Patents by Inventor Loren Francis

Loren Francis 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: 11771815
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, an apparatus may include a panel with integrated fluid channels, wherein the panel and the fluid channel consist only of surfaces that can be manufactured with a straight-pull mold. A port may also be integrated into the panel to facilitate coupling the fluid channel to pneumatic components in an assembly. A seal may be secured to the panel over the fluid channel to form an integrated fluid conductor. The seal is preferably an adhesive label that can also be used for product labeling. Such an apparatus may be used in a control unit of a therapy system, employing several integrated fluid conductors. A method of manufacturing may include molding a panel, wherein the mold forms a channel integral to the panel. The panel and the channel preferably consist of surfaces that can be molded with a straight-pull mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Andrew Pratt, James Killingworth Seddon, Christopher Brian Locke, David Richard Mercer, Loren Francis
  • Patent number: 11744710
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods for replacing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc with an implantable nuclear prosthesis filled with a curable silicone material in situ. Configurations of the present spinal implant devices include a flexible body defining an outer fillable enclosure that defines an outer chamber, an inner fillable enclosure that defines an inner chamber, and a proximal plug configured to be coupled to the inner fillable enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: W. Loren Francis, Mark A. Novotny, Cory R. A. Hallam, Jake Ganem
  • Publication number: 20230218409
    Abstract: A nuclear disc implant includes an inner fillable enclosure and an outer fillable enclosure. After insertion into a enucleated disc cavity, the inner enclosure is filled with a fluid and the outer fillable enclosure is filled with a curable material. The curable material is allowed to cure and the fluid is removed from the inner enclosure to leave an inner enclosure surrounded by an cured outer enclosure. A reinforcing band may be provided around the nuclear disc implant. An inflation tool to fill the nuclear disc implant is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Applicant: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: James D. Lutz, W. Loren Francis, Mark Novotny
  • Patent number: 11633287
    Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a de-nucleated intervertebral disc includes a fiber ring-like layer which encloses a polymeric layer to create an annular space. The annular space is inflatable with an in-situ curable liquid polymer and forms an interior cavity. The annular space may be expanded uniformly or differentially to be tailored to the needs of a particular vertebral segment and to achieve optimal disc space width and angle, thereby stabilizing the segment while preserving normal motion of the vertebral segment. The interior cavity provides a void that allows inward deformation of the implant during weight bearing activities and bending. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed through axial elongation to a reduced profile to load into a delivery cannula using pulling techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Nadi S. Hibri, W. Loren Francis, Mark A. Novotny
  • Patent number: 11576793
    Abstract: A nuclear disc implant includes an inner fillable enclosure and an outer fillable enclosure. After insertion into a enucleated disc cavity, the inner enclosure is filled with a fluid and the outer fillable enclosure is filled with a curable material. The curable material is allowed to cure and the fluid is removed from the inner enclosure to leave an inner enclosure surrounded by an cured outer enclosure. A reinforcing band may be provided around the nuclear disc implant. An inflation tool to fill the nuclear disc implant is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: James D. Lutz, W. Loren Francis, Mark Novotny
  • Patent number: 11523914
    Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a de-nucleated intervertebral disc includes a fiber ring-like layer which encloses a polymeric layer to create an annular space. The annular space is inflatable with an in-situ curable liquid polymer and forms an interior cavity. The annular space may be expanded uniformly or differentially to be tailored to the needs of a particular vertebral segment and to achieve optimal disc space width and angle, thereby stabilizing the segment while preserving normal motion of the vertebral segment. The interior cavity provides a void that allows inward deformation of the implant during weight bearing activities and bending. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed through axial elongation to a reduced profile to load into a delivery cannula using pulling techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Nadi S. Hibri, W. Loren Francis, Mark A. Novotny
  • Patent number: 11351294
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, an apparatus for providing negative-pressure therapy may comprise a negative-pressure source, a pressure sensor, and a control valve. The negative-pressure source may be configured to be fluidly coupled to a distribution component. The control valve may be fluidly coupled to the pressure sensor and configured to be selectively coupled to the negative-pressure source, the distribution component, or both. A controller may also be configured to operate the control valve to selectively couple the pressure sensor to at least one of the negative-pressure source and the distribution component through the control valve, and the pressure sensor may provide a feedback signal to the controller indicative of pressure in a feedback path associated with the position of the control valve. The controller may also be configured to operate the negative-pressure source based on the feedback signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: KCI LICENSING, INC.
