Patents by Inventor Bruce Fletcher
Bruce Fletcher 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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Publication number: 20240122629Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Jeffrey D. Smith, Shigeru Tanaka, Edward Liou, Edward Fletcher Eyster, Jonathan Carver, Joshua Druker, Martin Leugers, Kurin Tu, Peter Lombrozo
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Publication number: 20240099746Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Jeffrey D. Smith, Shigeru Tanaka, Edward Liou, Edward Fletcher Eyster, Jonathan Carver, Joshua Druker, Martin Leugers, Kurin Tu, Peter Lombrozo
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Publication number: 20190154466Abstract: A magnetic field generator having at least one magnet extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the magnetic material of the at least one magnet is arranged such that the at least one magnet produces a magnetic field with a magnetic flux density that changes substantially continuously in magnitude in the axial direction substantially along the length of the at least one magnet in the axial direction and a position sensing assembly comprising the magnetic field generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventor: Bruce Fletcher
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Patent number: 10222238Abstract: A magnetic field generator (50) having at least one magnet (51) extending along a longitudinal axis (101), wherein the magnetic material of the at least one magnet is arranged such that the at least one magnet produces a magnetic field with a magnetic flux density that changes substantially continuously in magnitude in the axial direction substantially along the length of the at least one magnet in the axial direction such as to enable the axial position of the magnetic field generator to be determined by a position sensing assembly comprising the magnetic field generator (50) and at least one magnetic sensor (105).Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: ROTA ENGINEERING LIMITEDInventor: Bruce Fletcher
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Publication number: 20170241806Abstract: A magnetic field generator (50) having at least one magnet (51) extending along a longitudinal axis (101), wherein the magnetic material of the at least one magnet is arranged such that the at least one magnet produces a magnetic field with a magnetic flux density that changes substantially continuously in magnitude in the axial direction substantially along the length of the at least one magnet in the axial direction such as to enable the axial position of the magnetic field generator to be determined by a position sensing assembly comprising the magnetic field generator (50) and at least one magnetic sensor (105).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2015Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventor: Bruce Fletcher
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Patent number: 9125955Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises method of imaging a target site comprising administrating ligand of Formula I complexed to 99mTc wherein R1 and R2 are independently an alkyl or cycloalkyl; R3 is and alkyl; X is CO or SO2; Y is (CH2)n, C6H4, (OCH2CH2)n(NHCH2CH2)n and (OCH2CH2CH2)n, or a combination thereof; Z is linker group capable of conjugating to a vector; and n is an integer between 0 and 10.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bruce Fletcher Johnson, Randall Lee Carter, Michael James Rishel, Mark Christopher Patrick Darey, Tao Wu, Yang Yang, John Fitzmaurice Valliant, Karin Ann Stephenson
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Patent number: 9062694Abstract: A linear actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder has linear position sensing apparatus. At least one magnet is provided in a recess in outer surface of the piston for generating a magnetic field that passes through the wall of the cylinder housing. A magnetic sensor arrangement determines the axial position of the piston relative to the housing and comprises at least a pair of magnetic sensor elements arranged at spaced apart locations along the external surface of the wall for sensing the strength of the magnetic field passing through the wall of the housing. The recess in the piston is axially positioned between the first and second end surfaces of the piston and the at least one magnet is disposed between axially spaced north and south pole pieces.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2009Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: ROTA ENGINEERING LIMITEDInventors: Bruce Fletcher, Michael John Fawcett, Robert Gething
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Patent number: 8927732Abstract: The present teachings provide methods that enable the preparation and purification of radioiodinated vectors without the need for HPLC purification, as well as novel precursors which include biotin-like substituents useful in such methods.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Randall Lee Carter, Bruce Fletcher Johnson, Anup Sood, Michael James Rishel, John Fitzmaurice Valliant, Karin Ann Stephenson, Tao Wu, Yang Yang
