Patents by Inventor Thomas S. Kilpela
Thomas S. Kilpela 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: 10893893Abstract: An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Thomas S. Kilpela, Brian P. Janowski, Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Russell M. Pietila, Michael R. Jackson, John Sullivan
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Publication number: 20190192196Abstract: An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2018Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventors: Thomas S. Kilpela, Brian P. Janowski, Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Russell M. Pietila, Michael R. Jackson, John Sullivan
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Patent number: 10182852Abstract: An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2017Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Thomas S. Kilpela, Brian P. Janowski, Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Russell M. Pietila, Michael R. Jackson, John Sullivan
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Publication number: 20170112549Abstract: An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2017Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Thomas S. Kilpela, Brian P. Janowski, Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Russell M. Pietila, Michael R. Jackson, John Sullivan
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Patent number: 9545269Abstract: An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: PIONEER SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Thomas S. Kilpela, Brian P. Janowski, Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Russell M. Pietila, Michael R. Jackson, John Sullivan
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Patent number: 9351852Abstract: An artificial disc device for replacing a damaged nucleus is disclosed. In one form, the device may be inserted in components such that the device may be assembled within and retained by the natural annulus therein. In another form, the device may be inserted into the natural annulus in a collapsed or compressed state or arrangement and then be expanded within and retained by the annulus therein. In a further form, the device may be provided with a releasable connection so that the device may be connected in an insertion configuration and may be released in an operable configuration. Insertion tools and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: PIONEER SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Qi-Bin Boa, Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Brian Patrick Janowski, Matthew N. Songer, Hansen A. Yuan, Thomas S. Kilpela, Gregory Berrevoets
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Patent number: 9216098Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a size measurement within an intervertebral space by placing an expandable and contractible device into the intervertebral space, expanding the device, measuring a size characteristic of the space, contracting the device and then removing it. The measurement may be accomplished by an external x-ray or other imaging device imaging the expanded device in situ or by mechanically operated devices. An expansion and contraction mechanism such as fluid containing bladder or mechanically shifted members expands the device which later contracts in a controlled manner to the contracted size. An apparatus and method is provided for the measuring of the intervertebral space at a controlled distraction force. The apparatus includes an expandable device for providing a measurement within the intervertebral space and facilitating the measurement of the angulations of the lordotic curve of the intervertebral space.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: PIONEER SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Thomas S. Kilpela, Qi-Bin Bao, Weston Pernsteiner
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Publication number: 20140324104Abstract: An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Thomas S. Kilpela, Brian P. Janowski, Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Russell M. Pietila, Michael R. Jackson, John Sullivan
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Patent number: 8808382Abstract: An implant retention device is provided to assist in restraining movement of a nuclear implant and to assist in preventing expulsion of the nuclear implant through an incision portal or defect in the annular wall. In one form, the implant retention device may include an elongated tensioning member having a portion configured to connect to the implant and at least one anchoring device disposed on the tensioning member, the anchoring device configured to at least partially penetrate spinal tissue such as the annulus, vertebral body, or other secure tissue.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Thomas S. Kilpela, Wade DePas, Allison Koskey, Brian P. Janowski
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Patent number: 8758409Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes a first engagement member and a support structure. The first engagement member is adapted to be disposed between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. The engagement member generally includes a seating surface for accommodating at least a portion of a laminar region of the first vertebra. The support structure engages a portion of the second vertebra. The structural cooperation of the first engagement member and the support structure is such that the engagement member restricts reduction of the intervertebral spacing between the first and second vertebrae.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Stephen H. Hochschuler, Brian P. Janowski, Thomas S. Kilpela, Matthew N. Songer, Qi-bin Bao
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Patent number: 8672976Abstract: An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Thomas S. Kilpela, Brian P. Janowski, Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Russell M. Pietila, Michael R. Jackson, John Sullivan
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Patent number: 8657856Abstract: Spinal rods are provided that transition from one diameter to another without an extended transition region to which coupling devices may not be attached, allowing coupling devices for mounting the spinal rod to the spine to be secured almost anywhere along the rod's length without having a weakened transition point.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Matthew P. Gephart, Thomas S. Kilpela, John Sullivan
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Patent number: 8603141Abstract: An implant device includes a pair of hook devices and an elongate guide device. The hook devices are configured to be disposed between and engage adjacent vertebral bodies. The elongate guide device is connected to the hook devices and allows for relative movement of at least one of the hook devices to adjust for the geometries of the vertebral surfaces to be engaged by the hook devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Stephen H. Hochschuler, Ali Araghi, Thomas S. Kilpela, Jeffrey A. Hoffman, Michael R. Jackson, Russell M. Pietila
