Patents by Inventor John Fulkerson

John Fulkerson 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).

  • Publication number: 20110160763
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke that provide immediate blood flow restoration to a vessel occluded by a clot and, after reestablishing blood flow, address the clot itself. Immediate blood flow restoration advantageously can facilitate natural lysis of the clot and also can reduce or obviate the concern for distal embolization due to fragmentation of the clot. Several embodiments of the invention provide for progressive, or modular, treatment based upon the nature of the clot. For example, the progressive treatment can comprise a three-step progressive treatment process that includes immediate restoration of blood flow, in-situ clot management, and/or clot removal depending on the particular circumstances of the treatment. The in-situ clot management can include, for example, lysis and maceration. The progressive, or modular, treatment can be provided by a system or kit of one or more treatment devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: MINDFRAME, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Ferrera, Andrew H. Cragg, John Fulkerson
  • Publication number: 20110130820
    Abstract: Modular endograft devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, an endograft system can include a first endograft device and a second endograft device that each include an integrated frame, a cover and a lumen within the cover. Each endograft device further includes a superior portion and an inferior portion. The superior portion can have a convexly curved outer wall and a septal wall. The first and second endograft devices can be configured to extend into a low-profile configuration with a first cross-sectional dimension and a first length and self-expand into an expanded configuration with a second cross-sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension and a second length less than the first length. In the expanded configuration, the septal walls can press against each other and form a septum between the lumens of the first and second endograft devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Altura Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Stephen Sosnowski, Isa Rizk, John Fulkerson, John Logan
  • Publication number: 20110130826
    Abstract: Modular endograft devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, an endograft system can include a first endograft device and a second endograft device that each include an integrated frame, a cover and a lumen within the cover. Each endograft device further includes a superior portion and an inferior portion. The superior portion can have a convexly curved outer wall and a septal wall. The first and second endograft devices can be configured to extend into a low-profile configuration with a first cross-sectional dimension and a first length and self-expand into an expanded configuration with a second cross-sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension and a second length less than the first length. In the expanded configuration, the septal walls can press against each other and form a septum between the lumens of the first and second endograft devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Altura Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Stephen Sosnowski, Isa Rizk, John Fulkerson, John Logan
  • Publication number: 20110130825
    Abstract: Modular endograft devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, an endograft system can include a first endograft device and a second endograft device that each include an integrated frame, a cover and a lumen within the cover. Each endograft device further includes a superior portion and an inferior portion. The superior portion can have a convexly curved outer wall and a septal wall. The first and second endograft devices can be configured to extend into a low-profile configuration with a first cross-sectional dimension and a first length and self-expand into an expanded configuration with a second cross-sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension and a second length less than the first length. In the expanded configuration, the septal walls can press against each other and form a septum between the lumens of the first and second endograft devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Altura Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Stephen Sosnowski, Isa Rizk, John Fulkerson, John Logan
  • Publication number: 20110130819
    Abstract: Modular endograft devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, an endograft system can include a first endograft device and a second endograft device that each include an integrated frame, a cover and a lumen within the cover. Each endograft device further includes a superior portion and an inferior portion. The superior portion can have a convexly curved outer wall and a septal wall. The first and second endograft devices can be configured to extend into a low-profile configuration with a first cross-sectional dimension and a first length and self-expand into an expanded configuration with a second cross-sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension and a second length less than the first length. In the expanded configuration, the septal walls can press against each other and form a septum between the lumens of the first and second endograft devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Altura Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Stephen Sosnowski, Isa Rizk, John Fulkerson, John Logan
  • Publication number: 20110130824
    Abstract: Modular endograft devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, an endograft system can include a first endograft device and a second endograft device that each include an integrated frame, a cover and a lumen within the cover. Each endograft device further includes a superior portion and an inferior portion. The superior portion can have a convexly curved outer wall and a septal wall. The first and second endograft devices can be configured to extend into a low-profile configuration with a first cross-sectional dimension and a first length and self-expand into an expanded configuration with a second cross-sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension and a second length less than the first length. In the expanded configuration, the septal walls can press against each other and form a septum between the lumens of the first and second endograft devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Altura Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew H. Cragg, Stephen Sosnowski, Isa Rizk, John Fulkerson, John Logan
  • Publication number: 20110117133
