Patents by Inventor Mark Michels

Mark Michels 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: 9814577
    Abstract: Biocompatible mesh materials are employed to make implants for repairing or replacing a bone or for soft tissue repair. The mesh materials can be comprised of bioabsorbable materials, non-bioabsorbable materials or bioabsorbable and non-bioabsorbable materials. Pharmaceutical actives, bone growth enhancers and the like can be combined with the implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: BioDynamics LLC
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Thomas N. Troxell, Mark Michels
  • Patent number: 9307744
    Abstract: A system for grasping an object comprises a telescoping rod comprising a plurality of telescoping sections slidably connected to and lockable relative to each other, a handling portion located at one end of the telescoping rod, and a grasping portion located at an opposite end of the telescoping rod, the grasping portion comprising a movable portion having an ungrasped position and a grasped position, wherein the grasping portion is connected to the handling portion and the handling portion is configured to move the movable portion of the grasping portion from the ungrasped position to the grasped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Mark Michels
  • Patent number: 9295507
    Abstract: A flexible cable for sternal reconstruction, the cable including first and second ends, the first end of the cable including a crimp fitting member, and the crimp fitting member including a flattened disk-like head. Also provided are methods for sternal reconstruction including wrapping a flexible cable having first and second ends around the sternum, tensioning the flexible cable to a desired tension and securing the tensioned cable, wherein the first end of the cable includes a crimp fitting member, and the crimp fitting member includes a flattened disk-like head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Albertson, Christopher Goheen, Mark Michels
  • Patent number: 9289241
    Abstract: Craniotomy closures comprising surgical fasteners are described for use in reattaching a skull flap removed from the skull of a patient during brain surgery. Methods of using the same are also described. Surgical strips used in combination with the fasteners are shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The craniotomy closures are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement materials to the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: BioDynamics LLC
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Thomas N. Troxell, Mark Michels
  • Patent number: 9055984
    Abstract: A sternal reconstruction system for securing parts of a sternum includes at least one flexible cable with a fused end fitting, at least one parallel fitting piece and at least one ferrule. Optionally, the system includes at least one cannulated screw. Circumferential or parasternal fixation may be brought about by use of the sternal reconstruction system. Also provided is a method for sternal reconstruction utilizing the sternal reconstruction system. Also provided is a kit for sternal reconstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Albertson, Christopher Goheen, Mark Michels
  • Patent number: 8915921
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting particulate bone from the operating site during an osteotomy or bone drilling procedure so that it can be used subsequently to augment the bone fusion process. A bone cutting or drilling tool is provided with a module for collecting particulate bone simultaneously with cutting or drilling the bone. The collected particulate bone is transferred continuously to a sterile containment module and maintained under sterile conditions until it is prepared for re-use in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: BioDynamics LLC
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Thomas N. Troxell, Mark Michels
  • Patent number: 8790377
    Abstract: A bone plate and system is provided. The bone fixation plate conforms to the contour of an irregularly shaped bone and eliminates the need for pre-bending or intraoperative bending of the plate. The bone plate is applied to the bone in a generally flat condition and the process of installing and tightening the bone screws in the prescribed order serves to contour the plate to the underlying bone while providing sufficient strength to effect bone healing. The geometry of the plate allows the plate to follow the contour of an irregularly shaped bone, preventing prominence and patient palpability and streamlining the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: MBD Medical LLC
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Thomas N. Troxell, Mark Michels, Thomas D. Meade
  • Publication number: 20130327281
    Abstract: A system for grasping an object comprises a telescoping rod comprising a plurality of telescoping sections slidably connected to and lockable relative to each other, a handling portion located at one end of the telescoping rod, and a grasping portion located at an opposite end of the telescoping rod, the grasping portion comprising a movable portion having an ungrasped position and a grasped position, wherein the grasping portion is connected to the handling portion and the handling portion is configured to move the movable portion of the grasping portion from the ungrasped position to the grasped position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Michels
  • Publication number: 20130245698
    Abstract: Craniotomy closures comprising surgical fasteners are described for use in reattaching a skull flap removed from the skull of a patient during brain surgery. Methods of using the same are also described. Surgical strips used in combination with the fasteners are shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The craniotomy closures are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement materials to the surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: BioDynamics LLC
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Thomas N. Troxell, Mark Michels
  • Publication number: 20130190826
    Abstract: A flexible cable for sternal reconstruction, the cable including first and second ends, the first end of the cable including a crimp fitting member, and the crimp fitting member including a flattened disk-like head. Also provided are methods for sternal reconstruction including wrapping a flexible cable having first and second ends around the sternum, tensioning the flexible cable to a desired tension and securing the tensioned cable, wherein the first end of the cable includes a crimp fitting member, and the crimp fitting member includes a flattened disk-like head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Albertson, Christopher Goheen, Mark Michels
  • Patent number: 8460346
