Patents by Inventor Thomas Foster

Thomas 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).

  • Publication number: 20170028123
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe device, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. A sterility case can enclose a syringe portion and can maintain sterility while the syringe device is interfaced to an ozone generator. A valvably-controlled fluid channel can extend from the barrel of the syringe through the case. Conducting elements can be attached to the case and can breach the case. The conductive elements can be connected to electrodes. The electrodes can be attached to the syringe. The syringe portion can be filled with oxygen gas via the valvably-controlled fluid channel. An electric current can be provided to the conductive elements from an ozone generator resulting in a corona discharge from at least one electrode. A therapeutic amount of ozone gas can be produced from the oxygen gas and the syringe delivered into the sterile field without compromise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Applicant: Minimus Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. HOOPER, Thomas FOSTER, Noel HENSON
  • Patent number: 9498569
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe device, a method and a system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. A sterility case can enclose a syringe portion and can maintain sterility while the syringe device is interfaced to an ozone generator. A valvably-controlled fluid channel can extend from a barrel of the syringe portion through the case. Conducting elements can be attached to the case and can breach the case. The conducting elements can be connected to electrodes. The electrodes can be attached to the syringe portion. The syringe portion can be filled with oxygen gas via the valvably-controlled fluid channel. An electric current can be provided to the conducting elements from the ozone generator resulting in a corona discharge from at least one of the electrodes. A therapeutic amount of ozone gas can be produced from the oxygen gas and the syringe portion delivered into a sterile field without compromise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Minimus Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Patent number: 9072430
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the location of a radio-opaque marker embedded in an excised specimen includes a radio-opaque marker including an energy beacon that can be embedded in the specimen, an energy beacon controller, at least three detectors, a signal processing component, and a display device. An associated method is disclosed. A method for evaluating a radiographically labeled excised specimen involves determining the location of a radio-opaque marker embedded in the excised specimen, anatomically sectioning the excised specimen, macro-optically segmenting the sectioned specimen into an adipose tissue component, a fibrous tissue component, and an epithelial tissue component, and microscopically examining at least one of the tissue components. An associated apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
    Inventors: Andrew Berger, Thomas Foster, Rebecca Wilson, James Zavislan
  • Publication number: 20150133852
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe device, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. A sterility case can enclose a syringe portion and can maintain sterility while the syringe device is interfaced to an ozone generator. A valvably-controlled fluid channel can extend from the barrel of the syringe through the case. Conducting elements can be attached to the case and can breach the case. The conductive elements can be connected to electrodes. The electrodes can be attached to the syringe. The syringe portion can be filled with oxygen gas via the valvably-controlled fluid channel. An electric current can be provided to the conductive elements from an ozone generator resulting in a corona discharge from at least one electrode. A therapeutic amount of ozone gas can be produced from the oxygen gas and the syringe delivered into the sterile field without compromise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Minimus Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. HOOPER, Thomas FOSTER, Noel HENSON
  • Patent number: 8961471
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe device, a method and a system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. A sterility case can enclose a syringe portion and can maintain sterility while the syringe device is interfaced to an ozone generator. A valvably-controlled fluid channel can extend from a barrel of the syringe portion through the case. Conducting elements can be attached to the case and can breach the case. The conductive elements can be connected to electrodes. The electrodes can be attached to the syringe portion. The syringe portion can be filled with oxygen gas via the valvably-controlled fluid channel. An electric current can be provided to the conductive elements from the ozone generator resulting in a corona discharge from at least one of the electrodes. The therapeutic amount of ozone can be produced from the oxygen gas and the syringe portion delivered into a sterile field without compromise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Minimus Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Patent number: 8486342
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. An exemplary syringe can have a gas chamber and one or more electrodes. A portion of at least one electrode can be within the gas chamber. Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or both electrodes can be attached to the outside of an exemplary syringe. One or more electrical contact points can be outside the gas chamber. Each electrical contact point can be connected to an electrode. Oxygen gas can provided within the gas chamber of the exemplary syringe. A medical ozone generator can be connected to the syringe via the electrical contact points. Corona discharge can be effectuated via the electrodes, which can result in an amount of ozone gas can being produced from the oxygen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Minimus Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Publication number: 20130066258
