Patents by Inventor Rafael A Sierra
Rafael A Sierra 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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Publication number: 20220378516Abstract: A system can include a module to measure mobility, such as pre-operative pelvic mobility, for surgical planning. The module can include one or more inertial sensors that can be positioned relative to the anatomy of a patient. Hip navigation systems can guide an acetabular cup to patient-specific target angles, based in part, on the pre-operative pelvic mobility of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2022Publication date: December 1, 2022Inventors: Rafael Sierra, Orian Bortz, Steven DeVincentis, James Gannoe
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Patent number: 10716677Abstract: A method of anatomically positioning screw holes in an acetabular implant that can be used in surgery, such as a total hip arthroplasty. In some examples the method can be used to position holes in a shell of the implant. The method can include, for example, obtaining anatomic data including data defining an arch of bone behind an acetabulum of the living being, the arch of bone extending from a superior anterior portion to an inferior posterior portion of the acetabulum. The method can further include positioning a first series of holes along a first arched line within the acetabular shell, the first arched line determined based on the anatomic data for the arch of bone proximate the acetabulum of the living being.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.Inventors: David Lewallen, Rafael Sierra, Jacob Macke, Aaron P. Smith, Robert D. Krebs
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Patent number: 10305244Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: CYNOSURE, LLCInventors: Rafael A. Sierra, Mirko Georgiev Mirkov
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Publication number: 20180344466Abstract: A method of anatomically positioning screw holes in an acetabular implant that can be used in surgery, such as a total hip arthroplasty. In some examples the method can be used to position holes in a shell of the implant. The method can include, for example, obtaining anatomic data including data defining an arch of bone behind an acetabulum of the living being, the arch of bone extending from a superior anterior portion to an inferior posterior portion of the acetabulum. The method can further include positioning a first series of holes along a first arched line within the acetabular shell, the first arched line determined based on the anatomic data for the arch of bone proximate the acetabulum of the living being.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: David Lewallen, Rafael Sierra, Jacob Macke, Aaron P. Smith, Robert D. Krebs
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Publication number: 20180026417Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Inventors: Rafael A. Sierra, Mirko Georgiev Mirkov, Daniel Hohm, John Robertson, Christian Hoffman, R. Shaun Welches
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Patent number: 9780518Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: CYNOSURE, INC.Inventors: Rafael A. Sierra, Mirko Georgiev Mirkov
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Publication number: 20150180193Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: June 25, 2015Inventors: Rafael A. Sierra, Richard Shaun Welches, Mirko Georgiev Mirkov, Daniel Hohm
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Patent number: 8561440Abstract: A slide bolt lock for locking a pivoting garage door to a garage door frame includes a backing plate has a door mount adapted to fix the backing plate to the door. The backing plate includes a pair of opposed risers, each of which has an aperture therein. The backing plate further includes a lock socket. A rigid slide bolt is slidably and pivotally captured within the apertures of each riser and further includes fixed thereto a lock cover. The slide bolt and the lock cover are slidable between an extended position and a retracted position. The lock cover includes a lock mechanism adapted to selectively and lockingly engage the lock socket of the backing plate when the slide bolt is in the extended position, wherein the lock cover substantially covers the backing plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventor: Rafael Sierra
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Patent number: 7770422Abstract: A lock for engaging a U-shaped staple is disclosed. The lock includes a cylindrical cover that has a front face open at a key hole aperture, a continuous annular side wall, and a rear side that is open at least at a staple slot. A lock cylinder assembly is housed within the interior space of the cylindrical cover and has a key slot in a front face thereof. A barrel is rotatably captured within a cylinder, such that the barrel is only rotatable within the cylinder when a properly-shaped key is inserted into the key slot. The barrel includes a cam follower that rotates between a locked position and an unlocked position. A bolt assembly is fixed at a proximal end to the cam follower and adapted so that a bolt thereof at least partially traverses the staple slot when the cam follower is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Rafael Sierra
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Publication number: 20060247609Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, using non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:YAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that -modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a non-uniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the target tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2006Publication date: November 2, 2006Inventors: Mirko Mirkov, Rafael Sierra, George Cho
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Publication number: 20060161142Abstract: Lasers capable of lasing at at least two wavelengths are provided having a lasing medium which is capable of lasing at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength. An output coupler is positioned along a longitudinal axis at a first end of the lasing medium and a first mirror, movable beam block shutter and second mirror are positioned sequentially along the longitudinal axis of the lasing medium at a second end of the lasing medium. The first mirror is highly reflective at a first wavelength, and the second mirror is highly reflective at a second wavelength while being transparent at the first wavelength. The beam block shutter is movable between a first position along the longitudinal axis of the lasing medium and between the first and second mirrors and a second position away from the longitudinal axis of the lasing medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2005Publication date: July 20, 2006Applicant: Cynosure, Inc.Inventors: Rafael Sierra, Eric Koschmann, Joseph Day, Evan Sherr, James Boll
