Patents by Inventor Bryan D. Milz

Bryan D. Milz 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: 20250090346
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spinal implant with a solid frame and a porous inner layer. The implant may have a cavity defined by the porous inner layer. The solid frame may have one or more ribs extending from a medial wall to a lateral wall. The thickness of the porous layer may vary relative the thickness of the solid frame at various locations. An inserter to place a spinal implant and a method to perform same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2024
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Cetrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason H. Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, JR., Brad Juchno
  • Patent number: 12226320
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: K2M, INC.
    Inventors: Christian Karl Schultz, Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov
  • Patent number: 12133806
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spinal implant with a solid frame and a porous inner layer. The implant may have a cavity defined by the porous inner layer. The solid frame may have one or more ribs extending from a medial wall to a lateral wall. The thickness of the porous layer may vary relative the thickness of the solid frame at various locations. An inserter to place a spinal implant and a method to perform same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Cetrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason H. Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, Jr., Brad Juchno
  • Publication number: 20240216148
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Karl Schultz, Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov
  • Publication number: 20240197495
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Brian Haight, Justyna Zielinska, Shawn Graham, Christian Karl Schultz
  • Patent number: 11969357
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: K2M, INC.
    Inventors: Christian Karl Schultz, Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov
  • Patent number: 11918487
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Brian Haight, Justyna Zielinska, Shawn Graham
  • Publication number: 20230285162
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spinal implant with a solid frame and a porous inner layer. The implant may have a cavity defined by the porous inner layer. The solid frame may have one or more ribs extending from a medial wall to a lateral wall. The thickness of the porous layer may vary relative the thickness of the solid frame at various locations. An inserter to place a spinal implant and a method to perform same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Centrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason H. Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, JR., Brad Juchno
  • Patent number: 11712273
    Abstract: Various surgical instruments, implants, and their methods of use are disclosed. The surgical instruments are usable to insert various implants into a patient through an access portal in a minimally-invasive manner. The implants are rotatable between different orientations using the instruments to change the footprint of the implant and allow the implant to be inserted through the minimally-invasive access portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: STRYKER EUROPEAN OPERATIONS HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Frank Pinal
  • Publication number: 20230190491
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: K2M, INC.
    Inventors: Christian Karl Schultz, Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov
  • Patent number: 11648131
    Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: STRYKER EUROPEAN OPERATIONS HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
  • Patent number: 11622867
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spinal implant with a solid frame and a porous inner layer. The implant may have a cavity defined by the porous inner layer. The solid frame may have one or more ribs extending from a medial wall to a lateral wall. The thickness of the porous layer may vary relative the thickness of the solid frame at various locations. An inserter to place a spinal implant and a method to perform same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Cetrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, Jr., Brad Juchno
  • Patent number: 11617659
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Karl Schultz, Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov
  • Publication number: 20230103107
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an intervertebral implant includes a body and a locking element. The body includes a leading surface and a trailing surface opposite the leading surface. The body also includes first and second bone fastener passageways through the implant body and a cavity in between the first and second passageways. The cavity includes a trailing wall that separates the cavity from the trailing surface. The locking element is disposed in the cavity such that part of the locking element is visible through an access opening in the trailing wall so that the locking element may be rotated from outside of the implant. In a first rotational position, a first part of the locking element is located within one of the first and second passageways and in a second rotational position, the first part of the locking element is inside the body covered by the trailing wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Jared Gordon Struck, Dane Matthew Johannessen, Robert Clint Boyd, Bryan D. Milz, Choll Kim, Alex Mohit, Yashar Javidan
  • Patent number: 11583407
    Abstract: An expandable interbody implant is expandable from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration by moving opposing first and second vertebral-engaging surfaces apart from one another. The implant includes a locking system for restraining contraction of the implant. The locking system may have a locked configuration, in which the first and second surfaces are prevented from moving back towards the contracted configuration, and the locking system may have an unlocked configuration, in which the first and second surfaces are permitted to move back towards the contracted configuration. The locking system may be controlled by rotation of one or more pinions. The pinions may, in turn, be controlled by linear movement of a rack. The rack may be configured so as to bias the locking system towards the locked configuration. The implant may also include a stop for constraining the maximum expansion of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
  • Publication number: 20220409399
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Christian Karl Schultz, Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov
  • Patent number: 11534307
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an intervertebral implant includes a body and a locking element. The body includes a leading surface and a trailing surface opposite the leading surface. The body also includes first and second bone fastener passageways through the implant body and a cavity in between the first and second passageways. The cavity includes a trailing wall that separates the cavity from the trailing surface. The locking element is disposed in the cavity such that part of the locking element is visible through an access opening in the trailing wall so that the locking element may be rotated from outside of the implant. In a first rotational position, a first part of the locking element is located within one of the first and second passageways and in a second rotational position, the first part of the locking element is inside the body covered by the trailing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Gordon Struck, Robert Clint Boyd, Dane Matthew Johannessen, Jennifer Anne Moore, Bryan D. Milz, Choll Kim, Alex Mohit, Yashar Javidan
  • Publication number: 20220387192
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Christian Karl Schultz, Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov
  • Publication number: 20220183858
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Brian Haight, Justyna Zielinska, Shawn Graham
  • Patent number: 11298244
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Karl Schultz, Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov, Brian Haight, Justyna Zielinska, Shawn Graham