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Patent number: 8784774Abstract: Imaging agents are described that comprise labeled substrates capable of being introduced into cells via the cystine/glutamate antiporter. The substrates may be used for imaging or detecting oxidative stress in cells by introducing the labeled agents into cells via the cystine/glutamate antiporter and subsequent detection.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jack Mathew Webster, Bruce Fletcher Johnson, Brian Duh-Lan Lee, Chittari Pabba, Michael James Rishel
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Publication number: 20140065065Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises method of imaging a target site comprising administrating ligand of Formula I complexed to 99mTc wherein R1 and R2 are independently an alkyl or cycloalkyl; R3 is and alkyl; X is CO or SO2; Y is (CH2)n, C6H4, (OCH2CH2)n (NHCH2CH2)n and (OCH2CH2CH2)n, or a combination thereof; Z is linker group capable of conjugating to a vector; and n is an integer between 0 and 10.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Bruce Fletcher Johnson, Randall Lee Carter, Michael James Rishel, Mark Christopher Patrick Darey, Tao Wu, Yang Yang, John Fitzmaurice Valliant, Karin Ann Stephenson
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Patent number: 8658129Abstract: The present invention relates to agents capable of binding to myelin basic protein in a subject. Also provided are methods for the detection of myelin-associated neuropathy comprising identifying a subject at risk of or diagnosed with a myelin-associated neuropathy, administering to a subject an agent that binds specifically to myelin basic protein, and determining myelination in the subject by detecting the agent present in the subject. A kit containing the agent or its derivatives for use in detecting myelin basic protein is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Rong Zhang, Tiberiu Mircea Siclovan, Cristina Abucay Tan Hehir, Victoria Eugenia Cotero, Bruce Fletcher Johnson
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Patent number: 8617515Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for myelin basic protein detection comprises identifying a subject at risk of or diagnosed with a myelin-associated neuropathy, parenterally administering to the subject the agent, and determining myelination in the subject by detecting binding to myelin basic protein. Methods for the detection of myelin and a quantitative measurement of its local concentration in a sample using an agent with specific binding to myelin basic protein are also provided as is a kit containing the agent or its derivatives for use in detecting myelin basic protein.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Cristina Abucay Tan Hehir, Tiberiu Mircea Siclovan, Nicole Evelyn Barnhardt, Kenneth Michael Fish, Randall Lee Carter, Bruce Fletcher Johnson
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Publication number: 20130261311Abstract: The present teachings provide methods that enable the preparation and purification of radioiodinated vectors without the need for HPLC purification, as well as novel precursors which include biotin-like substituents useful in such methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicants: Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization, General Electric CompanyInventors: Randall Lee Carter, Bruce Fletcher Johnson, Anup Sood, Michael James Rishel, John Fitzmaurice Valliant, Karin Ann Stephenson, Tao Wu, Yang Yang
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Publication number: 20130195756Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises a ligand of Formula I wherein R1 and R2 are independently an alkyl or cycloalkyl; R3 is and alkyl; X is CO or SO2; Y is (CH2)n, C6H4, (OCH2CH2)n(NHCH2CH2)n and (OCH2CH2CH2)n, or a combination thereof; Z is linker group capable of conjugating to a vector; and n is an integer between 0 and 10. Also included are an imaging agent comprising a compound of Formula I complexed to 99mTc and their method of use to image a subject having a target site using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Bruce Fletcher Johnson, Randall Lee Carter, Michael James Rishel, Mark Christopher Patrick Darey, Tao Wu, Yang Yang, John Fitzmaurice Valliant, Karin Ann Stephenson
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Publication number: 20130071332Abstract: Imaging agents are described that comprise labeled substrates capable of being introduced into cells via the cystine/glutamate antiporter. The substrates may be used for imaging or detecting oxidative stress in cells by introducing the labeled agents into cells via the cystine/glutamate antiporter and subsequent detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Jack Mathew Webster, Bruce Fletcher Johnson, Brian Duh-Lan Lee, Chittari Pabba, Michael James Rishel
