Patents by Inventor William Atkinson

William Atkinson 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: 20180308006
    Abstract: A dynamically evolving cognitive questioning querying architecture system housed in a plurality of digital apparatus as well as a plurality of computing network, and computing network interfaces and based on end user input, cognitive computing, interactive machine learning queries of the end user, and computational creativity is described. A system forms a dynamically evolving automated multistep desired solution query that provides an artificially intelligent cognitive iterative problem solving feedback loop that becomes increasingly artificially intelligent through time through the real time and dynamically evolving as well as simultaneous interaction of object queries and object solutions working in tandem to provide instantiations based on user input, cognitive computing modules, computational creativity modules, interactive machine learning queries of the end user and creates a plan based on the fulfilled dynamic evolving automated solutions to query.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: William Atkinson
  • Patent number: 9668882
    Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods relating to spinal implants. In some embodiments, the spinal implant may comprise a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite from the first sidewall, a pair of opposed frictional surfaces each comprising a plurality of raised structures, a first end wall joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, and a second end wall joining the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The second end wall may comprise a recess formed by a first wall portion and a second wall portion arranged at an angle to one another to form a fish-tailed structure configured to be engaged with an inserter instrument. The interface between the recess and the inserter instrument may be configured to at least substantially eliminate any point or line contacts between the inserter instrument and the spinal implant during a flip maneuver of the spinal implant within an intervertebral space of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Amedica Corporation
    Inventors: Prabhakar Thirugnanasambandam, John Cobb, William Atkinson, Peter Harris, Chad Wayne Lewis
  • Publication number: 20160162642
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method may include maintaining in a computer system, a plurality of relationships among users in an aggregated data network. A user may receive a plurality of data points, where at least one of the data points, was requested via a relationship inquiry, made using a Health Insurance Portability and accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant security clearance user interface. The computer-implemented method may generate a Global Patient Health Record Timeline (GPHRT), comprising a chronological representation of one or more of the received data points, by utilizing their time stamps to correctly order the data points. The computer-implemented method may include an interactive holographic display system, to render the GPHRT as a holographically produced image. The user may be able to manipulate and navigate the holographic image via gestures and haptic feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventor: William Atkinson
  • Patent number: 9226833
    Abstract: Spinal implants for positioning between adjacent vertebrae. Some embodiments may comprise a pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, a pair of opposed frictional surfaces, a first end wall joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, and a second end wall recessed at least in part and joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces. A fish-tailed structure may be positioned within the second end wall when viewed from one of the opposed frictional surface. The fish-tailed structure may be formed so as to extend at least substantially uninterrupted between at least one of the opposed sidewall surfaces and the opposed frictional surfaces. A retention structure, such as a hole, may be positioned within the fish-tailed structure. The hole may be configured to engage a surgical implantation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: U.S. SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: John Cobb, William Atkinson, Peter Harris
  • Publication number: 20140371861
    Abstract: Spinal implants for positioning between adjacent vertebrae. Some embodiments may comprise a pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, a pair of opposed frictional surfaces, a first end wall joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, and a second end wall recessed at least in part and joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces. A fish-tailed structure may be positioned within the second end wall when viewed from one of the opposed frictional surface. The fish-tailed structure may be formed so as to extend at least substantially uninterrupted between at least one of the opposed sidewall surfaces and the opposed frictional surfaces. A retention structure, such as a hole, may be positioned within the fish-tailed structure. The hole may be configured to engage a surgical implantation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: John Cobb, William Atkinson, Peter Harris
  • Patent number: 8821578
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant device is presented that may comprise a pair of substantially parallel opposed arcuate surfaces, a pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces each including a plurality of raised structures, a substantially curved end wall joining the par of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces, and a substantially recessed end wall joining the pair of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces. In certain embodiments, the intervertebral implant device defines one or more voids in which a bone graft material is selectively disposed. Preferably, the substantially recessed end wall is configured to selectively and pivotable receive one or more surgical implantation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: U.S. Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: John Cobb, William Atkinson, Peter Harris