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Patent number: 7018396Abstract: A method of selectively enhancing photothermal sebaceous gland disruption and treatment of acne is disclosed. The method provides for alleviation of the acne symptoms as well as preventing acne recurrence and new acne from occurring.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: New England Medical Center Hospitals, Inc.Inventors: Rafael A. Sierra, Mirko Mirkov, Kathleen I. McMillan, Jennifer R. Lloyd
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Patent number: 6692517Abstract: A method for the reduction in healing time for a wound on the skin of a mammalian patient. The method comprises the steps of providing an optical radiation apparatus with a handpiece communicating therewith, energyzing the optical radiation apparatus to provide a beam of light, and directing the light beam onto a wound or surgical site of a patient. The beam has a wavelength range of about 530 nm to 1000 nm and the beam has a fluence range of from 2 J/cm2 to 5 J/cm2. The beam is preferrably generated by a pulse dye laser apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Cynosure, Inc.Inventors: George Cho, Horace Furumoto, Rafael A Sierra
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Publication number: 20030050678Abstract: A method of selectively enhancing photothermal sebaceous gland disruption and treatment of acne is disclosed. The method provides for alleviation of the acne symptoms as well as preventing acne recurrence and new acne from occurring.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2001Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventors: Rafael A. Sierra, Mirko Mirkov, Kathleen I. McMillan, Jennifer R. Lloyd
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Publication number: 20020087207Abstract: The present invention includes a method for the prevention of a scar on the skin of a patient after the beginning healing of a wound or surgical site on that patient. The method comprises the steps of providing an optical radiation apparatus with a handpiece communicating therewith, energyzing the optical radiation apparatus to provide a beam of light, directing the light beam onto a wound or surgical site of a patient after 2 days and before 2 months from the date of injury or surgical procedure to the patient. The beam has a wavelength range of about 530 nm to 1000 nm and the beam has a fluence range of from 2J/cm2 to 12J/cm2. The beam is preferrably generated by a pulsed dye laser apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventors: George Cho, Horace Furumoto, Rafael A. Sierra
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Publication number: 20020004673Abstract: A method for the reduction in healing time for a wound on the skin of a mammalian patient. The method comprises the steps of providing an optical radiation apparatus with a handpiece communicating therewith, energyzing the optical radiation apparatus to provide a beam of light, and directing the light beam onto a wound or surgical site of a patient. The beam has a wavelength range of about 530 nm to 1000 nm and the beam has a fluence range of from 2J/cm2 to 5J/cm2. The beam is preferrably generated by a pulse dye laser apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventors: George Cho, Horace Furumoto, Rafael A. Sierra
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Patent number: 6210426Abstract: A method for the prevention of a scar on the skin of a patient after the beginning healing of a wound or surgical site on that patient. The method comprises the steps of providing an optical radiation apparatus with a handpiece communicating therewith, energizing the optical radiation apparatus to provide a beam of light, directing the light beam onto a wound or surgical site of a patient after 2 days and before 2 months from the date of injury or surgical procedure to the patient. The beam has a wavelength range of about 530 nm to 1000 nm and the beam has a fluence range of from 2 J/cm2 to 12 J/cm2. The beam is preferrably generated by a pulsed dye laser apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Cynosure IncInventors: George Cho, Horace Furumoto, Rafael A Sierra
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Patent number: 5598426Abstract: A flashlamp-excited dye laser generates a pulsed output beam having a long pulse duration. The laser includes a pulse forming circuit which generates an excitation pulse having an amplitude which generally increases in coordination with the lasing threshold for the flashlamp-excited dye laser. The flashlamp-excited dye laser is driven with the pulse to produce a pulsed output beam of laser radiation of at least 500 microseconds in duration.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Assignee: Candela Laser CorporationInventors: James C. Hsia, Rafael A. Sierra
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Patent number: 5530553Abstract: A fiber optic probe comprises a pair of substantially parallel optical fibers separated by a gap and positioned in a centrifuge tube which contains a stratified medium. The pair of fibers includes a transmit fiber for directing light from a light source into a substantially undisturbed portion of the stratified medium disposed in the gap. Light traversing the portion of the stratified medium in the gap is collected by a receive fiber and provides an indication of a light property of the portion of the stratified medium disposed in the gap. The pair of fibers are adapted to be moved in the stratified medium without significantly disturbing the stratification of the medium. As the fibers are moved, light property measurements can be obtained in other substantially undisturbed portions of the stratified medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1994Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Assignee: Candela Laser Corp.Inventors: James C. Hsia, Rafael A. Sierra, Michael G. Clancy
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Patent number: 5371600Abstract: A fiber optic probe comprises a pair of substantially parallel optical fibers separated by a gap and positioned in a centrifuge tube which contains a stratified medium. The pair of fibers includes a transmit fiber for directing light from a light source into a substantially undisturbed portion of the stratified medium disposed in the gap. Light traversing the portion of the stratified medium in the gap is collected by a receive fiber and provides an indication of a light property of the portion of the stratified medium disposed in the gap. The pair of fibers are adapted to be moved in the stratified medium without significantly disturbing the stratification of the medium. As the fibers are moved, light property measurements can be obtained in other substantially undisturbed portions of the stratified medium.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1992Date of Patent: December 6, 1994Assignee: Candela Laser CorporationInventors: James C. Hsia, Rafael A. Sierra, Michael G. Clancy