Patents by Inventor Carmen Walters
Carmen Walters 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: 9888945Abstract: An exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity includes a plurality of transverse rods, a longitudinal rod, and at least one node. The plurality of transverse rods each includes a first end for coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system and a second end. The longitudinal rod extends transverse to the transverse rods. The at least one node receives the second ends of first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within a receiving portion and an adjustment member selectively secures the second ends.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Carmen Walters, Ketchen Smith, Benjamin Walter Wang
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Publication number: 20170189072Abstract: An exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity includes a plurality of transverse rods, a longitudinal rod, and at least one node. The plurality of transverse rods each includes a first end for coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system and a second end. The longitudinal rod extends transverse to the transverse rods. The at least one node receives the second ends of first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within a receiving portion and an adjustment member selectively secures the second ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2014Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Carmen Walters, Ketchen Smith, Benjamin Walter Wang
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Patent number: 9468474Abstract: An instrument for correction of spinal deformities includes an inner member with a proximal portion configured to receive a corrective force and a distal coupling portion configured to transfer the corrective force to a spinal implant in a vertebra. A slot extends transversely through the coupling portion and is configured to guide a fixation rod into the spinal implant. A threaded sleeve includes an external thread and a thru-bore that slides relative to the proximal portion. An outer member couples with the proximal portion and threadably engages the external thread to apply a reduction force as the outer member rotates relative to the inner member. A reduction blade includes a proximal interlocking portion that removably couples with the threaded sleeve and a distal rod engagement feature configured to engage the fixation rod and transfer the reduction force to reduce the fixation rod into the spinal implant.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Anand Parikh, Garrett Gleeson, Carmen Walters, Jens Peter Timm, Jonathan Costabile, Wally Gillespie, Clark Hutton
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Publication number: 20160015427Abstract: An exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity includes a plurality of transverse rods, a longitudinal rod, and at least one node. The plurality of transverse rods each includes a first end for coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system and a second end. The longitudinal rod extends transverse to the transverse rods. The at least one node receives the second ends of first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within a receiving portion and an adjustment member selectively secures the second ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2014Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventors: Carmen Walters, Ketchen Smith, Benjamin Walter Wang
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Patent number: 9107760Abstract: An interbody spacer system includes a cage and at least one first fixation blade. The cage includes an anterior wall and a posterior wall connected by a pair of side walls. The at least one first fixation blade partially extends around an outer surface of a first of the pair of side walls and is positionable between a first configuration for insertion into a disk space between two vertebrae and a second configuration for attachment to a first of the vertebrae.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: ALPHATEC SPINE, INCInventor: Carmen Walters
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Publication number: 20140316475Abstract: An instrument for correction of spinal deformities includes an inner member with a proximal portion configured to receive a corrective force and a distal coupling portion configured to transfer the corrective force to a spinal implant in a vertebra. A slot extends transversely through the coupling portion and is configured to guide a fixation rod into the spinal implant. A threaded sleeve includes an external thread and a thru-bore that slides relative to the proximal portion. An outer member couples with the proximal portion and threadably engages the external thread to apply a reduction force as the outer member rotates relative to the inner member. A reduction blade includes a proximal interlocking portion that removably couples with the threaded sleeve and a distal rod engagement feature configured to engage the fixation rod and transfer the reduction force to reduce the fixation rod into the spinal implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Anand PARIKH, Garrett GLEESON, Carmen WALTERS, Jens Peter TIMM, Jonathan COSTABILE, Wally GILLESPIE, Clark HUTTON
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Publication number: 20140107659Abstract: An instrument for obtaining spinal rod measurements in situ includes a measurement member, a first indicating member, and a second indicating member. The measurement member measures a length between two spinal implants. The first indicating member couples with the measurement member and includes a first measurement scale coupled with a first shaft for engaging a first spinal implant of the two spinal implants. The second indicating member couples with the measurement member and includes a second measurement scale coupled with a second shaft for engaging a second spinal implant of the two spinal implants.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Carmen Walters, Jens Peter Timm, Kyle Hayes
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Patent number: 8652175Abstract: A surgical implant is provided that includes first and second abutment surfaces between which are positioned a force imparting mechanism. A sheath is positioned between the first and second abutment surfaces, and surrounds the force imparting mechanism. The sheath is fabricated from a material that accommodates relative movement of the abutment members, while exhibiting substantially inert behavior relative to surrounding anatomical structures. The sheath is generally fabricated from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a copolymer of polycarbonate and a urethane, or a blend of a polycarbonate and a urethane. The force imparting member may include one or more springs, e.g., a pair of nested springs. The surgical implant may be a dynamic spine stabilizing member that is advantageously incorporated into a spine stabilization system to offer clinically efficacious results.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2004Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Rachiotek, LLCInventors: Jens Peter Timm, Bryan Hildebrand, Carmen Walters
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Patent number: 8313515Abstract: Multi-level spinal stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided that include at least one multi-level connector, one elongated member with an enlarged head, at least one pedicle screw, and at least one mechanism that supports three degrees of rotational freedom relative to both the elongated member and the pedicle screw each. The mechanism may include universal joint mechanisms or ball and socket mechanisms. In the case of the ball and socket mechanisms, the enlarged head of the elongated member cooperates with a first socket member of the multi-level connector to define a dynamic junction that allows the socket member to move relative to the enlarged head of the elongated member while remaining engaged therewith.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Rachiotek, LLCInventors: Terrence Brennan, George F. Malcolmson, Carmen Walters, Stephen W. Zlock, Jens Peter Timm
