Patents by Inventor Christopher Nowacki

Christopher Nowacki 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: 5733393
    Abstract: A tire that has a tread base compound and a tread cap compound that have synergistic properties, an extra wide center rib, stiff shoulder lugs, and lateral grooves between shoulder lugs that do not vary significantly in width has a superior combination of rolling resistance properties, traction properties, noise properties, and wear properties. Also the RSAT of the tire can be fine tuned by chamfering edges of lugs in the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: David Ray Hubbell, Marc Christopher Nowacki, John Robert Kullman, Jeffrey Leon Sevart, Piotr Janusz Wesolowski
  • Patent number: 5399146
    Abstract: An extracorporeal isocentric lithotripter is presented having a common isocentric axis of rotation. The patient having a bodily concretion to be destroyed lies on a table which is movable to position the concretion on the isocentric axis. An X-ray emitter and an image intensifier lie on a common diameter which is rotated about said isocentric axis to position said X-ray apparatus and said image intensifier in at least two positions to ascertain the location of the concretion. A shockwave lithotripter shockhead is mounted on a support rotatable about said isocentric axis to align said shockhead with said bodily concretion. The shockhead is mounted on said rotatable support by a double pivot arrangement to bring the second focus point of said reflector into coincidence with said bodily concretion for destruction of said concretion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventors: Christopher Nowacki, Mark T. Horbal
  • Patent number: 5295483
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for locating a target in a living body. Three cameras are supported at an elevated location such as on a wall or from a ceiling. The cameras are supplied as an integrated unit with a computer and are factory calibrated to said computer. A patient examining table is provided with a single radiation device, the radiation which is detectable by the cameras. The table is moved both horizontally and vertically to establish X, Y and Z coordinates relative to the room in which the installation is made. A hand held ultrasound probe is positioned to detect a target in a body disposed on said table, and an ultrasound scan screen apparatus displays the relation of the probe to the target, and also provides information for moving the table to position the target at a predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventors: Christopher Nowacki, Mark T. Horbal
  • Patent number: 5249581
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for precision bone alignment includes a plurality of markers secured to bone portions prior to an orthopaedic/surgical procedure. Light emitting LED's are provided on said markers and are sensed by an optical three-dimensional sensor which provides respective positional electric signals to a computer, the computer in turn being connected to a monitor to provide a three-dimensional display. The signals prior to the orthopaedic/surgical procedure are stored in the computer. The sensor also provides signals following the orthopaedic/surgical procedure for comparison with the signals before the procedure to insure proper alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventors: Mark T. Horbal, Christopher Nowacki
  • Patent number: 5220913
    Abstract: A lithotripter is provided with the usual open ended reflector covered by a diaphragm and filled with a conductive liquid such as salinated water. A spark gap is provided at the focus point of the reflector, and a spark generator is connected thereto for providing a succession of sparks across the spark gap, wherein the light guide has an entering end positioned within the reflector and adjacent the spark gap to convey a representation of the spark outside of said reflector. The light guide has an exit end to which a light sensitive device is connected for converting the light signal to an electric signal. The electric signal is connected to means for providing a visual display of the electric signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventors: Mark T. Horbal, Christopher Nowacki
  • Patent number: 5197476
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locating a target in a living body are provided. A three-dimensional frame carries a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes, and this frame is placed on a table. The infrared LEDs are strobed by a computer. The position of the infrared LEDs is monitored by a pair of infrared sensitive cameras and stored in a computer. The frame is then removed and a living body is placed within or closely adjacent to the volume. An ultrasonic probe is hand held within the volume and is provided with a plurality of infrared LEDs so that the probe can be monitored by the cameras. The positions of the probe LEDs are compared in the computer with the initial position of the frame LEDs so that the position of the probe can be determined quite accurately, and the position of the target in the body can be displayed on a computer monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventors: Christopher Nowacki, Mart T. Horbal
  • Patent number: 5125397
    Abstract: A cushion is provided in combination with a truncated ellipsoidal lithotripter reflector. The reflector is open at one end, and this end is closed by a diaphragm. The reflector is filled with liquid and a spark gap is provided at the first focus point of the reflector. The second focus point of the ellipsoidal reflector is intended to be positioned coincident with a bodily concretion such as a kidney stone. This cannot always be done with the diaphragm extended to engage the body in which the concretion is located. Thus, the present invention provides in combination with the foregoing a flexible cushion having one end engaging the diaphragm, and the other end thereof being adapted to engage the body having the concretion. A strap or the like encircles the sidewall of the cushion, and the strap is tightened or loosened to increase or decrease the axial length of the cushion, and thereby to provide fluid communication between the spark gap and the concretion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventors: Christopher Nowacki, Mark T. Horbal
  • Patent number: 5056917
    Abstract: Structure is provided for inspecting a lithotripter ellipsoidal reflector. In one form of the invention a narrow light beam such as a laser light beam is projected through the first focus point of the reflector as relfects on to a target on the axis of reflection, thereby indicating visually the location of the second focus point. The target preferably is a rod lying on the axis of rotation. Preferably the light source is movable in a vertical plane, and the reflector is rotatable about its axis of rotation to provide redundancy in location of the second focus point. In a further form of the invention the target comprises a photocell so that the accuracy and reflectivity of the reflecting surface can be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventors: Christopher Nowacki, Mark T. Horbal
  • Patent number: 5054478
    Abstract: A nebulizer has a body with oxygen inlet and outlet ends through which oxygen flows. An aspirator is provided within the body in communication with a water supply conduit for aspirating water into oxygen flowing through the body. A float valve interconnects the water inlet and the aspirator for controlling the flow of water into the oxygen flowing through the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Trudell Medical