    Abstract: A vaccine against Mycobacteria tuberculosis (Mtb) is provided. The vaccine comprises a recombinant Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) subunit-based vaccine in which one or more Mtb antigens and one or more Mtb resuscitation or reactivation antigens are overexpressed, and in which at least a portion of the DosR regulon is up-regulated. The vaccine is protective against active Mtb infection both pre- and post-exposure to Mtb, and thus prevents disease symptoms due to the recurrence of a latent Mtb infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Avigdor Shafferman, Anat Zvi, Naomi Ariel, John Fulkerson, Roaggai Sun, Rosemary Chang, Jerald C. Sadoff
  • Publication number: 20110117124
    Abstract: Viral-based vectors are genetically engineered to express inhibitors of the anti-viral immune system (e.g. inhibitors of the type I interferon response) in order to enhance transgene expression. The transgenes may encode antigens or other therapeutic agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Jerald C. Sadoff, John Fulkerson, Mohamad Fakruddin-Jamiluddin, Michele R. Stone, Ravi Anatha
  • Patent number: 7935141
    Abstract: A delivery system for deploying a medical device, such as a stent, at increasing deployment speed is described. The system comprises a catheter comprising a catheter shaft, a retractable sheath slidably mounted on the catheter shaft, and the device in a compressed state sandwiched between the shaft and sheath. A control handle is included with a housing and knobs for a user to apply a rotary or other force to retract the sheath. The sheath is attached to a slider that is mounted on a slide rod and attached to a drive belt. A take up pulley is provided in the housing and connected to the belt input knob, so that the pulley turns when the knob is turned. The belt is attached to the pulley so that the drive is wound onto the rotating pulley. As the belt winds upon the pulley, the overall outside diameter of the pulley increases, thereby increasing the deployment speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Randall, John Fulkerson
  • Publication number: 20110054503
    Abstract: Ablation, crossing, and cutting systems, devices and associated methods, including a crossing device, comprising, in combination: a spring-enhanced handle and body configured to controllably extend and retract a blade within a microcatheter for addressing an occlusion within a vessel of a patient to provide improved access for supplemental treatment and reperfusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Isa RIZK, John Fulkerson
  • Patent number: 7867183
    Abstract: Embodiments of the knee brace disclosed herein provide a combination of external ligament support and/or relief from pain caused by osteoarthritis with patellofemoral support. The brace includes a rigid frame and a flexible strap configured to extend across the wearer's patella to provide anterior loading thereto. The strap is operatively secured at either end to components of the rigid frame, thereby providing maximum leverage for applying force to the wearer's patella. In some embodiments, the strap includes a removable and adjustable buttress for directly contacting the wearer's patella. The patellar strap provides dynamic loading to the patella through the wearer's range of motion for relief of patellofemoral dysfunction, such as patellar shift, subluxation and dislocation, and malalignments such as patella alta, patella baja, tilt and glide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: DJ Orthopedics, LLC
    Inventors: Andy Kazmierczak, John Martin, Richard E. Gildersleeve, John Fulkerson, Kurt Jacobson, Scott Seligman
  • Publication number: 20100318097
    Abstract: An acute stroke recanalization system and processes include catheter-based improved reconstrainable or tethered neurological devices which are deliverable through highly constricted and tortuous vessels, crossing the zone associated with subject thrombi/emboli, where deployment impacts, addresses or bridges the embolus, compacting the same into luminal walls which enables perfusion and lysis of the embolus, while the improved neurological medical device itself remains contiguous with the delivery system acting as a filter, basket or stand alone stenting mechanism, depending on the status of the embolus and other therapeutic aspects of the treatment being offered for consideration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: MINDFRAME, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Ferrera, John Fulkerson, Andrew Cragg
  • Publication number: 20100286722
    Abstract: A temporary vascular filter system comprising a catheter and an elongate filter slideably carried near the distal end of said catheter. The vascular filter system can be inserted into a vessel percutaneously with the filter in a narrow-diameter “closed position” and expanded into a large diameter “open position” at the desired intravascular site. After deployment, the proximal portion of the catheter can be secured to the patient at the insertion site. While deployed, the filter component is capable of sliding along a portion of the catheter throughout a range of motion. The filter may have two filter meshes, which may have different degrees of porosity. The temporary vascular filter system can be left in the patient for hours or days and then collapsed into a withdrawal tube for removal from the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Intersect Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Isa Rizk, John Fulkerson, Andrew H. Cragg, George Wallace
  • Publication number: 20100217187
    Abstract: A microcatheter having an active segment reperfuses occluded blood vessels above the junction of the subclavian artery and common carotid artery. The microcatheter is used to penetrate emboli. Once an embolus is penetrated, the active segment of the microcatheter is activated, causing it to expand radially and thereby open a channel in the embolus. Thus, a channel for restored blood flow is created. The blood's natural lytic action further degraded the embolus in some cases. Therapeutic agents may be administered through the microcatheter to aid in the reperfusion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: John FULKERSON, Andrew Cragg, David A. Ferrera
  • Publication number: 20100174309
    Abstract: An acute stroke recanalization systems and processes include catheter-based improved reconstrainable or tethered neurological devices which are deliverable through highly constricted and tortuous vessels, crossing the zone associated with subject thrombi/emboli, where deployment impacts, addresses or bridges the embolus, compacting the same into lumenal walls which enables perfusion and lysis of the embolus, while the improved neurological medical device itself remains contiguous with the delivery system acting as a filter, basket or stand alone alternate medical device, depending on the status of the embolus and other therapeutic aspects of the treatment being offered for consideration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: MINDFRAME, INC.
