Patents by Inventor HUGH F. SMISSON

HUGH F. SMISSON 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: 9561061
    Abstract: Various interspinous process spacing devices and associated methods are provided for treating spinal disease. In one embodiment, an interspinous process spacing device includes a first attachment side and a second attachment side, each attachment side including one or more slots formed therein and positioned proximate one end for receiving fasteners extending inwardly from a second interspinous process spacing device. The device further includes a spacer tray extending from the first attachment side and slideably insertable through a spacer tray slot formed in the second attachment side, wherein the spacer tray is adapted to retain adjacent spinous processes in a spaced apart orientation, and wherein at least a portion of the spacer tray has a longitudinally arcuate shape adapted to facilitate angled insertion of the spacer tray through the spacer tray slot. The device further includes securing means for securing the second attachment side relative to the first attachment side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Southern Spine, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, David C. Field, Brandi L. Bohleber, Hiywot Yilma, Michael A. Cowan
  • Patent number: 9498586
    Abstract: An infusion pump system including an infusion tubing for delivering a fluid, a heat exchanger cartridge in fluid communication with the infusion tubing and removably coupled to at least one thermal element for heating or cooling the fluid, a motor driven pump in mechanical communication with the infusion tubing and configured to pump the fluid through the infusion tubing and the heat exchanger cartridge, and a central controller in electrical communication with the motor driven pump and the at least one thermal element. The central controller is configured to selectively deliver the fluid to a patient without heating or cooling the fluid by causing the motor driven pump to pump the fluid through the infusion tubing and the heat exchanger cartridge while the thermal element is off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: SMISSON-CARTLEDGE BIOMEDICAL LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, Richard G. Cartledge, David C. Field, Harvey A. Lewis, Jr., Frederick J. York
  • Publication number: 20160113689
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide interspinous process spacing devices and related systems and methods. In one embodiment, surgical instrument system for implanting an interspinous process spacing device includes a first arm having a proximal end, an elongated central portion, and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a first engagement element configured for releasably engaging a first attachment side of an interspinous process spacing device. The system also includes a second arm having a proximal end, an elongated central portion, and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a second engagement element configured for releasably engaging a second attachment side of the interspinous process spacing device. The first arm and the second arm are removably attachable to one another via attachment elements and are configured for aligning a spacer of the first attachment side and a spacer opening of the second attachment side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, David C. Field, Brandi L. Bohleber, Hiywot Yilma, Michael A. Cowan
  • Patent number: 9226781
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide interspinous process spacing devices and related systems and methods. In one embodiment, surgical instrument system for implanting an interspinous process spacing device includes a first arm having a proximal end, an elongated central portion, and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a first engagement element configured for releasably engaging a first attachment side of an interspinous process spacing device. The system also includes a second arm having a proximal end, an elongated central portion, and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a second engagement element configured for releasably engaging a second attachment side of the interspinous process spacing device. The first arm and the second arm are removably attachable to one another via attachment elements and are configured for aligning a spacer of the first attachment side and a spacer opening of the second attachment side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: SOUTHERN SPINE, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, David C. Field, Brandi L. Bohleber, Hiywot Yilma, Michael A. Cowan
  • Publication number: 20140309612
    Abstract: An infusion pump system including an infusion tubing for delivering a fluid, a heat exchanger cartridge in fluid communication with the infusion tubing and removably coupled to at least one thermal element for heating or cooling the fluid, a motor driven pump in mechanical communication with the infusion tubing and configured to pump the fluid through the infusion tubing and the heat exchanger cartridge, and a central controller in electrical communication with the motor driven pump and the at least one thermal element. The central controller is configured to selectively deliver the fluid to a patient without heating or cooling the fluid by causing the motor driven pump to pump the fluid through the infusion tubing and the heat exchanger cartridge while the thermal element is off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, Richard G. Cartledge, David C. Field, Harvey A. Lewis, Jr., Frederick J. York
  • Patent number: 8764408
    Abstract: A pump system selectably and dynamically controls the flow rate of a fluid being delivered to a patient's body over a wide range of flow rates. The pump system includes an infusion tubing, a pumping mechanism, a motor drive assembly in mechanical communication with the pumping mechanism, a user input control, and an electronic controller in electrical communication with and at least partially controlling the motor drive assembly. The electronic controller include a digital signal processing controller in electrical communication with the motor drive assembly that is configured to receive a signal from the user input control and to cause power to be supplied to the motor drive assembly in response at least partially to the signal from the user input control. The pump system may selectably deliver fluid at rates from about 1 milliliter per hour to at least about 3000 milliliters per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Smisson-Cartledge Biomedical LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, Richard G. Cartledge, David C. Field, Harvey A. Lewis, Jr., Frederick J. York
  • Publication number: 20140114366
