Patents by Inventor M. Howell
M. Howell 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: 11980740Abstract: An insertion device to assist in accessing an access port that has been subcutaneously implanted in the body of a patient is disclosed. The implanted access port is accessed by a needle of a needle assembly, such as a needle-based infusion set. The insertion device may include a body having a stabilizing portion and a guide portion. The stabilizing portion stabilizes a position of the implanted access port when the body is placed on the skin of the patient atop the implanted access port. The guide portion is designed to guide a needle of the needle assembly along a predetermined path such that the needle transcutaneously pierces a septum of the implanted access port.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2021Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Glade H. Howell, Bradley J. VanderStek, Jeremy B. Cox, Laurie M. Whetstone, Manikantan Shanmugham, Jason R. Stats, Kenneth W. Sykes
-
Publication number: 20240116992Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for stabilizing enzymes. Also provided are systems, compositions and methods for using the stabilized enzymes to produce a desired compound.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2022Publication date: April 11, 2024Applicant: Bondwell Technologies LPInventors: David W. Howell, Sarah E. Bondos, Rebecca M. Booth, Christi Parham, Dat P. Truong, Rebecca E. Skouby
-
Patent number: 11680599Abstract: In one aspect, a lock nut is provided that includes a washer, a threaded body, and an actuator that are distinct from one another. The washer is configured to form a non-rotatable connection with a vehicle spindle. The threaded body has threads to engage threads of the vehicle spindle. The actuator has a rotary drive structure and is configured to be turned in a tightening direction to cause turning of the threaded body in the tightening direction relative to the washer. The lock nut includes a lock operably coupled to the actuator and configured to inhibit turning of the threaded body in a loosening direction relative to the washer. The actuator is configured to be turned relative to the threaded body in the loosening direction to disengage the lock and permit turning of the threaded body in the loosening direction relative to the washer.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Consolidated Metco, Inc.Inventors: Brendan Coyne, Logan M. Howell, Joseph M. Shaw, Mary K. Marshall, Michael Barden, Jonathan Liao
-
Patent number: 11641282Abstract: Systems and methods performed for generating authentication information for an image using optical computing are provided. When a user takes a photo of an object, an optical authentication system receives light reflected and/or emitted from the object. The system also receives a random key from an authentication server. The system converts the received light to plenoptic data and uploads it to the authentication server. In addition, the system generates an optical hash of the received light using the random key, converts the generated optical hash to a digital optical hash, and uploads the digital optical hash to the authentication server. When the authentication server receives the upload, it verifies whether the time of the upload is within a certain threshold time from the sending of the random key and whether the digital optical hash was generated from the same light as the plenoptic data.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2021Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Maxwell R. Murialdo, Brian Giera, Brian M. Howell, Robert M. Panas
-
Publication number: 20220323163Abstract: A surgical device is provided includes a hand-held portion with a working portion movably coupled to the hand-held portion for driving a tool. Actuators are provided for moving the working portion with each of the actuators having a travel range. An indicator notices a user when at least one of actuators is: (i) within the travel range; (ii) approaching a travel limit of the travel range; or (iii) outside the travel range. A surgical system is also provided inclusive the surgical device and a computing system configured to activate the indicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Applicant: Think Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Bonny, Joel Zuhars, Stephen M. Howell, Timothy Pack, Kyle Kuznik, Babak Kianmajd
-
Publication number: 20220323162Abstract: A surgical device is provided includes a hand-held portion with a working portion movably coupled to the hand-held portion for driving a tool. Actuators are provided for moving the working portion with each of the actuators having a travel range. An indicator notices a user when at least one of actuators is: (i) within the travel range; (ii) approaching a travel limit of the travel range; or (iii) outside the travel range. A surgical system is also provided inclusive the surgical device and a computing system configured to activate the indicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Applicant: Think Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Bonny, Joel Zuhars, Stephen M. Howell, Timothy Pack, Kyle Kuznik, Babak Kianmajd
-
Patent number: 11457980Abstract: Systems and methods for creating planar cuts on a bone are provided utilizing one or more cutting guides assembled to a plurality of bone pins, where the bone pins are inserted on the bone coincident with one or more virtual pin planes defined relative to one or more of the planar cuts. Alignment guides are also disclosed herein that aid in the creation of pilot holes for receiving a cutting block in a desired position and orientation (POSE). An articulating surgical device actively positions the bone pins coincident with the virtual plane to ensure the cutting guides, when assembled to the pins, aligns one or more guide slots in the desired POSE to create the planar cuts.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: THINK SURGICAL, INC.Inventors: Daniel P. Bonny, Joel Zuhars, Stephen M. Howell, Timothy Pack, Kyle Kuznik, Babak Kianmajd
-
