Patents Examined by Jan Christopher Merene
  • Patent number: 9962207
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a receiving part configured to be pivotably connected to a head of an anchoring element, the receiving part having a channel for receiving a rod and an accommodation space having an opening for accommodating the head, and a sleeve-like insert piece having a sleeve axis and a spherical segment-shaped outer surface portion. The insert piece is configured to be positioned around a portion of the head in the receiving part and to pivot in the receiving part, and includes a first part and a separable second part configured to be connected with the first part by a connection structure configured to permit translational movement between the first part and the second part in a direction transverse to the sleeve axis, while preventing movement between the first part and the second part in a direction parallel to the sleeve axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Martin Meer
  • Patent number: 9962270
    Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
  • Patent number: 9956008
    Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes a device body configured for implantation in a human body and a clamp that is formed from shape memory material and attached to the device body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Anand K. Agarwal, Vijay K. Goel, John R. D'Onofrio, Nathaniel E. DuBois, Jared R. Pack, David J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9956007
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating the spine are disclosed herein. Medical devices can be positioned along a subject's spine to treat various conditions and diseases. The medical device can include an actuator assembly and a clamp assembly. The actuator assembly can be positioned at an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process. The actuator assembly can be used to reconfigure the clamp assembly such that the clamp assembly clamps onto the superior and inferior spinous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Andy Wonyong Choi, Kim Thien Nguyen, Robert Leslie Richards
  • Patent number: 9956014
    Abstract: A method for joining two or more segments of a bone implant comprises the steps of placing a plurality of thin layers of an intermetallic material between first and second segments of the bone implant and applying a mechanical load to the plurality of layers. In a subsequent step, the plurality of layers are ignited by applying an external activation energy thereto, the ignition heating the plurality of layers to a reaction temperature and causing the segments to become affixed to one another after cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Cyril Voisard, Robert Frigg, Goetz Thorwarth
  • Patent number: 9949761
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a system for noninvasive adjusting fastener tensioning has an elongated shaft having a slot defined therein. The shaft has a first end oppositely disposed from the second end. An associated rod or rods may pass through each end. Selectively adjustable fasteners may have a plurality of magnets disposed in the head of the fastener. An external drive device generating a magnetic field may be used to rotate the fasteners via the magnets in the fastener head externally without the need for surgery. The fasteners may move in and out from the shaft and contact the rod to adjust tensioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignees: CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER OF AKRON, AUSTEN BIONNOVATION INSTITUTE IN AKRON
    Inventors: Stephen D. Fening, Todd Ritzman
  • Patent number: 9949778
    Abstract: A spinal implant can be fastened on a bony element of a patient via a flexible tie. In some embodiments, the spinal implant has two jaws, each having a recess and an opening. The recess is configured to receive a portion of a rod. A portion of the flexible tie is passed through the opening and between a wall of the recess and a surface of the rod to form a loop that can be placed around the bony element. The two jaws are hinged at one end and engaged at the opposite end via a locking member. The locking member can be adjusted to simultaneously hold the jaws together in a fixed position relative to the rod and lock the flexible tie, which has been properly tensioned, in translation relative to the spinal implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Christian Baccelli, Régis Le Couedic, Keyvan Mazda
  • Patent number: 9949767
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for manipulating a vertebra. In one embodiment, a surgical device can include a frame configured to couple two or more surgical instruments attached to one or more vertebrae. Coupling the two or more surgical instruments together, the frame and/or at least one of the surgical instruments can be manipulated to move at least one of the surgical instruments, thereby effecting movement at least one of the vertebra or vertebrae to which the surgical instruments coupled to the frame are attached. In this way, the surgical device can be used to facilitate rotation of a vertebra relative to another vertebra to correct the angular relationship of the vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Mickiewicz, John R. Cournoyer, James R. Donahue, Richard W. Fournier, SeungKyu Daniel Kwak
  • Patent number: 9943341
    Abstract: A retention member for a spinal plate system where at least one or more segments of the retention member cover the head portion of a bone anchor member to inhibit movement of the bone anchor member that is inserted into the plate. The retention member allows for ease of insertion of the bone anchor member and once the bone anchor member is fully seated the retention member is in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: K2M, LLC
    Inventors: Megan Carnes, Todd Wallenstein, Scott Jones
  • Patent number: 9943378
    Abstract: A spinal implant device identifiable after implantation comprises an outer cage member and an implant body. The implant body is disposed between a first vertebra end and a second vertebra end of the outer cage and defines a plurality of planes. Each of the planes comprises separately readable indicia such that the indicia are discernible by at least one of x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Brian Kieser
  • Patent number: 9936981
    Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a rod and anchor devices that include a bone engaging fastener having a head defining a spherical socket. A ball insert is placed within the socket and rotated so that the ball insert is juxtaposed with the socket. The anchor device further includes a yoke defining a yoke channel for receiving the rod and a stem engaged to the ball insert captured within the socket. A sleeve disposed between the yoke channel and the fastener head supports the rod. A set screw is operable to clamp the rod against the sleeve and draw the insert into engagement within the socket. A friction element in the form of a wave spring is disposed between the yoke and the fastener head is configured to releasably retain the yoke in at least one discrete position relative to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: SPINE WAVE, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony James, Tawney Schwarz
  • Patent number: 9937057
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a delivery device for delivering a tissue repair composition in paste form, such as a bone graft extender and substitute in paste form, for use in surgical procedures including minimally invasive spine (fusion) surgery, open spine surgery and other orthopedic procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ISTO Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary B. Gage
  • Patent number: 9936977
    Abstract: A revisable orthopedic anchor and method of use for removably securing an anchor in bone, such as compromised or degenerated bone, is described herein. In one embodiment, the anchor makes use of dual probes and vector divergence of the distal tips of the probes to achieve superior bone purchase and pull-out resistance. In such an embodiment, the probes can be inserted one at a time into a hole formed in, for example, the pedicle bone. After the probes are inserted and joined at the proximal end, they have a greater pull-out resistance than a threaded anchor. Removing the anchor involves separating the proximal heads and reversing the implantation process. As a result of the unique bone anchor design disclosed herein, the devices and methods of the present invention allow for less complicated implantation and removal of orthopedic anchors, all while providing enhanced bone purchase when implanted in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Riley Hawkins, Alexander Grinberg, Michael Michielli
  • Patent number: 9937054
    Abstract: An expandable implant includes a body portion, a carriage portion, a deployment assembly, and an expandable portion. The deployment assembly and the expandable portion are attached to the carriage portion, and portions of the carriage portion are moveable out of and into the body portion. When the expandable implant is inserted into a disc space, the expandable portion is expandable to push the upper vertebral body and the lower vertebral body away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan M. Dewey
  • Patent number: 9931194
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for fixing a ligament graft in a bone tunnel. In general, the methods and devices involve affixing a ligament graft within a bone tunnel using an adhesive. A fixation device can be inserted through the ligament graft in a direction transverse to an axis of the tunnel to maintain the ligament graft in contact with the adhesive. The fixation device can be removed when the adhesive is cured such that the ligament graft is fixed in the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: DEPUY MITEK, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory R. Whittaker
  • Patent number: 9931139
    Abstract: A dynamic longitudinal connecting member assembly includes an anchor member having an integral or otherwise fixed elongate core of circular or non-circular cross-section. The core is pre-tensioned and extends through at least one elastic spacer and at least one outer sleeve. The anchor member and the outer sleeve each attach to at least one bone anchor. In operation, the core is held in tension by the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9925062
    Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an intervertebral implant. The intervertebral implant may be configured to transition from a collapsed configuration having a first height and a first width to an expanded configuration having a second height and a second width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Glerum, Andrew Iott, Mark Adams
  • Patent number: 9924968
    Abstract: A support structure for use with an external fixator assembly including, but not limited to, a fixator assembly for the ankle area of the body which may further include an ankle stabilization portion. The support structure is similar in function but distinguishable in structure from a “halo-ring” and comprises a base having a substantially annular configuration and being operatively disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a leg area corresponding to the stabilized ankle area. An extension structure includes at least one but preferably a plurality of two elongated extension members extending outwardly from the base and in spaced relation to and substantially aligned with the ankle stabilization portion. The base and the two extension members are structured for connection to a plurality of struts which may be variably and selectively disposed in interconnecting relation to the ankle stabilization area and/or other portions of the external fixator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: MDPO LLC
    Inventor: Luis E. Marin
  • Patent number: 9918708
    Abstract: A tissue retractor device is provided. The tissue retractor device includes a handle attached to an inflatable rake-shaped tissue retractor head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: LapSpace Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Assaf Livne, Gilad Lavi, Hien Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9918752
    Abstract: A spinal implant system comprises a first instrument extending between a first end including an outer surface and a second end configured for engaging a first implant. The first instrument defines a passageway. A second instrument is configured for disposal within the passageway, and extending between a first end including an inner surface and a second end configured for engaging a second implant. The inner surface is engageable with the outer surface to fix the second instrument in a selected orientation relative to the first instrument. The second end of the first instrument is disposable between an expanded orientation and a non expanded orientation to engage the first implant and the second end of the second instrument is translatable relative to the first end of the second instrument to dispose the second implant with the first implant. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michelle M. Hennard, Mark R. Grizzard