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide interspinous process spacing devices and related systems and methods. In one embodiment, surgical instrument system for implanting an interspinous process spacing device includes a first arm having a proximal end, an elongated central portion, and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a first engagement element configured for releasably engaging a first attachment side of an interspinous process spacing device. The system also includes a second arm having a proximal end, an elongated central portion, and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a second engagement element configured for releasably engaging a second attachment side of the interspinous process spacing device. The first arm and the second arm are removably attachable to one another via attachment elements and are configured for aligning a spacer of the first attachment side and a spacer opening of the second attachment side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: SOUTHERN SPINE, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, David C. Field, Brandi L. Bohleber, Hiywot Yilma, Michael A. Cowan
  • Publication number: 20140107703
    Abstract: Various interspinous process spacing devices and associated methods are provided for treating spinal disease. In one embodiment, an interspinous process spacing device includes a first attachment side and a second attachment side, each attachment side including one or more slots formed therein and positioned proximate one end for receiving fasteners extending inwardly from a second interspinous process spacing device. The device further includes a spacer tray extending from the first attachment side and slideably insertable through a spacer tray slot formed in the second attachment side, wherein the spacer tray is adapted to retain adjacent spinous processes in a spaced apart orientation, and wherein at least a portion of the spacer tray has a longitudinally arcuate shape adapted to facilitate angled insertion of the spacer tray through the spacer tray slot. The device further includes securing means for securing the second attachment side relative to the first attachment side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Southern Spine, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, David C. Field, Brandi L. Bohleber, Hiywot Yilma, Michael A. Cowan
  • Patent number: 8668725
    Abstract: A bone screw is provided for securing a medical device to bone. The bone screw can engage with a bone screw hole in a medical device, such as an anterior cervical plate or sternal closure plate. Embodiments of the bone screw can include a screw head, a smooth cylindrical shaft region, a first and a second cylindrical shaft region with external threading, a tapered shaft region with external threading and one or more recessed flutes, and a sharp tip without threading or fluting. The external threading in the first and the second cylindrical shaft regions can have different pitches and crests. The external threading on the tapered shaft region can be tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Southern Spine, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, David C. Field, Paul Gombar, Jr., Walter R. Sanders, Brandi Bohleber
  • Patent number: 8662154
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for increasing the temperature of a fluid being infused into a patient's body while the infusion is taking place. The present invention also provides for improved monitoring of air in the infusion system such to prevent the introduction of air into the patient's body receiving the fluid infusion. The present invention also provides for a system pump which provides a variable flow rate that serves a vast amount of infusion needs and purposes. A disposable cartridge in accordance with the present invention will allow for the efficient transfer of heat energy to the fluid being infused into the patient's body. The cartridge will further ensure that deleterious amounts of air will not be introduced into the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Smisson-Cartledge Biomedical LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, Richard G. Cartledge, Jeffrey W. Jerrell, John M. Christensen, Michael L. Koltz, Frederick J. York, Bradford J. Rainier
  • Patent number: 8623024
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide devices and associated methods for treating spinal disease by implanting one or more interspinous process spacing devices. In one embodiment, an interspinous process spacing device includes a first attachment side and a second attachment side, whereby each attachment side includes one or more slots formed in the outer surface and oriented proximate one end for receiving fasteners extending inwardly from a second interspinous process spacing device. The device further includes a spacer tray positioned between the first attachment side and the second attachment side, the spacer tray extending from the first attachment side and slideably insertable through a tray slot formed in the second attachment side, wherein the spacer tray is adapted to retain adjacent spinous processes in a spaced apart orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Southern Spine, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, David C. Field, Brandi L. Bohleber, Hiywot Yilma, Michael A. Cowan
  • Patent number: 8591547
    Abstract: Various interspinous process spacing devices and associated methods are provided for treating spinal disease. In one embodiment, an interspinous process spacing device includes a first attachment side and a second attachment side, each attachment side including one or more slots formed therein and positioned proximate one end for receiving fasteners extending inwardly from a second interspinous process spacing device. The device further includes a spacer tray extending from the first attachment side and slideably insertable through a spacer tray slot formed in the second attachment side, wherein the spacer tray is adapted to retain adjacent spinous processes in a spaced apart orientation, and wherein at least a portion of the spacer tray has a longitudinally arcuate shape adapted to facilitate angled insertion of the spacer tray through the spacer tray slot. The device further includes securing means for securing the second attachment side relative to the first attachment side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Southern Spine, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, David C. Field, Brandi L. Bohleber, Hiywot Yilma, Michael A. Cowan
  • Patent number: 8425486
    Abstract: Described is a collapsible fluid reservoir that may be expanded during use and collapsible to lie substantially flat when not in use. According to one embodiment, a collapsible fluid reservoir can include a substantially non-rigid container having a substantially open proximal end and a substantially sealed distal end opposite the proximal end defining a cavity therein, wherein the distal end includes at least one fluid outlet port extending therethrough. The collapsible fluid reservoir can also include a substantially rigid cap affixed to the proximal end of the non-rigid container and including at least one fluid inlet port extending therethrough and in fluid communication with the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Smisson-Cartledge Biomedical LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, David C. Field, Christopher W. Menard, Brandi L. Bohleber, Hiywot Yilma
