Patents Assigned to Blackstone Medical, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130238029
    Abstract: The invention concerns a distance-keeping inter-process implant with a body ending in its posterior part with two opposite-situated resistance protrusions. In the anterior part of the body there are situated at least two wings, at least one of which is a mobile wing connected with the body by an articulated joint. Each wing is provided with at least one guide of the tensioning band. The articulated joint between the mobile wing and the body is formed by the mutually collaborating shaped surface of the. wing (and the shaped surface of the body and is usefully secured by the pin that constitutes the axis of rotation of the mobile wing. In an alternative version of the implementation of the implant, the mobile wing connected with the body is provided with at least one arm situated with respect to the wing at the angle a amounting to from 30° to 150°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Lechoslaw Franciszek Ciupik, Robert Gunzburg, Jerzy Pieniazek, Marek Szpalski, Daniel Zarzycki
  • Patent number: 8518116
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of prosthetic devices. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an artificial disc that can be used as a replacement for an intervertebral disc (e.g., a human intervertebral lumbar disc, a human intervertebral cervical disc and/or a human intervertebral thoracic disc).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Blackstone Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Lombardo, Mark Semler, Joseph F. Ferraro, Theodore Karwoski, Thomas M. Swanick, Brian C. Sunter
  • Publication number: 20130197643
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis for partially or totally replacing an organic intervertebral disc. The disc prosthesis includes an interbody device, a face plate and a pair of locking mechanisms for achieving dual fixation in the cephalad and caudal direction. Methods according to the present disclosure achieve such dual fixation in a single fixation step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Greenberg, James Klein
  • Publication number: 20130172939
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to locking mechanisms for a fastener (e.g., a bone screw) and associated devices, systems, and methods. According to some embodiments, a lockable bone plate assembly may comprise, for example, a bone plate and a bone screw assembly. A bone plate may comprise, in some embodiments, at least one through hole, the at least one through hole having at least one bone plate hole circumferential recess. According to some embodiments, a bone screw assembly may comprise (a) a bone screw, (b) at least one deployable protrusion, and/or (c) a protrusion driver. The present disclosure further relates, in some embodiments, to methods for bone (e.g., vertebral) fixation. For example, a method may comprise contacting at least a portion of a spine (e.g., cervical spine) of a subject with a lockable bone plate assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Tara Ziolo, Stephen Termyna, John Lovell
  • Publication number: 20130172947
    Abstract: A head holder for holding and tensioning the head of a bone screw, particularly a pedicle screw, is provided. Also provided is a ratcheting connector for connecting to the head holders while permitting rotational movement of the head holder when engaged with the ratcheting connector. Also provided is a flex arm connector for connecting multiple ratcheting connectors across multiple vertebral bodies. A tool set for managing and/or correcting spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, including at least one or more head holders and one or more ratcheting connectors is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Greenberg
  • Publication number: 20130172938
    Abstract: An implantable orthopedic assembly comprises an occipital plate and one or more repositionable clamping assemblies for securing a stabilizing rod to the plate. When unlocked, the clamping assembly may be laterally and rotationally repositioned along a supporting rail. Locking occurs when a stabilizing rod is secured in the clamping assembly. The rod exerts a force upon a locking component, causing the locking component to exert a force upon the supporting rail. This force pulls a surface of the clamping assembly base into contact with the rail, effectively locking the clamping assembly base at a fixed position. The clamping assembly may further comprise a loading component to exert a stabilizing force on the locking component, keeping the clamping assembly positionally stable while adjustments are made prior to locking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Tara Ziolo, Stephen Termyna
  • Publication number: 20130172934
    Abstract: A cross connecting device suitable for connecting first and second spinal fixation devices comprises a fixable pivot junction, first and second connection members, and first and second clamps. The fixable pivot junction includes a pivotable joint that is pivotable about a pivot point. The fixable pivot junction also includes a collar configured for fixating the pivot junction. The first and second connection members are connected by the fixable pivot junction such that the fixable pivot junction allows the first and second connection members to be repositioned relative to each other. The first and second clamps are connected to respective ones of the first and second connection members at distal ends of the connection members relative to the fixable pivot junction. The first and second clamps allow the cross connecting device to be clamped on to spinal fixation devices, such as pedicle screws or hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Clint Walker, Stephen Termyna, John Lovell
