Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Foster

Thomas A. Foster 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).

  • Surgical retraction apparatus and associated methods
    Patent number: 7556600
    Abstract: A retractor may be used during spinal surgery. The retractor may include a frame and one or more retractor blades. Each retractor blade may include a coupling arm, a retainer, and a retraction component. The coupling arms may be coupled to the frame such that the coupling arms are able to move inward or outwards relative to the frame. The retainer may secure the retraction component to the coupling arm. In some embodiments, the retraction blades may be made of a radiolucent material that allows radiological images to be taken during a surgical procedure with the retractor in place. A position of retraction components relative to the frame may be changed during a surgical procedure. One or more of the retraction components may be replaced during a surgical procedure without removing the retractor from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Bruce A. Riceman, Thomas A. Foster
  • Combined wall plate and dual linear slide dimmer
    Patent number: D325567
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Elliot G. Jacoby, Jr., Robin C. Moseley, Rita R. Swartvagher, Thomas A. Foster, Bruce D. Colgan, David L. Buehler