Patents by Inventor Karl D. Kirk

Karl D. Kirk 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: 20240000482
    Abstract: Therapeutics and methods of treatment to repair, preserve and grow cartilage are presented. In addition, systems and methods for delivering a therapeutic to a hard to reach anatomical area, such as, for example, the BCI, are presented. A cannulated delivery device provided with a cutting tip, cutting flutes and threads on its distal end can be provided. Using such an exemplary device, various novel therapies for joint and cartilage repair, preservation and generation can be implemented. The device may have two-needles, with a first cannula/needle, with a finger grip at its distal end, and a longer inner needle to penetrate through the outer needle into the disc, and introduce therapeutics, for example, via a syringe. When provided with a septum at the inner needle's proximal end, the PIARES device is a completely closed system, and its use minimizes trauma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Applicant: Vad Scientific LLC
    Inventors: Vijay Vad, Raghav Barve, Paul Mulhauser, Karl D Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 11759236
    Abstract: Therapeutics and methods of treatment to repair, preserve and grow cartilage are presented. In addition, systems and methods for delivering a therapeutic to a hard to reach anatomical area, such as, for example, the BCI, are presented. A cannulated delivery device provided with a cutting tip, cutting flutes and threads on its distal end can be provided. Using such an exemplary device, various novel therapies for joint and cartilage repair, preservation and generation can be implemented. The device may have two-needles, with a first cannula/needle, with a finger grip at its distal end, and a longer inner needle to penetrate through the outer needle into the disc, and introduce therapeutics, for example, via a syringe. When provided with a septum at the inner needle's proximal end, the PIARES device is a completely closed system, and its use minimizes trauma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventors: Vijay Vad, Raghav Barve, Paul Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Publication number: 20220280191
    Abstract: Therapeutics and methods of treatment to repair, preserve and grow cartilage are presented. In addition, systems and methods for delivering a therapeutic to a hard to reach anatomical area, such as, for example, the BCI, are presented. A cannulated delivery device provided with a cutting tip, cutting flutes and threads on its distal end can be provided. Using such an exemplary device, various novel therapies for joint and cartilage repair, preservation and generation can be implemented. The device may have two-needles, with a first cannula/needle, with a finger grip at its distal end, and a longer inner needle to penetrate through the outer needle into the disc, and introduce therapeutics, for example, via a syringe. When provided with a septum at the inner needle's proximal end, the PIARES device is a completely closed system, and its use minimizes trauma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Vijay Vad, Raghav Barve, Paul Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 11389196
    Abstract: Therapeutics and methods of treatment to repair, preserve and grow cartilage are presented. In addition, systems and methods for delivering a therapeutic to a hard to reach anatomical area, such as, for example, the BCI, are presented. A cannulated delivery device provided with a cutting tip, cutting flutes and threads on its distal end can be provided. Using such an exemplary device, various novel therapies for joint and cartilage repair, preservation and generation can be implemented. The device may have two-needles, with a first cannula/needle, with a finger grip at its distal end, and a longer inner needle to penetrate through the outer needle into the disc, and introduce therapeutics, for example, via a syringe. When provided with a septum at the inner needle's proximal end, the PIARES device is a completely closed system, and its use minimizes trauma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventors: Vijay Vad, Raghav Barve, Paul Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Publication number: 20200253637
    Abstract: Therapeutics and methods of treatment to repair, preserve and grow cartilage are presented. In addition, systems and methods for delivering a therapeutic to a hard to reach anatomical area, such as, for example, the BCI, are presented. A cannulated delivery device provided with a cutting tip, cutting flutes and threads on its distal end can be provided. Using such an exemplary device, various novel therapies for joint and cartilage repair, preservation and generation can be implemented. Alternatively, for disc repair, a delivery device directed to percutaneous intradiscal annular repair, or “PIARES” device can be used to introduce therapeutics intradiscally. The device may have two-needles, with a first cannula/needle, with a finger grip at its distal end, and a longer inner needle to penetrate through the outer needle into the disc, and introduce therapeutics, for example, via a syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Vijay Vad, Raghav Barve, Paul Mulhouser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Publication number: 20180317962
    Abstract: Therapeutics and methods of treatment to repair, preserve and grow cartilage are presented. In addition, systems and methods for delivering a therapeutic to a hard to reach anatomical area, such as, for example, the BCI, are presented. A cannulated delivery device provided with a cutting tip, cutting flutes and threads on its distal end can be provided. Using such an exemplary device, various novel therapies for joint and cartilage repair, preservation and generation can be implemented. Alternatively, for disc repair, a delivery device directed to percutaneous intradiscal annular repair, or “PIARES” device can be used to introduce therapeutics intradiscally. The device may have two-needles, with a first cannula/needle, with a finger grip at its distal end, and a longer inner needle to penetrate through the outer needle into the disc, and introduce therapeutics, for example, via a syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Vijay Vad, Raghav Barve, Paul Mulhouser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 9827010
