Patents by Inventor Nicholas Poulos

Nicholas Poulos 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: 12514478
    Abstract: An electrode assembly (preferably in the form of a nerve cuff) comprises a base with first and second arms extending from opposite sides of the base, and which, in combination, define an arc. First and second electrically conductive electrodes extend along the inner surface of the first and second arms. Each electrode can comprise a single length of foil can or can comprise multiple discrete foil segments. The foils are electrically isolated from each other. Electrical wires, which are in electrical communication with the each of the foils, extend from the nerve cuff and are adapted to be electrically connected to a signal monitor. When the nerve cuff is applied to a nerve, the foils, in combination, substantially surround the nerve, with the first and second electrodes being on opposite sides of the nerve from each other. Also disclosed is a method of using the nerve cuff to monitor a nerve during a lumbar spinal surgery while the patient is anesthetized and paralyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2025
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2026
    Assignee: RETROPSOAS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Poulos, James Cupp
  • Publication number: 20250318523
    Abstract: A method to improve a localized insecticide, which includes adding a pinene to the localized insecticide. The pinene being ?-pinene or ?-pinene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2025
    Publication date: October 16, 2025
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Dong-Hwan Choe, Nicholas Poulos, Chow-Yang Lee, Michael Rust
  • Publication number: 20250288236
    Abstract: An electrode assembly (preferably in the form of a nerve cuff) comprises a base with first and second arms extending from opposite sides of the base, and which, in combination, define an arc. First and second electrically conductive electrodes extend along the inner surface of the first and second arms. Each electrode can comprise a single length of foil can or can comprise multiple discrete foil segments. The foils are electrically isolated from each other. Electrical wires, which are in electrical communication with the each of the foils, extend from the nerve cuff and are adapted to be electrically connected to a signal monitor. When the nerve cuff is applied to a nerve, the foils, in combination, substantially surround the nerve, with the first and second electrodes being on opposite sides of the nerve from each other. Also disclosed is a method of using the nerve cuff to monitor a nerve during a lumbar spinal surgery while the patient is anesthetized and paralyzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2025
    Publication date: September 18, 2025
    Inventors: Nicholas POULOS, James CUPP
  • Publication number: 20250288797
    Abstract: An electrode assembly comprises a base with first and second arms extending from opposite sides of the base, and which, in combination, define an arc. First and second electrically conductive electrodes extend along the inner surface of the first and second arms. Each electrode can comprise a single length of foil can or multiple discrete foil segments. The foils are electrically isolated from each other. Electrical wires electrically connect the foils electrically to a signal monitor. When the electrode assembly is applied to a nerve, the foils, in combination, substantially surround the nerve, with the first and second electrodes being on opposite sides of the nerve from each other. Also disclosed is a method of using the electrode assembly to monitor a nerve during a lumbar spinal surgery while the patient is anesthetized and paralyzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2025
    Publication date: September 18, 2025
    Inventors: Nicholas POULOS, James CUPP
  • Publication number: 20250204843
    Abstract: An electrode assembly (preferably in the form of a nerve cuff) comprises a base with first and second arms extending from opposite sides of the base, and which, in combination, define an arc. First and second electrically conductive electrodes extend along the inner surface of the first and second arms. Each electrode can comprise a single length of foil can or can comprise multiple discrete foil segments. The foils are electrically isolated from each other. Electrical wires, which are in electrical communication with the each of the foils, extend from the nerve cuff and are adapted to be electrically connected to a signal monitor. When the nerve cuff is applied to a nerve, the foils, in combination, substantially surround the nerve, with the first and second electrodes being on opposite sides of the nerve from each other. Also disclosed is a method of using the nerve cuff to monitor a nerve during a lumbar spinal surgery while the patient is anesthetized and paralyzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2025
    Publication date: June 26, 2025
    Inventors: Nicholas POULOS, James CUPP
  • Patent number: 12167915
    Abstract: An electrode assembly (preferably in the form of a nerve cuff) comprises a base with first and second arms extending from opposite sides of the base, and which, in combination, define an arc. First and second electrically conductive electrodes extend along the inner surface of the first and second arms. Each electrode can comprise a single length of foil can or can comprise multiple discrete foil segments. The foils are electrically isolated from each other. Electrical wires, which are in electrical communication with the each of the foils, extend from the nerve cuff and are adapted to be electrically connected to a signal monitor. When the nerve cuff is applied to a nerve, the foils, in combination, substantially surround the nerve, with the first and second electrodes being on opposite sides of the nerve from each other. Also disclosed is a method of using the nerve cuff to monitor a nerve during a lumbar spinal surgery while the patient is anesthetized and paralyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: Retropsoas Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Poulos, James Cupp
  • Publication number: 20240350064
