Patents by Inventor Michael A. Fulton

Michael A. Fulton 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: 11350970
    Abstract: A bone fastener assembly for connecting a bone to a stabilizing construct includes a connecting member, a fastener seat, and a bone fastener. The connecting member includes a connecting member axis, a first opening, a second opening, and a first spherical surface. The connecting member axis extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The first opening is adjacent the proximal end. The second opening is adjacent the distal end. The fastener seat includes a first end, a second end, a passageway, and a second spherical surface. The passageway extends from the first end to the second end along a seat axis. The second spherical surface is configured to slidably engage the first spherical surface. The bone fastener includes a shank and a head. The shank extends though the passageway. The head engages a head-mating surface of the fastener seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffrey J Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder
  • Publication number: 20200402641
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a conversation facilitation system and method configured for capturing and presenting life moment information for a subject with cognitive impairment. The system and method comprises obtaining life moment information from one or more life moment capturing devices. The life moment information comprises information on daily activities experienced by the subject, including locations of daily activities and/or co-participants in the daily activities. The system and method comprises storing the life moment information for later review by the subject and/or a caregiver of the subject. The system and method comprises obtaining external data relating to the life moment information from one or more external data sources. The system and method comprises utilizing the life moment information and the external data to generate a life moment timeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: JORN OP DEN BUIJS, CHEVONE MARIE BARRETTO, PAUL MICHAEL FULTON, ALAN WOOLLEY, AART TIJMEN VAN HALTEREN, NICOLAAS GREGORIUS PETRUS DEN TEULING, BENJAMIN EZARD, ARUSHI ANEJA
  • Patent number: 10592190
    Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling the operation of a first electronic device having a first display screen, the method comprising obtaining (101; 111) measurements of a position of the first electronic device relative to a second electronic device, an orientation of the first display screen, and/or an orientation of a second display screen of a second electronic device; determining (103; 113), using the obtained measurements, one or both of (i) whether a first user using the first electronic device can view the second display screen, and (ii) whether a second user using the second electronic device can view the first display screen; and controlling (105; 115) the display of information on the first display screen based on the result of the step of determining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Paul Michael Fulton, Laura Klaming, David Paul Walker, Heribert Baldus, Dawid Ochal
  • Publication number: 20190278800
    Abstract: A method for generating an imagery mnemonic is described herein. The method includes receiving at least two words of interest. The method further includes evaluating the at least two words to determine what entities they represent, and identifying one of the at least two words as a subject word and another of the at least two words as an 5 object word using a subject-object model. The method further includes searching a database of images for images corresponding to the at least two words. The method further includes identifying a classifier for the at least two words, and classifying the images including identifying a first image that includes the entity represented by the subject word and a second image that includes the entity represented by the object word. The method further includes 10 creating an imagery mnemonic by combining the first and second images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: PAUL MICHAEL FULTON, ASTHA SAXENA
  • Publication number: 20190239931
    Abstract: A bone fastener assembly for connecting a bone to a stabilizing construct includes a connecting member, a fastener seat, and a bone fastener. The connecting member includes a connecting member axis, a first opening, a second opening, and a first spherical surface. The connecting member axis extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The first opening is adjacent the proximal end. The second opening is adjacent the distal end. The fastener seat includes a first end, a second end, a passageway, and a second spherical surface. The passageway extends from the first end to the second end along a seat axis. The second spherical surface is configured to slidably engage the first spherical surface. The bone fastener includes a shank and a head. The shank extends though the passageway. The head engages a head-mating surface of the fastener seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffrey J. Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder
  • Patent number: 10307184
    Abstract: A bone fastener assembly for connecting a bone to a stabilizing construct includes a connecting member, a fastener seat, and a bone fastener. The connecting member includes a connecting member axis, a first opening, a second opening, and a first spherical surface. The connecting member axis extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The first opening is adjacent the proximal end. The second opening is adjacent the distal end. The fastener seat includes a first end, a second end, a passageway, and a second spherical surface. The passageway extends from the first end to the second end along a seat axis. The second spherical surface is configured to slidably engage the first spherical surface. The bone fastener includes a shank and a head. The shank extends though the passageway. The head engages a head-mating surface of the fastener seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffrey Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder
  • Patent number: 10142790
    Abstract: A method of controlling a device that includes a receiver and a movement sensor includes (a) deactivating the receiver; (b) while the receiver is deactivated, analyzing measurements from the movement sensor to determine a measure of the distance the device has moved from a first location; and (c) in the event that it is determined from the measurements from the movement sensor that the device has moved from the first location by more than a threshold distance, activating the receiver and using the receiver to obtain a second measurement of the location of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Marten Jeroen Pijl, Paul Michael Fulton, Heribert Baldus
  • Publication number: 20180193065
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J. Thramann
  • Publication number: 20180181356
    Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling the operation of a first electronic device having a first display screen, the method comprising obtaining (101; 111) measurements of a position of the first electronic device relative to a second electronic device, an orientation of the first display screen, and/or an orientation of a second display screen of a second electronic device; determining (103; 113), using the obtained measurements, one or both of (i) whether a first user using the first electronic device can view the second display screen, and (ii) whether a second user using the second electronic device can view the first display screen; and controlling (105; 115) the display of information on the first display screen based on the result of the step of determining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: PAUL MICHAEL FULTON, LAURA KLAMING, DAVID PAUL WALKER, HERIBERT BALDUS, DAWID OCHAL
  • Patent number: 9861400
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J Thramann
  • Publication number: 20170360485
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spinal implant for placement between adjacent processes of the human spine. In some embodiments the spinal implant includes a spacer and one or more retention members. In some embodiments, the retention members are fixed relative to the spacer and in other embodiments the retention members are deployable from a first or compact or stowed position to a second or expanded or deployed position. In some embodiments the spacer is expandable from a first size to a second size. In some embodiments the spacer has a tapered body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Lawrence Binder, Terry Ziemek, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J. Thramann, Robert E. Lins
  • Publication number: 20170333091
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Justin Taber, Andrew Lamborne, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J. Thramann
  • Patent number: 9770271
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spinal implant for placement between adjacent processes of the human spine. In some embodiments the spinal implant includes a spacer and one or more retention members. In some embodiments, the retention members are fixed relative to the spacer and in other embodiments the retention members are deployable from a first or compact or stowed position to a second or expanded or deployed position. In some embodiments the spacer is expandable from a first size to a second size. In some embodiments the spacer has a tapered body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Lawrence Binder, Terry Ziemek, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J Thramann, Robert E Lins
  • Patent number: 9743960
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Justin Taber, Michael Fulton, Joe Maddux
  • Patent number: 9724136
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Taber, Andrew Lamborne, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J Thramann
  • Publication number: 20170189078
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Justin Taber, Michael Fulton, Joe Maddux
  • Publication number: 20160354123
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J. Thramann
  • Publication number: 20160120579
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Justin Taber, Michael Fulton, Joe Maddux
  • Publication number: 20160113687
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Justin Taber, Andrew Lamborne, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J. Thramann
  • Patent number: 9265532
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Lanx, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Justin Taber, Michael Fulton, Joseph Maddux