Patents by Inventor Michael O'Brien

Michael O'Brien 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).

  • Intervertebral Spacer
    Publication number: 20110093078
    Abstract: An interbody spacer for insertion between vertebral members. The spacer includes a body having posterior and anterior sides, and inferior and superior faces. The spacer further includes a plurality of teeth to maintain the position of the spacer between the vertebral members. The teeth are aligned in a pattern and have a shape to allow insertion into the space between the vertebral members, and prevent or limit movement once the spacer is positioned in the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rolando Puno, Michael O'Brien, Wiliam J. Albans, Scott Gareiss
  • Convertible traction shoes
    Patent number: 7913425
    Abstract: A convertible shoe having a shoe body and a shoe sole. An air channel formed in said shoe sole including pressurized air inlet and air exhaust. An elongated pocket or multiple individual pockets in the bottom of the shoe sole and along said air channel. A flexible wall portion between said air channel and pocket that expands into the pocket(s) upon pressurization of said air channel. A protrusion affixed to said flexible wall portion and which extends out of said pocket and into engagement with a support surface when said air channel is pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Select Sole, LLC
    Inventors: Stacy Renee Fogarty, Patrick Michael O'Brien, John Michael O'Brien
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANS-LAMINA SPINAL FIXATION
    Publication number: 20110060368
    Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Bradford L. Currier, Carl Lauryssen, Michael O'Brien, Gerald M. Towns
  • Method of control slope regulation and control slope regulation apparatus
    Patent number: 7902892
    Abstract: A control loop has a control slope associated therewith. The control loop is provided to control a unit under control. A method of regulating the control slope comprises the step of measuring the control slope of the control loop and modifying a parameter associated with the unit under control in order to maintain the control slope within a desired range. Lock of the control loop is therefore maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Pratt, Denis Dineen, Michael O'Brien
  • Intervertebral spacer
    Patent number: 7875080
    Abstract: An interbody spacer for insertion between vertebral members. The spacer includes a body having posterior and anterior sides, and inferior and superior faces. The spacer further includes a plurality of teeth to maintain the position of the spacer between the vertebral members. The teeth are aligned in a pattern and have a shape to allow insertion into the space between the vertebral members, and prevent or limit movement once the spacer is positioned in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rolando Puno, Michael O'Brien, William J. Albans, Scott Gareiss
  • Method and system for trans-lamina spinal fixation
    Patent number: 7857835
    Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford L. Currier, Carl Lauryssen, Michael O'Brien, Gerald M. Towns
  • Attenuation systems and methods for use with an optical detector in an optical communication system
    Patent number: 7831154
    Abstract: Systems and methods for use with an optical communication beam are disclosed. The system allows the beam of light to operate at an adequate power level that provides a robust optical link while minimizing any safety risk to humans. The system calibrates and controls the gain for an avalanche photodiode detector (APD). A detector circuit is used to calibrate the APD. Once calibrated, the detector circuit further provides an electrical bias to the APD to process or condition the electrical signal to produce a detector output. The systems and methods disclosed herein attenuate the power level of an incoming communication beam to prevent oversaturation of an APD. The system further provides an alignment signal, which is effective over a wide dynamic range of incoming power levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: James J. Alwan, Paul William Binun, Scott Harris Bloom, Victor J. Chan, Glenn Claude Hoiseth, Hugh Michael O'Brien, IV, Scott Platenberg, Werner Pyka, Raymond D. Rogers
  • DISPENSING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20100212778
    Abstract: A concentrate dispensing system for dispensing a fluid for dilution, comprises a bracket (1) and a bottle (2). The bracket (1) is arranged to releasably hold the bottle (2). The bottle (2) is arranged to dispense a predetermined quantity of the fluid to a first receptacle type, which is freestanding, when the bottle (2) is in a freehand mode and is not held in the bracket (1). The bottle (2) is arranged to dispense a predetermined quantity of the fluid to a second receptacle type (3), which is received and guided by the bracket (1), when the bottle (2) is in a bracket mode and is held in the bracket (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Michael O'Brien
