Patents by Inventor Paul Birkmeyer
Paul Birkmeyer 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: 10899016Abstract: An example system includes a vehicle, a robot, and a controller. The vehicle may include an accelerator operator and a steering operator. The robot may include as accelerator actuator configured to operate the accelerator operator, and a steering actuator configured to operate-the steering operator. The controller is configured to: in response to an accelerator command, send a first signal to the accelerator actuator to operate the accelerator operator of the vehicle, and in response to a steering command, send a second, signal to the steering actuator to steer the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignees: SRI INTERNATIONAL, YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Thomas Low, Thomas De Candia, Seungkook Yun, Thomas Egan, Bryan Chavez, Alexander Kernbaum, Riley Shear, Leonard Gerard, Stephen Morfey, Richard Mahoney, Regis Vincent, Paul Birkmeyer, Hiroyuki Morita, Hirokatsu Muramatsu, Keiji Nishimura, Hiroshi Saijou, Akira Satou, Toshifumi Uchiyama, Hitoshi Watanabe, Shirou Watanabe
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Patent number: 10398425Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2015Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Medos International SarlInventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
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Publication number: 20180297209Abstract: An example system includes a vehicle, a robot, and a controller. The vehicle may include an accelerator operator and a steering operator. The robot may include as accelerator actuator configured to operate the accelerator operator, and a steering actuator configured to operate-the steering operator. The controller is configured to: in response to an accelerator command, send a first signal to the accelerator actuator to operate the accelerator operator of the vehicle, and in response to a steering command, send a second, signal to the steering actuator to steer the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2016Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Thomas LOW, Thomas DE CANDIA, Seungkook YUN, Thomas EGAN, Bryan CHAVEZ, Alexander KERNBAUM, Riley SHEAR, Leonard GERARD, Stephen MORFEY, Richard MAHONEY, Regis VINCENT, Paul BIRKMEYER, Hiroyuki MORITA, Hirokatsu MURAMATSU, Keiji NISHIMURA, Hiroshi SAIJOU, Akira SATOU, Toshifumi UCHIYAMA, Hitoshi WATANABE, Shirou WATANABE
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Publication number: 20170360481Abstract: Mechanical modifications to a spinal rod that will enable the rod to accept various coating technologies in such a way that the spinal construct's biomechanical performance is not compromised. These modifications preserve construct biomechanics in the presence of a coating and increase the bactericidal payload of an anti-infective spinal rod coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Fisher, Paul Birkmeyer, Jeffrey Sutton, Uri Herzberg, Ikshoo Chun, Raymond S. Shissias
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Patent number: 9763697Abstract: Mechanical modifications to a spinal rod that will enable the rod to accept various coating technologies in such a way that the spinal construct's biomechanical performance is not compromised. These modifications preserve construct biomechanics in the presence of a coating and increase the bactericidal payload of an anti-infective spinal rod coating.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Inventors: Michael A. Fisher, Paul Birkmeyer, Hassan Serhan, Jeffrey Sutton, Uri Herzberg, Iksoo Chun, Raymond S. Shissias
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Publication number: 20160030029Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
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Patent number: 9180024Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Medos International SarlInventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
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Patent number: 8894685Abstract: A spinal implant including a stabilization member coupled to an elongate member is herein provided. The implant can be configured for placement within a facet joint in an intra-facet or trans-facet configuration. Also, the implant can include a fusion-promoting bioactive material thereby providing a single device capable of spinal stabilization and/or fusion. Furthermore, a method of placing such an implant within a facet joint in an intra-facet or trans-facet orientation is hereby provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLCInventors: Christopher Mickiewicz, Michael Alan Fisher, Michael O'Neil, Paul Birkmeyer, Sean Selover, Michael Mahoney, Holly Brideau, Katherine Herard
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Patent number: 8852210Abstract: A system for guiding an implant to an optimal placement within a patient includes a trajectory guide for guiding instruments along a selected trajectory and a trajectory fixation device for fixing the trajectory guide in a selected position. The trajectory guide defines a path configured to align with the selected trajectory. A movable support mounts the trajectory guide and selectively moves the trajectory guide to align the trajectory guide with the selected trajectory prior to fixing the trajectory guide in the selected position. After fixing the trajectory guide, instruments can be inserted along the trajectory through the path defined by the trajectory guide.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLCInventors: Sean Selover, Christopher W. Sicvol, Ronald Naughton, Nancy M. Sheehy, Paul Birkmeyer
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Patent number: 8828005Abstract: A spinal fixation element is provided having a feature formed thereon that facilitates placement of the spinal fixation element through an access device, thus allowing the spinal fixation element to be positioned in relation to a spinal anchor that is coupled to the access device and that is implanted in a vertebra in a patient's spine. The feature also optionally facilitates placement of the spinal fixation element in relation to spinal anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae. In particular, the spinal fixation element is adapted for use with an access device that has at least one slot or opening formed therein and having a width that is less than a width of the feature, thus preventing the feature from passing therethrough. The spinal fixation element can therefore be inserted through the access device, and a portion of the fixation element can be passed through the slot or opening in the access device while the feature is retained in the access device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLCInventors: Paul Birkmeyer, Michael Zajack, Erasmo Lopez, Ramon Alberto Ruberte