Publication number: 20220265377Abstract: Systems and methods for creating cuts on a bone are provided utilizing one or more cutting guides assembled to a plurality of bone pins, where the bone pins are inserted on the bone coincident with one or more virtual pin planes defined relative to one or more of the cuts. Alignment guides are also disclosed herein that aid in the creation of pilot holes for receiving a cutting block in a desired position and orientation (POSE). An articulating surgical device actively positions the bone pins coincident with the virtual plane to ensure the cutting guides, when assembled to the pins, aligns one or more guide slots in the desired POSE to create the cuts.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2022Publication date: August 25, 2022Applicant: Think Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Bonny, Joel Zuhars, Stephen M. Howell, Timothy Pack, Kyle Kuznik, Babak Kianmajd
-
Publication number: 20220265376Abstract: Systems and methods for creating cuts on a bone are provided utilizing one or more cutting guides assembled to a plurality of bone pins, where the bone pins are inserted on the bone coincident with one or more virtual pin planes defined relative to one or more of the cuts. Alignment guides are also disclosed herein that aid in the creation of pilot holes for receiving a cutting block in a desired position and orientation (POSE). An articulating surgical device actively positions the bone pins coincident with the virtual plane to ensure the cutting guides, when assembled to the pins, aligns one or more guide slots in the desired POSE to create the cuts.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2022Publication date: August 25, 2022Applicant: Think Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Bonny, Joel Zuhars, Stephen M. Howell, Timothy Pack, Kyle Kuznik, Babak Kianmajd
-
Publication number: 20220249107Abstract: Systems and methods for creating cuts on a bone are provided utilizing one or more cutting guides assembled to a plurality of bone pins, where the bone pins are inserted on the bone coincident with one or more virtual pin planes defined relative to one or more of the cuts. Alignment guides are also disclosed herein that aid in the creation of pilot holes for receiving a cutting block in a desired position and orientation (POSE). An articulating surgical device actively positions the bone pins coincident with the virtual plane to ensure the cutting guides, when assembled to the pins, aligns one or more guide slots in the desired POSE to create the cuts.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Applicant: Think Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Bonny, Joel Zuhars, Stephen M. Howell, Timothy Pack, Kyle Kuznik, Babak Kianmajd
-
Patent number: 11344370Abstract: A method of manufacturing an arthroplasty jig is disclosed herein. The method may include the following: generate a bone model, wherein the bone model includes a three dimensional computer model of at least a portion of a joint surface of a bone of a patient joint to undergo an arthroplasty procedure; generate an implant model, wherein the implant model includes a three dimensional computer model of at least a portion of a joint surface of an arthroplasty implant to be used in the arthroplasty procedure; assess a characteristic associated with the patient joint; generate a modified joint surface of the implant model by modifying at least a portion of a joint surface of the implant model according to the characteristic; and shape match the modified joint surface of the implant model and a corresponding joint surface of the bone model.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Ilwhan Park, Charlie W. Chi, Stephen M. Howell
-
Patent number: 11271747Abstract: Systems and methods performed for generating authentication information for an image using optical computing are provided. When a user takes a photo of an object, an optical authentication system receives light reflected and/or emitted from the object. The system also receives a random key from an authentication server. The system converts the received light to plenoptic data and uploads it to the authentication server. In addition, the system generates an optical hash of the received light using the random key, converts the generated optical hash to a digital optical hash, and uploads the digital optical hash to the authentication server. When the authentication server receives the upload, it verifies whether the time of the upload is within a certain threshold time from the sending of the random key and whether the digital optical hash was generated from the same light as the plenoptic data.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Maxwell R. Murialdo, Brian Giera, Brian M. Howell, Robert M. Panas
-
Publication number: 20210288815Abstract: Systems and methods performed for generating authentication information for an image using optical computing are provided. When a user takes a photo of an object, an optical authentication system receives light reflected and/or emitted from the object. The system also receives a random key from an authentication server. The system converts the received light to plenoptic data and uploads it to the authentication server. In addition, the system generates an optical hash of the received light using the random key, converts the generated optical hash to a digital optical hash, and uploads the digital optical hash to the authentication server. When the authentication server receives the upload, it verifies whether the time of the upload is within a certain threshold time from the sending of the random key and whether the digital optical hash was generated from the same light as the plenoptic data.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Maxwell R. Murialdo, Brian Giera, Brian M. Howell, Robert M. Panas
-