    Inventors: JOHN FULKERSON, David A. Ferrera, Andrew Cragg
  • Patent number: 7670609
    Abstract: A vaccine against Mycobacteria tuberculosis (Mtb) is provided. The vaccine comprises a recombinant Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) subunit-based vaccine in which one or more Mtb antigens and one or more Mtb resuscitation or reactivation antigens are overexpressed, and in which at least a portion of the DosR regulon is up-regulated. The vaccine is protective against active Mtb infection both pre- and post-exposure to Mtb, and thus prevents disease symptoms due to the recurrence of a latent Mtb infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation
    Inventors: Avigdor Shafferman, Anat Zvi, Naomi Ariel, John Fulkerson, Ronggai Sun, Rosemary Chang, Jerald C. Sadoff
  • Publication number: 20100022951
    Abstract: A hub system comprising, in combination: a luer further comprising a luer channel, configured to accommodate a selected device, said luer channel further comprising a segment extending through an extension of said luer; and a nose further comprising a nose channel configured to selectively couple with said extension, wherein the inner diameter of at least a portion of said nose channel is less than the outer diameter of the extension. A method of using the same to secure a device within said system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: LUCE, FORWARD, HAMILTON 7 SCRIPPS, LLP
    Inventors: David A. Ferrera, John Fulkerson
  • Publication number: 20090192455
    Abstract: Novel systems enable PTNA rapid exchange (RX) types of systems for ICAD, support balloon test occlusion, treatment of vasospasm after sub-arachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and facilitate aneurysm neck remodeling during coiling embolization. The systems disclosed include an embodiment having a catheter comprising a RX port for providing catheter support within and above the carotid siphon and distal vertebral arteries, a conformable, semi-compliant balloon manipulable to gain forward progress through intracranial vessels substantially narrowed by plaque in combination with at least a guidewire, and a tip disposed at a distal end of the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: David Ferrera, John Fulkerson, Isa Rizk, Stephen Sosnowski
  • Publication number: 20090136534
    Abstract: A vaccine against Mycobacteria tuberculosis (Mtb) is provided. The vaccine comprises a recombinant Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) subunit-based vaccine in which one or more Mtb antigens and one or more Mtb resuscitation or reactivation antigens are overexpressed, and in which at least a portion of the DosR regulon is up-regulated. The vaccine is protective against active Mtb infection both pre- and post-exposure to Mtb, and thus prevents disease symptoms due to the recurrence of a latent Mtb infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Avigdor Shafferman, Anat Zvi, Naomi Ariel, John Fulkerson, Ronggai Sun, Rosemary Chang, Jerald C. Sadoff
  • Publication number: 20090125053
    Abstract: Devices, methods and systems facilitate and enable vessel wall treatment, particularly at the neck of an aneurysm. A tethered cage-like structure functions in conjunction with supplemental therapies such as a vaso-occlusive coil delivering microcatheter system and/or pharmaceutical delivery, among other things, by stabilizing vessel walls and providing tethered cage-like therapeutic support for treating aneurysms, temporarily or on an implantable basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: MINDFRAME, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Ferrera, John Fulkerson