    Abstract: Craniotomy closures comprising surgical fasteners are described for use in reattaching a skull flap removed from the skull of a patient during brain surgery. Methods of using the same are also described. Surgical strips used in combination with the fasteners are shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The craniotomy closures are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement materials to the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: BioDynamics LLC
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Thomas N. Troxell, Mark Michels
  • Patent number: 8444679
    Abstract: A bone plate and system is provided. The bone fixation plate conforms to the contour of an irregularly shaped bone and eliminates the need for pre-bending or intraoperative bending of the plate. The bone plate is applied to the bone in a generally flat condition and the process of installing and tightening the bone screws in the prescribed order serves to contour the plate to the plate to the underlying bone while providing sufficient strength to effect bone healing. The geometry of the plate allows the plate to follow the contour of an irregularly shaped bone, preventing prominence and patient palpability and streamlining the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: MBD Medical LLC
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Thomas N. Troxell, Mark Michels, Thomas D. Meade
  • Patent number: 8419736
    Abstract: A flexible cable for sternal reconstruction, the cable including first and second ends, the first end of the cable including a crimp fitting member, and the crimp fitting member including a flattened disk-like head. Also provided are methods for sternal reconstruction including wrapping a flexible cable having first and second ends around the sternum, tensioning the flexible cable to a desired tension and securing the tensioned cable, wherein the first end of the cable includes a crimp fitting member, and the crimp fitting member includes a flattened disk-like head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Albertson, Christopher Goheen, Mark Michels
  • Patent number: 8403966
    Abstract: A bone plate and system is provided. The bone fixation plate conforms to the contour of an irregularly shaped bone and eliminates the need for pre-bending or intraoperative bending of the plate. The bone plate is applied to the bone in a generally flat condition and the process of installing and tightening the bone screws in the prescribed order serves to contour the plate to the underlying bone while providing sufficient strength to effect bone healing. The geometry of the plate allows the plate to follow the contour of an irregularly shaped bone, preventing prominence and patient palpability and streamlining the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: MBD Medical LLC
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Thomas N. Troxell, Mark Michels, Thomas D. Meade
  • Publication number: 20120283771
    Abstract: Described herein is a cranial plug for a burr hole or a cranial perforation made in a skull during brain surgery, the cranial plug being flexible and having a bottom portion and side walls extending upwards from the bottom portion, the bottom portion and the side walls formed in a concave or substantially concave shape, or alternatively, forming a concave or substantially concave shape when inserted into a burr hole or cranial perforation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: BIODYNAMICS, LLC
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Thomas N. Troxell, Mark Michels
  • Publication number: 20120283739
    Abstract: A driver assembly for affixing a surgical fastener to a target location is provided. Operation of the driver assembly inserts the surgical fastener in two stages, first an alignment stage through application of a distally directed force to partially insert the surgical fastener, and then a fastening stage to fully insert and seat the surgical fastener to a proper depth or compression level. The driver assembly comprises a spring loaded automatic trigger mechanism that may be adapted for use with a linearly insertable or a rotationally insertable surgical fastener. Application of the distally directed force actuates the trigger mechanism, wherein a corresponding impact force is delivered for seating the surgical fastener, coupled to a distal end of the driver assembly, upon alignment of cam and receiver elements embodied within the trigger mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Thomas N. Troxell, Mark Michels
  • Patent number: 8241336
    Abstract: Craniotomy closure systems comprising surgical fasteners and a protective covering over the dura are described for use in reattaching a skull flap removed from the skull of a patient during brain surgery. Methods of using the same are also described. Surgical strips optionally used in combination with the craniotomy closure systems are shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The craniotomy closure systems are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement materials to the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Z&R Medical, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Peter A. Zahos, Thomas N. Troxell, Mark Michels
  • Publication number: 20110152865
    Abstract: Biocompatible mesh materials are employed to make implants for repairing or replacing a bone or for soft tissue repair. The mesh materials can be comprised of bioabsorbable materials, non-bioabsorbable materials or bioabsorbable and non-bioabsorbable materials. Pharmaceutical actives, bone growth enhancers and the like can be combined with the implants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: BIODYNAMICS LLC
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Thomas N. Troxell, Mark Michels
  • Publication number: 20100298835
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting particulate bone from the operating site during an osteotomy or bone drilling procedure so that it can be used subsequently to augment the bone fusion process. A bone cutting or drilling tool is provided with a module for collecting particulate bone simultaneously with cutting or drilling the bone. The collected particulate bone is transferred continuously to a sterile containment module and maintained under sterile conditions until it is prepared for re-use in the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Thomas N. Troxell, Mark Michels
  • Publication number: 20100168804
    Abstract: A flexible cable for sternal reconstruction, the cable including first and second ends, the first end of the cable including a crimp fitting member, and the crimp fitting member including a flattened disk-like head. Also provided are methods for sternal reconstruction including wrapping a flexible cable having first and second ends around the sternum, tensioning the flexible cable to a desired tension and securing the tensioned cable, wherein the first end of the cable includes a crimp fitting member, and the crimp fitting member includes a flattened disk-like head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SYNTHES USA, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Albertson, Christopher Goheen, Mark Michels