Patents by Inventor Lance Middleton
Lance Middleton 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: 11896173Abstract: A bathtub closure system may include a step configured to be retrofit onto a bathtub and a plug. The step may include a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity configured to facilitate ingress and egress into the bathtub, and a first attachment recess extending downward from the first top surface less than an entire height of the first side panel or extending downward from the second top surface less than an entire height of the second side panel. The plug includes a body and a first attachment member affixed to the body and corresponding to the first attachment recess defined by the step. The plug cooperates with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the first attachment member is mated with the first attachment recess and the body of the plug is positioned at least partially within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Safeway Safety Step, LLCInventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Lance Middleton, Houston E. Lay
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Publication number: 20230023727Abstract: A bathtub closure system may include a step configured to be retrofit onto a bathtub and a plug. The step may include a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity configured to facilitate ingress and egress into the bathtub, and a first attachment recess extending downward from the first top surface less than an entire height of the first side panel or extending downward from the second top surface less than an entire height of the second side panel. The plug includes a body and a first attachment member affixed to the body and corresponding to the first attachment recess defined by the step. The plug cooperates with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the first attachment member is mated with the first attachment recess and the body of the plug is positioned at least partially within the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Lance Middleton, Houston E. Lay
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Patent number: 11540672Abstract: A bathtub closure system may include a step configured to be retrofit onto a bathtub and a plug. The step may include a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity configured to facilitate ingress and egress into the bathtub, and a first attachment recess extending downward from the first top surface less than an entire height of the first side panel or extending downward from the second top surface less than an entire height of the second side panel. The plug includes a body and a first attachment member affixed to the body and corresponding to the first attachment recess defined by the step. The plug cooperates with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the first attachment member is mated with the first attachment recess and the body of the plug is positioned at least partially within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: SAFEWAY SAFETY STEP, LLCInventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Lance Middleton, Houston E. Lay
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Patent number: 11235256Abstract: A toy vehicle is enabled to rotate or turn down a gradient, leading with the end of the vehicle having the greatest tendency to slide or translate laterally. The steerable toy vehicle is enabled for interactive play on a play surface dynamically oriented by the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2019Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Inventor: Lance Middleton
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Publication number: 20210393086Abstract: A bathtub closure system may include a step configured to be retrofit onto a bathtub and a plug. The step may include a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity configured to facilitate ingress and egress into the bathtub, and a first attachment recess extending downward from the first top surface less than an entire height of the first side panel or extending downward from the second top surface less than an entire height of the second side panel. The plug includes a body and a first attachment member affixed to the body and corresponding to the first attachment recess defined by the step. The plug cooperates with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the first attachment member is mated with the first attachment recess and the body of the plug is positioned at least partially within the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2021Publication date: December 23, 2021Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Lance Middleton, Brian Muldoon, Houston E. Lay
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Publication number: 20190216268Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a bathtub closure system having a step, the step having a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity, where the cavity can be configured to facilitate ingress and egress into a bathtub. The bathtub closure system can include a closure, where the closure can be coupled with the step and can cooperate with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the closure is in a closed position. The bathtub closure system can include a support portion, where the support portion can be co-molded with the step and have a substantially U-shaped configuration extending in a generally downward direction from the step to support the step during use.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Lance Middleton, Brian Muldoon, Houston E. Lay