  • Publication number: 20140172107
    Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods relating to spinal implants. In some embodiments, the spinal implant may comprise a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite from the first sidewall, a pair of opposed frictional surfaces each comprising a plurality of raised structures, a first end wall joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, and a second end wall joining the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The second end wall may comprise a recess formed by a first wall portion and a second wall portion arranged at an angle to one another to form a fish-tailed structure configured to be engaged with an inserter instrument. The interface between the recess and the inserter instrument may be configured to at least substantially eliminate any point or line contacts between the inserter instrument and the spinal implant during a flip maneuver of the spinal implant within an intervertebral space of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Amedica Corporation
    Inventors: Prabhakar Thirugnanasambandam, John Cobb, William Atkinson, Peter Harris, Chad Wayne Lewis
  • Publication number: 20140136233
    Abstract: The invention discloses a system, method and computer program for generating a Global Personal Health Record Timeline (GPHRT) is provided. A plurality of data items and information points associated with at least one relationship between users associated with a single patient, healthcare provider, a group of healthcare providers. Ordered data items are stored in a personal health record, transmitted and shared via a plurality of storage and transmittal technologies such as, (BLE), barcode scanner, and a plurality of other storage and transmittal technologies that will interface with the Global Personal Health Record Timeline platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: William Atkinson, Wayne Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8551047
    Abstract: Fluid delivery devices, systems and methods. Some of the fluid delivery devices include a body, a cannula and a septum, and are suited for enabling the delivery of fluid to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Patton Medical Devices, LP
    Inventors: John Burns, William Atkinson, Raymond Clark, Darrin Schmuckle, Chris Donnelly, Kate Ferguson, Brandon Turner, Dan Benzon, Nikhil Dixit, Catherine Patton
  • Patent number: 8523824
    Abstract: Provided are devices and methods for catheter and guidewire management in a surgical setting. In one implementation, the device includes a housing having a curved bottom surface for accommodating the shape of a patient's leg. A retaining member is included, which can retain one or more guidewires, catheters, or the like. In another embodiment, the housing may include a number of vertical supports between which are mounted at least one retaining member housing. The retaining member housing may in turn house a retaining member, suitable for receiving and retaining one or more elongated devices such as catheters or guidewires. The retaining member may have a suitable size, shape, and level of flexibility to allow a catheter or guidewire to be placed therein and held with a desired level of force until such a time as a user desires to remove the catheter or guidewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Vascular Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. Teirstein, William Atkinson, William Gould, Yem Chin, Paul Scopton, Robert F. Carmichael, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130123821
    Abstract: A single-use, multi-purpose neuro-dissector (“dissector”), suitable for a variety of surgical procedures, is disclosed. A handle of a material which degrades in heat sufficient to sterilize same holds an extended, slender rod, preferably of stainless steel or similar suitable material. A section of the rod near its distal end (away from the handle) is turned at an angle to the remainder of the rod, and a cutting surface and cutting edge are formed in the turned-down section. The distal end of the rod forms a non-cutting tip, for example a blunt ball tip, to avoid unintentional cutting of surrounding tissues. The cutting surface and edge are coated with a material which prevents re-sharpening, such as titanium nitride. The combination of a handle material which degrades in the heat of sterilization, if attempted, and a cutting surface which is not re-sharpenable, render the dissector a single-use device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: John Cobb, William Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8231550
    Abstract: A device for loading a guide wire into the open end of a tubular instrument, such as a catheter. The device can be a block of material having a groove in its surface. The ends of the guide wire and the tubular instrument are placed into the groove and moved toward each other. When the ends meet, the groove guides the guide wire into the open end of the tubular instrument. The groove, or at least a portion of the groove, can have a cross-sectional contour that closely matches the outside radius of the tubular instrument. The groove can have a substantially vertical wall and a substantially non-vertical wall. A variety of attachment mechanisms may be provided for attaching the device to a towel draping a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: Paul S. Teirstein, Osama Amine, William Atkinson, William Gould, Yem Chin, Paul Scopton, Robert F. Carmichael, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110245923
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant device, including: a pair of substantially parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; a pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces each including a plurality of raised structures; a substantially curved end wall joining the pair of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; and a substantially recessed end wall joining the pair of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; wherein the intervertebral implant device defines one or more voids in which a bone graft material is selectively disposed. Preferably, the substantially recessed end wall is configured to selectively and pivotably receive one or more surgical implantation devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: John Cobb, William Atkinson, Peter Harris