Publication number: 20210083879Abstract: Systems and methods performed for generating authentication information for an image using optical computing are provided. When a user takes a photo of an object, an optical authentication system receives light reflected and/or emitted from the object. The system also receives a random key from an authentication server. The system converts the received light to plenoptic data and uploads it to the authentication server. In addition, the system generates an optical hash of the received light using the random key, converts the generated optical hash to a digital optical hash, and uploads the digital optical hash to the authentication server. When the authentication server receives the upload, it verifies whether the time of the upload is within a certain threshold time from the sending of the random key and whether the digital optical hash was generated from the same light as the plenoptic data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2019Publication date: March 18, 2021Inventors: Maxwell R. Murialdo, Brian Giera, Brian M. Howell, Robert M. Panas
-
Patent number: 10939923Abstract: Methods and instruments for performing a kinematically-aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are disclosed. Goals of the kinematically-aligned TKA can include restoration of (1) the femoral and tibial joint lines to the patient's natural joint line, (2) the patient's Hip-Knee-Ankle alignment to their constitutional alignment prior to developing osteoarthritis and (3) restoration of the patient's natural soft tissue laxity and envelope. A shim block assembly can be used in resecting the distal medial and lateral condyles to account for cartilage wear on the distal condyles from osteoarthritis. The shim block assembly can include a plurality of shims, and each shim can be attachable to or integral with a reference block. At least one of the plurality of shims can have a medial portion with a thickness different from a thickness of a lateral portion of the shim. The shims need not be joined together as a single medial/lateral component but may be independent of one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2018Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. Yager, Shaun R. Cronin, Stephen M. Howell, David B. Willard
-
Patent number: 10927758Abstract: The present invention is a safety shield to be secured with nacelle of aircraft. Safety shield is shaped like nacelle such that nacelle is covered by use of safety shield. Shield frame of safety shield is provided with a plurality of openings of pre-defined size and shape and disposed at desired orientations. Openings facilitate ventilation to a mechanical engine provided in nacelle. Safety shield is connected to nacelle by clamping elements that securely clamps safety shield with nacelle. In operation, safety shield prevents collision of birds and foreign particles with fan blade of mechanical engine and thus saves life and failure of mechanical engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Inventor: Janie M. Howell
-
Publication number: 20200200209Abstract: In one aspect, a lock nut is provided that includes a washer, a threaded body, and an actuator that are distinct from one another. The washer is configured to form a non-rotatable connection with a vehicle spindle. The threaded body has threads to engage threads of the vehicle spindle. The actuator has a rotary drive structure and is configured to be turned in a tightening direction to cause turning of the threaded body in the tightening direction relative to the washer. The lock nut includes a lock operably coupled to the actuator and configured to inhibit turning of the threaded body in a loosening direction relative to the washer. The actuator is configured to be turned relative to the threaded body in the loosening direction to disengage the lock and permit turning of the threaded body in the loosening direction relative to the washer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2019Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Brendan Coyne, Logan M. Howell, Joseph M. Shaw, Mary K. Marshall, Michael Barden, Jonathan Liao
-
Patent number: 10582934Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of creating a customized arthroplasty jig. The method may include: generating two-dimensional MRI images of a patient's joint area to undergo arthroplasty; electronically orienting the two dimensional MRI image slices to account for the patient's joint area being randomly physically oriented in a scanning area of a MRI machine; generating a three-dimensional bone image of at least a portion of a bone of the patient's joint area from the generated two-dimensional MRI images; using the three-dimensional bone image to generate data pertaining to the customized arthroplasty jig, wherein the data includes bone surface information; providing the data to at least one manufacturing device; and employing the bone surface information to cause the at least one manufacturing device to create a surface on the arthroplasty jig configured to matingly receive a surface of the bone.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics CorporationInventors: Ilwhan Park, Stephen M. Howell
-
Patent number: 10582982Abstract: A multi-purpose measurement tool comprises an elongate beam and a slide. The elongate beam extends from a first end to a second end, and comprises a first fixed jaw, a second fixed jaw, and a track. The first fixed jaw extends from the beam at the first end. The second fixed jaw extends from the beam opposite the first jaw and spaced from the first end. The track extends across the elongate beam through the first end. The slide has a first end extending from the track and a second end extending into the track. The slide has a moveable jaw extending from the slide opposite the first fixed jaw. The slide can also have a front face and a back face, each face with readable measurement indicia thereon.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Fisher, Stephen M. Howell
-
Patent number: 10575550Abstract: Flavorants are emulsified in tobacco-derived lipids and encapsulated with biopolymers and polysaccharides. The emulsions include oil-in-water emulsions, oil-in-water-in-oil emulsions, water-in oil emulsions, or water-in-oil-in-water emulsions, and optionally include ethanol and/or propylene glycol in an oil phase.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Tapashi Sengupta, Munmaya K. Mishra, Douglas A. Fernandez, William R. Sweeney, Tony M. Howell