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Publication number: 20180116469Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a bathtub closure system having a step, the step having a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity, where the cavity can be configured to facilitate ingress and egress into a bathtub. The bathtub closure system can include a closure, where the closure can be coupled with the step and can cooperate with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the closure is in a closed position. The bathtub closure system can include a support portion, where the support portion can be co-molded with the step and have a substantially U-shaped configuration extending in a generally downward direction from the step to support the step during use.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Lance Middleton, Brian Muldoon, Houston E. Lay
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Publication number: 20180085678Abstract: A self-propelled toy glider includes a flexible frame and a flight surface. The flexible frame may deformed and held within the user's hand. When deformed, the flexible frame stores spring energy. This spring energy is subsequently used to propel the self-propelled toy glider forward as it returns to original shape. Related to glider durability and overall safety, the flexible frame can elastically deform when the toy glider impacts objects during flight.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Connor Lee Middleton, Lance Middleton
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Patent number: 9352237Abstract: An improved tumbling toy vehicle has a shape that is cambered from left to right to provide a directional bias toward the instantaneous lowest point on a play surface. When a play surface is manipulated by the user, the user can effectively control the speed and direction of the tumbling toy vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Inventor: Lance Middleton
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Publication number: 20150335206Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a bathtub closure system having a step, the step having a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity, where the cavity can be configured to facilitate ingress and egress into a bathtub. The bathtub closure system can include a closure, where the closure can be coupled with the step and can cooperate with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the closure is in a closed position. The bathtub closure system can include a support portion, where the support portion can be co-molded with the step and have a substantially U-shaped configuration extending in a generally downward direction from the step to support the step during use.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2015Publication date: November 26, 2015Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Lance Middleton, Brian Muldoon, Houston E. Lay
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Publication number: 20150305573Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a bathtub closure system having a step, the step having a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity, where the cavity is configured to facilitate ingress and egress into a bathtub, and a first attachment recess defined by the step. The bathtub closure system having a plug, the plug including a body having a first side, a second side, and a bottom portion, and a first attachment member corresponding to the first attachment recess defined by the step, where the plug cooperates with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the first attachment member is mated with the first attachment recess and the body of the plug is positioned at least partially within the cavity defined by the step.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2015Publication date: October 29, 2015Inventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Lance Middleton, Brian Muldoon
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Patent number: 8870956Abstract: A fusion implant apparatus for facilitating fusion of adjacent bone structures includes a threadless implant member which is positioned between adjacent opposed bone structures. The implant member defines a longitudinal axis and first and second longitudinal ends and has an outer wall which is dimensioned to engage the opposed bone structures upon positioning therebetween in supporting relation therewith. The outer wall defines an internal cavity for the reception of bone growth inducing substances and includes a plurality of apertures which extend therethrough in communication with the internal cavity to permit fusion of vertebral bone tissue. The implant member also includes an intermediate portion which defines a cross-sectional dimension transverse to the longitudinal axis which is greater than the respective cross-sectional dimensions of the first and second longitudinal ends of the implant member.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: Jared Walkenhorst, Herb Cohen, Lance Middleton
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Patent number: 8444694Abstract: A method for treating a diseased or damaged spinal disc comprises the steps of: (a) providing access to the nucleus pulposus through the annulus; (b) removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create an intradiscal space; (c) determining the size of the intradiscal space; and (d) sealably introducing under pressure a curable biomaterial through the annulus directly into the intradiscal space. The step of determining the size of the intradiscal space may be accomplished by expanding a compliant balloon within the intradiscal space using a contrast medium capable of visualization under fluoroscopy. The curable material is sealably introduced through a vented needle inserted through the opening. The curable biomaterial is introduced until a quantity of the material flows into the vent.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Spine Wave, Inc.Inventors: Keith Collins, Thomas G. Wilson, Jared Walkenhorst, Dennis Lee, Andrew Carter, John Pafford, Mark D. LoGuidice, Lance Middleton, Lawrence Boyd