    Abstract: An electrode assembly (preferably in the form of a nerve cuff) comprises a base with first and second arms extending from opposite sides of the base, and which, in combination, define an arc. First and second electrically conductive electrodes extend along the inner surface of the first and second arms. Each electrode can comprise a single length of foil can or can comprise multiple discrete foil segments. The foils are electrically isolated from each other. Electrical wires, which are in electrical communication with the each of the foils, extend from the nerve cuff and are adapted to be electrically connected to a signal monitor. When the nerve cuff is applied to a nerve, the foils, in combination, substantially surround the nerve, with the first and second electrodes being on opposite sides of the nerve from each other. Also disclosed is a method of using the nerve cuff to monitor a nerve during a lumbar spinal surgery while the patient is anesthetized and paralyzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: Nicholas POULOS, James CUPP
  • Patent number: 10966768
    Abstract: A self-drilling, self-tapping bone screw is described in which the bone screw has a drill tip free of threads and having a length at least as great as about the thickness of a proximal cortical bone layer, with the drill tip having opposed lands and a helical flute between each of the lands with each of the lands having a cutting edge configured to cut bone as the drill tip is rotated into the bone with the flutes conveying the bone debris away from the drill tip, where a lead thread begins to self-tap internal threads in the proximal cortical bone layer after the drill tip has drilled through the proximal cortical bone layer so as to avoid stripping the threads formed in the bone layer. A method of installation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Nicholas Poulos
  • Publication number: 20210022784
    Abstract: A self-drilling, self-tapping bone screw is described in which the bone screw has a drill tip free of threads and having a length at least as great as about the thickness of a proximal cortical bone layer, with the drill tip having opposed lands and a helical flute between each of the lands with each of the lands having a cutting edge configured to cut bone as the drill tip is rotated into the bone with the flutes conveying the bone debris away from the drill tip, where a lead thread begins to self-tap internal threads in the proximal cortical bone layer after the drill tip has drilled through the proximal cortical bone layer so as to avoid stripping the threads formed in the bone layer. A method of installation is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventor: Nicholas POULOS
  • Publication number: 20200179022
    Abstract: A self-drilling, self-tapping bone screw is described in which the bone screw has a drill tip free of threads and having a length at least as great as about the thickness of a proximal cortical bone layer, with the drill tip having opposed lands and a helical flute between each of the lands with each of the lands having a cutting edge configured to cut bone as the drill tip is rotated into the bone with the flutes conveying the bone debris away from the drill tip, where a lead thread begins to self-tap internal threads in the proximal cortical bone layer after the drill tip has drilled through the proximal cortical bone layer so as to avoid stripping the threads formed in the bone layer. A method of installation is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventor: Nicholas Poulos
  • Patent number: 10548651
    Abstract: A self-drilling, self-tapping bone screw is described in which the bone screw has a drill tip free of threads and having a length at least as great as about the thickness of a proximal cortical bone layer, with the drill tip having opposed lands and a helical flute between each of the lands with each of the lands having a cutting edge configured to cut bone as the drill tip is rotated into the bone with the flutes conveying the bone debris away from the drill tip, where a lead thread begins to self-tap internal threads in the proximal cortical bone layer after the drill tip has drilled through the proximal cortical bone layer so as to avoid stripping the threads formed in the bone layer. A method of installation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Nicholas Poulos
  • Publication number: 20180064555
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant that can be surgically introduced between adjacent vertebrae and expanded in situ to occupy an optimal space between the vertebrae. The implant is inserted into the evacuated disc space obliquely and then oriented so as to extend laterally across the anterior adjacent vertebrae with its outer ends of the implant supported by the cortical rims on the opposite sides of the vertebrae. The implant has two body members with a space therebetween so the implant may be then distracted and a spacer of predetermined thickness that may be inserted within the space between the body members so as to maintain a desired amount of distraction. The upper and lower surfaces of the implant may have a desired lordotic angle. A method of using an implant is disclosed which permits endoscopic visualization of the disc space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventor: Nicholas Poulos
  • Patent number: 9326801
    Abstract: A fenestrated bone screw and method of use is disclosed in which a bone cement injection tube may be readily and sealably connected to the head of the bone screw by means of a bayonet connector so that bone cement from a cement pump may be forced into a cannula of the bone screw and into the bone structure proximate the fenestrations of the bone screw. Upon completion of the injection of the bone cement, the cement tube may be readily disconnected from the bone screw in such manner that leakage of bone cement is minimized. A surgical method of injecting bone cement into bone structure using such a cannulated, fenestrated bone screw is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Nicholas Poulos
  • Publication number: 20160095717
