Patents by Inventor Alan Burkholder
Alan Burkholder has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230355407Abstract: The present disclosure relates to kits for bone graft delivery, and specifically, for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The kits include integrated fusion cage and graft delivery devices that deliver and disperse biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, that may, without withdrawal from the surgical site, allow for selectively detaching the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area. The kits also include a cover plate that secures to the fusion cage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: Spinal Surgical Strategies, Inc., A Nevada Corporation D/B/A Kleiner Device LabsInventors: Jeffrey Kleiner, Edward J. Grimberg, JR., Gregory Causey, Alan Burkholder
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Patent number: 11793504Abstract: A surgical retractor includes an elongate element defining an operational axis, a first blade secured to the elongate element and comprising a blade face, a second blade moveably secured to the elongate element, wherein the second blade defines a reference point located thereon, and wherein a movement of the second blade moves the reference point in a linear direction parallel to the operational axis and orthogonal to the blade face. A guide element may be removably located within an opening located on either the first blade or the second blade.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Leonel A. Hunt, Gabriel E. Hunt, Drew Schifle, Greg Causey, Alan Burkholder
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Patent number: 11744717Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system, apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectively detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area. The system also includes a cover plate that secures to the fusion cage.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Spinal Surgical Strategies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Kleiner, Edward J. Grimberg, Gregory Causey, Alan Burkholder
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Publication number: 20230059830Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine, and methods for using same. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectively detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area. In one embodiment, the integrated fusion cage is an expandable integrated fusion cage. In another embodiment, the bone graft material is loaded into a breech area in the hollow tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: Spinal Surgical Strategies, Inc., d/b/a Kleiner Device LabsInventors: Michael J. Milella, Jeffrey Kleiner, Edward J. Grimberg, Gregory Causey, Alan Burkholder
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Patent number: 11504249Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectively detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area. In one embodiment, the integrated fusion cage is an expandable integrated fusion cage. In another embodiment, the bone graft material is loaded into a breech area in the hollow tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Spinal Surgical Strategies, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Milella, Jr., Jeffrey Kleiner, Edward J. Grimberg, Jr., Gregory Causey, Alan Burkholder
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Publication number: 20220346969Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system, apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectively detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area. The system also includes a cover plate that secures to the fusion cage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2020Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: MICHAEL J. MILELLA, Jr., JEFFREY KLEINER, EDWARD J. GRIMBERG, Jr., GREGORY CAUSEY, ALAN BURKHOLDER
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Patent number: 11350970Abstract: A bone fastener assembly for connecting a bone to a stabilizing construct includes a connecting member, a fastener seat, and a bone fastener. The connecting member includes a connecting member axis, a first opening, a second opening, and a first spherical surface. The connecting member axis extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The first opening is adjacent the proximal end. The second opening is adjacent the distal end. The fastener seat includes a first end, a second end, a passageway, and a second spherical surface. The passageway extends from the first end to the second end along a seat axis. The second spherical surface is configured to slidably engage the first spherical surface. The bone fastener includes a shank and a head. The shank extends though the passageway. The head engages a head-mating surface of the fastener seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffrey J Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder
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Publication number: 20210212678Abstract: The present disclosure describes a surgical retractor system and method. The surgical retractor includes an elongate element defining an operational axis, a first blade secured to the elongate element and comprising a blade face, a second blade moveably secured to the elongate element, wherein the second blade defines a reference point located thereon, and wherein a movement of the second blade moves the reference point in a linear direction parallel to the operational axis and orthogonal to the blade face. A guide element may be removably located within an opening located on either the first blade or the second blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2021Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Leonel A. Hunt, Gabriel E. Hunt, Drew Schifle, Greg Causey, Alan Burkholder
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Publication number: 20210169460Abstract: The present disclosure describes a surgical retractor system and method. The surgical retractor includes an elongate element defining an operational axis, a first blade secured to the elongate element and comprising a blade face, a second blade moveably secured to the elongate element, wherein the second blade defines a reference point located thereon, and wherein a movement of the second blade moves the reference point in a linear direction parallel to the operational axis and orthogonal to the blade face. A guide element may be removably located within an opening located on either the first blade or the second blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2021Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: Leonel A. Hunt, Gabriel E. Hunt, Drew Schifle, Greg Causey, Alan Burkholder
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Patent number: 10952715Abstract: A surgical retractor includes an elongate element defining an operational axis, a first blade secured to the elongate element and comprising a blade face, a second blade moveably secured to the elongate element, wherein the second blade defines a reference point located thereon, and wherein a movement of the second blade moves the reference point in a linear direction parallel to the operational axis and orthogonal to the blade face. A guide element may be removably located within an opening located on either the first blade or the second blade.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Inventors: Leonel A. Hunt, Gabriel E. Hunt, Drew Schifle, Greg Causey, Alan Burkholder
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Publication number: 20210077275Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectively detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area. In one embodiment, the integrated fusion cage is an expandable integrated fusion cage. In another embodiment, the bone graft material is loaded into a breech area in the hollow tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2020Publication date: March 18, 2021Applicant: Spinal Surgical Strategies, Inc., D/B/A Kleiner Devices LabsInventors: Michael J. Milella, JR., Jeffrey Kleiner, Edward J. Grimberg, JR., Gregory Causey, Alan Burkholder