    Inventors: Jerry R. Grychowski, Alfred G. Brisson, Exequiel D. Cruz, Christopher Nowacki
  • Patent number: 5047685
    Abstract: Electrode structure is provided in the reflector of a lithotripter lying on the axis of the reflector. The electrode structure has a pair of electrodes extending longitudinally along a cylinder fitting through a bore in the reflector at the apex thereof. The electrodes have inwardly turned tips with spaced confronting faces lying on opposite sides of the axis of the reflector. The electrodes exteriorly of the reflector also have terminals extending radially and rotatable into electrically engaging and electrode supporting position with a pair of fixed terminals. The fixed terminals support the electrode structure and are electrically connected to spark generating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventors: Christopher Nowacki, Mark T. Horbal
  • Patent number: 4966132
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the extracorporeal destruction of kidney stones, and includes an ellipsoidal reflector. The reflector has a first focus point, and a second focus point, the reflector being truncated and the second focus point being disposed beyond the resulting open end of the reflector for coincidence with a kidney stone or the like. An extension from the apex of the reflector has a cavity with a spark gap therein. The cavity opens into the reflector, and the cavity and reflector are filled with liquid such as water. A spark produced across the spark gap produces a shock wave which moves to the first focus point of the reflector and is reflected to the second focus point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Northgate Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Nowacki, Alfred G. Brisson
  • Patent number: 4934353
    Abstract: A lithotripter is provided with an upwardly opening reflector filled with water. A valve is secured to the undersurface of the member providing the reflector. A bore extends axially through the valve body in alignment with a bore in the reflector member to accommodate an electrode assembly. A disc is mounted in the body and also has a bore aligned with the first two mentioned bores to accommodate the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly can be partially withdrawn to clear the bore in the reflector member and also the bore in the disc, but blocking the passage of water through the valve body bore. The disc is then rotated to move the valve disc out of alignment with the reflector member body to prevent further loss of water from the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventors: Christopher Nowacki, Mark T. Horbal
  • Patent number: 4905674
    Abstract: An electrode construction is provided for electrohydraulic shock wave generation such as for extracorporeal kidney stone destruction. The construction includes a reflector adapted to be filled with liquid such as water for coupling to a human body. The reflector has a focus point. An insulated base supports a plurality of pairs of electrodes, and is movable relative to the reflector. The insulating base is moved to bring successive pairs of electrodes into substantial coincidence with the focus point of the reflector. Upon such movement electrical connection is automatically made to extensions of the pair of electrodes having their spark gap substantially coincident with said focus point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Northgate Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Nowacki, Alfred G. Brisson, Exequiel D. Cruz
  • Patent number: 4884460
    Abstract: A venturi device is provided for sensing air flow. The device includes a body having first and second substantially cylindrical end portions interconnected by a wasp-waisted intermediate portion. The end portions are provided with bores which may be of different internal diameter. The intermediate portion is provided with axially aligned counterbores. These counterbores are connected by four bores of relatively small diameter. A radially inwardly extending wall in the through-bore comprises a flow restriction, and lateral bores are provided on opposite sides of the wall extending radially outwardly from the through-bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Northgate Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Nowacki, Alfred G. Brisson
  • Patent number: 4832015
    Abstract: A pediatric medication inhaler is provided for cooperation with a medication dispersing cylinder and a supply of medication. The inhaler is a one piece device in the nature of a mask molded of integral plastic or elastomer. The invention is characterized in having a bubble or relatively thin wall projecting from the mask-like device, which bubbler flexes inwardly upon inhalation so that a person providing medication to the infant can watch for inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Trudell Medical
    Inventors: Christopher Nowacki, Alfred G. Brisson, Exequiel D. Cruz
  • Patent number: 4809692
    Abstract: A pediatric medication inhaler is provided having an entering end and an exit end. A commercial medication dispenser is secured in the entering end, and a one-way valve is incorporated between the entering end and the exit end permitting air and medication flow from the entering end to the exit end, but preventing flow in the opposite direction. An adapter is secured to the exit end and is made of pliable foam plastic material contoured and adapted to conform to an infant's face. A whistle is provided in the adapter to provide an audible signal that the infant is breathing properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Trudell Medical
    Inventors: Christopher Nowacki, Alfred G. Brisson, Exequiel Dela-Cruz
  • Patent number: 4798196
    Abstract: An extracorporeal kidney stone disintegrator comprises an upwardly open ellipsoidal reflector having an open upper end. A spark gap is provided in said reflector at the first focus point thereof. A flexible waterproof shroud is fixed to the open end of the reflector and secured to the skin of a human body containing a concretion such as a kidney stone to be disintegrated. A body of water fills said reflector and said shroud and is in direct contact with the skin of said human body, the reflector being positioned relative to said body so that the concretion is at the second focus point of the reflector. Generation of a sprak across the spark gap causes generation of a shock wave focused on the concretion and coupled to the concretion by the body of water and by the tissues of the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Trutek Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Nowacki, Alfred G. Brisson
  • Patent number: D397648
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Walter Dale Allen, Keith Eric Grabo, Warren Lee Croyle, Marc Christopher Nowacki, David Ray Hubbell, Jr.
  • Patent number: D403281
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Walter Dale Allen, Keith Eric Grabo, Warren Lee Croyle, Marc Christopher Nowacki, David Ray Hubbell, Jr.
  • Patent number: D405736
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Robert Allen Brightwell, Frederick William Miller, John Robert Kullman, Marc Christopher Nowacki, Dimitrios Verginis