Patents by Inventor Christopher U. Phan

Christopher U. Phan 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: 10149710
    Abstract: A system for implanting a bone screw into a vertebra of a vertebral column of a patient to help secure an implant within a joint between the vertebra and an adjacent vertebra may include a bone screw, a bone screw delivery mechanism detachably connected to the bone screw, and a guide tube. The guide tube may have a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen configured to receive the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism, and at least one bend disposed nearer the distal end than the proximal end. The bend in the guide tube may change a trajectory of the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism advancing through the lumen from a first trajectory along a longitudinal axis of the guide tube to a second trajectory that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: PROVIDENCE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Jeffrey D. Smith, Christopher U. Phan, Edward Liou
  • Publication number: 20180303631
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, apparatus and methods for accessing the cervical spine via an anterior approach and implanting a spinal fixation member between two vertebrae of the cervical spine in the disc or intervertebral joint space, such as in an ACDF procedure. The delivery device includes a distal end that can be anchored to the spinal fixation member. Once anchored to the spinal fixation member, the delivery device is operable to both advance and attach the spinal fixation member within a cervical disc joint space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher U. Phan, Shigeru Tanaka, Edward Liou, Jeffrey D. Smith, Scott Schneider
  • Patent number: 10085822
    Abstract: A dental device includes a mouthpiece configured to sit against occlusal surfaces of a patient's teeth and a motor connected to the mouthpiece. The motor is configured to vibrate the mouthpiece at a frequency between 60 and 120 Hz and an acceleration between 0.03 G and 0.06 G such that the mouthpiece places an axial vibratory force on the occlusal surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: ADVANCED ORTHODONTICS AND EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, LLC
    Inventors: Bryce A. Way, Christopher U. Phan, Dana Leigh Gelman Keiles, Richard Johnson, Phillip Abatelli, Amin Hadi Mirzaaghaeian
  • Patent number: 10039584
    Abstract: A system for use in combining two part preparations, such as bone cement, can include a chamber for intermixing liquid and powder components, a container, a vacuum channel, and a filter. The mixing chamber can be configured to hold a non-liquid, polymer powder component of a bone cement. The container can be configured to hold a liquid component of the bone cement. The vacuum channel can direct a partial vacuum to draw the liquid component from the container into the non-liquid component in the mixing chamber to intermix the components and to thereby provide a settable bone cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: DFine, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher U. Phan, Andrew Kohm
  • Publication number: 20180185119
    Abstract: A dental device includes a mouthpiece configured to sit against occlusal surfaces of a patient's teeth and a motor connected to the mouthpiece. The motor is configured to vibrate the mouthpiece at a frequency between 60 and 120 Hz and an acceleration between 0.03 G and 0.06 G such that the mouthpiece places an axial vibratory force on the occlusal surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Advanced Orthodontics and Education Association, LLC
    Inventors: Bryce A. Way, Christopher U. PHAN, Dana Leigh GELMAN KEILES, Richard JOHNSON, Phillip ABATELLI, Amin Hadi MIRZAAGHAEIAN
  • Patent number: 9943342
    Abstract: A method for implanting a bone screw in a vertebra may first involve inserting the bone screw and a bone screw delivery mechanism through a proximal end of a guide tube along a first trajectory. A proximal end of the bone screw is attached to a distal end of the bone screw delivery mechanism, and a distal end of the guide tube is positioned adjacent the vertebra. The method may next involve advancing the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism through a bend in the guide tube to cause the bone screw to exit the distal end of the guide tube along a second trajectory and contact the vertebra. The method may further involve rotating the delivery mechanism to cause the bone screw to screw into the vertebra and detaching the bone screw delivery mechanism from the bone screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: PROVIDENCE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Shigeru Tanaka, Jeffrey D. Smith, Christopher U. Phan, Edward Liou
  • Patent number: 9918766
    Abstract: Devices and method discussed for device for delivering a pressurized substance to an opening in bone within a vertebral column, useful to provide access to structures in the vertebral so that a substance, such as bone cement can be delivered through a lumen or portal or for providing access to the opening in bone by a separate instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: DFine, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher U. Phan, Andrew Kohm, Robert Poser, Kirti P. Kamdar
  • Patent number: 9814547
    Abstract: A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Propel Orthodontics, LLC
    Inventors: Bryce A. Way, Christopher U. Phan, Dana Leigh Gelman Keiles, Richard Johnson, Phillip Abatelli
  • Publication number: 20170304029
    Abstract: A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Bryce A. Way, Christopher U. PHAN, Dana Leigh GELMAN KEILES, Richard JOHNSON, Phillip ABATELLI
  • Publication number: 20170209157
    Abstract: A device for increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw includes a handle, an elongate member extending from the handle, and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member. The screw tip is configured to drill into cortical bone of the jaw to increase movement of the tooth. Further, the screw tip is configured to be removable from the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Bryce A. WAY, Richard JOHNSON, Peter MIGNEAULT, Gerald ZILLES, Christopher U. PHAN, Phillip ABATELLI, Maria V. NUESTRO, Amin MIRZAAGHAEIAN
  • Patent number: 9687323
