Patents by Inventor Michael Black
Michael Black 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).
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Patent number: 12045397Abstract: A foot operated controller apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a ball large enough for a human to manipulate with two feet, and a support apparatus configured to support the ball from below, restrict translation of the ball and permit rotation of the ball about its center with respect to at least two axes. One or more position encoders are disposed proximate a surface of the ball. The encoder(s) are configured to determine a rotational displacement of the ball with respect to two or more axes.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2022Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Glenn Black, Celeste Bean, Sergey Bashkirov, Michael Taylor
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Patent number: 12023459Abstract: Negative pressure therapy systems are provided for increasing urine production, the negative pressure therapy system including: (a) a pump assembly, the pump assembly including: (i) a pump configured to provide negative pressure to a kidney, and (ii) a controller configured to regulate the negative pressure provided by the pump within a pressure range that facilitates increased urine production from the kidney.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2021Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: Roivios LimitedInventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Michael Alan Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
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Patent number: 11988859Abstract: A reflective wire grid polarizer (WGP) can include an array of wires 12 on a face of a substrate 11, with channels 15 between adjacent wires 12. The wires 12 can have certain characteristics for WGP performance, such as index of refraction, alternating high/low index continuous thin films, thickness of layer(s), duty cycle, reflective rib shape, a curved side of transparent ribs 21 or 32, aspect ratio, or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2022Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Bacon-Brown, Michael Black, R. Stewart Nielson, Bradley R. Williams, Benjamin Downard, Jeffrey H. Rice, Jim Pierce
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Patent number: 11986224Abstract: A fastener, for example a bone screw, is sized to pass into an aperture of an implant, for example, a bone plate, the fastener having an anchor portion engageable with body tissue, and a head portion formed by an assembly of an insert and an anchor extension. The insert and anchor extension cooperate to form a reduced dimension passable into the aperture, and an expanded dimension not passable out of the aperture. The size of the assembly may be configurable, for example, by tabs, ramped surfaces, or an expanding diameter of a threadable insert.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2021Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.Inventors: Michael Black, Matthew Hansell, Jon Suh
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Publication number: 20240131047Abstract: In one aspect disclosed herein are small molecule inhibitors of CD38 and their use in treating, inhibiting, decreasing, reducing, ameliorating and/or preventing graft versus host disease, ischemia reperfusion injury, graft rejection, inflammatory injury to a graft or a graft recipient. Additionally, disclosed herein are methods of inhibiting CD38 pathway and activity comprising contacting a cell expressing CD38 or administering to a subject in need of CD38 inhibition, any of the small molecule CD38 inhibitors disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2022Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Sylvester Michael BLACK, Bryan Alan WHITSON, Blake Robert PETERSON, Austin SCHENK
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Publication number: 20240091428Abstract: A negative pressure therapy device for inducing negative pressure in a urinary tract includes an inflow member and an outflow member. The inflow member includes (i) a proximal portion, (ii) a retention portion configured to be deployed within a renal pelvis of the urinary tract comprising a drainage hole leading to the inflow lumen, and (iii) an intermediate portion between the proximal portion and the retention portion. The intermediate portion is configured to extend through a portion of the kidney to the renal pelvis. The outflow member includes (i) a proximal portion, (ii) a distal end configured to be positioned in the ureter or bladder, and (iii) at least one intermediate portion extending from the proximal portion to the distal end.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: John R. Erbey, Jacob L. Upperco, Bryan J. Tucker, Lance Michael Black
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Publication number: 20240074801Abstract: A fastener, for example a bone screw, is sized to pass through a hole of an implant, for example a bone plate, the fastener having a shaft or anchor portion engageable with body tissue, and a head portion. A locking cap secures to the bone plate and covers the head to block the head and inhibit screw back out. Alternatively, or additionally, a locking disc located in the plate hole resiliently deflects downward to allow screw insertion, but is blocked to limit or prevent upward deflection so that screw back out is inhibited.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventor: Michael Black