  • Patent number: 8419738
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide surgical instrument tools, systems and associated methods for treating spinal disease by implanting one or more interspinous process spacing devices. The surgical instruments for implanting an interspinous process spacing device comprise first and second arms which engage opposite sides of an implant device, and have an element for positioning the arms in alignment for securing the implant onto spinal processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Southern Spine, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, David C. Field, Brandi L. Bohleber, Hiywot Yilma, Michael A. Cowan
  • Patent number: 8372123
    Abstract: A sternal closure device is provided, comprising a first plate having a bone fixation region with at least one countersunk aperture for receiving a fastening means for affixing the first plate to one side of the sternum, and a locking region with at least one protruding aligning member; a second plate having a bone fixation region with at least one countersunk aperture for receiving a fastening means for affixing the second plate to the opposite side of the sternum, and a locking region dimensioned to contact at least a portion of the locking region of the first plate; and a rotating member that engages with the aligning member(s) on the first plate for holding the first and second plates together to secure the opposite sides of the sternum. The first and second plates can be separated by reversibly disengaging the rotating member from the aligning member(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Trimax Medical Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, David C. Field, Paul Gombar, Sr., Paul Gombar, Jr., Richard Griffith, Joseph Suarez, Brandi Bohleber
  • Patent number: 8360737
    Abstract: A pump system selectably and dynamically controls the flow rate of a fluid being delivered to a patient's body over a wide range of flow rates. The pump system includes an infusion tubing, a pumping mechanism, a motor drive assembly in mechanical communication with the pumping mechanism, a user input control, and an electronic controller in electrical communication with and at least partially controlling the motor drive assembly. The electronic controller include a digital signal processing controller in electrical communication with the motor drive assembly that is configured to receive a signal from the user input control and to cause power to be supplied to the motor drive assembly in response at least partially to the signal from the user input control. The pump system may selectably deliver fluid at rates from about 1 milliliter per hour to at least about 3000 milliliters per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Smisson-Cartledge Biomedical LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, Richard G. Cartledge, David C. Field, Harvey A. Lewis, Jr., Frederick J. York
  • Publication number: 20120310292
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide surgical instrument tools, systems and associated methods for treating spinal disease by implanting one or more interspinous process spacing devices. The surgical instruments for implanting an interspinous process spacing device comprise first and second arms which engage opposite sides of an implant device, and have an element for positioning the arms in alignment for securing the implant onto spinal processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SOUTHERN SPINE, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, David C. Field, Brandi L. Bohleber, Hiywot Yilma, Michael A. Cowan
  • Patent number: 8177739
    Abstract: A rapid infusion system for the intravenous delivery of fluids at standard and rapid flow rates. The system includes a pump assembly, a drive assembly to power the pump, and a fluid containment system that keeps the infused fluid out of direct contact with the pump assembly and that is preferably disposable and removable. In one embodiment the drive assembly includes a differential drive that interacts with more than one motor. In one embodiment, the pump assembly includes a roller pump and the pump chamber is a collapsible, preformed tube that is preferably attached to a pump cartridge frame. Optionally, the system includes a self-leveling drip chamber and the fluid containment system is disposable and includes a pump cartridge containing the drip chamber and the pump chamber, I.V. tubing, outlet infusion tubing, and a heater cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Smisson-Cartledge Biomedical L.L.C.
    Inventors: Richard G. Cartledge, Hugh F. Smisson, III, Jeffrey O. Brown
  • Patent number: 8109906
    Abstract: A pump system simply and selectably controls the temperature, flow rate, flow volume, and flow pressure of a fluid being infused into a patient's body. The pump system a includes a central controller and user inputs that allow for simple selection and efficient operation of the pump system, which includes manually or automatically priming the pump system to remove air, selectably controlling and rapidly adjusting the flow rate over a wide range, selectably and safely controlling the pump system temperature controls, and selectably controlling the flow pressure during delivery. The pump system includes a pump housing with a central controller and a cartridge with infusion tubing removably coupled to the pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Smisson-Cartledge Biomedical LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, Richard G. Cartledge, David C. Field, Frederick J. York
  • Patent number: 8057521
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method to establish and maintain bone stabilization and enhance post-operative healing in a surgical site, such as the cervical spine of a patient, with reduced risk of erosion or other injury to adjacent anatomic structures from extrusion of surgical fasteners, such as bone screws. The surgical stabilization system according to the present invention provides for the secure plating of structures such as adjacent vertebral bodies with allowance for selective postoperative motion of the surgical fasteners used to secure the plate. Such motion imparts benefit from increased translational response and remodeling in the course of bone healing, thus resulting in strengthened fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Southern Spine, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, III, David C. Field, Paul Gombar, Rich Griffith