Patents by Inventor Michael A. Fitzgerald

Michael A. Fitzgerald 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).

  • Systems and methods for accessing an intervertebral disc space in a body of a patient
    Patent number: 9408598
    Abstract: A method for accessing an intervertebral disc space in a patient's body involves making an incision in a region of the patient's body that permits access to the psoas muscle, directing a blade of a first dissecting refractor through the incision and such that a distal end of the first dissecting retractor blade is positioned proximate the intervertebral disc space, and directing, independently of the first dissecting retractor blade, a blade of a second dissecting retractor through the incision and such that a distal end of the second dissecting retractor blade is positioned proximate the intervertebral disc space. During their placement within the patient's body, the first and second dissecting retractor blades are employed in a tissue dissection process. Following the positioning of the distal ends of the first and second dissecting retractor blades proximate the intervertebral disc space, the first and second dissecting refractors are coupled to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Altus Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Gary A. Fantini, Charlie Goodwin, Alex Hughes, Brian Bankoski, Michael A. Fitzgerald
  • Retractable and interchangeable control panel for electronic or like devices
    Patent number: D460736
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Pincek, Michael A. Fitzgerald, Daniel E. Paano
  • Retractable and interchangeable control panel for electronic or like devices
    Patent number: D473525
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Pincek, Michael A. Fitzgerald, Daniel E. Paano