  • DISPENSER MECHANISM
    Publication number: 20100206909
    Abstract: A dispenser mechanism (1) for a foamed product comprises a liquid chamber (9) and air chamber (10), each compressed by a common actuator mechanism (6a, 6b), wherein the liquid and air simultaneously enter a foaming chamber (15). The liquid is forced through a diffuser (18a) defining a plurality of distributed channels (18e), each channel (18e) having a predetermined cross section such that in use the liquid is forced through the channels and enters the foaming chamber as a plurality of jets. The dispenser mechanism (1) provides a particularly advantageous arrangement for producing foam and may be arranged to prevent the foam dripping from an outlet after the end of a dispensing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Michael O'Brien
  • FOLDING WORKSTATION
    Publication number: 20100164338
    Abstract: A portable workstation has a closed position and an operating position and can be easily installed or removed by one person. A portable workstation has two walls that are hingedly connected to either side of an elongated member with a foldable work surface hingedly connected to both walls, the work surface being shaped to provide a continuous work surface when unfolded. The workstation also has one or more foldable shelves. Preferably, all of the components of the workstation remain connected to the workstation in the closed position and in the operating position, and no assembly is required. One person can install or remove the workstation from a work area without tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Jerry Michael O'Brien
  • PELVIC OBLIQUITY CORRECTION INSTRUMENT
    Publication number: 20100042149
    Abstract: A pelvic obliquity correction instrument and methods of use are provided. The pelvic obliquity correction instrument includes a first engagement arm for engaging a portion of a spinal fixation system where the first engagement arm is adjustably coupled to a handle assembly. The pelvic obliquity correction instrument also includes a second engagement arm for engaging a second portion of the spinal fixation system. A surgeon exerts force on a first grip at a first end of the handle assembly and a second grip at a second end of the handle assembly to reposition a patient's pelvic bone. The pelvic obliquity correction instrument may provide a surgeon with greater precision, control and torque when rotating a patient's pelvic bone with respect to a superior portion of the patient's spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Nam T. CHAO, Bill KENNEFICK, Ross SYLVIA, Michael O'BRIEN, Randal BETZ, Peter NEWTON, Munish GUPTA, Harry SHUFFLEBARGER, Suken SHAH, Praveen MUMMANENI, Per WESSBERG
  • HEAD-TO-HEAD CONNECTOR SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20100036420
    Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising at least two bone anchors, a rod connecting the bone anchors and a connecting plate extending from a proximal surface of at least one of the bone anchors. A method of fixing vertebrae relative to each other comprising the steps of: implanting bone anchors in two adjacent vertebrae, each bone anchor having a rod receiving portion; placing a rod in the rod receiving portions, thereby connecting the bone anchors; threadably engaging set screws in the rod receiving portions of at least a portion of the bone anchors, thereby fixing the rod to the bone anchors; mating one end of a connecting plate to a proximal bearing surface of at least a portion of the bone anchors; and engaging a cap with at least a portion of the set screws, thereby fixing the connecting plate to the bone anchors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Iain H. Kalfas, Carl Lauryssen, Steven Ludwig, Michael O'Brien, Thomas Doherty, Mark T. Hall, Bryan S. Jones, David Konieczynski, Raymond F. Murphy
  • CONVERTIBLE TRACTION SHOES
    Publication number: 20100024250
    Abstract: A convertible shoe having a shoe body and a shoe sole. An air channel formed in said shoe sole including pressurized air inlet and air exhaust. An elongated pocket or multiple individual pockets in the bottom of the shoe sole and along said air channel. A flexible wall portion between said air channel and pocket that expands into the pocket(s) upon pressurization of said air channel. A protrusion affixed to said flexible wall portion and which extends out of said pocket and into engagement with a support surface when said air channel is pressurized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Select Sole, LLC
    Inventors: Stacy Renee Fogarty, Patrick Michael O'Brien, John Michael O'Brien
  • Head-to-head connector spinal fixation system
    Patent number: 7645294
    Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising at least two bone anchors, a rod connecting the bone anchors and a connecting plate extending from a proximal surface of at least one of the bone anchors. A method of fixing vertebrae relative to each other comprising the steps of: implanting bone anchors in two adjacent vertebrae, each bone anchor having a rod receiving portion; placing a rod in the rod receiving portions, thereby connecting the bone anchors; threadably engaging set screws in the rod receiving portions of at least a portion of the bone anchors, thereby fixing the rod to the bone anchors; mating one end of a connecting plate to a proximal bearing surface of at least a portion of the bone anchors; and engaging a cap with at least a portion of the set screws, thereby fixing the connecting plate to the bone anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Depuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Iain H. Kalfas, Carl Lauryssen, Steven Ludwig, Michael O'Brien, Thomas Doherty, Mark T. Hall, Bryan S. Jones, David Konieczynski, Raymond F. Murphy
  • METHOD OF CONTROL SLOPE REGULATION AND CONTROL SLOPE REGULATION APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20090289678
    Abstract: A control loop has a control slope associated therewith. The control loop is provided to control a unit under control. A method of regulating the control slope comprises the step of measuring the control slope of the control loop and modifying a parameter associated with the unit under control in order to maintain the control slope within a desired range. Lock of the control loop is therefore maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Freescale Semiconductor , Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Pratt, Denis Dineen, Michael O'Brien
  • Convertible traction shoes
    Patent number: 7584554
    Abstract: A convertible shoe having a shoe body and a shoe sole. An air channel formed in said shoe sole including pressurized air inlet and air exhaust. An elongated pocket or multiple individual pockets in the bottom of the shoe sole and along said air channel. A flexible wall portion between said air channel and pocket that expands into the pocket(s) upon pressurization of said air channel. A protrusion affixed to said flexible wall portion and which extends out of said pocket and into engagement with a support surface when said air channel is pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Select Sole, LLC
    Inventors: Stacy Renee Fogarty, Patrick Michael O'Brien, John Michael O'Brien
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANS-LAMINA SPINAL FIXATION
    Publication number: 20090216272
    Abstract: A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford L. Currier, Carl Lauryssen, Michael O'Brien, Gerald M. Towns
  • Dispenser with Actuating Means Unengaged with the Dispensing Means
    Publication number: 20090184137
    Abstract: A manually operated product dispenser (31) comprises a user interface (37) which operates via a linkage mechanism (36, 34, 39, 40, 38) on a dispensing mechanism (1). The linkage mechanism transfers displacement from the user interface to the dispensing mechanism (1) but incorporates resilient means (40) permitting the user interface to be operated to the full extent permitted by the interface, but transmitting to the dispensing mechanism only as much of the operation of the interface required to permit the dispenser mechanism 1 to dispense a predetermined amount of product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Michael O'Brien
  • Tetrazolyl-Methylene Amino Acid Derivatives
    Publication number: 20090137637
    Abstract: This invention relates to a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a pharmaceutical composition; a method of treating a disease mediated by an MMP-13 enzyme in a mammal; and a therapeutic combination containing at least two pharmaceutically active components, wherein R1, Q, W1, W2, R2a, L1, and R3, the pharmaceutical composition, the method of treating, and the therapeutic combination are as defined in the specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: PFIZER INC.
    Inventors: Joe Nahra, Patrick Michael O'Brien
  • STORAGE AND DRINKING CONTAINER
    Publication number: 20090101620
    Abstract: A storage and drinking container for pressurised beverages comprises a drinking vessel (1) having a lip (3) and a lid formed from a cap (5) and retaining ring (12). The cap (5) seals with a sealing surface (4) on the inside of the neck of the drinking vessel and is retained in place by fingers (8) engaging under a lip (3). The fingers 8 are retained in position by a retaining ring (12). Cooperating sets of cammed surfaces (10) and (13) on the cap (5) and retaining ring (12) act on rotation of the retaining ring to axially separate the retaining ring (12) from the cap (5), releasing the fingers 8 from under the lip (3) and permitting the lid to be removed. The invention provides a drinking vessel with a wide neck which can be reliably sealed without the necessity to provide screw threads on the outer surface of the drinking vessel (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Michael O'Brien