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).

  • Publication number: 20220087725
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
  • Publication number: 20220031375
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Jay R. McCoy, Arvin Chang
  • Patent number: 11234849
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Jay R. McCoy, Peter P. Tran, Richard L. Quick, Shahram Moaddeb, Arvin Chang
  • Patent number: 11213330
    Abstract: 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 porti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11207110
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
  • Patent number: 11191579
    Abstract: 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 porti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11172972
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: NUVASIVE SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Jay R. McCoy, Arvin Chang
  • Publication number: 20210338229
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
  • Publication number: 20210307787
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Brad Culbert, Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Arvin Chang, Peter P. Tran
  • Patent number: 11123107
    Abstract: 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 further 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Culbert, Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Arvin Chang, Peter P. Tran
  • Patent number: 11090039
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmund J. Roschak, Thomas B. Buford, Blair Walker
  • Patent number: 10814522
    Abstract: A screen assembly includes a housing defining a material flow chamber and having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a stucco discharge opening being located in the chamber between the inlet end and the outlet end. An auger shaft is located in the housing for axial rotation and having at least one first helical flight arranged in a flight pattern oriented so that material engaging the first helical flight is conveyed from the inlet end to the outlet end. A screen surrounds the at least one first helical flight for common rotation and extends generally from the inlet end to the outlet end. At least one second helical flight is disposed on an exterior surface of the screen and is arranged in a flight pattern oriented so that material engaging the second helical flight is conveyed in a direction from the outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY
    Inventors: Blair Walker, Erin Stewart
  • Publication number: 20200330135
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Stuart A. Green, Blair Walker, Thomas B. Buford, Urs Weber
  • Publication number: 20200315665
    Abstract: A method of positioning an external adjustment device relative to a patient includes placing a magnetic viewing sheet adjacent to a patient. and identifying the location of an implanted magnetic assembly using the magnetic viewing sheet by visualizing a magnetic image of the implanted magnetic assembly in the magnetic viewing sheet. The external adjustment device is placed on the patient adjacent to the location where the magnetic image was located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Arvin Chang
  • Patent number: 10751094
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart A. Green, Blair Walker, Thomas B. Buford, Urs Weber
  • Patent number: 10729470
    Abstract: A method of positioning an external adjustment device relative to a patient includes placing a magnetic viewing sheet adjacent to a patient and identifying the location of an implanted magnetic assembly using the magnetic viewing sheet by visualizing a magnetic image of the implanted magnetic assembly in the magnetic viewing sheet. The external adjustment device is placed on the patient adjacent to the location where the magnetic image was located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker, Arvin Chang
  • Publication number: 20200155201
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Arvin Chang, Blair Walker, Scott Pool, Peter P. Tran
  • Publication number: 20200069339
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
  • Publication number: 20200046986
    Abstract: A wirelessly-powered medical system includes an intermediate energy transfer module configured to receive energy transferred from a main power source, a transferring magnetic resonator connected to the intermediate energy transfer module and configured to transmit a wireless power transfer signal, and a medical device configured for placement on, in, or in close proximity to a subject, the medical device requiring at least some input power to be fully operational, the medical device connected to a receiving magnetic resonator, wherein the transferring magnetic resonator is configured to exchange power wirelessly via the wireless power transfer signal with the receiving magnetic resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: ARVIN CHANG, Scott Pool, Blair Walker
  • Publication number: 20200038071
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Scott Pool, Arvin Chang, Peter P. Tran, Blair Walker