Patents by Inventor Mark E. Semler

Mark E. Semler 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: 11918481
    Abstract: The present invention provides expandable devices and insertion tools for deploying the expandable devices. The expandable devices are capable of increasing in height and width when expanded from a closed configuration to an open configuration to occupy a larger volume and to present a larger surface area. The expandable devices are lockable and are capable of rigidly occupying a space after expansion. In some embodiments, the expandable devices are useful as interbody devices for spinal fusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: MUSC Foundation for Research Development
    Inventors: Stephen Kalhorn, Mark E. Semler, Joseph Ruscito, Christopher Hapstack
  • Publication number: 20230389853
    Abstract: A device for measuring eyelid movement in a human subject comprises a housing, at least one stimulator mounted to the housing, and a camera. The at least one stimulator is configured to provide stimulus to one or both eyes of the subject. The camera is configured to collect information related to movement of one or both eyes of the subject. The device also includes a user interface that is configured to control the at least one stimulator and display information collected by the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Nancey Trevanian Tsai, Mark E. Semler
  • Patent number: 11813131
    Abstract: A declogging assembly (20) is configured for use with a suction conduit (10). The suction conduit has a head (14) at a first end (15) and a vacuum tube connection (16) at a second end (17). The assembly includes a body (30). The body defines a first aperture (32), a second aperture (34), and a third aperture (36). The assembly also includes a plug (40) disposed within the body (30). The plug has a surface (42) configured to contact the head (14) of the suction conduit (10) so as to move the plug from a first position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the second aperture (34), to a second position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the third aperture (36). The assembly (20) also includes a biasing member (50) configured to bias the plug into the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: MUSC Foundation for Research Development
    Inventors: Stephen P. Kalhorn, Mark E. Semler
  • Publication number: 20230084500
    Abstract: A cranial anchor system configured to attach to an opening in a cranium includes an anchor member. The anchor member has a middle anchor portion and a lower anchor portion coupled to and disposed in a downward direction relative to the middle anchor portion. The lower anchor portion has a plurality of contact members, each of which have a leg that extends at least partially in the downward direction, a tab connected to the leg, and a rib disposed between the leg and the tab. The system further includes an outer sheath and an inner sheath disposed within the outer sheath and slidable relative to the outer sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Raymond Turner, Mark E. Semler, Aquilla Turk, Alex Spiotta, Imran Chaudry
  • Patent number: 11446111
    Abstract: A cranial anchor system configured to attach to an opening in a cranium includes an anchor member. The anchor member has a middle anchor portion and a lower anchor portion coupled to and disposed in a downward direction relative to the middle anchor portion. The lower anchor portion has a plurality of contact members, each of which have a leg that extends at least partially in the downward direction, a tab connected to the leg, and a rib disposed between the leg and the tab. The system further includes an outer sheath and an inner sheath disposed within the outer sheath and slidable relative to the outer sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: MUSC Foundation for Research Development
    Inventors: Raymond Turner, Mark E. Semler, Aquilla Turk, Alex Spiotta, Imran Chaudry
  • Publication number: 20210379270
    Abstract: A declogging assembly (20) is configured for use with a suction conduit (10). The suction conduit has a head (14) at a first end (15) and a vacuum tube connection (16) at a second end (17). The assembly includes a body (30). The body defines a first aperture (32), a second aperture (34), and a third aperture (36). The assembly also includes a plug (40) disposed within the body (30). The plug has a surface (42) configured to contact the head (14) of the suction conduit (10) so as to move the plug from a first position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the second aperture (34), to a second position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the third aperture (36). The assembly (20) also includes a biasing member (50) configured to bias the plug into the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen P. Kalhorn, Mark E. Semler
  • Publication number: 20210322128
    Abstract: A cranial anchor system configured to attach to an opening in a cranium includes an anchor member. The anchor member has a middle anchor portion and a lower anchor portion coupled to and disposed in a downward direction relative to the middle anchor portion. The lower anchor portion has a plurality of contact members, each of which have a leg that extends at least partially in the downward direction, a tab connected to the leg, and a rib disposed between the leg and the tab. The system further includes an outer sheath and an inner sheath disposed within the outer sheath and slidable relative to the outer sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Raymond Turner, Mark E. Semler, Aquilla Turk, Alex Spiotta, Imran Chaudry
  • Patent number: 11097036
    Abstract: A declogging assembly (20) is configured for use with a suction conduit (10). The suction conduit has a head (14) at a first end (15) and a vacuum tube connection (16) at a second end (17). The assembly includes a body (30). The body defines a first aperture (32), a second aperture (34), and a third aperture (36). The assembly also includes a plug (40) disposed within the body (30). The plug has a surface (42) configured to contact the head (14) of the suction conduit (10) so as to move the plug from a first position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the second aperture (34), to a second position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the third aperture (36). The assembly (20) also includes a biasing member (50) configured to bias the plug into the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: MUSC FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Stephen P. Kalhorn, Mark E. Semler