    Abstract: Therapeutics and methods of treatment to repair, preserve and grow cartilage are presented. In addition, systems and methods for delivering a therapeutic to a hard to reach anatomical area, such as, for example, the BCI, are presented. A cannulated delivery device provided with a cutting tip, cutting flutes and threads on its distal end is disclosed, as well as therapies for joint and cartilage repair, preservation and generation using it. Alternatively, for disc repair, a “PIARES” device for Percutaneous Intradiscal Annular Repair introduces therapeutics intradiscally. The device may have two-needles; a first cannula/needle with a finger grip, and a longer inner needle to penetrate through the outer needle into the disc, and introduce therapeutics via a syringe. When provided with a septum at the inner needle's proximal end, the PIARES device is a completely closed system; using it minimizes trauma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: VAD SCIENTIFIC LLC
    Inventors: Vijay Vad, Raghav Barve, Paul Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 9180476
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a mixture of at least two fluids is disclosed. The device has a plurality of cartridges that each contain a fluid. A flow channel communicates with each cartridge. A valve adjusts a mass flow rate of the fluid drawn from the corresponding cartridge. A manifold has a mixing chamber and a plurality of inlets that each communicate with one of the flow channels. The manifold has a spring and a seal that covers the inlets. A piston is between the seal and the spring. The spring is moveable between an extended position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously close the inlets from the flow channels and a compressed position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously open the inlets to the flow channels. A dispensing pump communicates with the manifold and draws fluid from each of the cartridges. A nozzle dispenses the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Mouse Trap Design, LLC
    Inventors: Melanie R. Werner, Paul J. Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Publication number: 20140088551
    Abstract: Therapeutics and methods of treatment to repair, preserve and grow cartilage are presented. In addition, systems and methods for delivering a therapeutic to a hard to reach anatomical area, such as, for example, the BCI, are presented. A cannulated delivery device provided with a cutting tip, cutting flutes and threads on its distal end is disclosed, as well as therapies for joint and cartilage repair, preservation and generation using it. Alternatively, for disc repair, a “PIARES” device for Percutaneous Intradiscal Annular Repair introduces therapeutics intradiscally. The device may have two-needles; a first cannula/needle with a finger grip, and a longer inner needle to penetrate through the outer needle into the disc, and introduce therapeutics via a syringe. When provided with a septum at the inner needle's proximal end, the PIARES device is a completely closed system; using it minimizes trauma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Vijay VAD, Raghav Barve, Paul Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Publication number: 20140076930
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a mixture of at least two fluids is disclosed. The device has a plurality of cartridges that each contain a fluid. A flow channel communicates with each cartridge. A valve adjusts a mass flow rate of the fluid drawn from the corresponding cartridge. A manifold has a mixing chamber and a plurality of inlets that each communicate with one of the flow channels. The manifold has a spring and a seal that covers the inlets. A piston is between the seal and the spring. The spring is moveable between an extended position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously close the inlets from the flow channels and a compressed position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously open the inlets to the flow channels. A dispensing pump communicates with the manifold and draws fluid from each of the cartridges. A nozzle dispenses the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Melanie R. Werner, Paul J. Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 8596498
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a mixture of at least two fluids is disclosed. The device has a plurality of cartridges that each contain a fluid. A flow channel communicates with each cartridge. A valve adjusts a mass flow rate of the fluid drawn from the corresponding cartridge. A manifold has a mixing chamber and a plurality of inlets that each communicate with one of the flow channels. The manifold has a spring and a seal that covers the inlets. A piston is between the seal and the spring. The spring is moveable between an extended position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously close the inlets from the flow channels and a compressed position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously open the inlets to the flow channels. A dispensing pump communicates with the manifold and draws fluid from each of the cartridges. A nozzle dispenses the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Mouse Trap Design, LLC
    Inventors: Melanie R. Werner, Paul J. Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 8486074
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a surgical kit having component parts capable of use to prepare a cartilage implant plug from allograft condyle. The kit comprises a sizing gauge used to measure surface of the allograft condyle so that a cartilage implant plug can be removed that corresponds to the contours of the defect site excised on a patient. An adjustable guide member is mounted in a fixed orientation over the allograft condyle in which a cylindrical graft cutter for cutting a cylindrical allograft bone plug having a cartilage cap and a bone end portion. A chamfering tool is used for chamfering the bone end of the allograft bone plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation
    Inventors: Anton J. Steiner, David I. Knight, Paul J. Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III, Richard J. Cosenza, Gregory C. Fanelli
  • Publication number: 20120279990
