Patents by Inventor David Solum
David Solum 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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Patent number: 11938036Abstract: An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2020Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.Inventors: Jason Blain, David Solum, Dean Johnson, Markanthony Flores
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Publication number: 20240014615Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to rotational electromechanical systems, in which data and or power are supplied to components while one part of the system is rotating relative to another part of the system. Repeated rotation may create strain on or otherwise cause the cables to intermittently or permanently fail. A helical cable management system is provided that enables full rotation to the extent permitted. One or more cables are wound in a helical shape around the axis of rotation, which distributes the deformation of the cable along the helical length. Rotation in one direction causes the helix diameter to increase, while rotation in the other direction causes the helix diameter to decrease. A structure is used to maintain the distance between helical turns, while permitting the increase and decrease of the helix diameter. This reduces the overall strain on the cables, which can significantly extend their useful lifetime.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2022Publication date: January 11, 2024Applicant: Aerostar International, LLCInventors: Carey Hijmans, David Solum, Tom Cohen
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Patent number: 11731776Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to a braking assembly for a lateral propulsion system of a high altitude platform (HAP) configured to operate in the stratosphere. Power is supplied to a propeller assembly as needed during lateral propulsion so that the HAP can move to a desired location or remain on station. When lateral propulsion is not needed, power is no longer supplied to the propeller assembly and it may slowly cease rotating. However, in certain situations, it may be necessary to cause the propeller assembly to stop rotating as soon as possible. This can include an unplanned descent. Rapid braking can avoid the propeller blades from entangling in the envelope, parachute or other parts of the HAP. A reusable brake is employed to prevent uncontrolled rotation of the propeller on descent, or otherwise to prevent the propeller from spinning freely when not being used to propel the HAP laterally.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Aerostar International, LLCInventors: Aaron Fan, David Solum, Carey Hijmans, Jonathan Nutzmann
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Patent number: 11721965Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to rotational electromechanical systems, in which data and or power are supplied to components while one part of the system is rotating relative to another part of the system. Repeated rotation may create strain on or otherwise cause the cables to intermittently or permanently fail. A helical cable management system is provided that enables full rotation to the extent permitted. One or more cables are wound in a helical shape around the axis of rotation, which distributes the deformation of the cable along the helical length. Rotation in one direction causes the helix diameter to increase, while rotation in the other direction causes the helix diameter to decrease. A structure is used to maintain the distance between helical turns, while permitting the increase and decrease of the helix diameter. This reduces the overall strain on the cables, which can significantly extend their useful lifetime.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Inventors: Carey Hijmans, David Solum
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Patent number: 11624413Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to a braking assembly for a lateral propulsion system of a high altitude platform (HAP) configured to operate in the stratosphere. Power is supplied to a propeller assembly as needed during lateral propulsion so that the HAP can move to a desired location or remain on station. When lateral propulsion is not needed, power is no longer supplied to the propeller assembly and it may slowly cease rotating. However, in certain situations, it may be necessary to cause the propeller assembly to stop rotating as soon as possible. This can include an unplanned descent. Rapid braking can avoid the propeller blades from entangling in the envelope, parachute or other parts of the HAP. A reusable brake is employed to prevent uncontrolled rotation of the propeller on descent, or otherwise to prevent the propeller from spinning freely when not being used to propel the HAP laterally.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Aerostar International, LLCInventors: David Solum, Matthew Torres, Christopher Bowles, Carey Hijmans, Jonathan Nutzmann, Kyle Brookes
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Patent number: 11387615Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to rotational electromechanical systems, in which data and or power are supplied to components while one part of the system is rotating relative to another part of the system. Repeated rotation may create strain on or otherwise cause the cables to intermittently or permanently fail. A helical cable management system is provided that enables full rotation to the extent permitted. One or more cables are wound in a helical shape around the axis of rotation, which distributes the deformation of the cable along the helical length. Rotation in one direction causes the helix diameter to increase, while rotation in the other direction causes the helix diameter to decrease. A structure is used to maintain the distance between helical turns, while permitting the increase and decrease of the helix diameter. This reduces the overall strain on the cables, which can significantly extend their useful lifetime.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Aerostar International, Inc.Inventors: Carey Hijmans, David Solum, Tom Cohen
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Publication number: 20210362864Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to a braking assembly for a lateral propulsion system of a high altitude platform (HAP) configured to operate in the stratosphere. Power is supplied to a propeller assembly as needed during lateral propulsion so that the HAP can move to a desired location or remain on station. When lateral propulsion is not needed, power is no longer supplied to the propeller assembly and it may slowly cease rotating. However, in certain situations, it may be necessary to cause the propeller assembly to stop rotating as soon as possible. This can include an unplanned descent. Rapid braking can avoid the propeller blades from entangling in the envelope, parachute or other parts of the HAP. A reusable brake is employed to prevent uncontrolled rotation of the propeller on descent, or otherwise to prevent the propeller from spinning freely when not being used to propel the HAP laterally.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2020Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Aaron Fan, David Solum, Carey Hijmans, Jonathan Nutzmann