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. An exemplary syringe can have a gas chamber and one or more electrodes. A portion of at least one electrode can be within the gas chamber. Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or both electrodes can be attached to the outside of an exemplary syringe. One or more electrical contact points can be outside the gas chamber. Each electrical contact point can be connected to an electrode. Oxygen gas can provided within the gas chamber of the exemplary syringe. A medical ozone generator can be connected to the syringe via the electrical contact points. Corona discharge can be effectuated via the electrodes, which can result in an amount of ozone gas can being produced from the oxygen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: David M. HOOPER, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Publication number: 20120325003
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the location of a radio-opaque marker embedded in an excised specimen includes a radio-opaque marker including an energy beacon that can be embedded in the specimen, an energy beacon controller, at least three detectors, a signal processing component, and a display device. An associated method is disclosed. A method for evaluating a radiographically labeled excised specimen involves determining the location of a radio-opaque marker embedded in the excised specimen, anatomically sectioning the excised specimen, macro-optically segmenting the sectioned specimen into an adipose tissue component, a fibrous tissue component, and an epithelial tissue component, and microscopically examining at least one of the tissue components. An associated apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
    Inventors: Andrew Berger, Thomas Foster, Rebecca Wilson, James Zavislan
  • Patent number: 8337768
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. An exemplary syringe can have a gas chamber and one or more electrodes. A portion of at least one electrode can be within the gas chamber. Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or both electrodes can be attached to the outside of an exemplary syringe. One or more electrical contact points can be outside the gas chamber. Each electrical contact point can be connected to an electrode. Oxygen gas can provided within the gas chamber of the exemplary syringe. A medical ozone generator can be connected to the syringe via the electrical contact points. Corona discharge can be effectuated via the electrodes, which can result in an amount of ozone gas can being produced from the oxygen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Publication number: 20120022439
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. An exemplary syringe can have a gas chamber and one or more electrodes. A portion of at least one electrode can be within the gas chamber. Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or both electrodes can be attached to the outside of an exemplary syringe. One or more electrical contact points can be outside the gas chamber. Each electrical contact point can be connected to an electrode. Oxygen gas can provided within the gas chamber of the exemplary syringe. A medical ozone generator can be connected to the syringe via the electrical contact points. Corona discharge can be effectuated via the electrodes, which can result in an amount of ozone gas can being produced from the oxygen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Minimus Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. HOOPER, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Patent number: 8057748
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. An exemplary syringe can have a gas chamber and one or more electrodes. A portion of at least one electrode can be within the gas chamber. Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or both electrodes can be attached to the outside of an exemplary syringe. One or more electrical contact points can be outside the gas chamber. Each electrical contact point can be connected to an electrode. Oxygen gas can provided within the gas chamber of the exemplary syringe. A medical ozone generator can be connected to the syringe via the electrical contact points. Corona discharge can be effectuated via the electrodes, which can result in an amount of ozone gas can being produced from the oxygen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Minimus Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Patent number: 7739056
    Abstract: A statistical and functional correlation strategy to identify changes in cellular pathways specifically linked to impaired cognitive function with aging. Analyses using the strategy identified multiple groups of genes expressed in the hippocampi of mammals, where the genes were expressed at different levels for several ages. The aging changes in expression began before mid-life. Many of the genes were involved in specific neuronal and glial pathways with previously unrecognized relationships to aging and/or cognitive decline. These identified genes and the proteins they encode can be used as novel biomarkers of brain aging and as targets for developing treatment methods against age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Philip Landfield, Eric Blalock, Kuey-Chu Chen, Thomas Foster
  • Publication number: 20090263804