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Patent number: 10905408Abstract: Technology disclosed herein relates to retractors and methods of use for surgical procedures, and in particular, spinal surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical retractor includes a pair of pivotable armatures and a translatable armature. A body for supporting the armatures is provided, with a handle connected thereto. The handle includes a first rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the first rotary actuator moves the pair of pivotable armatures in opposite arcuate directions, and a second rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the second rotary actuator translates the translatable armature in a linear direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2019Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.Inventors: Randall G. Mast, Alan Burkholder, Andrew Schifle, Adam Kanter, David O. Okonkwo
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Publication number: 20190239931Abstract: A bone fastener assembly for connecting a bone to a stabilizing construct includes a connecting member, a fastener seat, and a bone fastener. The connecting member includes a connecting member axis, a first opening, a second opening, and a first spherical surface. The connecting member axis extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The first opening is adjacent the proximal end. The second opening is adjacent the distal end. The fastener seat includes a first end, a second end, a passageway, and a second spherical surface. The passageway extends from the first end to the second end along a seat axis. The second spherical surface is configured to slidably engage the first spherical surface. The bone fastener includes a shank and a head. The shank extends though the passageway. The head engages a head-mating surface of the fastener seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2019Publication date: August 8, 2019Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffrey J. Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder
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Publication number: 20190209155Abstract: Technology disclosed herein relates to retractors and methods of use for surgical procedures, and in particular, spinal surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical retractor includes a pair of pivotable armatures and a translatable armature. A body for supporting the armatures is provided, with a handle connected thereto. The handle includes a first rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the first rotary actuator moves the pair of pivotable armatures in opposite arcuate directions, and a second rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the second rotary actuator translates the translatable armature in a linear direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2019Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventors: Randall G. Mast, Alan Burkholder, Andrew Schifle, Adam Kanter, David O. Okonkwo
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Publication number: 20190209152Abstract: The present disclosure describes a surgical retractor system and method. The surgical retractor includes an elongate element defining an operational axis, a first blade secured to the elongate element and comprising a blade face, a second blade moveably secured to the elongate element, wherein the second blade defines a reference point located thereon, and wherein a movement of the second blade moves the reference point in a linear direction parallel to the operational axis and orthogonal to the blade face. A guide element may be removably located within an opening located on either the first blade or the second blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2018Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventors: Leonel A. Hunt, Gabriel E. Hunt, Drew Schifle, Greg Causey, Alan Burkholder
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Patent number: 10307184Abstract: A bone fastener assembly for connecting a bone to a stabilizing construct includes a connecting member, a fastener seat, and a bone fastener. The connecting member includes a connecting member axis, a first opening, a second opening, and a first spherical surface. The connecting member axis extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The first opening is adjacent the proximal end. The second opening is adjacent the distal end. The fastener seat includes a first end, a second end, a passageway, and a second spherical surface. The passageway extends from the first end to the second end along a seat axis. The second spherical surface is configured to slidably engage the first spherical surface. The bone fastener includes a shank and a head. The shank extends though the passageway. The head engages a head-mating surface of the fastener seat.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffrey Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder
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Patent number: 10166018Abstract: The present disclosure describes a surgical retractor system and method. The surgical retractor includes an elongate element defining an operational axis, a first blade secured to the elongate element and comprising a blade face, a second blade moveably secured to the elongate element, wherein the second blade defines a reference point located thereon, and wherein a movement of the second blade moves the reference point in a linear direction parallel to the operational axis and orthogonal to the blade face. A guide element may be removably located within an opening located on either the first blade or the second blade.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Leonel A. Hunt, Gabriel E. Hunt, Drew Schifle, Greg Causey, Alan Burkholder
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Patent number: 9943301Abstract: Technology disclosed herein relates to retractors and methods of use for surgical procedures, and in particular, spinal surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical retractor includes a pair of pivotable armatures and a translatable armature. A body for supporting the armatures is provided, with a handle connected thereto. The handle includes a first rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the first rotary actuator moves the pair of pivotable armatures in opposite arcuate directions, and a second rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the second rotary actuator translates the translatable armature in a linear direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.Inventors: Randall G. Mast, Alan Burkholder, Andrew Schifle, Adam Kanter, David O. Okonkwo
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Patent number: 9826966Abstract: Technology disclosed herein relates to retractors and methods of use for surgical procedures, and in particular, spinal surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical retractor includes a pair of pivotable armatures and a translatable armature. A body for supporting the armatures is provided, with a handle connected thereto. The handle includes a first rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the first rotary actuator moves the pair of pivotable armatures in opposite arcuate directions, and a second rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the second rotary actuator translates the translatable armature in a linear direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.Inventors: Randall G. Mast, Alan Burkholder, Andrew Schifle, Adam Kanter, David O. Okonkwo
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Publication number: 20170086812Abstract: Technology disclosed herein relates to retractors and methods of use for surgical procedures, and in particular, spinal surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical retractor includes a pair of pivotable armatures and a translatable armature. A body for supporting the armatures is provided, with a handle connected thereto. The handle includes a first rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the first rotary actuator moves the pair of pivotable armatures in opposite arcuate directions, and a second rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the second rotary actuator translates the translatable armature in a linear direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Randall G. Mast, Alan Burkholder, Andrew Schifle, Adam Kanter, David O. Okonkwo