Patents Examined by Steven Cotroneo
  • 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: 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: 9943338
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element, and including a receiving part having a first end, a second end, and an accommodation space having an opening at the second end for inserting a head of the bone anchoring element, a pressure element insertable from the first end, positionable in the accommodation space, and configured to hold the head, the pressure element having at least one spring portion extending circumferentially around the pressure element and being radially compressible, and a rod receiving element separable from the pressure element, wherein in a first position, the spring portion is configured to engage an engagement structure at an inner wall of the receiving part to prevent movement of the pressure element towards the first end, and wherein the rod receiving element is configured to move the pressure element from the first position towards the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: BIEDERMANN TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, Wilfried Matthis, Dimosthenis Dandanopoulos, Achim Schünemann
  • 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: 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: 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: 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
  • Patent number: 9907580
    Abstract: Provided is a bi-dimensionally adjustable spacing device configured to be placed between the spinous processes of at least two adjacent vertebrae and also adjusted laterally to securely contact the lateral surfaces of the spinous process. A method of using the device to treat spinal disorders is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Bryson Medical Technology LLC
    Inventors: Richard Perkins, Matthew G. Baynham
  • Patent number: 9883890
    Abstract: A clamping device for attaching to an external fixation element of an external fixation system includes a first jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface and includes a second jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface of the first jaw and the inner surface of the second jaw together forming a passage configured to receive the external fixation element of the external fixation system. A locking system is engageable with the first and the second jaws and is moveable relative to the first and the second jaws between at least a first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen T. Miller, Michael W. Mullaney
  • Patent number: 9867647
    Abstract: A implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone is described. Also described are methods for using a implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone and a kit comprising a pneumatic implanting device for driving a fastener or fixation element into bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: A.M. SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Ather Mirza, Romi Mirza
  • Patent number: 9848918
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchor has a locking element shaped and configured to allow an anchoring member (e.g., a screw or hook) to polyaxially rotate at large angles about a central axis of the bone anchor before compression locking the anchoring member within an anchor head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William Strausbaugh, Sean Saidha, Boyd Wolf
  • Patent number: 9848922
    Abstract: A method is provided for correcting a curvature or deformity in a patient's spine based on the digitized locations of implanted screws and tracking the placement of the rod as it is placed in a minimally invasive fashion. The method is implemented by a control unit through a GUI to digitize screw locations, accept one or more correction outputs, and generate one or more rod solution outputs shaped to fit at locations distinct from the implanted screw locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Antoine G. Tohmeh, Thomas Scholl
  • Patent number: 9839527
    Abstract: An expandable inter-body fusion device is presented. The expandable inter-body fusion device has a first plate and a second plate that can be manipulated to change the height and angle of lordosis. Also presented is a method of using an expandable inter-body fusion device in an inter-body fusion procedure, and a method of using an expandable trial to size the correct expandable inter-body fusion device for use in the aforementioned procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: SPECTRUM SPINE IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: James C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9833272
    Abstract: A method for delivering a substance to bone includes placing a stabilizing wire in a bone, creating a hole in the bone around the stabilizing wire, and providing a multichannel cannula. The multichannel cannula includes a first channel having an open proximal end and distal end, the first channel being configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The cannula further includes a cap having a delivery port in fluid communication with the inlet portal and a channel for receiving the cannula therein, and a distal tip. The method further includes inserting the multichannel cannula into the hole in the bone such that the first channel receives the stabilizing wire, and delivering the substance into the bone by introducing the substance into the second channel such that the substance exits through the exit portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Spinal Generations, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick J. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 9827018
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system including a connecting rod and a bone screw. The connecting rod includes an elongate rounded section, an elongate head portion, and a neck portion connecting the elongate rounded section with the elongate head portion. The bone screw includes a head portion defining a slot, a shank extending longitudinally from the head portion, and a set screw configured to secure the connecting rod in the slot. The head portion includes a pair of radially opposing walls defining the slot therebetween. The head portion includes a trailing end and a leading end. The trailing end includes a guide member defining an aperture configured and dimensioned to receive the set screw therethrough. The aperture is in communication with the slot. In particular, the guide member interconnects the pair of radially opposing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Timmon Ark, Robert Meyer, Michael Barrus
  • Patent number: 9814592
    Abstract: A nucleus implant includes a core (10) arranged inside a nucleus pulposus space (Es) obtained after nucleotomy of the intervertebral disk (Di) and at least one extension (11) penetrating inside at least one channel (Co) formed in the vertebral body of the corresponding vertebra (Va, Vb) to strengthen and ensure a connection between the nucleus implant (1) and the bone body of the vertebra (Va) and/or (Vb) through the diffusion or migration of the viscoelastic material making up the nucleus implant in the cancellous bone of the vertebra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: CLARIANCE
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Guy Viart, Jean-Yves Leroy, Adrien Billon
  • Patent number: 9814500
    Abstract: The intramedullary nail has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a distal end, at least one hole that extends transversely to the longitudinal axis and is situated in a plane with a defined diameter to accommodate a locking element, as well as a longitudinal slot extending in the plane parallel to the longitudinal axis. In the unexpanded state of the intramedullary nail the longitudinal slot has a width b, measured perpendicularly to the plane in the region outside of the holes, said slot being maximum 0.6 times that of the smallest defined diameter of the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Frigg, Marcel Fuhrer
  • Patent number: 9801662
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes a connecting rod and a bone screw. The connecting rod includes an elongate rounded section, an elongate head portion, and a neck portion connecting the elongate rounded section with the elongate head portion. The bone screw includes a head portion defining a slot, a shank extending longitudinally from the head portion, and a set screw configured to secure the connecting rod in the slot. The slot includes a leading end portion configured to receive the elongate rounded section of the connecting rod and a trailing end portion configured to threadably engage the set screw, wherein the slot is flared such that elongate rounded section of the connecting rod is pivotable about the leading end portion of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Barrus
  • Patent number: 9801730
    Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to vertebral implants and implant trials for use with vertebral implant assemblies. In some embodiments, these implants and implant trials may be used in conjunction with corpectomy procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: George Howard, James Himmelberger, Jason Gray, Colm McLaughlin, Noah Hansell, Mark Weiman
  • Patent number: 9775647
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnesium alloy containing (in % by weight) more than 0.0 to 7.0% zinc, optionally more than 0.0 to 1.0% zirconium, optionally more than 0.0 to 1.0% calcium, optionally more than 0.0 to 1.0% manganese, optionally more than 0.0 to 0.5% silicon, optionally more than 0.0 to 1.0% silver, a max. up to 0.5% aluminum and at least one element selected from the group comprising more than 0.05 to 0.6% yttrium, more than 0.05 to 4.0% ytterbium, more than 0.05 to 4.0% gadolinium, with the residue being magnesium and impurities due to production. The invention also relates to a use of a magnesium alloy of this type and an implant therefrom and a method for producing a body of a magnesium alloy according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: AIT AUSTRIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Schiffl, Bernhard Mingler