Company Filing History:
2 out of 6 
17 out of 832,843 Years Active: 1988-2017
Title: Innovations in Airway Management: The Patents of John D. Summer
Introduction: John D. Summer, an inventive mind based in Portland, OR, has made significant contributions to the field of airway management, securing an impressive 19 patents to date. His inventions focus on improving sleep quality and respiratory health by addressing the challenges of maintaining an open pharyngeal airway during sleep.
Latest Patents: Among Summer's latest innovations is the "Multilevel Oral Appliance and Method for Maintaining a Pharyngeal Airway." This unique device employs plural tongue gripping projections that couple with upper and lower supports to securely grip and hold the tongue during sleep. The design minimizes the risk of the tongue slipping backward and obstructing the throat. It features a tongue depressor that extends rearward and downward from a cross member of a jaw coupler, as well as a soft palate engager that works in concert to resist the closure of the pharyngeal airway. This innovative system is engineered to allow the rear of the tongue to move naturally during swallowing while still effectively maintaining an open airway.
Another notable invention is the "Tongue Retainer," a device designed to grasp and restrain the tongue securely during sleep. Similar to the multilevel oral appliance, it includes plural tongue gripping projections that cooperate with upper and lower supports. This invention further enhances airway openness by using an adjustable tongue depressor that can extend rearwardly and downwardly from the upper support, targeting the user's airway to prevent obstruction during sleep.
Career Highlights: Summer's journey through the innovation landscape has led him to work with reputable companies, including Dental Innovations LLC. His array of patents showcases his dedication to transforming how we approach health and wellness, especially concerning sleep-related challenges.
Collaborations: Throughout his career, John D. Summer has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Gregory Stock and Erik Bodegom. Their combined expertise has undoubtedly played a role in the development of groundbreaking solutions that address critical health issues linked to sleep and airway management.
Conclusion: John D. Summer continues to be a significant figure in the realm of patent-driven innovation. His contributions to airway management devices exemplify how inventive thinking can lead to practical solutions for common health problems. With 19 patents under his belt, Summer's work reflects a lifelong commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing sleep-related obstacles.