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).

  • Publication number: 20230355407
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: Spinal Surgical Strategies, Inc., A Nevada Corporation D/B/A Kleiner Device Labs
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kleiner, Edward J. Grimberg, JR., Gregory Causey, Alan Burkholder
  • Patent number: 11793504
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonel A. Hunt, Gabriel E. Hunt, Drew Schifle, Greg Causey, Alan Burkholder
  • Patent number: 11744717
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Spinal Surgical Strategies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kleiner, Edward J. Grimberg, Gregory Causey, Alan Burkholder
  • Publication number: 20230059830
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: Spinal Surgical Strategies, Inc., d/b/a Kleiner Device Labs
    Inventors: Michael J. Milella, Jeffrey Kleiner, Edward J. Grimberg, Gregory Causey, Alan Burkholder
  • Patent number: 11504249
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Spinal Surgical Strategies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Milella, Jr., Jeffrey Kleiner, Edward J. Grimberg, Jr., Gregory Causey, Alan Burkholder
  • Publication number: 20220346969
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: MICHAEL J. MILELLA, Jr., JEFFREY KLEINER, EDWARD J. GRIMBERG, Jr., GREGORY CAUSEY, ALAN BURKHOLDER
  • Patent number: 11350970
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffrey J Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder
  • Publication number: 20210212678
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Leonel A. Hunt, Gabriel E. Hunt, Drew Schifle, Greg Causey, Alan Burkholder
  • Publication number: 20210169460
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Leonel A. Hunt, Gabriel E. Hunt, Drew Schifle, Greg Causey, Alan Burkholder
  • Patent number: 10952715
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventors: Leonel A. Hunt, Gabriel E. Hunt, Drew Schifle, Greg Causey, Alan Burkholder
  • Publication number: 20210077275
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Applicant: Spinal Surgical Strategies, Inc., D/B/A Kleiner Devices Labs
    Inventors: Michael J. Milella, JR., Jeffrey Kleiner, Edward J. Grimberg, JR., Gregory Causey, Alan Burkholder
  • Patent number: 10905408
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall G. Mast, Alan Burkholder, Andrew Schifle, Adam Kanter, David O. Okonkwo
  • Publication number: 20190239931
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffrey J. Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder
  • Publication number: 20190209155
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Randall G. Mast, Alan Burkholder, Andrew Schifle, Adam Kanter, David O. Okonkwo
  • Publication number: 20190209152
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Leonel A. Hunt, Gabriel E. Hunt, Drew Schifle, Greg Causey, Alan Burkholder
  • Patent number: 10307184
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffrey Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder
  • Patent number: 10166018
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonel A. Hunt, Gabriel E. Hunt, Drew Schifle, Greg Causey, Alan Burkholder
  • Patent number: 9943301
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall G. Mast, Alan Burkholder, Andrew Schifle, Adam Kanter, David O. Okonkwo
  • Patent number: 9826966
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall G. Mast, Alan Burkholder, Andrew Schifle, Adam Kanter, David O. Okonkwo
  • Publication number: 20170086812
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Randall G. Mast, Alan Burkholder, Andrew Schifle, Adam Kanter, David O. Okonkwo