  • Patent number: 8439957
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bone plate assembly that includes a bone plate, bone screw(s) received in aperture(s) in the bone plate, and screw fixation member(s). The screw fixation member(s) may, alone or in conjunction with the bone plate, fix the bone screw(s) in place when such bone screw(s) are inserted in the aperture(s) in the bone plate. In one example (which example is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive) when the bone screw(s) have been received by the bone plate and inserted into bone and/or tissue, the bone plate assembly can-be used to fuse anatomical structures together (such as adjoining bones) and/or to heal a fracture in bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Blackstone Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Lombardo, David Edgar Evans
  • Patent number: 8403960
    Abstract: The invention concerns a distance-keeping inter-process implant with a body ending in its posterior part with two opposite-situated resistance protrusions. In the anterior part of the body there are situated at least two wings, at least one of which is a mobile wing connected with the body by an articulated joint. Each wing is provided with at least one guide of the tensioning band. The articulated joint between the mobile wing and the body is formed by the mutually collaborating shaped surface of the. wing (and the shaped surface of the body and is usefully secured by the pin that constitutes the axis of rotation of the mobile wing. In an alternative version of the implementation of the implant, the mobile wing connected with the body is provided with at least one arm situated with respect to the wing at the angle ? amounting to from 30° to 150°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Blackstone Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Lechoslaw Franciszek Ciupik, Robert Gunzburg, Jerzy Pieniazek, Marek Szpalski, Daniel Zarzycki
  • Patent number: 8388685
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of prosthetic devices. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an artificial disc that can be used as a replacement for an intervertebral disc (e.g., a human intervertebral lumbar disc, a human intervertebral cervical disc and/or a human intervertebral thoracic disc).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Blackstone Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Lombardo, Mark Semler, Joseph F. Ferraro, Theodore Karwoski, Thomas M. Swanick, Brian C. Sunter
  • Publication number: 20130041409
    Abstract: A dynamic stabilization apparatus comprises elongated members mounted within the proximal end of anchoring devices that are placed in adjacent vertebral bodies. A flexible element having elastic properties within the applicable range of loading, for example loads that the spine experiences, is disposed between the proximal ends of the elongated members. At least one additional flexible element is mounted about the proximal ends of the elongated members adjacent the central flexible element. A housing encapsulates the proximal ends of the members such that the flexible element and the additional flexible elements are contained therein. As compressive, tensile, angular, shear and rotational forces are applied to the elongated members the central flexible element and the additional flexible elements interact with the elongated members and the housing to allow for motion of the elongated members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Blackstone Medical, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130035729
    Abstract: A counter-torque wrench for use with spinal implantation systems is provided wherein the counter-torque wrench engages a spinal implant rod and a bone screw body in a manner to promote a perpendicular alignment between the longitudinal axis of the rod and the longitudinal axis of the bone screw body, and a co-linear alignment between the longitudinal axis of the bone screw body and the longitudinal axis of the wrench body. The counter-torque wrench may comprise a handle attached to a first end of the counter-torque wrench body and a rod engaging member attached to a second end of the counter-torque wrench body. The rod engaging member may comprise generally opposing slots, wherein each slot comprises a prong extending into each slot, the prong creating a generally L-shaped slot, and a pocket formed by a curved feature of each slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Anthony Hammer
  • Publication number: 20130006358
    Abstract: A locking device for locking an expandable support device, where the locking device includes a spring device integral with the expandable support device, and the spring device includes an end portion, a first flexible arm, and a second flexible arm. A first aperture of the spring device is adapted to position the fastener associated with the first rotational position and a second aperture of the spring device is adapted to position the fastener associated with the second rotational position. The first flexible arm and second flexible arm are adapted to flex outward and allow passage of the fastener head when an inward pressure is applied to the fastener positioned in the second aperture. The first flexible arm and the second flexible arms are adapted to collapse to their unflexed position after the fastener head has completed passage through the spring device, such that the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm are adapted to cover the fastener head and prevent the fastener from backing out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Boris Olevsky, Francesco A. Larosa, Nelson Li, E. Skott Greenhalgh, John-Paul Romano, Alla Olevsky