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a mixture of at least two fluids is disclosed. The device has a plurality of cartridges that each contain a fluid. A flow channel communicates with each cartridge. A valve adjusts a mass flow rate of the fluid drawn from the corresponding cartridge. A manifold has a mixing chamber and a plurality of inlets that each communicate with one of the flow channels. The manifold has a spring and a seal that covers the inlets. A piston is between the seal and the spring. The spring is moveable between an extended position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously close the inlets from the flow channels and a compressed position that positions the seal to substantially and simultaneously open the inlets to the flow channels. A dispensing pump communicates with the manifold and draws fluid from each of the cartridges. A nozzle dispenses the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: MOUSE TRAP DESIGN, LLC
    Inventors: Melanie R. Werner, Paul J. Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 8152808
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a surgical kit having component parts capable of use in excising a cartilage defect site on a patient to prepare the same for receipt of an implant plug, the kit comprising a cylindrical gauge with a central bore used to measure the defect area, a guide rod adapted to be driven through the gauge tube into the center of said defect area and a cartilage cutting assembly adapted to be mounted over the guide rod and used for excising the defect area and cutting a cylindrical bore into the defect area. The method for use of the kit comprises the steps of: marking the defect area to be cut; placing a guide rod into the center defect area and driving the same to a predetermined distance to secure the same in the defect area and placing a drill bit over the guide rod and rotating the drill bit to cut a cylindrical blind bore removing the cartilage defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation
    Inventors: Anton J. Steiner, David I. Knight, Paul J. Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III, Richard J. Cosenza, Gregory C. Fanelli
  • Patent number: 8121327
    Abstract: A hearing aid includes a circuit board having a battery affixed thereon and a switch that utilizes a portion of the circuit board as a portion of the switch. The battery is permanently affixed to the circuit board in at least one location and at least a portion of the battery is spaced away from the circuit board. The circuit board further includes at least one pair of printed switch traces. The switch is integrated into the circuit board in a way that utilizes the circuit board to form a rotary switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: K/S HIMPP
    Inventors: Walter P. Sjursen, Michael DeSalvo, Hassan Mohamed, Paul J. Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 8121320
    Abstract: A hearing aid includes a first portion adapted for behind-the-ear placement having a microphone, a second portion adapted for in-the-canal placement having a receiver and a cable that couples the first portion to the second portion, the cable having an adjustable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Songbird Hearing, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter P. Sjursen, Michael DeSalvo, Hassan A. Mohamed, Alyssa R. Needleman, Paul J. Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III, Lyndon Treacy, Kyungmin Andy Lee
  • Patent number: 8121326
    Abstract: A hearing aid includes a hearing aid shell, a microphone enclosed within the hearing aid shell, and a sealing member that surrounds the periphery of the microphone enclosed within the hearing aid shell, and a sealing member that surrounds the periphery of the microphone. The sealing member completely fills the area between the periphery of the microphone and the interior surface of the hearing aid shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: K/S Himpp
    Inventors: Walter P. Sjursen, Michael DeSalvo, Hassan Mohamed, Paul J. Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 7780668
    Abstract: A portable surgical workstation for implant formation comprising a base with a central planar section. The central planar section has a plurality of tracks and a throughgoing slot with a recessed stepped surrounding surface formed on a bottom surface of the central planar section. A vise assembly mounted to the base comprises a fixed jaw member secured to the base, a traveling jaw member moveably mounted to the base and a fixed drive housing mounted to the base. The traveling jaw member has a plurality of rail members adapted to be slidably mounted in the central planar section tracks. The fixed drive housing has a threaded longitudinal bore which receives a threaded drive shaft, one end of the drive shaft being secured in the traveling jaw member to transport the traveling jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation
    Inventors: Anton J. Steiner, James Shock, Paul J. Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 7756284
    Abstract: A hearing aid includes a circuit board having a battery affixed thereon and a switch that utilizes a portion of the circuit board as a portion of the switch. The battery is permanently affixed to the circuit board in at least one location and at least a portion of the battery is spaced away from the circuit board. The circuit board further includes at least one pair of printed switch traces. The switch is integrated into the circuit board in a way that utilizes the circuit board to form a rotary switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Songbird Hearing, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter P. Sjursen, Michael DeSalvo, Hassan Mohamed, Paul J. Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 7748980
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing specifically metered doses of at least two flowable dental materials in desired ratios to one another. In particular, the present invention allows for controlled metering and dispensing of two or more flowable dental substances which when subsequently mixed form a dental bonding composition, dental adhesive, dental cement, or other dental restorative or preparative materials. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention utilizes a multi-rack system as well as a drive spring action to provide a substantial mechanical advantage to the user such that a relatively long throw of the dispensing button creates a relatively short, metered distance of movement of the multiple racks and corresponding pistons in the each lumen of a cartridge containing the component of the desired dental composition, allowing for small, metered doses of each flowable dental component to be dispensed from the apparatus in the proper proportions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Bisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Mulhauser, Karl D. Kirk, III, David Czarnecki, Richard Nagel