Patents by Inventor Mark T. Hall
Mark T. Hall 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).
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Patent number: 8591550Abstract: Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Ludwig, Mark T. Hall, Thomas V. Doherty
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Patent number: 8556937Abstract: Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, LLCInventors: Steven C. Ludwig, Mark T. Hall, Thomas V. Doherty
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Publication number: 20130105046Abstract: A method of generating a welded assembly includes providing a work-hardened steel component. The method also includes annealing a region on the work-hardened steel component to impart a local temper to the region such that formability of the region is increased. The method additionally includes forming a projection on the annealed region. Furthermore, the method includes clamping a panel against the projection and joining the panel and the work-hardened steel component at the projection via a welding apparatus to generate the welded assembly. A system for generating a welded assembly employing the disclosed method and a method of generating a reinforced assembly are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Blair E. Carlson, Mark T. Hall
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Publication number: 20130104358Abstract: A tool peels apart a sample weld between a top sheet and a bottom sheet of metal while the bottom sheet is held in a vise. The tool includes a wheel having a peripheral rim surface. A handle is attached to the wheel so that rotating the handle rotates the wheel. A clamping mechanism is mounted on the wheel and moves between an open position spaced from the peripheral rim surface and a closed position in which the clamping mechanism clamps the top sheet to the peripheral rim surface so that rotation of the wheel by the handle will progressively wrap the top sheet about the peripheral rim of the wheel and thereby forcibly peel the top sheet away from the bottom sheet to pull apart the weld between the top and bottom sheets.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Joseph M. Lendway, IV, Gregory J. Zywicki, Mark D. Gugel, Mark T. Hall
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Patent number: 8313516Abstract: The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes an engagement member that is adapted to provide sufficient friction between the spherical head and the receiver member to enable the shank to be maintained in a desired angular orientation before locking the spherical head within the receiver member.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: David D. Konieczynski, Thomas V. Doherty, Dale E. Whipple, Niall Casey, Mark T. Hall
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Publication number: 20120283780Abstract: Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.Inventors: Steven Ludwig, Mark T. Hall, Thomas V. Doherty
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Patent number: 8192471Abstract: Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Ludwig, Mark T. Hall, Thomas V. Doherty
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Publication number: 20120101529Abstract: Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2012Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.Inventors: Steven Ludwig, Mark T. Hall, Thomas V. Doherty
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Publication number: 20110314660Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electric motor includes stacking a plurality of laminate layers to form a rotor stack. A plurality of conductor bars are inserted into a respective one of a plurality of rotor slots defined by the rotor stack, such that each of the plurality of conductor bars protrudes from the axial ends of the rotor stack. End pieces for the electric motor are rotated relative to the plurality of conductor bars to weld the end pieces to the conductor bars.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Timothy J. Alfermann, Arthur L. McGrew, JR., Robert T. Szymanski, Blair E. Carlson, Mark T. Hall
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Patent number: 8052028Abstract: A device for use with a welding apparatus, such as a friction stir spot welding (FSSW) apparatus, that maintains work pieces in a generally flat or flush orientation during a welding operation. The device can be mounted to the operable end of an FSSW apparatus so that it exerts a stabilizing force against an upper work piece. The stabilizing force exerted by the device prevents the upper work piece from deflecting when the rotating tool of the FSSW apparatus passes through the upper work piece and penetrates into the lower work piece. In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes a housing component that slidably receives a movable component under the force of a biasing component.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mark T. Hall, Robert T. Szymanski, Yen-Lung Chen, Corey C. Holupko
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Patent number: 8052029Abstract: A method of performing a plurality of friction stir spot welds with a friction stir spot welding (FSSW) system includes measuring a length of a pin of a weld tool of the FSSW system. The length is compared to a first limit to determine if the length is above or below the first limit. Debris is removed off of a tip of the pin when the length is determined to be above the first limit. The length is also compared to a second limit to determine if the length is above or below the second limit. At least one friction stir spot weld is performed on a workpiece when the length is determined to be less than the first limit and above the second limit.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David R. Sigler, Blair E. Carlson, Robert T. Szymanski, Mark T. Hall
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Publication number: 20110214799Abstract: When a friction stir weld tool penetrates the interface of two workpieces of dissimilar metal alloy materials, the resultant weld of the different alloy materials may produce a weak weld joint. Such weak joints are often experienced, for example, when attempting to form spot welds or other friction stir welds between a magnesium alloy sheet or strip and an aluminum alloy sheet or strip. It is discovered that suitable coating compositions including an adhesive placed at the interface of assembled workpieces can alter the composition of the friction stir weld material and strengthen the resulting bond. In the example of friction stir welds between magnesium alloy and aluminum alloy workpieces, it is found that combinations of an adhesive with copper, tin, zinc, and/or other powders can strengthen the magnesium-containing and aluminum-containing friction stir weld material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Robert T. Szymanski, Sri Krishna Chimbli, Mark T. Hall, Yen-Lung Chen
