Patents by Inventor Alex Ferree

Alex Ferree 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: 20060020342
    Abstract: Artificial disc replacement (ADR) components cooperate to limit axial rotation and/or lateral bending to a greater degree when the spine is extended than when the spine is a neutral to flexed position, thereby decreasing loads placed upon the facet joints. In the preferred embodiment, truncated articulating surfaces with non-articulating side surfaces allow increasing amounts of axial rotation and lateral bending as the total disc replacement (TDR) moves from full extension to full flexion. Limiting axial rotation and lateral bending of the TDR protects the facet joints and the Annulus Fibrosus, since the facet joints carry more load when the spine is extended than when the spine is flexed. Thus the invention serves to protect the facet joints while allowing normal or near-normal spinal motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Publication date: January 26, 2006
    Inventors: Bret Ferree, David Tompkins, Alex Ferree