  • Publication number: 20210220148
    Abstract: The present invention provides expandable devices and insertion tools for deploying the expandable devices. The expandable devices are capable of increasing in height and width when expanded from a closed configuration to an open configuration to occupy a larger volume and to present a larger surface area. The expandable devices are lockable and are capable of rigidly occupying a space after expansion. In some embodiments, the expandable devices are useful as interbody devices for spinal fusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Kalhorn, Mark E. Semler, Joseph Ruscito, Christopher Hapstack
  • Patent number: 11000385
    Abstract: The present invention provides expandable devices and insertion tools for deploying the expandable devices. The expandable devices are capable of increasing in height and width when expanded from a closed configuration to an open configuration to occupy a larger volume and to present a larger surface area. The expandable devices are lockable and are capable of rigidly occupying a space after expansion. In some embodiments, the expandable devices are useful as interbody devices for spinal fusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: MUSC Foundation for Research Development
    Inventors: Stephen Kalhorn, Mark E. Semler, Joseph Ruscito, Christopher Hapstack
  • Publication number: 20200214851
    Abstract: The present invention provides expandable devices and insertion tools for deploying the expandable devices. The expandable devices are capable of increasing in height and width when expanded from a closed configuration to an open configuration to occupy a larger volume and to present a larger surface area. The expandable devices are lockable and are capable of rigidly occupying a space after expansion. In some embodiments, the expandable devices are useful as interbody devices for spinal fusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen Kalhorn, Mark E. Semler, Joseph Ruscito, Christopher Hapstack
  • Publication number: 20200069239
    Abstract: A device for measuring eyelid movement in a human subject comprises a housing, at least one stimulator mounted to the housing, and a camera. The at least one stimulator is configured to provide stimulus to one or both eyes of the subject. The camera is configured to collect information related to movement of one or both eyes of the subject. The device also includes a user interface that is configured to control the at least one stimulator and display information collected by the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Nancey Trevanian Tsai, Mark E. Semler
  • Patent number: 9149315
    Abstract: An anti-splay apparatus having a bridge and frangible connection points for use with mechanical fasteners having a shank portion and a receiving member with opposing arms is provided. The bridge may take a number of forms including a ring, a notched ring, a tube, or a notched tube and the connection points join the opposing arms of the receiving member with the bridge. Also provided is the anti-splay apparatus also having tabs connected between frangible connection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Semler, Bruce Frankel
  • Publication number: 20140303678
    Abstract: An anti-splay apparatus having a bridge and frangible connection points for use with mechanical fasteners having a shank portion and a receiving member with opposing arms is provided. The bridge may take a number of forms including a ring, a notched ring, a tube, or a notched tube and the connection points join the opposing arms of the receiving member with the bridge. Also provided is the anti-splay apparatus also having tabs connected between frangible connection points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Semler, Bruce Frankel
  • Patent number: 8828006
    Abstract: An anti-splay apparatus having a bridge and frangible connection points for use with mechanical fasteners having a shank portion and a receiving member with opposing arms is provided. The bridge may take a number of forms including a ring, a notched ring, a tube, or a notched tube and the connection points join the opposing arms of the receiving member with the bridge. Also provided is the anti-splay apparatus also having tabs connected between frangible connection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: BlackStone Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Semler, Bruce Frankel
  • Publication number: 20110202095
    Abstract: An anti-splay apparatus having a bridge and frangible connection points for use with mechanical fasteners having a shank portion and a receiving member with opposing arms is provided. The bridge may take a number of forms including a ring, a notched ring, a tube, or a notched tube and the connection points join the opposing arms of the receiving member with the bridge. Also provided is the anti-splay apparatus also having tabs connected between frangible connection points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Semler, Bruce Frankel
  • Publication number: 20020004015
    Abstract: A cassette for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, for example, a patient. The cassette comprises a housing, and a passive inlet valve for hydraulically controlling pressurized fluid flow from the inlet valve to a central chamber, and an actuatable outlet valve. The central chamber provides a fluid pathway between the inlet and outlet valves. The cassette further comprises a piston assembly for exerting pressure in the central chamber. The piston assembly comprises a movable member, a covering for the moveable member; and a flexible interface between the member and the housing for providing near frictionless movement between the member and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Carlisle, Peter F. Costa, Christopher K. Holmes, John M. Kirkman, John S. Thompson, Mark E. Semler