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Patent number: 8388684Abstract: An artificial disc device for replacing a damaged nucleus is disclosed. In one form, the device may be inserted in components such that the device may be assembled within and retained by the natural annulus therein. In another form, the device may be inserted into the natural annulus in a collapsed or compressed state or arrangement and then be expanded within and retained by the annulus therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2003Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Pioneer Signal Technology, Inc.Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Brian Patrick Janowski, Matthew N. Songer, Hansen Yuan, Thomas S. Kilpela, Gregory Berrevoets
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Publication number: 20120310287Abstract: An artificial disc device for replacing a damaged nucleus is disclosed. In one form, the device may be inserted in components such that the device may be assembled within and retained by the natural annulus therein. In another form, the device may be inserted into the natural annulus in a collapsed or compressed state or arrangement and then be expanded within and retained by the annulus therein. In a further form, the device may be provided with a releasable connection so that the device may be connected in an insertion configuration and may be released in an operable configuration. Insertion tools and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Brian Patrick Janowski, Matthew N. Songer, Hansen A. Yuan, Thomas S. Kilpela, Gregory Berrevoets
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Patent number: 8308767Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes vertebral engagement members and an intermediate structure. The vertebral engagement members are configured to be disposed between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. The vertebral engagement members generally include seating surfaces for accommodating at least a portion of a laminar region of adjacent vertebra and are adjustable between an operable and inoperable configuration. The intermediate structure extends between the vertebral engagement members. The structural cooperation of the vertebral engagement members and the intermediate structure is such that the engagement members distract the adjacent vertebrae.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Hochschuler, Ali Araghi, Matthew N. Songer, Thomas S. Kilpela, Joshua A. Butters, Greta Jo Hays
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Patent number: 8262731Abstract: Artificial disc devices are disclosed that restore correct anatomical intervertebral spacing for damaged discs while maintaining a substantially normal range of biomechanical movement for the vertebrae between which they are implanted. The disc devices include center bearing and outer or annular bearing portions with the center bearing portion including generally axially extending locating surfaces which cooperate with the facing vertebral surfaces to resist migration. The outer bearing portion is for load bearing or load sharing with the center bearing portion and includes surfaces that extend radially toward the periphery of the vertebrae so that subsidence about the center bearing portion is minimized. Alternate forms of the disc devices include one with an axially enlarged center ball bearing having an annular ring bearing extending thereabout and another having upper and lower plate members with a central bumper member and a surrounding resilient annular member therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Matthew N. Songer, Thomas S. Kilpela, Brian P. Janowski, Gregory A. Berrevoets, Matthew P. Gephart
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Patent number: 8241360Abstract: An artificial disc device for replacing a damaged nucleus is disclosed. In one form, the device may be inserted in components such that the device may be assembled within and retained by the natural annulus therein. In another form, the device may be inserted into the natural annulus in a collapsed or compressed state or arrangement and then be expanded within and retained by the annulus therein. In a further form, the device may be provided with a releasable connection so that the device may be connected in an insertion configuration and may be released in an operable configuration. Insertion tools and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Brian Patrick Janowski, Matthew N. Songer, Hansen A. Yuan, Thomas S. Kilpela, Gregory Berrevoets
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Patent number: 8172876Abstract: A spinal fixation system is provided that includes a coupling member and a locking device that is operable to fix an elongate member relative to the coupling member. In one form, locking device includes opposing lock arms operable to retain the locking device relative to the coupling member in an initial position prior to the locking device fixing the elongate member relative to the coupling member. In another form, the coupling member and locking device include cooperating structure therebetween in the form of a protrusion and a guide track, the cooperating structure arranged and configured to retain the locking device within an internal space of the coupling member. There is also provided a retainer operable to minimize pivoting of the coupling member relative to an anchor member and to substantially retain an anchor member depressed within an internal space of the coupling member to minimize play therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Brian P. Janowski, Francis J. Korhonen, Thomas S. Kilpela, Gregory Berrevoets
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Patent number: 8172885Abstract: Bone plate and bone screw lock systems are provided for use in surgical implants. In a preferred form, the bone plate or other implantable member defines a bore for receiving a bone screw and a recess in communication with the bore. A screw lock operates in the bore at the recess to engage and lock the bone screw against unintentional movement. The preferred screw lock is shifted about the screw between an unlocked position to allow manipulation of the screw and a locked position in which the screw lock grips the head of the screw to prevent movement of the screw. The screw lock preferably has a c-shaped collar configuration with opposing ends and a camming engagement with the plate or other member in the recess. Upon rotation of the screw lock, the camming engagement causes the ends of the collar to either shift toward one another in which the collar compresses about the screw to lock the screw or away from another to unlock the screw head.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Matthew N. Songer, Hansen Yuan, Thomas S. Kilpela, Brian P. Janowski, Gregory A. Berrevoets