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Patent number: 8011560Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and improved method of friction stir spot welding that assures a predetermined bottom thickness and a reduction in variation in a series of resultant spot welds. The advantage of the present invention lies in that the plunge distance is controlled from the top plane of the anvil against which the bottom thickness is specified, and systematically adjusted to account for changing system parameters, such as, but not limited to, deflection and thermal expansion of the weld gun. The present invention also provides for improved and controlled weld quality through implementation of a dwell operation or dwell operations, whereby weld heat input is manipulated by causing the weld tool to dwell in a dwell region or at a desired depth or depths within the workpiece(s) for a predetermined time interval to achieve desired mechanical properties of the resultant weld joint.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yen-Lung Chen, Mark T. Hall, Robert L. Totten, Robert T. Szymanski, Xiaohong Q Gayden, Gregory A. Fischer
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Patent number: 7997472Abstract: When a friction stir weld tool penetrates the interface of two workpieces of dissimilar metal alloy materials, the resultant weld of the different alloy materials may produce a weak weld joint. Such weak joints are often experienced, for example, when attempting to form spot welds or other friction stir welds between a magnesium alloy sheet or strip and an aluminum alloy sheet or strip. It is discovered that suitable coating compositions including an adhesive placed at the interface of assembled workpieces can alter the composition of the friction stir weld material and strengthen the resulting bond. In the example of friction stir welds between magnesium alloy and aluminum alloy workpieces, it is found that combinations of an adhesive with copper, tin, zinc, and/or other powders can strengthen the magnesium-containing and aluminum-containing friction stir weld material.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert T. Szymanski, Sri Krishna Chimbli, Mark T. Hall, Yen-Lung Chen
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Patent number: 7967845Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising at least two bone anchors, a rod connecting the bone anchors and a connecting plate extending from a proximal surface of at least one of the bone anchors. A method of fixing vertebrae relative to each other comprising the steps of: implanting bone anchors in two adjacent vertebrae, each bone anchor having a rod receiving portion; placing a rod in the rod receiving portions, thereby connecting the bone anchors; threadably engaging set screws in the rod receiving portions of at least a portion of the bone anchors, thereby fixing the rod to the bone anchors; mating one end of a connecting plate to a proximal bearing surface of at least a portion of the bone anchors; and engaging a cap with at least a portion of the set screws, thereby fixing the connecting plate to the bone anchors.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Carl Lauryssen, Raymond F. Murphy, David D. Konieczynski, Bryan S. Jones, Mark T. Hall, Thomas V. Doherty, Steven Ludwig, Iain H. Kalfas, Michael O'Brien
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Publication number: 20100191289Abstract: Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.Inventors: Steven Ludwig, Mark T. Hall, Thomas V. Doherty
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Patent number: 7740659Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for replacing a nucleus of a spinal disc, and in particular for preventing nucleus disc replacement expulsion. The nucleus of a spinal disc can be removed from the annulus by forming a small opening in the annulus. Once the nucleus is removed, one or more insert devices can be implanted within the annulus of a spinal disc and they can be mated to one or both endplates of the adjacent vertebrae. The insert(s) is configured to interact with a nucleus disc replacement implant to prevent expulsion of the implant from the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Brett R. Zarda, Michael J. O'Neil, Mark T. Hall
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Publication number: 20100131018Abstract: The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes an engagement member that is adapted to provide sufficient friction between the spherical head and the receiver member to enable the shank to be maintained in a desired angular orientation before locking the spherical head within the receiver member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.Inventors: David D. Konieczynski, Thomas Vincent Doherty, Dale Whipple, Niall Casey, Mark T. Hall
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Patent number: 7717939Abstract: Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Depuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Steven Ludwig, Mark T. Hall, Thomas V. Doherty
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Publication number: 20100089976Abstract: When a friction stir weld tool penetrates the interface of two workpieces of dissimilar metal alloy materials, the resultant weld of the different alloy materials may produce a weak weld joint. Such weak joints are often experienced, for example, when attempting to form spot welds or other friction stir welds between a magnesium alloy sheet or strip and an aluminum alloy sheet or strip. It is discovered that suitable coating compositions including an adhesive placed at the interface of assembled workpieces can alter the composition of the friction stir weld material and strengthen the resulting bond. In the example of friction stir welds between magnesium alloy and aluminum alloy workpieces, it is found that combinations of an adhesive with copper, tin, zinc, and/or other powders can strengthen the magnesium-containing and aluminum-containing friction stir weld material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Robert T. Szymanski, Sri Krishna Chimbli, Mark T. Hall, Yen-Lung Chen