Patents by Inventor Robert Flower
Robert Flower 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: 8518087Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Interventional Spine, Inc.Inventors: Rudolf Morgenstern Lopez, Robert Flower, Christopher Warren
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Patent number: 8394129Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Interventional Spine, Inc.Inventors: Rudolf Morgenstern Lopez, Robert Flower, Christopher Warren
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Publication number: 20130021608Abstract: Disclosed are improved optical detection methods comprising multiplexed interferometric detection systems and methods for determining a characteristic property of a non-aqueous sample, together with various applications of the disclosed techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventors: Darryl J. Bornhop, Robert A. Flowers, Esther Pesciotta Miller
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Publication number: 20120232658Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: INTERVENTIONAL SPINE, INC.Inventors: Rudolf Morgenstern Lopez, Robert Flower, Christopher Warren
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Publication number: 20120232552Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: INTERVENTIONAL SPINE, INC.Inventors: Rudolf Morgenstern Lopez, Robert Flower, Christopher Warren
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Publication number: 20120215262Abstract: A spinal fixation procedure and system are provided for fixing the spacing of an inferior vertebra relative to a superior vertebra. The procedure for implanting a spinous process spacer can comprise decorticating and/or forming a notch in adjacent spinous processes, measuring the distance between the notches formed in the spinous processes, and inserting an interspinous process implant such that the implant is fitted into the notches of the spinous processes. Other fixation devices, such as bone screws, can also be used for fixing the position of the vertebrae and to create facet fusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: INTERVENTIONAL SPINE, INC.Inventors: Brad S. Culbert, Christopher Warren, Robert Flower, Fausto Olmos
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Publication number: 20120203290Abstract: Fusion of cervical spinal vertebrae with one or more fixation devices can be accomplished with the described tools and methods. For example, a guidewire introducer can include a tubular introducer cannula and a handle. The handle can be angularly offset from the introducer cannula such that positioning of the introducer on the cervical spine does not interfere with a patient's head. A sheath assembly can include inner and outer sheath bodies and a handle. The handle is angularly offset from the sheath bodies such that the sheath assembly can be applied to the cervical spine without interference to the patient's head. The sheath body can be curved or straight. Various tools such as drills, tapping devices, compression tools, and pin release tools can be applied to the cervical spine through the sheath body to apply the fixation device. The tools can include elongate flexible shafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: INTERVENTIONAL SPINE, INC.Inventors: Christopher Warren, Robert Flower
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Publication number: 20120197405Abstract: An intervertebral implant and related methods of use are provided for treatment of spaces between two vertebrae. The implant can comprise a first member and a second member that are configured for engagement in a stacked configuration. The first member and second member can be inserted separately so that the intervertebral space can be reached through limited access pathways. The first member and second member can be coupled in situ in the intervertebral space to form an implant of desired height. In this manner, an intervertebral implant having final dimensions that would not fit through a limited access pathway can be implanted through the access pathway by inserting the implant in separate member pieces.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: INTERVENTIONAL SPINE, INC.Inventors: Walter Cuevas, Robert Flower, Fausto Olmos, Christopher Warren, Peter Davis
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Publication number: 20110313465Abstract: A method and apparatus of limiting at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae of a patient includes advancing a distal end of a stabilization device made of a bio-absorbable material, such as cortical bone, into a pedicle of the inferior vertebrae. A proximal portion of the stabilization device is positioned such that the proximal portion limits at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae by contacting a surface of the superior vertebrae.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: INTERVENTIONAL SPINE, INC.Inventors: Christopher Warren, Robert Flower, Fausto Olmos, Walter Cuevas
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Publication number: 20110237676Abstract: Provided herein are new spermicidal compositions that include one or more fluorous surfactants, e.g., non-ionic fluorous surfactants, anionic fluorous surfactants, cationic fluorous surfactants, and combinations thereof. Also provided are methods of preventing fertilization of an ovum, which include a step of contacting at least one spermatozoon with one or more fluorous surfactants. Additionally described herein are methods of preventing infection, which include a step of contacting at least one infectious pathogenic microorganism with one or more fluorous surfactants. Numerous fluorine-containing surfactants are demonstrated to be efficacious as human spermicides.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: LEHIGH UNIVERSITYInventors: Barry Bean, Robert A Flowers, Jennifer J Venditti, Rajni Singh
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Publication number: 20110040332Abstract: A spinal fixation procedure and system are provided for fixing the spacing of an inferior vertebra relative to a superior vertebra. The procedure for implanting a spinous process spacer can comprise decorticating and/or forming a notch in adjacent spinous processes, measuring the distance between the notches formed in the spinous processes, and inserting an interspinous process implant such that the implant is fitted into the notches of the spinous processes. Other fixation devices, such as bone screws, can also be used for fixing the position of the vertebrae and to create facet fusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: INTERVENTIONAL SPINE, INC.Inventors: Brad S. Culbert, Christopher Warren, Robert Flower, Fausto Olmos
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Publication number: 20100331891Abstract: A system and method of bone fixation are provided for improving the bone growth and stability of the fixated bones. For example, a target site for a bone fixation procedure can be accessed at a facet of a first vertebra using a tissue dilator. Bone material can be disrupting from or at the target site, and a bone fixation device can be installed to fix the first vertebra relative to a second vertebra. The disruption and/or removal of the bone material, such as by rasping facets or a facet joint of the first vertebra and the second vertebra, can tend to promote bone growth. Further, it is contemplated that bone graft material can be inserted at the target site, such as into a joint space formed between facets of the first vertebra and the second vertebra.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: Interventional Spine, Inc.Inventors: Brad S. Culbert, Christopher Warren, Robert Flower, Fausto Olmos