    Inventors: Tyler H. Simmons, Reuben Walter Edgar, Jr., Kevin Higley, Loren Francis
  • Patent number: 11219711
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, a system for stimulating healing of tissue at a wound site is disclosed. The system comprises a dressing including a porous pad and a drape covering the pad at a wound site for maintaining negative pressure at a wound site, a negative-pressure source including a pump and an electric motor to generate a pump pressure (PP) for applying to the wound site, and a first pressure sensor for sensing the pump pressure (PP). The system further comprises a controller coupled to the first pressure sensor and electric motor and including a PID controller that compares the pump pressure (PP) to a target pump pressure (TPP) and a bang-bang controller that controls wound pressure (WP) proximate the wound site, and wherein the controller is configured to alternatively select the bang-bang controller when the system is in a low-leakage condition or the PID controller when the system is in a high-leakage condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Loren Francis, Reuben W. Edgar, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210077266
    Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a de-nucleated intervertebral disc includes a fiber ring-like layer which encloses a polymeric layer to create an annular space. The annular space is inflatable with an in-situ curable liquid polymer and forms an interior cavity. The annular space may be expanded uniformly or differentially to be tailored to the needs of a particular vertebral segment and to achieve optimal disc space width and angle, thereby stabilizing the segment while preserving normal motion of the vertebral segment. The interior cavity provides a void that allows inward deformation of the implant during weight bearing activities and bending. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed through axial elongation to a reduced profile to load into a delivery cannula using pulling techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Applicant: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: NADI S. HIBRI, W. LOREN FRANCIS, MARK A. NOVOTNY
  • Patent number: 10786360
    Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a de-nucleated intervertebral disc includes a fiber ring-like layer which encloses a polymeric layer to create an annular space. The annular space is inflatable with an in-situ curable liquid polymer and forms an interior cavity. The annular space may be expanded uniformly or differentially to be tailored to the needs of a particular vertebral segment and to achieve optimal disc space width and angle, thereby stabilizing the segment while preserving normal motion of the vertebral segment. The interior cavity provides a void that allows inward deformation of the implant during weight bearing activities and bending. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed through axial elongation to a reduced profile to load into a delivery cannula using pulling techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Nadi S. Hibri, W. Loren Francis, Mark A. Novotny
  • Publication number: 20200229947
    Abstract: A nuclear disc implant includes an inner fillable enclosure and an outer fillable enclosure. After insertion into a enucleated disc cavity, the inner enclosure is filled with a fluid and the outer fillable enclosure is filled with a curable material. The curable material is allowed to cure and the fluid is removed from the inner enclosure to leave an inner enclosure surrounded by an cured outer enclosure. A reinforcing band may be provided around the nuclear disc implant. An inflation tool to fill the nuclear disc implant is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: James D. LUTZ, W. Loren FRANCIS, Mark NOVOTNY
  • Publication number: 20200113705
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods for replacing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc with an implantable nuclear prosthesis filled with a curable silicone material in situ. Configurations of the present spinal implant devices include a flexible body defining an outer fillable enclosure that defines an outer chamber, an inner fillable enclosure that defines an inner chamber, and a proximal plug configured to be coupled to the inner fillable enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: W. Loren FRANCIS, Mark A. NOVOTNY, Cory R.A. HALLAM, Jake GANEM
  • Patent number: 10575967
    Abstract: A nuclear disc implant includes an inner fillable enclosure and an outer fillable enclosure. After insertion into a enucleated disc cavity, the inner enclosure is filled with a fluid and the outer fillable enclosure is filled with a curable material. The curable material is allowed to cure and the fluid is removed from the inner enclosure to leave an inner enclosure surrounded by an cured outer enclosure. A reinforcing band may be provided around the nuclear disc implant. An inflation tool to fill the nuclear disc implant is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: James D. Lutz, W. Loren Francis, Mark Novotny
  • Publication number: 20200016302
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, an apparatus may include a panel with integrated fluid channels, wherein the panel and the fluid channel consist only of surfaces that can be manufactured with a straight-pull mold. A port may also be integrated into the panel to facilitate coupling the fluid channel to pneumatic components in an assembly. A seal may be secured to the panel over the fluid channel to form an integrated fluid conductor. The seal is preferably an adhesive label that can also be used for product labeling. Such an apparatus may be used in a control unit of a therapy system, employing several integrated fluid conductors. A method of manufacturing may include molding a panel, wherein the mold forms a channel integral to the panel. The panel and the channel preferably consist of surfaces that can be molded with a straight-pull mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin Andrew PRATT, James Killingworth SEDDON, Christopher Brian LOCKE, David Richard MERCER, Loren FRANCIS
  • Patent number: 10524923