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Publication number: 20120232407Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for navigating through bone. In one embodiment, a bone navigation device is provided and includes a bone penetrating member configured to be implanted in bone and having at least one optical waveguide extending therethrough. The optical waveguide is adapted to illuminate tissue surrounding the device and to receive reflected/transmitted light from the tissue to determine the optical characteristics of the tissue, thus facilitating navigation through the tissue. At least one window can be formed in the bone penetrating member for allowing light from the at least one optical waveguide to illuminate the tissue, and for receiving the reflected light.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Fisher, Paul Birkmeyer, John Riley Hawkins, Katherine Herard, Anwar Upal
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Patent number: 8249696Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for navigating through bone. In one embodiment, a bone navigation device is provided and includes a bone penetrating member configured to be implanted in bone and having at least one optical waveguide extending therethrough. The optical waveguide is adapted to illuminate tissue surrounding the device and to receive reflected/transmitted light from the tissue to determine the optical characteristics of the tissue, thus facilitating navigation through the tissue. At least one window can be formed in the bone penetrating member for allowing light from the at least one optical waveguide to illuminate the tissue, and for receiving the reflected light.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Fisher, Paul Birkmeyer, John Riley Hawkins, Katherine Herard, Anwar Upal
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Publication number: 20120209290Abstract: A system for guiding an implant to an optimal placement within a patient includes a trajectory guide for guiding instruments along a selected trajectory and a trajectory fixation device for fixing the trajectory guide in a selected position. The trajectory guide defines a path configured to align with the selected trajectory. A movable support mounts the trajectory guide and selectively moves the trajectory guide to align the trajectory guide with the selected trajectory prior to fixing the trajectory guide in the selected position. After fixing the trajectory guide, instruments can be inserted along the trajectory through the path defined by the trajectory guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.Inventors: Sean SELOVER, Christopher W. SICVOL, Ronald NAUGHTON, Nancy M. SHEEHY, Paul BIRKMEYER
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Patent number: 8182491Abstract: A system for guiding an implant to an optimal placement within a patient includes a trajectory guide for guiding instruments along a selected trajectory and a trajectory fixation device for fixing the trajectory guide in a selected position. The trajectory guide defines a path configured to align with the selected trajectory. A movable support mounts the trajectory guide and selectively moves the trajectory guide to align the trajectory guide with the selected trajectory prior to fixing the trajectory guide in the selected position. After fixing the trajectory guide, instruments can be inserted along the trajectory through the path defined by the trajectory guide.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Sean Selover, Christopher W. Sicvol, Ronald Naughton, Nancy M. Sheehy, Paul Birkmeyer
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Publication number: 20110276139Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
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Patent number: 8016829Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
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Patent number: 8016835Abstract: A system for guiding an implant to an optimal placement within a patient includes a trajectory guide for guiding instruments along a selected trajectory and a trajectory fixation device for fixing the trajectory guide in a selected position. The trajectory guide defines a path configured to align with the selected trajectory. A movable support mounts the trajectory guide and selectively moves the trajectory guide to align the trajectory guide with the selected trajectory prior to fixing the trajectory guide in the selected position. The trajectory is aligned coarsely by hand, then the trajectory is aligned using a fine adjustment system. After fixing the trajectory guide, instruments can be inserted along the trajectory through the path defined by the trajectory guide.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Paul Birkmeyer, Christopher W. Sicvol, Hassan Serhan, Sean Selover, Ronald Naughton, Nancy M. Sheehy
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Publication number: 20100152777Abstract: Mechanical modifications to a spinal rod that will enable the rod to accept various coating technologies in such a way that the spinal construct's biomechanical performance is not compromised. These modifications preserve construct biomechanics in the presence of a coating and increase the bactericidal payload of an anti-infective spinal rod coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Michael A. Fisher, Paul Birkmeyer, Hassan Serhan, Jeffrey Sutton, Uri Herzberg, Ikshoo Chun, Raymond S. Shissias
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Publication number: 20090216328Abstract: A spinal fixation element is provided having a feature formed thereon that facilitates placement of the spinal fixation element through an access device, thus allowing the spinal fixation element to be positioned in relation to a spinal anchor that is coupled to the access device and that is implanted in a vertebra in a patient's spine. The feature also optionally facilitates placement of the spinal fixation element in relation to spinal anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae. In particular, the spinal fixation element is adapted for use with an access device that has at least one slot or opening formed therein and having a width that is less than a width of the feature, thus preventing the feature from passing therethrough. The spinal fixation element can therefore be inserted through the access device, and a portion of the fixation element can be passed through the slot or opening in the access device while the feature is retained in the access device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Paul Birkmeyer, Michael Zajack, Erasmo Lopez, Ramon A. Ruberte
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Publication number: 20090163901Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for navigating through bone. In one embodiment, a bone navigation device is provided and includes a bone penetrating member configured to be implanted in bone and having at least one optical waveguide extending therethrough. The optical waveguide is adapted to illuminate tissue surrounding the device and to receive reflected/transmitted light from the tissue to determine the optical characteristics of the tissue, thus facilitating navigation through the tissue. At least one window can be formed in the bone penetrating member for allowing light from the at least one optical waveguide to illuminate the tissue, and for receiving the reflected light.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Fisher, Paul Birkmeyer, John Riley Hawkins, Katherine Herard, Anwar Upal