Patents by Inventor Nigel G. Smith
Nigel G. Smith 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: 10730525Abstract: A system and method for monitoring fatigue during operation of equipment is provided. A system includes a processor subsystem; and a memory comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor subsystem, cause the processor subsystem to: determine a number of fatigue events of that an operator experienced while operating equipment over a time period; determine a weighted alertness score based on the number of fatigue events, the weighted alertness score determined using a non-linear function; and initiate a remedial response based on the weighted alertness score.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nigel G. Smith, Todd A. Dawson, Matthew D. Fletcher, Snigdha N. Pande, Xinyu L. Wen, Silvano V. Angelone, Samuel R. Soto, Elisa B. Begner
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Publication number: 20200070838Abstract: A system and method for monitoring fatigue during operation of equipment is provided. A system includes a processor subsystem; and a memory comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor subsystem, cause the processor subsystem to: determine a number of fatigue events of that an operator experienced while operating equipment over a time period; determine a weighted alertness score based on the number of fatigue events, the weighted alertness score determined using a non-linear function; and initiate a remedial response based on the weighted alertness score.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Nigel G. Smith, Todd A. Dawson, Matthew D. Fletcher, Snigdha N. Pande, Xinyu L. Wen, Silvano V. Angelone, Samuel R. Soto, Elisa B. Begner
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Patent number: 9168072Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inflated interspinous spacer. The interspinous spacer is inserted into the interspinous space between adjacent spinous process in a deflated or unexpanded state, and is inflated or expanded with an injectable filler material. Upon inflation, the spacer preferably distracts the spinous processes and assumes a shape that retains the spacer in position and preferably mechanically locks with the spinous processes. The spacer includes two separate balloons configured to have different compressive modulus so that one balloon is softer and more deformable than the other balloon.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventors: Wamis Singhatat, David Chow, Nigel G. Smith, Garland W. Fussell
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Patent number: 9078953Abstract: The present invention preferably provides for a method of forming and the resulting solid polymer gel composition comprising polyethylene imine and at least one hydrogen bonding polymer. The composition has a greater viscosity than either of the polyethylene imine or the hydrogen bonding polymer alone and is injectable immediately after mixing of the polyethylene imine and the at least one hydrogen bonding polymer. A method of tissue repair may include mixing about 9.25% (w/w) to about 13.65% (w/w) polyethylene imine and about 18.02% (w/w) to about 26.62% (w/w) polyvinyl alcohol to form an injectable composition; injecting the injectable composition into a cavity within a human body; and allowing the composition to solidify in situ. A kit may include a multi-barrel syringe at least one barrel is loaded with polyethylene imine and at least another barrel is loaded with at least one hydrogen bonding polymer.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventors: Kristin B. Kita, Nigel G. Smith, Anthony M. Lowman, Garland W. Fussell, Michael F. Keane
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Patent number: 8703157Abstract: A method of forming and the resulting hydrogel composition comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) at a final concentration of about 20% (w/w) to about 65% (w/w) and polyethylene glycol at a final concentration of about 2% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w), wherein the hydrogel composition has a total polymer content, above about 30% (w/w), higher than the total polymer content of a precursor polymer solution formulated prior to the formulation of the hydrogel composition. The hydrogel composition may further comprise poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) at a final concentration of about 0.10% (w/w) to about 0.75% (w/w).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignees: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC, Drexel UniversityInventors: Kristin B. Kita, Nigel G. Smith, Anthony M. Lowman, Garland W. Fussell, Michael F. Keane
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Patent number: 8608758Abstract: A soft tissue defect repair system for approximating defects, such as defects in the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, includes a cannulated rod through which is disposed a suture retrieval device. A strand of suture includes a locking or ratcheting knot pre-tied around the outside of the cannulated rod and a free end that is guided in and out of the soft tissue. A knot pusher fits around the cannulated rod, which is used to push the knot off of the cannulated rod after the stitching of the tissue is accomplished. The defect is approximated by tensioning the free end. Various suturing methods or patterns are disclosed for defect approximation.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLCInventors: Wamis Singhatat, Jamie Manos, Brian Rick Delamarter, Dominique Messerli, Brian Schmidt, William Miller, James Talbot, Garland Fussel, Nigel G. Smith
