebral disc. The method is conversion of the device into a fusion element.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Wesley M. Johnson, Thomas B. Freeman
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Patent number: 8277490Abstract: A novel surgical screw is presented as a polyaxial, multiaxial, or monoaxial screw. The polyaxial screw allows versatile angulation between a bone anchor section and a screw body and allows the surgeon to attach a rod to the invention in a top-loading manner and manipulate the rod to accommodate a patient's body and the surgical goals. The screw uses a rod saddle to seat a rod, and permits the surgeon to sagitally manipulate the rod. After implantation of the screw and insertion of the rod, a locking screw is used to fix the angle and position of the rod and screw body.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Thomas B. Freeman, Wesley M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20120136447Abstract: The present invention provides both a device and a method. The device is a human made replacement for the soft discs in the spine. A fabric pouch encloses a central hydraulic element made up of small soft beads. Two pouches with beads are implanted into a prepared disc space to function as an intervertebral disc. The method is conversion of the device into a fusion element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2012Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDAInventors: Wesley M. Johnson, Thomas B. Freeman
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Patent number: 8110003Abstract: The present invention provides both a device and a method. The device is a human made replacement for the soft discs in the spine. A fabric pouch encloses a central hydraulic element made up of small soft beads. Two pouches with beads are implanted into a prepared disc space to function as an intervertebral disc. The method is conversion of the device into a fusion element.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Wesley M. Johnson, Thomas B. Freeman
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Patent number: 7943677Abstract: A method to create interconnected porosity in materials that can be poured or injected into a cast. The process allows the arrangement of interconnected volumetric porosity to be directed in materials that are poured or injected into a cast. This process allows a manufacturer to tailor porosity with any size, shape, and configuration with the dissolvable material used to create the pores. This procedure can be applied to medical materials to direct bone growth or implant attachment. These resulting porous materials can include, but is not limited to short fiber reinforced epoxy or epoxy.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Christopher G. Papangelou, Wesley M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20110004250Abstract: An apparatus for stabilization of a patient's head relative to the patient's neck joint includes an occi-cervical base member having a “C’-shaped central part and first and second attachment rods respectively connected to and extending transversely from free ends of the central part. An occiput attachment has a first end slideably engaged to the central part and a flat, straight second end that extends radially outwardly relative to the first end. First and second polyaxial screw heads are adapted to be implanted in first and second occipital condyles of a patient, respectively. The first and second polyaxial screw heads are adapted to engage first and second stabilizing rods, respectively, that are placed in-line with the cervical spine of a patient and to engage the first and second attachment rods, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2008Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventors: Juan S. Uribe, Wesley M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20100234891Abstract: A novel surgical screw is presented as a polyaxial, multiaxial, or monoaxial screw. The polyaxial screw allows versatile angulation between a bone anchor section and a screw body and allows the surgeon to attach a rod to the invention in a top-loading manner and manipulate the rod to accommodate a patient's body and the surgical goals. The screw uses a rod saddle to seat a rod, and permits the surgeon to sagitally manipulate the rod. After implantation of the screw and insertion of the rod, a locking screw is used to fix the angle and position of the rod and screw body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDAInventors: Thomas B. Freeman, Wesley M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20100179658Abstract: A intervertebral body device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a vertebral body member having at least one containment portion and one communicating portion. The containment portion and communication portion provide two distinct functional regions within the cage. One region of the cage provides for the use of a biologic material, and the region of the cage provides holes in the side or the front of the cage in order to allow bony ingrowth into that portion of the cage. Where numerous segments are needed, these components can be arranged in any combination.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDAInventors: Thomas B. Freeman, Wesley M. Johnson
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Publication number: 20080234401Abstract: A method to create interconnected porosity in materials that can be poured or injected into a cast. The process allows the arrangement of interconnected volumetric porosity to be directed in materials that are poured or injected into a cast. This process allows a manufacturer to tailor porosity with any size, shape, and configuration with the dissolvable material used to create the pores. This procedure can be applied to medical materials to direct bone growth or implant attachment. These resulting porous materials can include, but is not limited to short fiber reinforced epoxy or epoxy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: University of South FloridaInventors: Christopher G. PAPANGELOU, Wesley M. JOHNSON
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Patent number: 7029512Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enhancing the concentration of vermicompost comprising the steps of liquefying and agitating a vermicompost feedstock; separating large bodies from the liquefied feedstock and further separating the remaining portion into first and second sub-portions; centrifugally separating the first sub-portion into light and heavy portions; returning the light portion to the liquefying and agitating step; separating biological vermicompost components from the second sub-portion and heavy portion using a biological filter; returning the liquid to the liquefying and agitating step; innoculating the biological vermicompost components with food and/or supplements; further enhancing the concentration of the biological vermicompost components by allowing the biological vermicompost components an effective amount of time to multiply and dry; and packaging the biological vermicompost components.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Inventor: Wesley M. Johnson