Patents by Inventor Andrew Schafer
Andrew Schafer 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).
-
Publication number: 20190021772Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical alignment and distraction frame and associated methods of use that facilitates correction of a sagittal imbalance. The alignment and distraction frame works in conjunction with pedicle screw installation guide assemblies to impart the desired correction. The alignment frame can be utilized to ensure the pedicle screw housings are aligned (to facilitate rod coupling) in concert with the completion of a correction maneuver.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Andrew Schafer, Robert German, Jim A. Youssef, Scott Lish, Justin Doose
-
Publication number: 20180236943Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a structural skeletal frame and a compressible shell supported on and in contact with back and sides of, and enveloping, the skeletal frame to form an owner's manual bin having interior rear walls partially defined by exposed surfaces of the skeletal frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2017Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventors: Victoria Marie DEVINE, Matthew ENCISO, Andrew SCHAFER
-
Patent number: 10034695Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical alignment and distraction frame and associated methods of use that facilitates correction of a sagittal imbalance. The alignment and distraction frame works in conjunction with pedicle screw installation guide assemblies to impart the desired correction. The alignment frame can be utilized to ensure the pedicle screw housings are aligned (to facilitate rod coupling) in concert with the completion of a correction maneuver.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Schafer, Robert German, Jim A Youssef, Scott Lish, Justin Doose
-
Publication number: 20180153591Abstract: A system for securing a spinal rod to a bone structure using a connector is provided. The connector functions by modulating friction on a band in two band channels and locking the spinal rod in a separate rod channel. An instrument is also provided for tensioning the band.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2016Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Andrew SCHAFER, Andrew MORRIS, Adam LIPSON, Robert GERMAN, Nicholas DIDIER
-
Publication number: 20170238975Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column. Extension guides are provided that attach to bone anchors implanted within the spine. The extension guides have a guide channel that align with a rod channel in the anchor to help direct the rod to the anchor. Instruments are provided to aid in insertion and positioning or the rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2017Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: Justin DOOSE, Robert GERMAN, Scott LISH, Andrew SCHAFER, Eric DASSO, Derek J MATTEO, Thomas M SWEENEY
-
Patent number: 9649140Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column. Extension guides are provided that attach to bone anchors implanted within the spine. The extension guides have a guide channel that align with a rod channel in the anchor to help direct the rod to the anchor. Instruments are provided to aid in insertion and positioning or the rod.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Justin Doose, Robert German, Scott Lish, Andrew Schafer, Eric Dasso, Derek J. Matteo, Thomas M. Sweeney, III
-
Patent number: 9480504Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical alignment and distraction frame and associated methods of use that facilitates correction of a sagittal imbalance. The alignment and distraction frame works in conjunction with pedicle screw installation guide assemblies to impart the desired correction. The alignment frame can be utilized to ensure the pedicle screw housings are aligned (to facilitate rod coupling) in concert with the completion of a correction maneuver.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Schafer, Robert German, Jim A. Youssef, Scott Lish, Justin Doose
-
Patent number: 9198698Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column. Extension guides are provided that attach to bone anchors implanted within the spine. The extension guides have a guide channel that align with a rod channel in the anchor to help direct the rod to the anchor. Instruments are provided to aid in insertion and positioning or the rod.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Justin Doose, Robert German, Scott Lish, Andrew Schafer, Eric Dasso, Derek J. Matteo, Thomas M. Sweeney, III
-
Patent number: 9198692Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column. A fixation anchor is provided that includes a break off extension guide that extends from an anchor housing which captures a fixation rod. The extension guide has a guide channel that aligns with a rod channel in the housing to help direct the rod into the housing. The extension guide includes proximal breakable joints that allow the arms of the extension guide to be separated to facilitate rod insertion. Distal breakable joints are provided to allow the arms of the extension guide to be removed. Features and instruments for reducing the rod through the extension guide are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Justin Doose, Scott Lish, Andrew Schafer, Robert German
-
Patent number: 9093773Abstract: An electrical socket cap includes a tether between the cap and an electrical socket, wherein the tether provides power to the cap. The cap is adapted to close an opening to the electrical socket in a closed position, and further adapted to allow access to the electrical socket in an open position. The cap further includes inner and outer surface which include one or more electrical ports disposed thereon. Electrical ports disposed on the inner surface are not accessible when the cap is in the closed position, while ports disposed on the outer surface of the cap are accessible when the cap is in the closed position. Electrical ports disposed on the inner surface are accessible when the cap is in the open position while the electrical socket is also accessible. The tether is electronically coupled to the electrical socket.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas William Pietila, Scott Simon, Anthony Ligi, Andrew Schafer
-
