Patents Assigned to Element, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9357985
    Abstract: A minimally invasive method for accessing a facet joint of the spine is provided. Embodiments of the method include creating a small incision directly over the facet joint and to allow direct access and visualization of the joint. A second incision, which may be a puncture wound, is provided at a distance from the first incision. A path between the second incision and the facet joint is then formed which may be curved or substantially straight. The path is preferably configured to intersect both facet surfaces. The path may be formed using an instrument which can be used to drill a hole across the facets, insert a fastener across the facets, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolf Bertagnoli
  • Patent number: 9301786
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method comprises disposing a portion of a flexible fastening band into contact with a first bone portion and into contact with a second bone portion. The portion of the flexible fastening band having a substantially uniform shape configured to substantially compliment a shape of the first bone portion and a shape of the second bone portion. The method further includes inserting the portion of the flexible fastening band into a fastener and advancing the portion of the flexible fastening band through the fastener until the first bone portion and the and the second bone portion are stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Blain
  • Patent number: 9271765
    Abstract: In some embodiments a method comprises disposing an implant into contact with a first bone portion and into contact with a second bone portion, the implant having (1) a first interface configured to receive a restraining member, and (2) a second interface. The method further comprises inserting a portion of the fastener member into the first interface. The method further comprises securing the fastener member such that the first bone portion and the second bone portion are fixed to each other, at least in part by a substance after the securing, at least a portion of the substance disposed through the second interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Blain
  • Patent number: 9265546
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Blain
  • Patent number: 9220547
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An implant for treating the spine is provided comprising at least two articulations between the spacer and the bone facing surface of the fixation plate. Another implant for treating the spine is also provided, comprising two or more fixation plates attached to a spacer with two or more articulations, wherein the fixation plates are independently movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Blain, Bryan Hildebrand, Eric Kovach
  • Patent number: 9179943
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method comprises disposing a portion of a flexible fastening band into contact with a first bone portion and into contact with a second bone portion. The portion of the flexible fastening band having a substantially uniform shape configured to substantially compliment a shape of the first bone portion and a shape of the second bone portion. The method further includes inserting the portion of the flexible fastening band into a fastener and advancing the portion of the flexible fastening band through the fastener until the first bone portion and the and the second bone portion are stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Blain
  • Patent number: 9131964
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. One embodiment provides a transverse connector for vertebral fixation systems comprising a first connector body comprising a first engaging member for engaging a first elongate member and a first locking member, a second connector body comprising a second engaging member for engaging a second elongate member, and a transverse rod coupled to the first connector body and the second connector body, thereby forming an articulation between a first end of the transverse rod and the first connector body, wherein the first locking member is configured to secure both the articulation and the first elongate member to the first connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Blain, Greg Martin, Steven Howard
  • Patent number: 9089438
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treating an intervertebral space. A device is provided that extends from the middle of at least one vertebral body to the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae. The device allows nutrients, such as bone marrow, blood, etc., to migrate from the vertebral body to the disc space to help promote fusion of the two adjacent vertebral bodies. The device can be tubular, perforated and can be made of an absorbent or wicking material that is able to promote the nutrients to travel through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Blain
  • Patent number: 9072608
    Abstract: Devices and methods for protecting the neurovascular structures about the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a neuroprotective stent or device adapted for placement in an intervertebral foramen of a vertebral column and configured to resist compression or impingement from surrounding structures or forces. The stent or device may further comprise a flange or hinge region to facilitate attachment of the device to the vertebrae or to facilitate insertion of the device in the foramen, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Blain
  • Patent number: 9060787
    Abstract: Methods for creating holes in the articular process of the vertebra using a vertebral facet joint drill tool are provided. Methods of using the resulting holes to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Blain, Eric J. Kovach
  • Patent number: 8998953
    Abstract: Devices and methods for altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a prosthesis with surfaces configured to articulate with the facets of the facet joint. A retaining member for anchoring the prosthesis within the facet joint is optionally included. Methods for surgically and less invasively implanting the prosthesis and securing the prosthesis to the articular processes or surrounding soft tissue are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Blain
  • Patent number: 8992533
    Abstract: Devices and methods for creating lumens in the articular process of the vertebra are provided. An embodiment of the invention can be a tool that can cut a curved lumen through the articular process. The tool can have a lumen-forming arm with a rotating drill contained within that can be powered by a drill motor. The lumen-forming arm can be axially translated to cut a path through the articular process. Methods of using the resulting lumens to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Blain, Eric Kovach
  • Patent number: 8907645
    Abstract: A safe electric power regulating circuit is connected between a power supply and a voltage boost/buck circuit to regulate the output voltage by the power supply to have a target voltage through the voltage boost/buck circuit. A switching device includes a switch unit, a first diode, and a first capacitor. The switch unit includes a first end, a second end, and a third end. The first end is connected to the power supply, and the second end is connected to the voltage boost/buck circuit. The switch unit is controlled to connect the third end to the first end or the second end. The first diode has an anode connected to the first end of the switch unit. The first capacitor has one end connected to the third end of the switch unit and the other end connected to circuit ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Invention Element Inc.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Yu Lee, Ping-Tsun Lin
  • Patent number: 8888820
    Abstract: A bone attachment device comprises an attachment collar having a hinged lid is disclosed. The bone attachment device may also comprise a bone fastener (such as a bone screw). A bone attachment device including an attachment collar and a spinal rod locking device is disclosed. A bone attachment device as described herein may be used together with a spinal stabilization rod and one or more additional bone attachment devices. Such devices are adapted to clamp and hold a spinal stabilization rod. Methods for implanting a spinal stabilizer having a bone attachment device including a hinged lid are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Blain, Gregory Martin, Matthew Lake
  • Patent number: 8882804
    Abstract: Devices and methods for altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a prosthesis with surfaces configured to articulate with the facets of the facet joint. A retaining member for anchoring the prosthesis within the facet joint is optionally included. Methods for surgically and less invasively implanting the prosthesis and securing the prosthesis to the articular processes or surrounding soft tissue are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Blain
  • Patent number: D716214
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Clay F. Haller, Charles P. Hall
  • Patent number: D724733
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Blain
  • Patent number: D739935
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Blain, Greg Martin
  • Patent number: D748262
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Blain
  • Patent number: D748793
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Blain