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Patent number: 8053578Abstract: The present invention provides novel alpha-fluoroalkyl dihydrotetrabenazine compounds I wherein R1 is a C1-C10 fluorinated aliphatic radical; R2 is hydrogen or a C1-C10 aliphatic radical; R3 is hydrogen or a C1-C10 aliphatic radical; and R4 is a C1-C10 aliphatic radical, a C3-C10 cycloaliphatic radical, or a C3-C10 aromatic radical. The alpha-fluoroalkyl dihydrotetrabenazine compounds are provided in both racemic and enantiomerically enriched forms and may comprise either or both of fluorine-18 and fluorine 19. The alpha-fluoroalkyl dihydrotetrabenazine compounds are believed to possess high affinity for VMAT-2, a biomarker implicated in human diabetes. The alpha-fluoroalkyl dihydrotetrabenazine compounds comprising a fluorine-18 group are useful as PET imaging agents targeting the VMAT-2 biomarker. The non-radiolabled alpha-fluoroalkyl dihydrotetrabenazine compounds are useful as probes for the discovery of PET imaging agents.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael James Rishel, Bruce Fletcher Johnson, Kande Kankanamalage Dayarathna Amarasinghe, Sean Richard Dinn
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Patent number: 8013161Abstract: The present invention provides novel fluoroalkyl tetrabenazine carbinol compounds having structure I wherein R1 is a C1-C10 fluorinated aliphatic radical; R2 is a C1-C10 aliphatic radical; R3 is hydrogen or a C1-C10 aliphatic radical; R4 is hydrogen or a C1-C10 aliphatic radical; and R5 is hydrogen, a C1-C10 aliphatic radical, a C2-C10 cycloaliphatic radical, or a C2-C20 aromatic radical. In a particular embodiment, —OR5 is an ester moiety. The fluoroalkyl tetrabenazine carbinol compounds are provided in both racemic and enantiomerically enriched forms and may comprise either or both of fluorine-18 and fluorine 19. The fluoroalkyl tetrabenazine carbinol compounds are shown to possess high affinity for VMAT-2, a biomarker implicated in human diabetes. The fluoroalkyl tetrabenazine carbinol compounds comprising a fluorine-18 group are useful as PET imaging agents targeting the VMAT-2 biomarker.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kande Kankanamalage Dayarathna Amarasinghe, Michael James Rishel, Sean Richard Dinn, Bruce Fletcher Johnson
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Patent number: 8008500Abstract: A method of preparing a tetrabenazine compound (TBZ compound) having structure I comprising the steps of reacting a nucleophilic alkenyl species with aldehyde compound II and oxidizing the resultant allylic alcohol to provide enone III. The protecting group P1 on the tetrahydroisoquinoline nitrogen is removed and the resultant deprotected intermediate is induced to undergo an amino cyclization reaction to provide a product TBZ compound having structure I. The method may be used to prepare either enantiomeric form of tetrabenazine; (+)-tetrabenazine or (?)-tetrabenazine. Alternatively the method may be adapted to provide a mixture enriched in one tetrabenazine enantiomer, a racemic mixture, or a diastereomeric mixture of tetrabenazine compounds. In addition, the present invention provides novel synthetic intermediate compositions which may be used to prepare either or both enantiomers of tetrabenazine, derivatives of tetrabenazine, and analogs of tetrabenazine.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael James Rishel, Kande Kankananamalage Dayarathna Amarasinghe, Sean Richard Dinn, Bruce Fletcher Johnson
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Publication number: 20110206609Abstract: The present invention provides novel fluoroalkyl tetrabenazine carbinol compounds having structure I wherein R1 is a C1-C10 fluorinated aliphatic radical; R2 is a C1-C10 aliphatic radical; R3 is hydrogen or a C1-C10 aliphatic radical; R4 is hydrogen or a C1-C10 aliphatic radical; and R5 is hydrogen, a C1-C10 aliphatic radical, a C2-C10 cycloaliphatic radical, or a C2-C20 aromatic radical. In a particular embodiment, —OR5 is an ester moiety. The fluoroalkyl tetrabenazine carbinol compounds are provided in both racemic and enantiomerically enriched forms and may comprise either or both of fluorine-18 and fluorine 19. The fluoroalkyl tetrabenazine carbinol compounds are shown to possess high affinity for VMAT-2, a biomarker implicated in human diabetes. The fluoroalkyl tetrabenazine carbinol compounds comprising a fluorine-18 group are useful as PET imaging agents targeting the VMAT-2 biomarker.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Kande Kankanamalage Dayarathna Amarasinghe, Michael James Rishel, Sean Richard Dinn, Bruce Fletcher Johnson
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Publication number: 20110142759Abstract: The present invention relates to agents capable of binding to myelin basic protein in a subject. Also provided are methods for the detection of myelin-associated neuropathy comprising identifying a subject at risk of or diagnosed with a myelin-associated neuropathy, administering to a subject an agent that binds specifically to myelin basic protein, and determining myelination in the subject by detecting the agent present in the subject. A kit containing the agent or its derivatives for use in detecting myelin basic protein is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Rong Zhang, Tiberiu Mircea Siclovan, Cristina Abucay Tan Hehir, Victoria Eugenia Cotero, Bruce Fletcher Johnson