Patents by Inventor William D. Armstrong

William D. Armstrong 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).

  • Patent number: 11986228
    Abstract: A surgical injection device includes at least one tubular element defining a passageway. The passageway is configured for disposal of a selected volume of an agent and an evacuator disposed within the passageway. An actuator is engageable with the evacuator to entirely expel the selected volume of the agent from the passageway to a selected site. Spinal constructs, implants, systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong, Daniel A. Shimko
  • Patent number: 11918482
    Abstract: An expandable interbody implant adapted for insertion at least into a disc space, between two adjacent vertebrae of a spine. An upper member and a lower member are pivotally connected at least by a drive link. A bone graft storage portion packed with a selected volume of bone growth material. A translational wall is provided between the bone graft storage portion and a trailing end of the implant. An actuator engages the bone graft storage portion, pushing it forward into engagement with the drive link, which pivots upward, moving the upper member upward away from the lower member. Upward movement of the upper member raises the translational wall to a position to assist in retention of the selected volume bone graft material within the hollow portion of the bone graft storage portion. Upward rotation of the drive link brings a face thereof into contact with a front of the bone graft storage portion, thereby retaining near constant volume of the bone graft material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong, Stanley T. Palmatier
  • Publication number: 20230372118
    Abstract: A geared cam expandable spinal implant. Rotational motion of a rotating portion is translated into linear motion of a yoke, which moves geared cams at the distal end of the implant to mate with, and walk along, teeth of corresponding racks. The walking of the gear cam teeth along the rack teeth creates a regular rate of implant expansion, reduces initial excessive expansion force applied to the implant, and provides fine adjustment of the expansion rate and force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, William D. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 11737889
    Abstract: A geared cam expandable spinal implant. Rotational motion of a rotating portion is translated into linear motion of a yoke, which moves geared cams at the distal end of the implant to mate with, and walk along, teeth of corresponding racks. The walking of the gear cam teeth along the rack teeth creates a regular rate of implant expansion, reduces initial excessive expansion force applied to the implant, and provides fine adjustment of the expansion rate and force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, William D. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 11666459
    Abstract: Spinal implant trials are provided having various configurations and sizes that aid the selection of spinal implants having similar configurations and sizes. A surgeon during surgery can insert various configurations and sizes of the spinal implant trials into a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient to enable the selection of a spinal implant configured and sized to fit the patient's disc space. Fluoroscopic images can be used in aiding the selection of an appropriately configured and sized spinal implant corresponding to one of the spinal implant trials. The spinal implant trials include features that reveal on the fluoroscopic images whether the spinal implant trials are properly oriented and positioned in the disc space. As such, the selection of the configuration and size of the spinal implants can be made after it is determined that the spinal implant trials are properly oriented and positioned within the disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent
  • Publication number: 20220273318
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis. A second member is axially translatable relative to the first member. A cutting element is connected with the second member and has a cutting surface. The cutting element is rotatable relative to the second member to transversely move cut tissue. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC.
    Inventors: STANLEY T. PALMATIER, WILLIAM D. ARMSTRONG, NICHOLAS M. BENSON, GRADY S. DAVIS
  • Patent number: 11369389
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis. A second member is axially translatable relative to the first member. A cutting element is connected with the second member and has a cutting surface. The cutting element is rotatable relative to the second member to transversely move cut tissue. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, William D. Armstrong, Nicholas M. Benson, Grady S. Davis
  • Patent number: 11266514
    Abstract: Spinal implant trials are provided having various configurations and sizes that aid the selection of spinal implants having similar configurations and sizes. A surgeon during surgery can insert various configurations and sizes of the spinal implant trials into a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient to enable the selection of a spinal implant configured and sized to fit the patient's disc space. Fluoroscopic images can be used in aiding the selection of an appropriately configured and sized spinal implant corresponding to one of the spinal implant trials. The spinal implant trials include features that reveal on the fluoroscopic images whether the spinal implant trials are properly located and oriented in the disc space and include features corresponding to different sizes of spinal implants also revealed on the fluoroscopic images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent
  • Patent number: 11229528
    Abstract: A spinal implant for insertion into a disc space between an upper vertebral body and a lower vertebral body is provided. The spinal implant includes an upper first end plate portion and a lower second end plate portion each extending from at least adjacent a proximal end to a distal end of the spinal implant. The spinal implant is configured to facilitate insertion into the disc space and inhibit withdrawal from the disc space. To the end, the leading end of the spinal implant can be configured to facilitate ease of insertion into the disc space, and an upper surface and a lower surface of the upper first end plant portion and the lower second end plate portion, respectively, can be provided with depressions or dimples forming ridges and points therebetween to inhibit withdrawal from the disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong, Roy K. Lim
  • Publication number: 20220008087
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a device and system for delivering implantable bodies for anchoring human tissue and bony anatomy. The system may comprise a housing with a handle, an advancement mechanism, a hollow shaft, and a plurality of implant bodies. The present invention also describes a fixation device, such as a dart, staple, screw, or rivet so that the housing includes a handle comprising a lever or trigger for advancing implants, and optionally comprising a second lever or trigger for a second operation. The surgical device may also include an impacting mechanism and a manual advancing mechanism for advancing an elongated body into and through bone, with an optionally reverse setting which changes the direction to retract the elongated body. The invention further includes methods for using the surgical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Trevor Jacob Laughlin, William D. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 11135071
