Patents by Inventor Ronald Lehman

Ronald Lehman 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).

  • Publication number: 20180228520
    Abstract: A method includes providing first and second instruments. First and second fasteners are attached with vertebrae. First fasteners are connected with first and second constructs. Second fasteners are connected with a third and fourth constructs. The first construct is connected with a body of the first instrument and the second construct is connected with another body of the first instrument. The third construct is connected with a body of the second instrument and the fourth construct is connected with another body of the second instrument. Joints of the instruments are tightened. At least one of the instruments is selectively distracted. At least one of the instruments is selectively compressed. The spinal constructs are removed from the fasteners. The first fasteners are connected with a first spinal rod. The second fasteners are connected with a second spinal rod. In some embodiments, spinal constructs, implants, systems and kits are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Dustin Bobbitt, David A. Mire, Lawrence G. Lenke, Ian J. Harding, Christopher Shaffrey, Tyler R. Koski, Ronald A. Lehman, JR., Russell P. Nockels
  • Patent number: 9759341
    Abstract: A freeze tolerant ball valve for controlling the direction of expansion of freezing water within the ball valve is disclosed. The valve includes valve body inlet and the valve body outlet, and a spherical-shaped gate that has an axial fluid passage that extends through the spherical-shaped gate. The spherical-shaped gate can be rotated to block fluid communication between the valve body inlet and the valve body outlet. The valve body also has a first sidewall that is of a first sidewall thickness, and a sidewall having a boss that supports a concave cap that has a bottom wall that is of a bottom wall thickness, the bottom wall thickness being substantially thinner than the sidewall thickness. The cooperation of the passage through the spherical-shaped gate, the first sidewall with its first sidewall thickness positioned opposite to the bottom wall of the concave cap results in a valve that directs the effects of freezing on to the concave cap, which would fail first in the event of freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald Lehman
  • Publication number: 20160223096
    Abstract: A freeze tolerant ball valve for controlling the direction of expansion of freezing water within the ball valve is disclosed. The valve includes valve body inlet and the valve body outlet, and a spherical-shaped gate that has an axial fluid passage that extends through the spherical-shaped gate. The spherical-shaped gate can be rotated to block fluid communication between the valve body inlet and the valve body outlet. The valve body also has a first sidewall that is of a first sidewall thickness, and a sidewall having a boss that supports a concave cap that has a bottom wall that is of a bottom wall thickness, the bottom wall thickness being substantially thinner than the sidewall thickness. The cooperation of the passage through the spherical- shaped gate, the first sidewall with its first sidewall thickness positioned opposite to the bottom wall of the concave cap results in a valve that directs the effects of freezing on to the concave cap, which would fail first in the event of freezing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald Lehman
  • Patent number: 9334966
    Abstract: A freeze tolerant ball valve for controlling the direction of expansion of freezing water within the ball valve is disclosed. The valve includes valve body inlet and the valve body outlet, and a spherical-shaped gate that has an axial fluid passage that extends through the spherical-shaped gate. The spherical-shaped gate can be rotated to block fluid communication between the valve body inlet and the valve body outlet. The valve body also has a first sidewall that is of a first sidewall thickness, and a sidewall having a boss that supports a concave cap that has a bottom wall that is of a bottom wall thickness, the bottom wall thickness being substantially thinner than the sidewall thickness. The cooperation of the passage through the spherical- shaped gate, the first sidewall with its first sidewall thickness positioned opposite to the bottom wall of the concave cap results in a valve that directs the effects of freezing on to the concave cap, which would fail first in the event of freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald Lehman
  • Publication number: 20150292630
    Abstract: A freeze tolerant ball valve for controlling the direction of expansion of freezing water within the ball valve is disclosed. The valve includes valve body inlet and the valve body outlet, and a spherical-shaped gate that has an axial fluid passage that extends through the spherical-shaped gate. The spherical-shaped gate can be rotated to block fluid communication between the valve body inlet and the valve body outlet. The valve body also has a first sidewall that is of a first sidewall thickness, and a sidewall having a boss that supports a concave cap that has a bottom wall that is of a bottom wall thickness, the bottom wall thickness being substantially thinner than the sidewall thickness. The cooperation of the passage through the spherical- shaped gate, the first sidewall with its first sidewall thickness positioned opposite to the bottom wall of the concave cap results in a valve that directs the effects of freezing on to the concave cap, which would fail first in the event of freezing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald Lehman
  • Patent number: 9080674
    Abstract: A freeze tolerant ball valve is disclosed. The valve includes a valve body that has thickened or strengthened areas for controlling the direction of expansion of freezing water within the ball valve. The ball or spherical gate used with the valve has a passage that is used to control flow through the valve. The valve also includes a removable concave cap with weakened sections, designed to rupture under the pressure of expansion of freezing water. The removable plug is positioned opposite to the thickened or strengthened areas to provide cooperation of the passage through the spherical-shaped gate to direct the effects of freezing on to the concave cap, which would fail first in the event of freezing. The cap can be easily and quickly replaced in the event of failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald Lehman