    Abstract: A statistical and functional correlation strategy to identify changes in cellular pathways specifically linked to impaired cognitive function with aging. Analyses using the strategy identified multiple groups of genes expressed in the hippocampi of mammals, where the genes were expressed at different levels for several ages. The aging changes in expression began before mid-life. Many of the genes were involved in specific neuronal and glial pathways with previously unrecognized relationships to aging and/or cognitive decline. These identified genes and the proteins they encode can be used as novel biomarkers of brain aging and as targets for developing treatment methods against age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Philip Landfield, Eric Blalock, Kuey-Chu Chen, Thomas Foster
  • Patent number: 7588749
    Abstract: Apparatus, method and system for delivering a sterile unit dose of ozone that may include concentrating oxygen from air, which can include pressurizing at least one zeolite chamber having at least one zeolite material where the at least one zeolite material selectively adsorbs a substantial amount of nitrogen and not a substantial amount of oxygen. An oxygen-ozone cell may be filled with substantially concentrated oxygen from the at least one zeolite chamber. The oxygen-ozone cell may then be sequestered. The oxygen-ozone cell may be removed and may be engaged with an ozone conversion unit. The ozone conversion unit may charge the substantially concentrated oxygen generating a predetermined concentration of ozone. The oxygen-ozone cell may be disengaged from the ozone conversion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Minimus Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Publication number: 20090221921
    Abstract: An optical probe has multiple side-firing optical fibers which terminate in a linearly staggered fashion. A central fiber can be used as well. In diagnostic techniques, one fiber can be used as an emitter, while the others are used as receivers, or various fibers can be used as emitters and receivers at different times to form a map of the area. In therapeutic techniques, the treatment light can be emitted from the fibers in parallel or in sequence, and the fluence can be independently adjusted for each of the fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: William J. Cottrell, Thomas Foster
  • Publication number: 20090152098
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe device, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. A sterility case can enclose a syringe portion and can maintain sterility while the syringe device is interfaced to an ozone generator. A valvably-controlled fluid channel can extend from the barrel of the syringe through the case. Conducting elements can be attached to the case and can breach the case. The conductive elements can be connected to electrodes. The electrodes can be attached to the syringe. The syringe portion can be filled with oxygen gas via the valvably-controlled fluid channel. An electric current can be provided to the conductive elements from an ozone generator resulting in a corona discharge from at least one electrode. A therapeutic amount of ozone gas can be produced from the oxygen gas and the syringe delivered into the sterile field without compromise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Publication number: 20090110614
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. An exemplary syringe can have a gas chamber and one or more electrodes. A portion of at least one electrode can be within the gas chamber. Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or both electrodes can be attached to the outside of an exemplary syringe. One or more electrical contact points can be outside the gas chamber. Each electrical contact point can be connected to an electrode. Oxygen gas can provided within the gas chamber of the exemplary syringe. A medical ozone generator can be connected to the syringe via the electrical contact points. Corona discharge can be effectuated via the electrodes, which can result in an amount of ozone gas can being produced from the oxygen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson
  • Patent number: 7524327
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods are provided for treating a patient through the use of ultraviolet light activated gene therapy. Embodiments of the present invention include methods for the utilization of light activated gene therapy to repair and/or rebuild damaged cartilage by introducing a desired gene into a patient's tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Edward M. Schwarz, Regis J. O'Keefe, Thomas Foster, Jarod C. Finlay
  • Publication number: 20090093867
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods are provided for treating a patient through the use of ultraviolet light activated gene therapy. Embodiments of the present invention include methods for the utilization of light activated gene therapy to repair and/or rebuild damaged cartilage by introducing a desired gene into a patient's tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Edward M. Schwarz, Regis J. O'Keefe, Thomas Foster, Jarod C. Finlay
  • Publication number: 20080241052
    Abstract: Apparatus, method and system for delivering a sterile unit dose of ozone that may include concentrating oxygen from air, which can include pressurizing at least one zeolite chamber having at least one zeolite material where the at least one zeolite material selectively adsorbs a substantial amount of nitrogen and not a substantial amount of oxygen. An oxygen-ozone cell may be filled with substantially concentrated oxygen from the at least one zeolite chamber. The oxygen-ozone cell may then be sequestered. The oxygen-ozone cell may be removed and may be engaged with an ozone conversion unit. The ozone conversion unit may charge the substantially concentrated oxygen generating a predetermined concentration of ozone. The oxygen-ozone cell may be disengaged from the ozone conversion unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Foster, Noel Henson