    Abstract: A temporary anchor device includes at least one screw mechanism and an external plate. The at least one screw mechanism includes a skeletal screw having a threaded portion configured to drill into jaw bone of a patient, a smooth portion configured to sit within gums of the patient, and a proximal portion configured to extend external to the gums. The at least one screw mechanism further includes an attachment mechanism configured to attach to the proximal portion of the skeletal screw. The external plate is configured to be locked between the skeletal screw and the attachment mechanism to anchor the external plate external to the gums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Propel Orthodontics, LLC
    Inventors: Bryce A. Way, Mani Alikhani, Christopher U. Phan
  • Publication number: 20160331418
    Abstract: A method for implanting a bone screw in a vertebra may first involve inserting the bone screw and a bone screw delivery mechanism through a proximal end of a guide tube along a first trajectory. A proximal end of the bone screw is attached to a distal end of the bone screw delivery mechanism, and a distal end of the guide tube is positioned adjacent the vertebra. The method may next involve advancing the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism through a bend in the guide tube to cause the bone screw to exit the distal end of the guide tube along a second trajectory and contact the vertebra. The method may further involve rotating the delivery mechanism to cause the bone screw to screw into the vertebra and detaching the bone screw delivery mechanism from the bone screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Shigeru TANAKA, Jeffrey D. SMITH, Christopher U. PHAN, Edward LIOU
  • Publication number: 20160331443
    Abstract: Devices having a shaft for creating cavities within tissue and articulating without twisting of the articulated shaft and methods for using such devices. Where such devices and methods include using of a device with keyed portions and key receiving portions that nest together upon articulation and optionally a torque limiter to allow for rotation of the shaft upon exceeding a torque limit. Method and devices also including such devices with energy application portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: Dfine, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher U. PHAN, Craig PURDY, Daniel BALBIERZ
  • Publication number: 20160331553
    Abstract: A system for implanting a bone screw into a vertebra of a vertebral column of a patient to help secure an implant within a joint between the vertebra and an adjacent vertebra may include a bone screw, a bone screw delivery mechanism detachably connected to the bone screw, and a guide tube. The guide tube may have a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen configured to receive the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism, and at least one bend disposed nearer the distal end than the proximal end. The bend in the guide tube may change a trajectory of the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism advancing through the lumen from a first trajectory along a longitudinal axis of the guide tube to a second trajectory that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Shigeru TANAKA, Jeffrey D. SMITH, Christopher U. PHAN, Edward LIOU
  • Publication number: 20160317255
    Abstract: A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Bryce A. WAY, Christopher U. PHAN, Dana Leigh GELMAN KEILES, Richard JOHNSON, Phillip ABATELLI
  • Patent number: 9387051
    Abstract: A method of increasing movement of a tooth in a jaw having at least one tooth with an orthodontic brace thereon includes: (1) holding a handle of a device, the device having an elongate member extending from the handle and a screw tip at a distal end of the elongate member; (2) moving a sleeve along the elongate member to set a length of exposed screw tip; (3) locking the sleeve in place relative to the screw tip; (4) drilling a hole with the screw tip through a cortical bone of a jaw to increase movement of the tooth; and (5) stopping the drilling when the length of exposed screw tip has penetrated the jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Propel Orthodontics, LLC
    Inventors: Bryce A. Way, Christopher U. Phan, Dana Leigh Gelman Keiles, Richard Johnson, Phillip Abatelli
  • Publication number: 20160157910
    Abstract: A system for use in combining two part preparations, such as bone cement, can include a chamber for intermixing liquid and powder components, a container, a vacuum channel, and a filter. The mixing chamber can be configured to hold a non-liquid, polymer powder component of a bone cement. The container can be configured to hold a liquid component of the bone cement. The vacuum channel can direct a partial vacuum to draw the liquid component from the container into the non-liquid component in the mixing chamber to intermix the components and to thereby provide a settable bone cement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher U. Phan, Andrew Kohm
  • Publication number: 20150342649
    Abstract: A device for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine and a proximal portion extending from the distal portion. The proximal portion may be detachable from the distal portion and may be hollow or solid. A system for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine, a proximal portion extending from the distal portion, and a slidable guide device for sliding over the facet guide device to guide at least one instrument to the spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCormack, Edward Liou, Shigeru Tanaka, Christopher U. Phan
  • Publication number: 20150342648
    Abstract: The various embodiments described herein provide lateral mass and facet fixation implants, which may be inserted and applied via a posterior approach, using minimally invasive or less invasive techniques. The embodiments described below generally include an intrafacet implant (or “facet implant”) and a lateral mass fixation member attached to or attachable to the facet implant. The lateral mass fixation member can include one or more tabs extending from a middle portion and configured to secure the lateral mass fixation member to lateral masses of adjacent vertebrae. The tabs may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, and may be collapsible to facilitate insertion of the device. Methods for delivering the lateral mass and facet fixation implants are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Bruce M. McCORMACK, Edward LIOU, Shigeru TANAKA, Christopher U. PHAN, Jeffrey D. SMITH, Todd Sheppard SAUNDERS, Krzysztof SIEMIONOW
  • Patent number: D761963
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Propel Orthodontics, LLC
    Inventors: Bryce A. Way, Richard Johnson, Peter Migneault, Gerald Zilles, Christopher U. Phan, Phillip Abatelli, Maria V. Nuestro