Patents Examined by Nicholas Plionis
  • Patent number: 9918741
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anchoring group for an external fixator, that comprises a connecting body designed to be coupled to a bar of an external fixator. A locking device is connected to the connecting body at a fastening point thereof and comprises a pin locking arm provided with two seats suitable for locking a corresponding number of uni-cortical pins. A connection base is intended to be coupled to a connecting body of the anchoring group. An additional member, also associated with the connecting body, comprises at least one auxiliary seat, not aligned with the seats of the locking device, for locking an additional uni-cortical pin. In an additional embodiment, the connection base of the locking device extends in an angled relationship with respect to the pin locking arm and away from both the seats. The connection base has a point for fastening to the connecting body which is not aligned with said seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Orthofiz S.R.L.
    Inventors: Enrico Zandonà, Andrea Ottoboni, Daniele Venturini, Michele Coati
  • Patent number: 9918852
    Abstract: A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites, in particular into the thoracic region of the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Luiz Pimenta, Jared Arambula, Benjamin VerHage, Troy Woolley, Patrick Miles
  • Patent number: 9907579
    Abstract: An interspinous spacer assembly for insertion and/or implantation between spinous processes of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae includes an interspinous spacer member sized and configured for insertion into the interspinous space located between adjacent spinous processes and an engagement mechanism for operatively coupling the spacer member to the adjacent spinous processes and for preventing migration of the assembly once implanted. The interspinous spacer assembly is adjustable to conform to the individual anatomy of a patient's spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Saladin, Felix Aschmann, Manuel Schaer, Justin Coppes, Nicholas Angert, Grant Skidmore, Michael Mayer
  • Patent number: 9901461
    Abstract: A method for treating a spine is provided. The method includes the steps of: disposing an interbody implant adjacent a first vertebral surface and a second vertebral surface of an intervertebral disc space, the interbody implant engaging the vertebral surfaces at a selected angular orientation; connecting the interbody implant with at least one of the vertebral surfaces via at least one fastener that is engaged with the interbody implant and fixed with the vertebral surface such that the at least one fastener is movable to a plurality of axial orientations relative to the interbody implant; and manipulating the vertebral surfaces such that the at least one fastener is fixed relative to the interbody implant. Spinal implants, surgical instruments and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent M. Arlet
  • Patent number: 9888910
    Abstract: An eyelid speculum for retracting a pair of eyelids, comprises: a first arm having a first blade portion contoured to generally conform to an eyeball globe and one of the pair of eyelids; a second arm having a second blade portion contoured to generally conform to the eyeball globe an the other of the pair of eyelids; and a mechanism carrying the first arm and the second arm. The mechanism is operable to hold the first arm and the second arm parallel to and in proximity to each other so that the first blade portion and the second blade portion may be inserted between said eyelids to engage said eyelids. The mechanism is further operable to move the first arm and the second arm apart from each other while maintaining the first arm and the second arm in parallel such that the first blade portion and the second blade portion retract said pair of eyelids. The mechanism advantageously moves away from the surgical field of the eye when retracting the eyelids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: KATENA PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Gordon Dahl
  • Patent number: 9888945
    Abstract: An exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity includes a plurality of transverse rods, a longitudinal rod, and at least one node. The plurality of transverse rods each includes a first end for coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system and a second end. The longitudinal rod extends transverse to the transverse rods. The at least one node receives the second ends of first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within a receiving portion and an adjustment member selectively secures the second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Carmen Walters, Ketchen Smith, Benjamin Walter Wang
  • Patent number: 9872713
    Abstract: A spinal construct includes a spinal rod and a reduction member connected with the spinal rod and engageable with a tether connected to the spinal rod. The reduction member is translatable relative to the tether to dispose the spinal rod with a fastener configured for penetrating tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua W. Simpson, Dennis G. Crandall, Jason M. May
  • Patent number: 9872780
    Abstract: Interbody fusion devices including deployable fixation members. The implant may include a spacer, optionally, an end member coupled to the spacer, and one or more fixation members configured to extend into adjacent vertebrae. The fixation members may include screws, nails, shims, tangs, spikes, staples, pins, blades, fins, or the like, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Reed, Aditya Ingalhalikar, Jeff Nichols, Brandon Preske, Mark Fromhold, Colm McLaughlin, Mark Adams, Brian Garvey
  • Patent number: 9861813
    Abstract: A system and method for securing an implantable medical device to an anatomical feature, such as bony structures and/or soft tissues near the spine. The system includes a tissue fixation device and a tissue fixation device delivery tool. The tissue fixation device includes at least one bone or tissue anchor and a connecting element coupled thereto. The tissue fixation device optionally includes a flexible anchoring strap for engaging the implantable medical device. The bone or tissue anchor are configured to be deployed into the anatomical feature, and the connecting element is tightened to secure the implantable medical device to the anatomical feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Ishmael Bentley, Dale Brady, Emily Daley, Michael E. Lancial, Lawrence W. Wales, Steven L. Griffith
  • Patent number: 9848996
    Abstract: A variable lordotic interbody spacer including a face plate, superior and inferior endplates coupled to the face plate via a hinge, an actuation frame between the endplates, and an actuation screw. The face plate includes actuation and stabilizer channels. Each of the endplates has endplate arms coupled by an endplate base, and includes actuation ramp recesses. The actuation frame includes frame arms coupled by a frame base in a generally U-shaped configuration, each actuation frame arm having a stabilizer feature passing through a corresponding stabilizer channel and having actuation ramp pins fitted to a corresponding ramp recesses. The actuation screw passes through the actuation channel, with a head retained at the front surface and a threaded end coupled to the actuation frame. When operated, the actuation screw moves the actuation frame between the superior endplate and the inferior endplate to adjust an angle therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Faulhaber
