Patents Assigned to Spinal Simplicity LLC
  • Patent number: 8523909
    Abstract: Spinal implants include an elongated body portion dimensioned and configured for percutaneous introduction into a target interspinous process space, at which interspinous distraction and/or spinal fusion are desired. The body portion can include a threaded outer surface, or alternatively a smooth surface. The body portion can include one or more interior cavities, and can include deployable engagement members adapted and configured to move in tandem between a stowed position retracted within the interior cavity of the body portion and a deployed position extended from the interior cavity of the body for engaging adjacent spinous processes. An internal drive assembly for selectively moving the engagement members from the stowed position to the deployed position can be provided, as can a elements for locking the engagement members in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Spinal Simplicity LLC
    Inventor: Harold Hess
  • Publication number: 20130030465
    Abstract: A bone plate assembly is disclosed which includes at least one plate segment having at least one aperture extending therethrough for receiving a head portion of a bone screw, and a structure supported by the plate segment and intersecting the aperture for retaining the head portion of the bone screw with respect to the plate segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Spinal Simplicity LLC
    Inventors: Harold Hess, Melissa Frock, Todd Moseley, Adam Rogers, Jonathan Hess, Paul Sand
  • Publication number: 20120310288
    Abstract: A vertebral column construct for stabilizing a segment of a vertebral column can include first and second plate segments, and a spring connected between adjacent plate segments. The spring can be adapted and configured to provide a predetermined preload between the first and second plate segments. Such a preload can advantageously enhance fusion across a bone graft. Alternatively, the spring can be adapted and configured to resist, by a predetermined degree, loading between the first and second plate segments. A cam can be provided on one of the first and second plate segments, wherein engagement between the cam and the cam surface prevents dynamic connection between the first and second plates. The cam can be adapted and configured to adjust a preload applied between segments, such as by adjusting tension in the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Spinal Simplicity LLC
    Inventor: Harold HESS
  • Patent number: 8262711
    Abstract: A vertebral column construct for stabilizing a segment of a vertebral column can include first and second plate segments, and a spring connected between adjacent plate segments. The spring can be adapted and configured to provide a predetermined preload between the first and second plate segments. Such a preload can advantageously enhance fusion across a bone graft. Alternatively, the spring can be adapted and configured to resist, by a predetermined degree, loading between the first and second plate segments. A cam can be provided on one of the first and second plate segments, wherein engagement between the cam and the cam surface prevents dynamic connection between the first and second plates. The cam can be adapted and configured to adjust a preload applied between segments, such as by adjusting tension in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Spinal Simplicity LLC
    Inventor: Harold Hess
  • Publication number: 20120078301
    Abstract: A spinal implant for treating lumbar spinal stenosis or as an adjunct to spinal fusion. The implant includes a body portion having an interior cavity. A plurality of locking wings are adapted and configured to move between a stowed position retracted within the interior cavity of the body portion and a deployed position extended from the interior cavity of the body portion. In the deployed position, the wings fix the implant in a selected interspinous space. A cable and wheel arrangement moves the plurality of locking wings from the stowed position to the deployed position and a ratchet/pawl assembly prevents backward movement of the wings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Spinal Simplicity LLC
    Inventor: Harold Hess
  • Patent number: 8142479
    Abstract: Spinal implants include an elongated body portion dimensioned and configured for percutaneous introduction into a target interspinous process space, at which interspinous distraction and/or spinal fusion are desired. The body portion can include a threaded outer surface, or alternatively a smooth surface. The body portion can include one or more interior cavities, and can include deployable engagement members adapted and configured to move in tandem between a stowed position retracted within the interior cavity of the body portion and a deployed position extended from the interior cavity of the body for engaging adjacent spinous processes. An internal drive assembly for selectively moving the engagement members from the stowed position to the deployed position can be provided, as can a elements for locking the engagement members in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Spinal Simplicity LLC
    Inventor: Harold Hess
  • Publication number: 20120063864
    Abstract: A fastening device including a fastener having a head portion and an elongated threaded body portion extending axially from the head portion. The threaded body portion includes opposing flat sections. A lock washer has a lower surface with an array of radially extending engagement teeth. The lock washer also defines an axial aperture for receiving the fastener. The axial aperture has two flat inner surfaces for cooperating with the two flat sections of the threaded body portion to prevent relative rotation of the washer and threaded body portion. A threaded lock nut mates with the threaded body portion. The lock nut has an upper surface with at least one cantilevered pawl members for ratcheted engagement with the array of radially extending engagement teeth of the lock washer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Spinal Simplicity LLC
    Inventor: Harold Hess
  • Patent number: 8075593
    Abstract: A spinal implant for treating lumbar spinal stenosis or as an adjunct to spinal fusion. The implant includes a body portion having an interior cavity. A plurality of locking wings are adapted and configured to move between a stowed position retracted within the interior cavity of the body portion and a deployed position extended from the interior cavity of the body portion. In the deployed position, the wings fix the implant in a selected interspinous space. A cable and wheel arrangement moves the plurality of locking wings from the stowed position to the deployed position and a ratchet/pawl assembly prevents backward movement of the wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Spinal Simplicity LLC
    Inventor: Harold Hess