Patents by Inventor Mark A. Novotny

Mark A. Novotny 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: 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: 11620561
    Abstract: The present invention provides new methods, systems, and apparatus, including quantum programs and methodology, to construct a quantum oracle to obtain or to provide the exact value, or a range of values, of the number of ground states of a given quantum problem system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: Mark A. Novotny
  • Patent number: 11605794
    Abstract: Quantum dragon materials and devices have unit (total) transmission of electrons for a wide range of electron energies, even though the electrons do not undergo ballistic propagation, when connected optimally to at least two external leads. Quantum dragon materials and devices, as well as those that are nearly quantum dragons, enable embodiments as quantum dragon electronic or optoelectronic devices, including field effect transistors (FETs), sensors, injectors for spin-polarized currents, wires having integral multiples of the conductance quantum, and wires with zero electrical resistance. Methods of devising such quantum dragon materials and devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventor: 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: 11176082
    Abstract: Computer architecture methods and system for providing novel inhomogeneous computer interconnects and interconnect topology framework for both classical and quantum computers are provided that result in enhanced computer functionality and efficiency. The architecture and methodologies include random small world (SW) interconnects or bonds and/or SW interconnects or bonds with constrained randomness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Mississippi State University
    Inventor: Mark A. Novotny
  • Publication number: 20210186065
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electrostatic dispensing fluid onto food products are disclosed. An electrostatic dispense system includes a material supply, a voltage block, and a power supply to electrostatically charge a coating material. The electrostatic dispense system further includes a dispense assembly, a conveyor through or by which a food product is configured to be conveyed, and a support that supports at least one liquid outlet of the dispense assembly. The dispense assembly dispenses the electrostatically charged coating material from the at least one liquid outlet onto the food product. The voltage block provides electrical isolation, and includes a pump that pumps the electrostatically charged coating material to the dispense assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Mark NOVOTNY, Brad M. SYROWSKI, Jason J. MOLNAR, Terrence M. FULKERSON, Mike HLEBOVY, Kenneth WATSON
  • Publication number: 20210119158
    Abstract: Quantum dragon materials and devices have unit (total) transmission of electrons for a wide range of electron energies, even though the electrons do not undergo ballistic propagation, when connected optimally to at least two external leads. Quantum dragon materials and devices, as well as those that are nearly quantum dragons, enable embodiments as quantum dragon electronic or optoelectronic devices, including field effect transistors (FETs), sensors, injectors for spin-polarized currents, wires having integral multiples of the conductance quantum, and wires with zero electrical resistance. Methods of devising such quantum dragon materials and devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Applicant: Mississippi State University
    Inventor: Mark A. Novotny
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20190370680
    Abstract: The present invention provides new methods, systems, and apparatus, including quantum programs and methodology, to construct a quantum oracle to obtain or to provide the exact value, or a range of values, of the number of ground states of a given quantum problem system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventor: Mark A. Novotny
  • Publication number: 20170337155
    Abstract: Computer architecture methods and system for providing novel inhomogeneous computer interconnects and interconnect topology framework for both classical and quantum computers are provided that result in enhanced computer functionality and efficiency. The architecture and methodologies include random small world (SW) interconnects or bonds and/or SW interconnects or bonds with constrained randomness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventor: Mark A. Novotny
  • Publication number: 20170331037
    Abstract: Quantum dragon materials and devices have unit (total) transmission of electrons for a wide range of electron energies, even though the electrons do not undergo ballistic propagation, when connected optimally to at least two external leads. Quantum dragon materials and devices enable embodiments as quantum dragon electronic or optoelectronic devices, including field effect transistors (FETs), sensors, injectors for spin-polarized currents, wires having integral multiples of the conductance quantum, and wires with zero electrical resistance. Methods of devising such quantum dragon materials and devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventor: Mark A. NOVOTNY
  • Publication number: 20170128222
    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: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: SPINAL STABILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Nadi S. Hibri, W. Loren Francis, Mark A. Novotny