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Patent number: 8109902Abstract: Improvements are provided for a syringe-to-syringe mixing system to improve the mixing characteristics of the system. In one embodiment, a mixing apparatus includes opposite fittings for mounting to a pair of syringes. The mixing apparatus defines a fluid passageway therethrough and includes a flow modifying element disposed within the passageway. The flow modifying element is configured to increase the flow velocity, disrupt the fluid flow or introduce turbulence into the fluid flow between the two syringes. In another embodiment, a nozzle element is disposed within the tip of the syringe, the element configured to increase the fluid flow therethrough. The nozzle element can be a nozzle insert removably mounted within the tip, or an integrally formed nozzle within the tip.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Spine Wave, Inc.Inventors: Lance Middleton, Scott Reed, Jared Walkenhorst
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Publication number: 20100318190Abstract: A method for treating a diseased or damaged spinal disc comprises the steps of: (a) providing access to the nucleus pulposus through the annulus; (b) removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create an intradiscal space; (c) determining the size of the intradiscal space; and (d) sealably introducing under pressure a curable biomaterial through the annulus directly into the intradiscal space. The step of determining the size of the intradiscal space may be accomplished by expanding a compliant balloon within the intradiscal space using a contrast medium capable of visualization under fluoroscopy. The curable material is sealably introduced through a vented needle inserted through the opening. The curable biomaterial is introduced until a quantity of the material flows into the vent.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: Spine Wave, Inc.Inventors: Keith Collins, Thomas S. Wilson, Jared Walkenhorst, Dennis Lee, Andrew Carter, John Pafford, Mark D. LoGuidice, Lance Middleton, Lawrence Boyd
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Publication number: 20100241123Abstract: A percutaneous surgical device and method for creating a cavity within tissue during a minimally invasive procedure. A cavitation device includes a shaft interconnected to a flexible cutting element. A flexible cutting element has a first shape suitable for minimally invasive passage into tissue. The flexible cutting element has a means to move toward a second shape suitable for forming a cavity in tissue. When used in bone, the resulting cavity is usually filled with bone cement or suitable bone replacement material that is injectable and hardens in situ. The disclosed cavitation device and methods can be used for the following applications: (1) treatment or prevention of bone fracture, (2) joint fusion, (3) implant fixation, (4) tissue harvesting (especially bone), (5) removal of diseased tissue (hard or soft tissue), and (6) general tissue removal (hard or soft tissue).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Lance Middleton, Laura Middleton
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Patent number: 7789913Abstract: A method for treating a diseased or damaged spinal disc comprises the steps of: (a) providing access to the nucleus pulposus through the annulus; (b) removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create an intradiscal space; determining the size of the intradiscal space; and (c) sealably introducing under pressure a curable biomaterial through the annulus directly into the intradiscal space. The method may include the additional steps of applying a force to distract the opposing vertebral bodies about the intradiscal space and then removing the distraction force after the biomaterial has cured. The step of determining the size of the intradiscal space may be accomplished by expanding a compliant balloon within the intradiscal space using a contrast medium capable of visualization under fluoroscopy. The curable material is sealably introduced through a vented needle inserted through the opening. The curable biomaterial is introduced until a quantity of the material flows into the vent.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Spine Wave, Inc.Inventors: Keith Collins, Thomas G. Wilson, Jared Walkenhorst, Dennis Lee, Andrew Carter, John Pafford, Mark D. LoGuidice, Lance Middleton, Lawrence Boyd
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Patent number: 7740660Abstract: A method for treating a herniated spinal disc between opposing vertebral bodies having a damaged outer annulus and an inner nucleus pulposus comprises the steps of: providing access to the nucleus pulposus through the annulus; removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create an intradiscal space; applying a first distraction force on the opposing vertebral bodies from within the intradiscal space; applying a second distraction force on the opposing vertebral bodies externally of the intradiscal space; and introducing a curable biomaterial through the annulus access directly into the intradiscal space. The first distraction force is applied within the disc space to distract the anterior aspect of the intradiscal space, while the second distraction force is applied exterior to the disc to act on the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies. The first distraction force is applied prior to the application of the second distraction force and then removed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Spine Wave, Inc.Inventors: Keith Collins, Thomas G. Wilson, Jared Walkenhorst, Dennis Lee, Andrew Carter, John Pafford, Mark D. LoGuidice, Lance Middleton, Lawrence Boyd
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Patent number: D790047Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Safeway Safety Step, LLCInventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Bruce Randell Slattery, Lance Middleton, John Thomas Richter
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Patent number: D797266Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Safeway Safety Step, LLCInventors: Christopher Brian Stafford, Bruce Randell Slattery, Lance Middleton, John Thomas Richter