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Publication number: 20210364051Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to a braking assembly for a lateral propulsion system of a high altitude platform (HAP) configured to operate in the stratosphere. Power is supplied to a propeller assembly as needed during lateral propulsion so that the HAP can move to a desired location or remain on station. When lateral propulsion is not needed, power is no longer supplied to the propeller assembly and it may slowly cease rotating. However, in certain situations, it may be necessary to cause the propeller assembly to stop rotating as soon as possible. This can include an unplanned descent. Rapid braking can avoid the propeller blades from entangling in the envelope, parachute or other parts of the HAP. A reusable brake is employed to prevent uncontrolled rotation of the propeller on descent, or otherwise to prevent the propeller from spinning freely when not being used to propel the HAP laterally.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2020Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: David Solum, Matthew Torres, Christopher Bowles, Carey Hijmans, Jonathan Nutzmann, Kyle Brookes
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Publication number: 20210309339Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to rotational electromechanical systems, in which data and or power are supplied to components while one part of the system is rotating relative to another part of the system. Repeated rotation may create strain on or otherwise cause the cables to intermittently or permanently fail. A helical cable management system is provided that enables full rotation to the extent permitted. One or more cables are wound in a helical shape around the axis of rotation, which distributes the deformation of the cable along the helical length. Rotation in one direction causes the helix diameter to increase, while rotation in the other direction causes the helix diameter to decrease. A structure is used to maintain the distance between helical turns, while permitting the increase and decrease of the helix diameter. This reduces the overall strain on the cables, which can significantly extend their useful lifetime.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2020Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventors: Carey Hijmans, David Solum
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Publication number: 20210313753Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to rotational electromechanical systems, in which data and or power are supplied to components while one part of the system is rotating relative to another part of the system. Repeated rotation may create strain on or otherwise cause the cables to intermittently or permanently fail. A helical cable management system is provided that enables full rotation to the extent permitted. One or more cables are wound in a helical shape around the axis of rotation, which distributes the deformation of the cable along the helical length. Rotation in one direction causes the helix diameter to increase, while rotation in the other direction causes the helix diameter to decrease. A structure is used to maintain the distance between helical turns, while permitting the increase and decrease of the helix diameter. This reduces the overall strain on the cables, which can significantly extend their useful lifetime.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2020Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventors: Carey Hijmans, David Solum, Tom Cohen
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Publication number: 20210300559Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a mechanical fuse having a first component having an opening in a lower wall and a ledge arranged around the opening and a second component having a top surface with a threaded opening arranged therein. The top surface of the second component may be oriented towards the first component such that the top surface is arranged entirely below the lower wall in order to enable the first component and the second component to pivot relative to one another at the bolt. The mechanical fuse may also include a bolt having a neck including a reduced cross-sectional area portion, and the bolt is configured to break and separate the first component from the second component when a predetermined amount of force is transmitted from the first component to the reduced cross-sectional area portion via the pivoting.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2020Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: David Solum, John Cromie
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Publication number: 20200276028Abstract: An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Applicant: Spinal Elements, Inc.Inventors: Jason Blain, David Solum, Dean Johnson, Markanthony Flores
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Patent number: 10646351Abstract: An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.Inventors: Jason Blain, David Solum, Dean Johnson, Markanthony Flores
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Publication number: 20180333273Abstract: An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2018Publication date: November 22, 2018Applicant: Spinal Elements, Inc.Inventors: Jason Blain, David Solum, Dean Johnson, Markanthony Flores
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Patent number: 10034765Abstract: An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.Inventors: Jason Blain, David Solum, Dean Johnson, Markanthony Flores
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Publication number: 20170258605Abstract: An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: Spinal Elements, Inc.Inventors: Jason Blain, David Solum, Dean Johnson, Markanthony Flores
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Patent number: 9668876Abstract: An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.Inventors: Jason Blain, David Solum, Dean Johnson, Markanthony Flores
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Publication number: 20150190242Abstract: An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2014Publication date: July 9, 2015Applicant: SPINAL ELEMENTS, INC.Inventors: Jason Blain, David Solum, Dean Johnson, Markanthony Flores