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Publication number: 20080221648Abstract: A method for treating a lesion of an animal, the animal having at least one vessel that carries blood to the lesion, comprising locating the vessel, administering a composition comprising a photodynamic agent, applying energy to the vessel to photocoagulate the vessel and thereby reduce the rate at which the treatment composition exits said lesion and applying energy to said lesion, of a type and an amount sufficient to excite the photodynamic agent, causing the lesion to undergo photodynamic therapy. Preferably, a dye that is both a fluorescent dye and a radiation absorbing dye, such as indocyanine green dye, is added to the treatment composition to allow (a) confirmation of the presence of the treatment composition b the lesion to be detected by fluorescent angiography and (b) the rate of blow flow to be reduced in the blood vessel feeding the lesion using dye enhanced photocoagulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: Novadaq Technologies Inc.Inventor: Robert Flower
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Patent number: 7364574Abstract: A method for treating a lesion of an animal, the animal having at least one vessel that carries blood to the lesion, comprising locating the vessel, administering a composition comprising a photodynamic agent, applying energy to the vessel to photocoagulate the vessel and thereby reduce the rate at which the treatment composition exits said lesion and applying energy to said lesion, of a type and an amount sufficient to excite the photodynamic agent, causing the lesion to undergo photodynamic therapy. Preferably, a dye that is both a fluorescent dye and a radiation absorbing dye, such as indocyanine green dye, is added to the treatment composition to allow (a) confirmation of the presence of the treatment composition in the lesion to be detected by fluorescent angiography and (b) the rate of blow flow to be reduced in the blood vessel feeding the lesion using dye enhanced photocoagulation.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Novadaq Technologies Inc.Inventor: Robert Flower
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Publication number: 20080071176Abstract: Method for assessing the patency of a patient's blood vessel, advantageously during or after treatment of that vessel by an invasive procedure, comprising administering a fluorescent dye to the patient; obtaining at least one angiographic image of the vessel portion; and evaluating the at least one angiographic image to assess the patency of the vessel portion. Other related methods are contemplated, including methods for assessing perfusion in selected body tissue, methods for evaluating the potential of vessels for use in creation of AV fistulas, methods for determining the diameter of a vessel, and methods for locating a vessel located below the surface of a tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: John Docherty, Mark Hewko, Gurpreet Mangat, Robert Flower, Seshadri Chari
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Publication number: 20070197363Abstract: A process for forming a container blank with flexible fold lines from polylactic acid sheet material. In the process, a sheet of polylactic acid material suitable for use as a container blank is placed between a forming tool and a substantially flat surface. The temperature of the forming tool is maintained at a point between the softening temperature and the melting temperature of the polylactic acid sheet. Then, a high frequency electric field is created between the forming tool and the flat surface so as to heat a portion of the polylactic acid sheet sandwiched therebetween, while pressing the forming tool into the sheet to a depth of at least 25% of the thickness of the sheet and forming bulges in the sheet adjacent to opposite sides of the tool. Next, the polylactic acid sheet is allowed to cool while maintaining the same in a substantially flat condition. Thereafter, a container is formed using the creased polylactic acid sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2006Publication date: August 23, 2007Inventors: Michael Parrotta, Robert Flowers
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Publication number: 20060089031Abstract: An electrical connector includes a connector body and a wire shroud secured to the connector body. A mating assist lever is pivotally mounted on the body to be pivotable between an inoperative position and a latched position. A connector position assurance (CPA) member is slidably mounted on the mating assist lever to be slidable between an inoperative position and a locked position. Complementary interengaging locks are provided between the CPA member and the wire shroud to lock the mating assist lever in its latched position when the CPA member is moved to its locked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2005Publication date: April 27, 2006Inventors: Robert Flowers, Keith Koehler
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Publication number: 20060040533Abstract: A lever type electrical connector assembly includes a first connector having a first housing mounting a plurality of first terminals. A mating assist lever is pivotally movably mounted on the first connector for movement in a pivotal operating stroke between a pre-mated position at one end of the stroke and a fully mated position at an opposite end of the stroke. A second connector includes a second housing mateable with the first housing of the first connector. A coupling is provided between the mating assist lever and the second connector, whereby the connectors are mated and unmated in response to pivotal movement of the lever between its pre-mated and mated positions. Interengaging interference surfaces are provided at spaced locations between the first and second housings of the first and second connectors, respectively. The interference surfaces are engageable when the mating assist lever is at an intermediate point between the opposite ends of its operating stroke.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2004Publication date: February 23, 2006Inventors: Vijy Koshy, Gregory Avery, Yves LePottier, Robert Flowers
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Publication number: 20060040535Abstract: A lever type electrical connector assembly includes a first connector having a mating assist lever pivotally movably mounted on the first connector. A slide member is linearly movably mounted on the first connector. A coupling joint is provided between the mating assist lever and the slide member, whereby pivotal movement of the lever relative to the first connector effects linear movement of the slide member relative to the first connector. The coupling joint includes an open-sided cam groove in one of the lever or slide member receiving a cam follower post on the other of the lever or slide member. The cam groove and cam follower post are configured to prevent the post from pulling out of the open side of the groove. A second connector is provided, with a coupling between the slide member and the second connector for mating and unmating the connectors in response to rotation of the mating assist lever and resulting translation of the slide member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2004Publication date: February 23, 2006Inventors: Vijy Koshy, Gregory Avery, Robert Flowers
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Publication number: 20060040534Abstract: An electrical connector includes a first housing part having first walls, and a second housing part is engageable with the first housing part and has second walls. The first and second walls of the two housing parts combine to define different sides of a plurality of terminal-receiving cavities for mounting a plurality of conductive terminals. The first walls define at least one side of each cavity, and the second walls define at least an opposite side of the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2004Publication date: February 23, 2006Inventor: Robert Flowers