Publication number: 20150171542Abstract: An electrical socket cap includes a tether between the cap and an electrical socket, wherein the tether provides power to the cap. The cap is adapted to close an opening to the electrical socket in a closed position, and further adapted to allow access to the electrical socket in an open position. The cap further includes inner and outer surface which include one or more electrical ports disposed thereon. Electrical ports disposed on the inner surface are not accessible when the cap is in the closed position, while ports disposed on the outer surface of the cap are accessible when the cap is in the closed position. Electrical ports disposed on the inner surface are accessible when the cap is in the open position while the electrical socket is also accessible. The tether is electronically coupled to the electrical socket.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2013Publication date: June 18, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas William Pietila, Scott Simon, Anthony Ligi, Andrew Schafer
-
Patent number: 8986349Abstract: The present application describes a pedicle fixation system and methods for correcting deformities of the spine and fixing the corrected portion of the spine in a corrected position. The disclosed system and associated methods include at least one pedicle screw in which a receiver portion of the pedicle screw is coupled to a screw portion of the pedicle screw in a manner such that the receiver portion is initially movable relative to the screw portion in a polyaxial fashion and subsequently lockable relative to the screw portion prior to locking a rod in the housing. Instruments for locking the receiver portion relative to the screw portion are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Robert German, Andrew Schafer, Scott Lish, Scott Shoemaker
-
Patent number: 8876869Abstract: The present invention involves a system and methods for assembling and implanting a polyaxial bone screw assembly. The polyaxial bone screw assembly includes, but is not necessarily limited to, a bone screw that can be initially secured to a bony structure and subsequently have a receiver assembly attached to the implanted bone screw. Additionally, a closure structure is a part of the polyaxial bone screw assembly and functions to secure an elongate member within the receiver assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Schafer, Robert German
-
Patent number: 8372081Abstract: A spinal distraction assembly is provided for distracting the disc space between a pair of vertebrae, the vertebrae each having been implanted with a bone anchor. The spinal distraction assembly includes a first anchor engaging element and a second anchor engaging element. The first anchor engaging element includes a body having a channel extending through the longitudinal axis of the body. The second anchor engaging element includes a guide bar. The guide bar is dimensioned to translate through the body channel. Anchor engaging arms extend laterally from each of the body and guide bar.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Schafer, Rob German
-
Publication number: 20120296377Abstract: This invention relates generally to spine surgery and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: NuVasive Inc.Inventors: Bret A. Ferree, Rich Mueller, Forrest Samuel, Andrew Schafer, Benjamin Arnold
-
Patent number: 8167915Abstract: This invention relates generally to spine surgery and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis. The methods comprising gaining access to an interspinous space, abrading a portion of the superior spinous process, inserting an implant into the interspinous process space, verifying the position of the implant by observing the position of three radio-opaque markers embedded in the implant, and coupling the implant to the superior spinous process.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Bret A. Ferree, Rich Mueller, Forrest Samuel, Andrew Schafer, Benjamin Arnold
-
Publication number: 20110319943Abstract: A surgical fixation system having an improved mechanism to prevent the back out of screws employed in securing a surgical fixation plate to an intended orthopedic location.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: Ryan Donahoe, Richard Mueller, Andrew Schifle, Caleb Granger, Matthew Curran, Mark Ojeda, Andrew Schafer, Chad Grant
-
Publication number: 20070093825Abstract: This invention relates generally to spine surgery and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2006Publication date: April 26, 2007Applicant: NuVasive Inc.Inventors: Bret Ferree, Rich Mueller, Forrest Samuel, Andrew Schafer, Benjamin Arnold
-
Publication number: 20060041514Abstract: The present invention is directed to a secure electronic registration and voting solution incorporating integrated end-to-end voting system architecture and processes providing secure identification and authentication, voter registration, ballot definition, ballot presentation to the voter, voting, and ballot tabulation via secure transmission over the network. The disclosed embodiments of the present invention describe an integrated solution to voting via a network, such as the Internet. A user logs into the system using through an application on a local computer that presents an electronic ballot to a user and accepts the user's voting selections. The voting selections are then associated with the user's login data and an identifier for the local computer. The local application than encrypts the voting data and forwards a server that authenticates the encrypted voting data using the user login and the computer identifier. The still-encrypted voting data is then stored.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2005Publication date: February 23, 2006Inventors: John Bogasky, Carl Almond, Andrew Schafer
-
Publication number: 20060031116Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for fully electronic identity authentication, with particular application to electronic election registration and voting. In particular, the present invention provides an authentication system that operates in conjunction with a secure server to authenticate users to provide access information as needed for the authenticated users to access the secure server.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2005Publication date: February 9, 2006Inventors: John Bogasky, Carl Almond, Andrew Schafer