Patents by Inventor Blair Walker
Blair Walker 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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Patent number: 11944358Abstract: An intramedullary lengthening device includes a housing and a distraction shaft. The intramedullary lengthening device is placed within a cavity of two bone sections (either already separated or purposely separated for insertion of the device). The distraction shaft of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the one of the bone sections using, for example, one or more attachment screws. The housing of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the second bone section using, for instance, one or more attachment screws. Over the treatment period, the bone is continually distracted, creating a new separation into which osteogenesis can occur. In one embodiment, the intramedullary lengthening device includes an actuator and an extension rod, which can be attached to one other.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
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Patent number: 11918254Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An O-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics Inc.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
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Patent number: 11918255Abstract: A system includes a first pedicle screw, a second pedicle screw, and an adjustable rod having an outer housing coupled to one of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, the outer housing having a threaded shaft secured to one end thereof extending along an interior portion thereof. The system farther includes a hollow magnetic assembly disposed within the outer housing and having a magnetic element disposed therein, the hollow magnetic assembly having an internal threaded surface engaged with the threaded shaft, the magnetic assembly being coupled to the other of the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw, wherein the hollow magnetic assembly rotates in response to an externally applied magnetic field to thereby lengthen or shorten the distance between the first pedicle screw and the second pedicle screw.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics Inc.Inventors: Brad Culbert, Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Arvin Chang, Peter P. Tran
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Patent number: 11871971Abstract: A method of changing a bone angle includes creating an osteotomy between a first portion and a second portion of a tibia of a patient; creating a cavity in the tibia by removing bone material along an axis extending in a substantially longitudinal direction from a first point at the tibial plateau to a second point; placing a non-invasively adjustable implant into the cavity, the non-invasively adjustable implant comprising an adjustable actuator having an outer housing and an inner shaft, telescopically disposed in the outer housing, and a driving element configured to be remotely operable to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing; coupling one of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the first portion of the tibia; coupling the other of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the second portion of the tibia; and remotely operating the driving element to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing, thus changing an angle between the first portiType: GrantFiled: December 7, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: David Skinlo, Thomas B. Buford, Ephraim Akyuz, Thomas Weisel, Roger Pisarnwongs, Adam G. Beckett, Jeffrey Lee Gilbert, Frank Yan Liu, Urs Weber, Edmund J. Roschak, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Mark T. Dahl
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Patent number: 11871974Abstract: A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Jay R. McCoy, Arvin Chang
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Patent number: 11839410Abstract: A distraction system includes a first distraction device having a first adjustable portion and a first distraction rod configured to telescope within the first adjustable portion, the first adjustable portion having contained therein a first rotatable magnetic assembly mechanically coupled to a first screw configured to axially telescope the first distraction rod. A second distraction device is provided and includes a second adjustable portion and a second distraction rod configured to telescope within the second adjustable portion, the second adjustable portion having contained therein a second rotatable magnetic assembly mechanically coupled to a second screw configured to axially telescope the second distraction rod. An adjustable joint connects one end of the first adjustable portion to one end of the second adjustable portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Nuvasive Inc.Inventors: Arvin Chang, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Peter P. Tran
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Publication number: 20230380830Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient includes: providing a tensioning device having: a connector configured to couple to a soft tissue, and an adjustable anchor configured to couple to the connector and to couple to a bone, wherein the adjustable anchor comprises: a first end and a second end; a housing extending between the first end and the second end; and an adjustable component disposed within the housing; inserting the second end of the adjustable anchor into the bone; connecting the connector to the soft tissue; coupling the connector to the adjustable anchor; and adjusting a tension on the connector by rotating the adjustable component within the housing in response to a wireless signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
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Publication number: 20230310191Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject and includes a magnet configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject having at least one magnet configured for rotation, the external adjustment device further comprising a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet and an encoder. Rotation of the at least one magnet of the external adjustment device effectuates rotational movement of the magnet of the adjustable implant and alters the dimension of the adjustable implant Drive control circuitry is configured to receive an input signal from the encoder.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Jay R. McCoy, Peter P. Tran, Richard L. Quick, Shahram Moaddeb, Arvin Chang
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Patent number: 11766252Abstract: In one embodiment, an adjustable implant system includes a bone anchor having first and second ends, a bone engagement surface adjacent the first end, and a housing extending between the first and second ends. The adjustable implant system can further include a non-invasively actuatable driving element within the housing and coupled to an adjustment component configured to couple to a flexible elongate tension member which is capable of engaging a patient's soft tissue (e.g., rotator cuff or ACL). Non-invasive actuation of the driving element can cause the adjustment component to change the amount of tension on the flexible elongate tension member and consequently on the patient's soft tissue. The adjustable implant system can include an external adjustment device configured to be placed on or adjacent the patient's skin and comprising at least one energy transferring component configured to energize/actuate the driving element inside the housing of the adjustable implant.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC.Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
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Publication number: 20230248398Abstract: An interspinous process device is configured for placement between adjacent spinous processes on a subject's spine. The device includes a housing configured for mounting to a first spinal process, the housing having a lead screw fixedly secured at one end thereof. A magnetic assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing and configured for mounting to a second spinal process. The magnetic assembly includes a hollow magnet configured for rotation within the magnetic assembly, the hollow magnet comprising a threaded insert configured to engage with the lead screw. An externally applied magnetic field rotates the hollow magnet in a first direction or a second, opposite direction. Rotation of the hollow magnet in the first direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly out of the housing (i.e., elongation) and rotation in the second direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly into the housing (i.e., shortening).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Scott Pool, Arvin Chang, Peter P. Tran, Blair Walker