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Patent number: 8366778Abstract: A method of forming and the resulting bioadhesive hydrogel composition for repairing or supplementing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprises at least a first component, a second component and a third component, wherein the first component, the second component and the third component are crosslinked. The first component comprises an amine-containing polymer component at a concentration from about 0.1% weight by weight to about 13.65% weight by weight. The second component comprises a hydrophilic polymer or pre-polymer component at a concentration from about 3% weight by weight to about 35% weight by weight. The third component comprises an aldehyde component at a concentration from about 0.1% weight by weight to about 30% weight by weight. A method of repairing or supplementing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprises implanting the bioadhesive hydrogel composition in a patient.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignees: Synthes USA, LLC, Drexel UniversityInventors: Kristin B. Kita, Nigel G. Smith, Anthony M. Lowman, Garland W. Fussell
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Publication number: 20120143338Abstract: A nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc is supplemented or replaced by a physiologically fully hydrated solid hydrogel intervertebral body comprising a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, wherein the solid hydrogel intervertebral body exhibits an osmotic pressure of from 0.1 to 0.3 megapascals prior to insertion into a patient, the solid hydrogel intervertebral body having a ratio of length to principal transverse dimension not less than about 5:1.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: Synthes USA, LLCInventors: Edward VRESILOVIC, Michael F. KEANE, Alastair J.T. CLEMOW, Nigel G. SMITH
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Patent number: 8118874Abstract: A nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc is supplemented or replaced by an elongated, physiologically fully hydrated hydrogel prosthesis inserted into the central region of an intervertebral disc, where it can fold upon itself to form a prosthesis body within the central region of the annulus fibrosus. The hydrogel prosthesis may have expanded portions that assist in preventing expulsion of the prosthesis through the insertion aperture. An instrument for inserting the prosthesis has a cutter for severing the elongated prosthesis within the central region of the intervertebral disc after a sufficient amount has been implanted.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Synthes USA, LLCInventors: Edward Vresilovic, Michael F. Keane, Alastair J. T. Clemow, Nigel G. Smith
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Patent number: 8086481Abstract: A method for performing a market analysis may include collecting survey data, which may include evaluation data for desired outcomes, the desired outcomes consisting of attributes of one or more products or services. The desired outcome evaluation data may include importance and satisfaction data. Further, the survey data may include evaluation data for potential features. The potential features evaluation data may include desirability data indicative of the affinity survey participants have for potential features. The method may further include processing the collected survey data using a computer processor. The processing may include calculating, based on the importance and satisfaction data, opportunity scores for the individual desired outcomes. The processing may also include correlating potential features with desired outcomes. In addition, the processing may include ranking the potential features based on the collected desirability data and the calculated opportunity score.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Nigel G. Smith
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Publication number: 20110270400Abstract: A method of forming and the resulting hydrogel composition comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) at a final concentration of about 20% (w/w) to about 65% (w/w) and polyethylene glycol at a final concentration of about 2% (w/w) to about 20% (w/w), wherein the hydrogel composition has a total polymer content, above about 30% (w/w), higher than the total polymer content of a precursor polymer solution formulated prior to the formulation of the hydrogel composition. The hydrogel composition may further comprise poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) at a fmal concentration of about 0.10% (w/w) to about 0.75% (w/w).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicants: Drexel University, Synthes USA, LLCInventors: Kristin B. Kita, Nigel G. Smith, Anthony M. Lowman, Garland W. Fussell, Michael Keane
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Publication number: 20110153022Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inflatable annulus repair device (10) for sealing an annulus defect located in an annulus fibrosis of an intervertebral disc space. In use, the inflatable device is introduced, in a first non-expanded state, preferably via a cannula (100) into the annulus defect. After the inflatable device has been properly positioned, a filler material (11) is injected into the inflatable device to expand the device to a second expanded state. In the second expanded state, the inflatable annulus repair device seals the annulus defect, secures its position within the annulus defect to thereby limit or prevent migration, and applies a compression force to a captured portion of the annulus adjacent to the defect. The inflatable device is preferably filled with a liquid that solidifies into an elastic material within the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicants: SYNTHES USA, LLC, DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: Wamis Singhatat, Nigel G. Smith, Garland W. Fussell, Michael F. Keane, Anthony M. Lowman
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Publication number: 20110082504Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inflated interspinous spacer. The interspinous spacer is inserted into the interspinous space between adjacent spinous process in a deflated or unexpanded state, and is inflated or expanded with an injectable filler material. Upon inflation, the spacer preferably distracts the spinous processes and assumes a shape that retains the spacer in position and preferably mechanically locks with the spinous processes. The spacer includes two separate balloons configured to have different compressive modulus so that one balloon is softer and more deformable than the other balloon.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2009Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: SYNTHES USA, LLCInventors: Wamis Singhatat, David Chow, Nigel G. Smith, Garland W. Fussell
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Publication number: 20100286786Abstract: A method of forming and the resulting bioadhesive hydrogel composition for repairing or supplementing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprises at least a first component, a second component and a third component, wherein the first component, the second component and the third component are crosslinked. The first component comprises an amine-containing polymer component at a concentration from about 0.1% weight by weight to about 13.65% weight by weight. The second component comprises a hydrophilic polymer or pre-polymer component at a concentration from about 3% weight by weight to about 35% weight by weight. The third component comprises an aldehyde component at a concentration from about 0.1% weight by weight to about 30% weight by weight. A method of repairing or supplementing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprises implanting the bioadhesive hydrogel composition in a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventors: Kristin B. Kita, Nigel G. Smith, Anthony M. Lowman, Garland W. Fussell
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Publication number: 20100272672Abstract: The present invention preferably provides for a method of forming and the resulting solid polymer gel composition comprising polyethylene imine and at least one hydrogen bonding polymer. The composition has a greater viscosity than either of the polyethylene imine or the hydrogen bonding polymer alone and is injectable immediately after mixing of the polyethylene imine and the at least one hydrogen bonding polymer. A method of tissue repair may include mixing about 9.25% (w/w) to about 13.65% (w/w) polyethylene imine and about 18.02% (w/w) to about 26.62% (w/w) polyvinyl alcohol to form an injectable composition; injecting the injectable composition into a cavity within a human body; and allowing the composition to solidify in situ. A kit may include a multi-barrel syringe at least one barrel is loaded with polyethylene imine and at least another barrel is loaded with at least one hydrogen bonding polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2008Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: Kristin B. Kita, Nigel G. Smith, Anthony M. Lowman, Garland W. Fussell, Michael F. Keane
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Publication number: 20100249809Abstract: A soft tissue defect repair system for approximating defects, such as defects in the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, includes a cannulated rod through which is disposed a suture retrieval device. A strand of suture includes a locking or ratcheting knot pre-tied around the outside of the cannulated rod and a free end that is guided in and out of the soft tissue. A knot pusher fits around the cannulated rod, which is used to push the knot off of the cannulated rod after the stitching of the tissue is accomplished. The defect is approximated by tensioning the free end. Various suturing methods or patterns are disclosed for defect approximation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: Synthes USA, LLCInventors: Wamis Singhatat, Jamie Manos, Brian Rick Delamarter, Dominique Messerli, Brian Schmidt, William Miller, James Talbot, Garland Fussell, Nigel G. Smith
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Publication number: 20100016907Abstract: A nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc is supplemented or replaced by an elongated, physiologically fully hydrated hydrogel prosthesis inserted into the central region of an intervertebral disc, where it can fold upon itself to form a prosthesis body within the central region of the annulus fibrosus. The hydrogel prosthesis may have expanded portions that assist in preventing expulsion of the prosthesis through the insertion aperture. An instrument for inserting the prosthesis has a cutter for severing the elongated prosthesis within the central region of the intervertebral disc after a sufficient amount has been implanted.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventors: Edward Vresilovic, Michael F. Keane, Alasair J.T. Clemow, Nigel G. Smith
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Publication number: 20090144127Abstract: A method for performing a market analysis may include collecting survey data, which may include evaluation data for desired outcomes, the desired outcomes consisting of attributes of one or more products or services. The desired outcome evaluation data may include importance and satisfaction data. Further, the survey data may include evaluation data for potential features. The potential features evaluation data may include desirability data indicative of the affinity survey participants have for potential features. The method may further include processing the collected survey data using a computer processor. The processing may include calculating, based on the importance and satisfaction data, opportunity scores for the individual desired outcomes. The processing may also include correlating potential features with desired outcomes. In addition, the processing may include ranking the potential features based on the collected desirability data and the calculated opportunity score.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventor: Nigel G. Smith
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Patent number: 5879387Abstract: A prosthetic bearing element comprises a backing which supports a bearing liner having a bearing surface. The backing is made from a "hard" polymeric material having a minimum hardness value of 55 N/mm.sup.2 and the bearing liner is made from a "soft" elastomeric polyurethane material having a hardness value of 3.0 to 9.0 N/mm.sup.2.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Howmedica International Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Jones, Nigel G. Smith