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Patent number: 11904121Abstract: A negative pressure therapy system is provided for inducing negative pressure in a portion of a urinary tract of a patient, the system including: (a) at least one ureteral catheter configured to be positioned within a ureter and/or kidney of a patient; (b) one or more sensor(s) configured to determine information about urine produced within a urinary tract of the patient; and (c) a controller configured to increase urine production of the patient by adjusting one or more operating parameters of a negative pressure source for inducing negative pressure through the at least one ureteral catheter into the urinary tract of the patient, based at least in part upon the information determined by the one or more sensor(s).Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Roivios LimitedInventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Michael Alan Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
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Publication number: 20230389974Abstract: A surgical system for preparing the sacroiliac (SI) joint for a fusion, comprising a sliding joint finder and a working cannula. The working cannula comprises a body having a central axis that runs the length of the body. The body of the working cannula comprises a distal end, a proximal end and a central cavity that is positioned along the central axis of the working cannula and has suitable dimensions for sliding the working cannula over the sliding joint finder and the working cannula further comprises two protrusions extending proximally. In addition, the two protrusions have uneven lengths such that when the working cannula is inserted, the longer of the two protrusions engages the SI joint at a superior end of the SI joint and the shorter of the two protrusions engages the SI joint at an inferior end of the SI joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: Michael Black, Damian Heinz
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Publication number: 20230380874Abstract: A bone stabilizing plate includes two plate portions, each affixable to bones of a patient, the plate portions telescoping together with mating rails and grooves. A limiter associated with one of the plate portions sliding engages one a catch associated with the other of the plate portions, when the plate portions are telescoped together, and resists stops telescoping when the plate portions are telescoped a predetermined distance apart. Once the limiter and catch are engaged, the plate portions enable imposition of a minimum compressive force between bones connected to the plates. The limiter is resiliently positioned to deflect into a relief formed in its respective plate portion. A groove positioned proximate the catch enables free telescoping motion limited by the engagement of the catch and limiter, whereby the minimum compressive force between bones is maintained, and Wolfe's Law may apply.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Christopher Angelucci, Michael Black, Brian Garvey, James Himmelberger, Colm McLaughlin, Robert W. Trout
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Publication number: 20230364322Abstract: A wearable garment for removing fluid from a urinary tract comprises a garment body configured to be worn by a patient; a pump provided on the garment body; and a reservoir provided on the garment body. The pump has a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a urinary catheter and a fluid outlet. The reservoir is provided in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump. The pump is configured to apply negative pressure to the urinary catheter to remove fluid from the urinary tract.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Bryan J. Tucker, Lance Michael Black
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Patent number: 11813005Abstract: A fastener, for example a bone screw, is sized to pass through a hole of an implant, for example a bone plate, the fastener having a shaft or anchor portion engageable with body tissue, and a head portion. A locking cap secures to the bone plate and covers the head to block the head and inhibit screw back out. Alternatively, or additionally, a locking disc located in the plate hole resiliently deflects downward to allow screw insertion, but is blocked to limit or prevent upward deflection so that screw back out is inhibited.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Laurent SebastienInventor: Michael Black
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Publication number: 20230284891Abstract: A medical device reduces the risk of operating room fires caused by light sources by shielding the illuminated light cable from directly interacting with surgical drapes or patient skin. The device includes a silicone housing that mates circumferentially over existing endoscopic light cables and a thermal insulator can be positioned over the light emitting tip of the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Kamil Makhnejia, James K. Rains, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
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Patent number: 11730528Abstract: Misaligned bones on opposite sides of a joint are aligned using a first rigid extension securable to one of the misaligned bones using a particular surgical approach, and a second rigid extension having a contacting surface positionable in contact with the other the two misaligned bones from the same surgical approach. The first and second rigid extensions are moved with respect to each other using a lever, whereby a pulling force is exerted on one of the bones, and a pushing force on the other, thereby aligning the first and second misaligned bones.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2020Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.Inventors: Marcin Niemiec, Duncan Sibson, Noah Hansell, Chad Glerum, Colm McLaughlin, Daniel Davenport, Mark Weiman, Jason Gray, Khiem Pham, Michael Black, Ben Silber, Mark Fromhold, Andrew Iott, Kathleen Hill, John Gilbert, Richard Castle