    Abstract: An expandable implant for augmenting a damaged or otherwise torn posterior annulus fibrosus. The implant is deployable into an evacuated posterior disc space following a subtotal nuclectomy. The implant includes an inflatable balloon which is fixed to the annulus fibrosus to protect against migration. When inflated with a curable polymer, the posterior wall of the implant is intimately disposed along the inner surface of the annulus fibrosus to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal of the annular tear or defect and reinforce the weakened posterior annulus. The anterior wall of the implant sequesters the nuclear remnant to guard against disc remnant herniation. The implant can restore intradiscal pressure and disc height. An integrated posterior reinforcement band creates a strong, yet flexible and resilient structure, resistant to penetration of the implant through the annular tear or defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Nadi S. Hibri, W. Loren Francis, Mark A. Novotny
  • Patent number: 10478536
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, an apparatus may include a panel with integrated fluid channels, wherein the panel and the fluid channel consist only of surfaces that can be manufactured with a straight-pull mold. A port may also be integrated into the panel to facilitate coupling the fluid channel to pneumatic components in an assembly. A seal may be secured to the panel over the fluid channel to form an integrated fluid conductor. The seal is preferably an adhesive label that can also be used for product labeling. Such an apparatus may be used in a control unit of a therapy system, employing several integrated fluid conductors. A method of manufacturing may include molding a panel, wherein the mold forms a channel integral to the panel. The panel and the channel preferably consist of surfaces that can be molded with a straight-pull mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Andrew Pratt, James Killingworth Seddon, Christopher Brian Locke, David Mercer, Loren Francis
  • Publication number: 20190255230
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, an apparatus for providing negative-pressure therapy may comprise a negative-pressure source, a pressure sensor, and a control valve. The negative-pressure source may be configured to be fluidly coupled to a distribution component. The control valve may be fluidly coupled to the pressure sensor and configured to be selectively coupled to the negative-pressure source, the distribution component, or both. A controller may also be configured to operate the control valve to selectively couple the pressure sensor to at least one of the negative-pressure source and the distribution component through the control valve, and the pressure sensor may provide a feedback signal to the controller indicative of pressure in a feedback path associated with the position of the control valve. The controller may also be configured to operate the negative-pressure source based on the feedback signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Tyler H. SIMMONS, Reuben Walter EDGAR, JR., Kevin HIGLEY, Loren FRANCIS
  • Patent number: 10328185
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, an apparatus for providing negative-pressure therapy may comprise a negative-pressure source, a pressure sensor, and a control valve. The negative-pressure source may be configured to be fluidly coupled to a distribution component. The control valve may be fluidly coupled to the pressure sensor and configured to be selectively coupled to the negative-pressure source, the distribution component, or both. A controller may also be configured to operate the control valve to selectively couple the pressure sensor to at least one of the negative-pressure source and the distribution component through the control valve, and the pressure sensor may provide a feedback signal to the controller indicative of pressure in a feedback path associated with the position of the control valve. The controller may also be configured to operate the negative-pressure source based on the feedback signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler H. Simmons, Reuben Walter Edgar, Jr., Kevin Higley, Loren Francis
  • Publication number: 20190125942
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, a system for stimulating healing of tissue at a wound site is disclosed. The system comprises a dressing including a porous pad and a drape covering the pad at a wound site for maintaining negative pressure at a wound site, a negative-pressure source including a pump and an electric motor to generate a pump pressure (PP) for applying to the wound site, and a first pressure sensor for sensing the pump pressure (PP). The system further comprises a controller coupled to the first pressure sensor and electric motor and including a PID controller that compares the pump pressure (PP) to a target pump pressure (TPP) and a bang-bang controller that controls wound pressure (WP) proximate the wound site, and wherein the controller is configured to alternatively select the bang-bang controller when the system is in a low-leakage condition or the PID controller when the system is in a high-leakage condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Loren FRANCIS, JR., Reuben W. EDGAR, JR.
  • Patent number: 10124093
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, a system for stimulating healing of tissue at a wound site is disclosed. The system comprises a dressing including a porous pad and a drape covering the pad at a wound site for maintaining negative pressure at a wound site, a negative-pressure source including a pump and an electric motor to generate a pump pressure (PP) for applying to the wound site, and a first pressure sensor for sensing the pump pressure (PP). The system further comprises a controller coupled to the first pressure sensor and electric motor and including a PID controller that compares the pump pressure (PP) to a target pump pressure (TPP) and a bang-bang controller that controls wound pressure (WP) proximate the wound site, and wherein the controller is configured to alternatively select the bang-bang controller when the system is in a low-leakage condition or the PID controller when the system is in a high-leakage condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Loren Francis, Reuben Walter Edgar, Jr.