  • Publication number: 20130006359
    Abstract: An insertion instrument for inserting an expandable support device, where the insertion instrument includes an actuator device operable to rotate a component of an expandable support device to a rotated position, such that the rotation to the rotated position of the expandable support device causes a first longitudinally extending member of the expandable support device to be longitudinally fixed. The insertion instrument also includes a hollow body, where the hollow body includes a removable gear device or a removable screw driver device. The removable gear device is configurable to cause a first longitudinally extending member of expandable support device to longitudinally extend in a direction away from the center of the expandable support device. The removable screw driver device is configurable to insert a screw into the expandable support device to lock the rotated position into place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Sergey A. Fedorov, Nelson Li
  • Publication number: 20120304444
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of prosthetic devices. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an artificial disc that can be used as a replacement for an intervertebral disc (e.g., a human intervertebral lumbar disc, a human intervertebral cervical disc and/or a human intervertebral thoracic disc).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Lombardo, Mark Semler, Joseph F. Ferraro, Theodore Karwoski, Thomas M. Swanick, Brian C. Sunter
  • Patent number: 8287571
    Abstract: A dynamic stabilization apparatus comprises elongated members mounted within the proximal end of anchoring devices that are placed in adjacent vertebral bodies. A flexible element having elastic properties within the applicable range of loading, for example loads that the spine experiences, is disposed between the proximal ends of the elongated members. At least one additional flexible element is mounted about the proximal ends of the elongated members adjacent the central flexible element. A housing encapsulates the proximal ends of the members such that the flexible element and the additional flexible elements are contained therein. As compressive, tensile, angular, shear and rotational forces are applied to the elongated members the central flexible element and the additional flexible elements interact with the elongated members and the housing to allow for motion of the elongated members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Blackstone Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Evald Semler, Francesco Alfredo Larosa
  • Publication number: 20120259369
    Abstract: A clamp for attaching a cross connecting device to a spinal fixation system comprising an outer body and an inner body. The outer body defines an internally threaded bore and an outer body cavity, and the inner body defines an inner body cavity. The inner body is at least partially disposed within the outer body. A pin is provided for connecting the inner and outer bodies to each other, while allowing for a limited amount of movement therebetween. A set screw suitable for being driven into the internally threaded bore is provided for securing the inner body to the spinal fixation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Hammer
  • Publication number: 20120221052
    Abstract: The invention concerns a distance-keeping inter-process implant with a body ending in its posterior part with two opposite-situated resistance protrusions. In the anterior part of the body there are situated at least two wings, at least one of which is a mobile wing connected with the body by an articulated joint. Each wing is provided with at least one guide of the tensioning band. The articulated joint between the mobile wing and the body is formed by the mutually collaborating shaped surface of the. wing (and the shaped surface of the body and is usefully secured by the pin that constitutes the axis of rotation of the mobile wing. In an alternative version of the implementation of the implant, the mobile wing connected with the body is provided with at least one arm situated with respect to the wing at the angle a amounting to from 30° to 150°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Lechoslaw Franciszek Ciupik, Robert Gunzburg, Jerzy Pieniazek, Marek Szpalski, Daniel Zarzycki
  • Patent number: 8246660
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus placed by an implantation tool for spacing a first section of a divided lamina apart from a second section of the divided lamina in connection with a laminoplasty procedure, including an apparatus placed with an implantation tool and fastened in place by a locking plate that is held in place by a locking plate fastener driven into the tool receiving hole in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Blackstone Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Olevsky Boris, Kevin C. Booth, Joseph M. Grant
  • Publication number: 20120209335
    Abstract: An implantable orthopedic assembly comprises a bone fixator and head assembly for securing a stabilizing rod to the spine. The head assembly allows multi-axial repositioning of the bone fixator relative to the head assembly. A primary drive interface located on the bone fixator may be used to adjust the depth of bone penetration when the bone fixator and head assembly are substantially coaxial. A secondary drive interface located on the head assembly may be used to adjust the depth of bone penetration while independently adjusting the stabilizing rod position when the bone fixator and the head assembly are not coaxial, transferring torsional loads to the bone fixator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Termyna, John Lovell