  • Patent number: 9839449
    Abstract: A bone plate that is configured to operatively attach to bone includes a first segment, a second segment, and a locking mechanism. The first segment includes a compression notch. The first and second segments are positioned along a longitudinal axis and are movable relative to one another. The locking mechanism inhibits relative axial movement of the first and second segments along the longitudinal axis away from one another. The locking mechanism includes first and second grooves disposed on the second segment. The first and second grooves and the compression slot are configured to receive an instrument to move the first segment towards the second segment along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Jacques Abitbol, Gordon Donald
  • Patent number: 9839528
    Abstract: An expandable fusion device may include a first endplate and a second endplate. The expandable fusion device may also include first and second ramps configured to mate with both the first and second endplates. The first ramp may include a mating feature having a first angle relative to a vertical axis, and the second ramp may include a mating feature having a second angle relative to the vertical axis such that the first angle is different from the second angle. In particular, the first and second ramps may be configured to provide for symmetrical expansion of the first and second endplates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Weiman, Chad Glerum, Alex Burkhardt, Kevin Gahman
  • Patent number: 9833267
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 9827113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to minimally invasive graft delivery systems and devices. The systems and devices provide a means to deliver graft material minimally invasively, such as to a spacer within a disc space. A particular system can include a cannula, a syringe and an extrusion tool. The extrusion tool can be used to extrude material from the cannula and syringe, and can have multiple modes of operation to accommodate the extrusion of materials of different viscosities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Klimek, Allison Adams, Daniel Laskowitz
  • Patent number: 9808289
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an external fixator ring that includes a central opening, inner and outer ring surfaces and upper and lower ring surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more apertures are defined in the inner or outer surface for receiving securing devices. The apertures in the inner or outer surface are adapted to provide rigid attachment for connection struts while allowing for a range of motion between the interconnected rings. In some other embodiments, the external fixator ring further comprises angled flanges extending radially from the inner or outer surface. The angle flanges each include a mounting surface, apertures are defined in the mounting surface of the angle flanges for receiving securing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS SCOTTISH RITE HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN
    Inventors: John D. Ross, Mikhail L. Samchukov, Alexander M. Cherkashin, John G. Birch
  • Patent number: 9808296
    Abstract: A bone implant comprising an elongate body having a first end and a second end coupled by a shaft is disclosed. The first portion is configured to couple to a first bone. The second portion comprises a first expandable section comprising at least one expandable feature. The first expandable section is configured to be received within a reverse countersink in a second bone in a collapsed state and to expand within the reverse countersink. The expandable feature couples to a bearing surface of the reverse countersink. A surgical tool comprising a shaft and at least one expandable cutting edge is disclosed. The shaft is sized and configured to be received within a canal formed in a bone. The expandable cutting edge is formed integrally with the shaft. The expandable cutting edge is configured to expand from a collapsed position to an expanded position for forming a reverse countersink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel F. McCormick
  • Patent number: 9801725
    Abstract: Devices and methods for in situ drawing, filtering and seeding cells from the marrow of surrounding bone into a fusion cage without any of the challenges mentioned above. Various implants and devices with aspiration ports that enable in-situ harvesting and mixing of stem cells. These devices may include spinal fusion cages, long bone spacers, lateral grafts and joint replacement devices. Each device utilizes at least one aspiration port for harvesting of stem cell-containing marrow via aspiration from adjacent bony elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Neil, Liesbeth Brown, Nimish Parikh, Daniel Keeley, Shannon Cormier
  • Patent number: 9788859
    Abstract: A method of adjusting a uterine manipulator includes moving a colpotomizer cup of the uterine manipulator along a curved shaft of the uterine manipulator in a manner such that a distal face of the colpotomizer cup remains centered on an arch centerline of the curved shaft and an axial centerline of the colpotomizer cup remains offset from the arch centerline of the curved shaft at an opening of the colpotomizer cup that is spaced proximally from the distal face of the colpotomizer cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: CooperSurgical, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Parys
  • Patent number: 9782063
    Abstract: An optical coupling efficiency detection assembly includes a first housing accommodating a beam splitter and a fiber port, a second housing accommodating a ferrule enclosing a monitoring fiber, and an attachment block attaching the first housing to the second housing to establish a parfocal arrangement among the beam splitter, the fiber port, and the ferrule. Further, an assembly method for the optical coupling efficiency detection assembly is disclosed. The assembly method may include providing a beam splitter and a fiber port in a first housing, providing a ferrule enclosing a monitoring fiber in a second housing, and attaching the second housing to the first housing via an attachment block to establish a parfocal arrangement among the beam splitter, the fiber port, and the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Gerald David Bacher, Ronald T. Smith
  • Patent number: 9782061
    Abstract: A video laryngoscopy device includes: a blade having a handle and a blade portion extending from the handle; an electronics housing extending from the blade portion; and a camera or image sensor and a lighting element housed within the electronics housing. The device may be single use disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Velosal Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David Newcomb, Michael George Gonzalez