Patents by Inventor Andrew Topulous

Andrew Topulous 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: 9044286
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for applying a controlled amount of torque during a surgical procedure. In one exemplary embodiment, after the amount of torque applied reaches a threshold amount, a modular driver tip can be deformed, for instance by breaking into pieces. A containment shield disposed around at least a portion of the tip is configured to receive at least a portion of the tip after it is deformed. In one aspect, multiple modular driver tips can be disposed in a cartridge, with a distal-most tip being held by a driver tip holder that has a holding force that is greater than a threshold torque value of the tip. Exemplary methods for operating surgical drivers and systems that include tips that deform at a threshold torque value, and a multitude of embodiments of tools and systems, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventors: Michael O'Neil, Andrew Topulous, Robert Hurley
  • Publication number: 20140128878
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for applying a controlled amount of torque during a surgical procedure. In one exemplary embodiment, after the amount of torque applied reaches a threshold amount, a modular driver tip can be deformed, for instance by breaking into pieces. A containment shield disposed around at least a portion of the tip is configured to receive at least a portion of the tip after it is deformed. In one aspect, multiple modular driver tips can be disposed in a cartridge, with a distal-most tip being held by a driver tip holder that has a holding force that is greater than a threshold torque value of the tip. Exemplary methods for operating surgical drivers and systems that include tips that deform at a threshold torque value, and a multitude of embodiments of tools and systems, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael O'Neil, Andrew Topulous, Robert Hurley