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Patent number: 11723700Abstract: A bone stabilizing plate includes two plate portions, each affixable to bones of a patient, the plate portions telescoping together with mating rails and grooves. A limiter associated with one of the plate portions sliding engages one a catch associated with the other of the plate portions, when the plate portions are telescoped together, and resists stops telescoping when the plate portions are telescoped a predetermined distance apart. Once the limiter and catch are engaged, the plate portions enable imposition of a minimum compressive force between bones connected to the plates. The limiter is resiliently positioned to deflect into a relief formed in its respective plate portion. A groove positioned proximate the catch enables free telescoping motion limited by the engagement of the catch and limiter, whereby the minimum compressive force between bones is maintained, and Wolfe's Law may apply.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Angelucci, Michael Black, Brian Garvey, James Himmelberger, Colm McLaughlin, Robert W. Trout
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Patent number: 11617501Abstract: A medical device reduces the risk of operating room fires caused by light sources by shielding the illuminated light cable from directly interacting with surgical drapes or patient skin. The device includes a silicone housing that mates circumferentially over existing endoscopic light cables and a thermal insulator can be positioned over the light emitting tip of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2018Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Kamil Makhnejia, James K. Rains, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
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Patent number: 11612714Abstract: Ureteral or bladder catheters are provided, including (a) a proximal portion; and (b) a distal portion, the distal portion including a retention portion that includes one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations and is configured to establish an outer periphery or protective surface area that inhibits mucosal tissue from occluding the one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations upon application of negative pressure through the catheter. Systems, kits and methods for inducing negative pressure to increase renal function also are provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2019Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, David E. Orr, Michael Alan Fisher, Patrick William Strane, Lance Michael Black
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Publication number: 20230068431Abstract: A system for removing fluid from a urinary tract includes: at least one sensor configured to detect signal(s) representative of bioelectrical impedance and communicate signal(s) representative of the impedance; and a controller. The controller is configured to: receive and process the signal(s) from the at least one sensor to determine if the impedance is above, below, or at a predetermined value; and provide a control signal, determined at least in part from the signal(s) representative of the impedance received from the at least one sensor, to a negative pressure source to apply negative pressure to a urinary catheter when the impedance is below the predetermined value and to cease applying negative pressure when the impedance is at or above the predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Bryan J. Tucker, Lance Michael Black
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Publication number: 20230060814Abstract: A system for removing fluid from a urinary tract includes at least one sensor configured to detect signal(s) representative of pulmonary artery pressure and communicate signal(s) representative of the pulmonary artery pressure and a controller. The controller is configured to: receive and process the signal(s) from the at least one sensor to determine if the pulmonary artery pressure is above, below, or at a predetermined value; and provide a control signal, determined at least in part from the pulmonary artery pressure signal(s) received from the at least one sensor, to a negative pressure source to apply negative pressure to a urinary catheter to remove fluid from a urinary tract when the pulmonary artery pressure is above the predetermined value and to cease applying negative pressure when the pulmonary artery pressure is at or below the predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: John R. Erbey, II, Jacob L. Upperco, Bryan J. Tucker, Lance Michael Black
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Publication number: 20230046399Abstract: A reflective wire grid polarizer (WGP) can include an array of wires 12 on a face of a substrate 11, with channels 15 between adjacent wires 12. The wires 12 can have certain characteristics for WGP performance, such as index of refraction, alternating high/low index continuous thin films, thickness of layer(s), duty cycle, reflective rib shape, a curved side of transparent ribs 21 or 32, aspect ratio, or combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Daniel Bacon-Brown, Michael Black, R. Stewart Nielson, Bradley R. Williams, Benjamin Downard, Jeffrey H. Rice, JIm Pierce