  • Publication number: 20100235180
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method and configuration for a medical and dental outpatient diagnostic imaging center. The medical and dental diagnostic imaging center will house a plurality of medial and dental modalities within one center. Also, onsite is a CAD/CAM milling unit and the accessory hardware equipment, and the technology used for creating a rapid prototype medical and dental modeling The present invention also includes other technologies and equipment to improve the productivity of the medial and dental outpatient diagnostic imaging center. The unique equipment configuration and the machine sequence pattern offers many benefits to healthcare delivery in that it provides a service for both the fields of medicine and dentistry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: William Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20100010475
    Abstract: Provided are devices, systems, and methods for catheter and guidewire management in a surgical setting. In one implementation, the device may include a housing having a curved bottom surface for accommodating the shape of a patient's leg. Into the housing is mounted a retaining member, which can retain one or more guidewires, catheters, or the like. In another embodiment, the housing may include a number of vertical supports between which is mounted at least one retaining member housing. The retaining member housing may in turn house a retaining member, suitable for receiving and retaining one or more elongated devices such as catheters or guidewires. The retaining member may have a suitable size, shape, and level of flexibility to allow a catheter or guidewire to be placed therein and held with a desired level of force until such a time as a user desires to remove the catheter or guidewire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Paul S. Teirstein, William Atkinson, William Gould, Yem Chin, Paul Scopton, Robert F. Carmichael, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100010377
    Abstract: A device for loading a guide wire into the open end of a tubular instrument, such as a catheter. The device can be a block of material having a groove in its surface. The ends of the guide wire and the tubular instrument are placed into the groove and moved toward each other. When the ends meet, the groove guides the guide wire into the open end of the tubular instrument. The groove, or at least a portion of the groove, can have a cross-sectional contour that closely matches the outside radius of the tubular instrument. The groove can have a substantially vertical wall and a substantially non-vertical wall. A variety of attachment mechanisms may be provided for attaching the device to a towel draping a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Paul S. Teirstein, Osama Amine, William Atkinson, William Gould, Yem Chin, Paul Scopton, Robert F. Carmichael, JR.
  • Publication number: 20080021375
    Abstract: Fluid delivery devices, systems and methods. Some of the fluid delivery devices include a body, a cannula and a septum, and are suited for enabling the delivery of fluid to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: John Burns, William Atkinson, Raymond Clark, Darrin Schmuckle, Chris Donnelly, Kate Ferguson, Brandon Turner, Dan Benzon, Nikhil Dixit, Catherine Patton
  • Publication number: 20070274669
    Abstract: A fabrication tool presses a first device surface against a second device surface after the first and the second device surfaces have been plasma activated, to bond the first device surface with the second device surface. The fabrication tool includes a bonding piston to exert force on the first device surface to press the first device surface against the second device surface. The fabrication tool also includes a pressure plate situated between the bonding piston and the first device surface. The fabrication tool further includes a mechanism to ensure that the force exerted by the bonding piston on the first device surface via the pressure plate is initially exerted at one or more first locations on the first device surface and subsequently exerted at one or more second locations on the first device surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Chien-Hua Chen, Troy Schwinabart, William Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20070181100
    Abstract: A common engine speed control mechanism for small internal combustion engines, which may be configured to allow for actuation of the speed control mechanism between stop, idle, and various engine running speed positions by actuation of one of a selected plurality of speed control levers. Each of the plurality of speed control levers is oriented so that it is movable in a direction which is substantially non-parallel to the direction of movement of the other speed control levers. In one embodiment, the actuation of the common speed control mechanism can be accomplished by movement of a first speed control lever in a substantially horizontal, side-to-side direction or by movement of a second speed control lever in a substantially vertical, up-and-down direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Anthony Grybush, James Leu, Stephen Davis, William Atkinson
  • Patent number: 5335299
    Abstract: A method for encoding compressed graphics video information and decoding such information. The method consists of enriching the video information in zeros through shifting and Exclusive ORing video image with itself. A number of methods are attempted in the shifting and Exclusive ORing process in order to determine the method which yields the optimum zero enriched image. The zero enriched image is then encoded and the encoded information stored. Upon retrieval, the information is decoded and an Exclusive OR and shifting process is done to obtain the original video information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: William Atkinson