    Abstract: A geared cam expandable spinal implant. Rotational motion of a rotating portion is translated into linear motion of a yoke, which moves geared cams at the distal end of the implant to mate with, and walk along, teeth of corresponding racks. The walking of the gear cam teeth along the rack teeth creates a regular rate of implant expansion, reduces initial excessive expansion force applied to the implant, and provides fine adjustment of the expansion rate and force. Spikes, pivotally mounted on the yoke, pivot outward as the implant expands, to a fully-deployed position into engagement with surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. The engagement between the deployed spikes and the vertebral bodies prevents inadvertent backout of the expanded implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC
    Inventors: Jonathan Dewey, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent
  • Publication number: 20210298916
    Abstract: An expandable interbody implant adapted for insertion at least into a disc space, between two adjacent vertebrae of a spine. An upper member and a lower member are pivotally connected at least by a drive link. A bone graft storage portion packed with a selected volume of bone growth material. A translational wall is provided between the bone graft storage portion and a trailing end of the implant. An actuator engages the bone graft storage portion, pushing it forward into engagement with the drive link, which pivots upward, moving the upper member upward away from the lower member. Upward movement of the upper member raises the translational wall to a position to assist in retention of the selected volume bone graft material within the hollow portion of the bone graft storage portion. Upward rotation of the drive link brings a face thereof into contact with a front of the bone graft storage portion, thereby retaining near constant volume of the bone graft material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong, Stanley T. Palmatier
  • Publication number: 20210282825
    Abstract: A surgical injection device includes at least one tubular element defining a passageway. The passageway is configured for disposal of a selected volume of an agent and an evacuator disposed within the passageway. An actuator is engageable with the evacuator to entirely expel the selected volume of the agent from the passageway to a selected site. Spinal constructs, implants, systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong, Daniel A. Shimko
  • Patent number: 11033402
    Abstract: An expandable interbody implant adapted for insertion at least into a disc space, between two adjacent vertebrae of a spine. An upper member and a lower member are pivotally connected at least by a drive link. A bone graft storage portion packed with a selected volume of bone growth material. A translational wall is provided between the bone graft storage portion and a trailing end of the implant. An actuator engages the bone graft storage portion, pushing it forward into engagement with the drive link, which pivots upward, moving the upper member upward away from the lower member. Upward movement of the upper member raises the translational wall to a position to assist in retention of the selected volume bone graft material within the hollow portion of the bone graft storage portion. Upward rotation of the drive link brings a face thereof into contact with a front of the bone graft storage portion, thereby retaining near constant volume of the bone graft material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong, Stanley T. Palmatier
  • Publication number: 20210161678
    Abstract: A geared cam expandable spinal implant. Rotational motion of a rotating portion is translated into linear motion of a yoke, which moves geared cams at the distal end of the implant to mate with, and walk along, teeth of corresponding racks. The walking of the gear cam teeth along the rack teeth creates a regular rate of implant expansion, reduces initial excessive expansion force applied to the implant, and provides fine adjustment of the expansion rate and force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, William D. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 11020160
    Abstract: A surgical injection device includes at least one tubular element defining a passageway. The passageway is configured for disposal of a selected volume of an agent and an evacuator disposed within the passageway. An actuator is engageable with the evacuator to entirely expel the selected volume of the agent from the passageway to a selected site. Spinal constructs, implants, systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong, Daniel A. Shimko
  • Patent number: 10932920
    Abstract: A geared cam expandable spinal implant. Rotational motion of a rotating portion is translated into linear motion of a yoke, which moves geared cams at the distal end of the implant to mate with, and walk along, teeth of corresponding racks. The walking of the gear cam teeth along the rack teeth creates a regular rate of implant expansion, reduces initial excessive expansion force applied to the implant, and provides fine adjustment of the expansion rate and force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, William D. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20200315816
    Abstract: Spinal implant trials are provided having various configurations and sizes that aid the selection of spinal implants having similar configurations and sizes. A surgeon during surgery can insert various configurations and sizes of the spinal implant trials into a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient to enable the selection of a spinal implant configured and sized to fit the patient's disc space. Fluoroscopic images can be used in aiding the selection of an appropriately configured and sized spinal implant corresponding to one of the spinal implant trials. The spinal implant trials include features that reveal on the fluoroscopic images whether the spinal implant trials are properly oriented and positioned in the disc space. As such, the selection of the configuration and size of the spinal implants can be made after it is determined that the spinal implant trials are properly oriented and positioned within the disc space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent
  • Patent number: 10736756
    Abstract: Spinal implant trials are provided having various configurations and sizes that aid the selection of spinal implants having similar configurations and sizes. A surgeon during surgery can insert various configurations and sizes of the spinal implant trials into a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient to enable the selection of a spinal implant configured and sized to fit the patient's disc space. Fluoroscopic images can be used in aiding the selection of an appropriately configured and sized spinal implant corresponding to one of the spinal implant trials. The spinal implant trials include features that reveal on the fluoroscopic images whether the spinal implant trials are properly oriented and positioned in the disc space. As such, the selection of the configuration and size of the spinal implants can be made after it is determined that the spinal implant trials are properly oriented and positioned within the disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent
  • Publication number: 20200146838
    Abstract: A spinal implant for insertion into a disc space between an upper vertebral body and a lower vertebral body is provided. The spinal implant includes an upper first end plate portion and a lower second end plate portion each extending from at least adjacent a proximal end to a distal end of the spinal implant. The spinal implant is configured to facilitate insertion into the disc space and inhibit withdrawal from the disc space. To the end, the leading end of the spinal implant can be configured to facilitate ease of insertion into the disc space, and an upper surface and a lower surface of the upper first end plant portion and the lower second end plate portion, respectively, can be provided with depressions or dimples forming ridges and points therebetween to inhibit withdrawal from the disc space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong, Roy K. Lim