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant that can be surgically introduced between adjacent vertebrae and expanded in situ to occupy an optimal space between the vertebrae. The implant is inserted into the evacuated disc space obliquely and then oriented so as to extend laterally across the anterior adjacent vertebrae with its outer ends of the implant supported by the cortical rims on the opposite sides of the vertebrae. The implant has two body members with a space therebetween so the implant may be then distracted and a spacer of predetermined thickness that may be inserted within the space between the body members so as to maintain a desired amount of distraction. The upper and lower surfaces of the implant may have a desired lordotic angle. A method of using an implant is disclosed which permits endoscopic visualization of the disc space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventor: Nicholas Poulos
  • Patent number: 9211195
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant that can be surgically introduced between adjacent vertebrae and expanded in situ to occupy an optimal space between the vertebrae. The implant is inserted into the evacuated disc space obliquely and then oriented so as to extend laterally across the anterior adjacent vertebrae with its outer ends of the implant supported by the cortical rims on the opposite sides of the vertebrae. The implant has two body members with a space therebetween so the implant may be then distracted and a spacer of predetermined thickness that may be inserted within the space between the body members so as to maintain a desired amount of distraction. The upper and lower surfaces of the implant may have a desired lordotic angle. A method of using an implant is disclosed which permits endoscopic visualization of the disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Nicholas Poulos
  • Patent number: 9180017
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an intervertebral disc prostheses or implant, and more particularly to an intervertebral disc prosthesis that can be surgically introduced between adjacent vertebral bodies and adjusted or expanded in situ to occupy an optimal or desired space between the vertebral bodies. The implant is preferably inserted into the evacuated disc space obliquely and then oriented so as to extend laterally across the anterior adjacent vertebrae bodies occupying the disc space with the outer ends of the implant being supported by the cortical rims on the opposite sides of the vertebrae bodies. The outer convex surfaces of the two body members conform anatomically to the shape of the disc space contacting the endplates. The implant has two body members that are movable relative to one another so as to vary the space between the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Nicholas Poulos
  • Publication number: 20150045891
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant that can be surgically introduced between adjacent vertebrae and expanded in situ to occupy an optimal space between the vertebrae. The implant is inserted into the evacuated disc space obliquely and then oriented so as to extend laterally across the anterior adjacent vertebrae with its outer ends of the implant supported by the cortical rims on the opposite sides of the vertebrae. The implant has two body members with a space therebetween so the implant may be then distracted and a spacer of predetermined thickness that may be inserted within the space between the body members so as to maintain a desired amount of distraction. The upper and lower surfaces of the implant may have a desired lordotic angle. A method of using an implant is disclosed which permits endoscopic visualization of the disc space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Nicholas Poulos
  • Patent number: 8906099
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant that can be surgically introduced between adjacent vertebrae and expanded in situ to occupy an optimal space between the vertebrae. The implant is inserted into the evacuated disc space obliquely and then oriented so as to extend laterally across the anterior adjacent vertebrae with its outer ends of the implant supported by the cortical rims on the opposite sides of the vertebrae. The implant has two body members with a space therebetween so the implant may be then distracted and a spacer of predetermined thickness that may be inserted within the space between the body members so as to maintain a desired amount of distraction. The upper and lower surfaces of the implant may have a desired lordotic angle. A method of using an implant is disclosed which permits endoscopic visualization of the disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Nicholas Poulos
  • Publication number: 20140277188
    Abstract: A self-drilling, self-tapping bone screw is described in which the bone screw has a drill tip free of threads and having a length at least as great as about the thickness of a proximal cortical bone layer, with the drill tip having opposed lands and a helical flute between each of the lands with each of the lands having a cutting edge configured to cut bone as the drill tip is rotated into the bone with the flutes conveying the bone debris away from the drill tip, where a lead thread begins to self-tap internal threads in the proximal cortical bone layer after the drill tip has drilled through the proximal cortical bone layer so as to avoid stripping the threads formed in the bone layer. A method of installation is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Nicholas Poulos
  • Publication number: 20140194886
    Abstract: A fenestrated bone screw and method of use is disclosed in which a bone cement injection tube may be readily and sealably connected to the head of the bone screw by means of a bayonet connector so that bone cement from a cement pump may be forced into a cannula of the bone screw and into the bone structure proximate the fenestrations of the bone screw. Upon completion of the injection of the bone cement, the cement tube may be readily disconnected from the bone screw in such manner that leakage of bone cement is minimized. A surgical method of injecting bone cement into bone structure using such a cannulated, fenestrated bone screw is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Nicholas Poulos