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Patent number: 11672684Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject and includes a permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject having at least one magnet configured for rotation, the external adjustment device further comprising a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet and an encoder. Rotation of the at least one magnet of the external adjustment device effectuates rotational movement of the permanent magnet of the adjustable implant and alters the dimension of the adjustable implant. Drive control circuitry is configured to receive an input signal from the encoder.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Jay R. McCoy, Peter P. Tran, Richard L. Quick, Shahram Moaddeb, Arvin Chang
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Publication number: 20230089781Abstract: Embodiments of a system and a method for manufacturing calcined gypsum can include an in-line calcination control device having an x-ray analyzer. The x-ray analyzer is adapted to analyze at least one of the calcined gypsum being discharged from the calciner and the calcined gypsum being fed into a mixer of a gypsum boardline. The x-ray analyzer is configured to determine the proportion of different calcium sulphate phases found therein which can be used to control at last one of the calciner and the boardline.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Applicant: United States Gypsum CompanyInventor: Blair Walker
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Patent number: 11602380Abstract: An interspinous process device is configured for placement between adjacent spinous processes on a subject's spine. The device includes a housing configured for mounting to a first spinal process, the housing having a lead screw fixedly secured at one end thereof. A magnetic assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing and configured for mounting to a second spinal process. The magnetic assembly includes a hollow magnet configured for rotation within the magnetic assembly, the hollow magnet comprising a threaded insert configured to engage with the lead screw. An externally applied magnetic field rotates the hollow magnet in a first direction or a second, opposite direction. Rotation of the hollow magnet in the first direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly out of the housing (i.e., elongation) and rotation in the second direction causes telescopic movement of the magnetic assembly into the housing (i.e., shortening).Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2019Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Scott Pool, Arvin Chang, Peter P. Tran, Blair Walker
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Patent number: 11576702Abstract: In one embodiment, a non-invasively adjustable spinal system for treatment of a subject having spondylolisthesis includes a first implantable actuator having at least one anchoring structure, the anchoring structure configured to facilitate securement of the first implantable actuator to a portion of the sacrum of the subject. The non-invasively adjustable spinal system can further include an adjustment element, configured to be coupled to the first implantable actuator, the adjustment element having an engagement structure configured to engage at least one transverse process of a lumbar vertebra of the subject. The non-invasively adjustable spinal system can further include a driving element, wherein remote activation of the driving element causes movement of the adjustment element in relation to the first implantable actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Stuart A. Green, Blair Walker, Thomas B. Buford, Urs Weber
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Publication number: 20220192710Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An O-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2022Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
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Publication number: 20220142801Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject and includes a permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject having at least one magnet configured for rotation, the external adjustment device further comprising a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet and an encoder. Rotation of the at least one magnet of the external adjustment device effectuates rotational movement of the permanent magnet of the adjustable implant and alters the dimension of the adjustable implant. Drive control circuitry is configured to receive an input signal from the encoder.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2021Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Jay R. McCoy, Peter P. Tran, Richard L. Quick, Shahram Moaddeb, Arvin Chang
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Patent number: 11304729Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An O-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHHOPEDICS, INC.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
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Publication number: 20220096136Abstract: A method of changing a bone angle includes creating an osteotomy between a first portion and a second portion of a tibia of a patient; creating a cavity in the tibia by removing bone material along an axis extending in a substantially longitudinal direction from a first point at the tibial plateau to a second point; placing a non-invasively adjustable implant into the cavity, the non-invasively adjustable implant comprising an adjustable actuator having an outer housing and an inner shaft, telescopically disposed in the outer housing, and a driving element configured to be remotely operable to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing; coupling one of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the first portion of the tibia; coupling the other of the outer housing or the inner shaft to the second portion of the tibia; and remotely operating the driving element to telescopically displace the inner shaft in relation to the outer housing, thus changing an angle between the first portiType: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: David Skinlo, Thomas B. Buford, Ephraim Akyuz, Thomas Weisel, Roger Pisarnwongs, Adam G. Beckett, Jeffrey Lee Gilbert, Frank Yan Liu, Urs Weber, Edmund J. Roschak, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Mark T. Dahl
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Patent number: RE49061Abstract: A bone transport system includes a nail having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured for securing to a first portion of bone, the distal end configured for securing to a second portion of bone. The system includes a housing having a wall with a longitudinal opening extending a length along a portion thereof The system further includes a transport sled having a length that is shorter than the length of the longitudinal opening, the transport sled configured for securing to a third portion of bone, the transport sled further configured to be moveable along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a magnetic assembly disposed within the nail and configured to be non-invasively actuated by a moving magnetic field, wherein actuation of the magnetic assembly moves the transport sled along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a ribbon extending on opposing sides of the transport sled and substantially covering the longitudinal opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2019Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
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Patent number: RE49720Abstract: A bone transport system includes a nail having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured for securing to a first portion of bone, the distal end configured for securing to a second portion of bone. The system includes a housing having a wall with a longitudinal opening extending a length along a portion thereof. The system further includes a transport sled having a length that is shorter than the length of the longitudinal opening, the transport sled configured for securing to a third portion of bone, the transport sled further configured to be moveable along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a magnetic assembly disposed within the nail and configured to be non-invasively actuated by a moving magnetic field, wherein actuation of the magnetic assembly moves the transport sled along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a ribbon extending on opposing sides of the transport sled and substantially covering the longitudinal opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker