Patents by Inventor Steve Nowak

Steve Nowak 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: 20130303859
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a frame and first and second retractor blades. The frame includes first and second securement features. At least one of the first and second securement features is movable with respect to the frame when the at least one of the first and second securement features is mounted to the frame. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portions of the first and second retractor blades are configured to be secured proximate to the first and second securement features respectively, such that the first and second retractor blades may be positioned in a first position wherein the first and second retractor blades are laterally opposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Thompson Surgical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Christopher T. Martin, Daniel K. Farley, Stephanie Zalucha, John Thalgott, Josh Delickta
  • Publication number: 20130030254
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a frame and first and second retractor blades. The frame includes first and second securement features. At least one of the first and second securement features is movable with respect to the frame when the first and second securement features is mounted to the frame. Proximal portions of the first and second refractor blades are secured proximate the first and second securement features respectively. In a first position the first and second refractor blades are laterally opposed. Movement of the securement feature adjusts the angle of at least one of the retractor blades so that at least one of the retractor blades may be adjusted between an acute angle and an obtuse angle to horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: John Thalgott, Steve Nowak, Josh Delickla, Christopher T. Martin, Daniel K. Farley, Stephanie Zalucha
  • Publication number: 20120109227
    Abstract: A bone collection system includes a plunger, a tube, and a manifold. The plunger has a bore therethrough, an insertion portion, and an inlet that accepts material being harvested from a patient. The insertion portion includes a filter to prevent passage of bone fragments. The tube accepts the insertion portion, defining a first and a second chamber of the tube. The filter separates the first and second chambers of the tube. The manifold is accepted by the tube, and has an outlet accepted by a suction source. The inlet of the plunger is in fluid communication with the first chamber, the first and second chambers are in fluid communication through the filter, and the second chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet. Material being harvested is drawn through the bone collection system, and bone fragments of the desired size collected in the first chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel K. Farley, Christopher T. Martin, Steve Nowak, Stephanie Zalucha
  • Publication number: 20110257487
    Abstract: A novel surgical lateral retraction system is provided, including a delivery device and retractor blades. The delivery device includes a shaft having distal and proximal portions and a plurality of engaging features extending along the distal portion of the shaft. The engaging features are sized and configured to slidingly engage the retractor blades, wherein each retractor blade may be attached to the shaft independently by sliding onto one of the engaging features. The shaft may include first and second curved surfaces on either side of at least one of the engaging features, wherein the first and second curved surfaces are sized and configured to correspond to retractor curved surfaces located on either side of a central channel of a retractor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: John Thalgott, Christopher T. Martin, Steve Nowak, Josh Delickta, Daniel K. Farley, Stephanie Zalucha
  • Publication number: 20110201897
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor blade that is securable to a portion of a patient's anatomy during a surgical procedure. The retractor system includes a manipulator that is releasably securable to the retractor blade for positioning and securing the retractor blade. The retractor system includes a flexible securement arm that movably secures the retractor blade to a frame, wherein a proximal end of the retractor blade is non-rigidly constrained. The securement arm is secured to the retractor blade proximate to one end of the securement arm, and is secured to a retractor frame proximate to another end of the securement arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Rudolf Bertagnoli, Steve Nowak, Daniel K. Farley
  • Publication number: 20110137130
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a frame and first and second retractor blades. The frame includes first and second securement features. At least one of the first and second securement features is movable with respect to the frame when the at least one of the first and second securement features is mounted to the frame. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portions of the first and second retractor blades are configured to be secured proximate to the first and second securement features respectively, such that the first and second retractor blades may be positioned in a first position wherein the first and second retractor blades are laterally opposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: John Thalgott, Steve Nowak, Josh Delickta, Christopher T. Martin, Daniel K. Farley, Stephanie Zalucha
  • Publication number: 20100030033
    Abstract: A surgical light apparatus for illuminating a surgical site. The light apparatus may include a light housing, fiber optical cable, a sheath, and a cable connector. The fiber optical cable may be comprised of a bundle of fiber optical cables that have distal and proximate ends. The proximate end may be operably connected to the cable connector, and oriented to receive light emitted from a light source. The distal end of the fiber optical cable may be operably connected to the light housing. The light housing may include a main body and a cover, which either individually, or in combination with each other, provides an outlet at which the distal ends of the fiber optical cables may be dispersed. The light housing may include, or be operably connected to, an attachment mechanism that may attach the surgical light apparatus to a surgical instrument, for example a retractor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: THOMPSON SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS
    Inventors: Daniel K. Farley, Steve Nowak
  • Publication number: 20090275804
    Abstract: A hinged retractor includes a distal portion adapted to be located inside the body of a patient during a surgical procedure and a proximal portion adapted to be closer to the surgeon during a surgical procedure. The hinged retractor includes a first side including a first blade and a second side including a second blade. The second side is joined to the first side proximate to a distal end of the hinged retractor. The hinged retractor includes a pivot proximate to the distal end. The hinged retractor is movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein a distance between a proximal portion of the first and second blades increases more than a distance between a distal portion of the first and second blades when the hinged retractor is moved from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Rudolf Bertagnoli, Steve Nowak, Christopher T. Martin, Daniel K. Farley, Josh Delickta