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Publication number: 20120277868Abstract: An interbody spacer system includes a cage and at least one first fixation blade. The cage includes an anterior wall and a posterior wall connected by a pair of side walls. The at least one first fixation blade partially extends around an outer surface of a first of the pair of side walls and is positionable between a first configuration for insertion into a disk space between two vertebrae and a second configuration for attachment to a first of the vertebrae.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventor: Carmen Walters
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Publication number: 20120253404Abstract: A surgical implant is provided that includes first and second abutment surfaces between which are positioned a force imparting mechanism. A sheath is positioned between the first and second abutment surfaces, and surrounds the force imparting mechanism. The sheath is fabricated from a material that accommodates relative movement of the abutment members, while exhibiting substantially inert behavior relative to surrounding anatomical structures. The sheath is generally fabricated from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a copolymer of polycarbonate and a urethane, or a blend of a polycarbonate and a urethane. The force imparting member may include one or more springs, e.g., a pair of nested springs. The surgical implant may be a dynamic spine stabilizing member that is advantageously incorporated into a spine stabilization system to offer clinically efficacious results.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: RACHIOTEK, LLCInventors: Jens Peter Timm, Jeffrey S. White, Carmen Walters, Manohar M. Panjabi, Ronald T. Callahan, II, Ernest Corrao, Stephen Maguire, Bryan Hildebrand
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Publication number: 20120203279Abstract: An exemplary system for correcting a spinal deformity includes a plurality of transverse rods, a longitudinal rod, and at least one node. The plurality of transverse rods each includes a first end for coupling with an extension member of a spinal fixation system and a second end. The longitudinal rod extends transverse to the transverse rods. The at least one node receives the second ends of first and second transverse rods and the longitudinal rod within a receiving portion and an adjustment member selectively secures the second ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Carmen Walters, Ketchen Smith, Benjamin Wang
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Publication number: 20100298838Abstract: A surgical screwdriver having two drive modes of operation, an axial mode and a ratcheting mode. The screwdriver includes a handle having a base, a shaft rotatably coupled to the handle proximate the base, the shaft having one or more grooves along a length, an outer sleeve having a ratchet mechanism and an internal bore configured to receive the shaft, and a distal shaft having a proximal end coupled with the outer sleeve and a distal working end configured to couple with a screw. When the screwdriver is in the axial mode of operation, the shaft is moved in axial translation with the outer sleeve and the ratchet mechanism engages the grooves to rotate the working end. When the screwdriver is in the ratcheting mode of operation, the handle base is coupled to outer sleeve and rotation of the handle activates the ratchet mechanism to rotate the working end.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventor: Carmen Walters
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Patent number: 7615068Abstract: A pedicle screw is provided that includes an upwardly extending collet. The collet may include downwardly extending slots that define deflectable segments therebetween. When a spherical element or other structure, e.g., a non-dynamic stabilizing element, is positioned around the collet, introduction of a set screw causes outward deflection of the upstanding segments into engagement with the spherical element. A snap ring may be interposed between the collet and the spherical element to facilitate positioning therebetween. In an alternative embodiment, a non-slotted collet is employed. In such embodiment, the collet and the spherical element may be threadingly engaged and may include a snap ring therebetween. The pedicle screw subassemblies may be incorporated into a spinal stabilization system which may include a dynamic stabilizing member to provide clinically efficacious results.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2004Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Applied Spine Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jens Peter Timm, Bryan Hildebrand, Ronald Callahan, Ernest Corrao, Stephen Maguire, Carmen Walters
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Publication number: 20090177196Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods relating to manipulation, e.g. pivoting, of a rod-shaped element using a rod positioning assembly are disclosed. A rod-shaped element is initially gripped axially (relative to and) by a rod positioning assembly and then pivoted into a transverse orientation without pivoting the rod positioning assembly and/or releasing the rod-shaped element. Rod positioning assemblies include a handle element and a pair of jaw elements in communication therewith. The jaw elements are positioned distally relative to the handle element and the handle element is adapted to effect relative motion between the first and second jaw elements. The abutment faces of the jaw elements define a pair of axially aligned notches at or near the distal ends of the first and second jaw elements, a pair of traversely aligned central wells that define a circular opening that extends transversely across the jaw elements, and a pair of grooves that open up to a single transverse side of the jaw elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: APPLIED SPINE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Stephen W. Zlock, Carmen Walters
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Publication number: 20080312692Abstract: Multi-level spinal stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided that include at least one multi-level connector, one elongated member with an enlarged head, at least one pedicle screw, and at least one mechanism that supports three degrees of rotational freedom relative to both the elongated member and the pedicle screw each. The mechanism may include universal joint mechanisms or ball and socket mechanisms. In the case of the ball and socket mechanisms, the enlarged head of the elongated member cooperates with a first socket member of the multi-level connector to define a dynamic junction that allows the socket member to move relative to the enlarged head of the elongated member while remaining engaged therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Terrence Brennan, George F. Malcolmson, Carmen Walters, Stephen W. Zlock, Jens Peter Timm
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Publication number: 20050182401Abstract: Spinal stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided that include at least one pedicle screw and at least one mechanism that supports three degrees of rotational freedom relative to the pedicle screw. The mechanism may include a universal joint mechanism or a ball and socket mechanism. In the case of the ball and socket mechanism, at least one spherical element is mounted with respect to the at least one pedicle screw and a socket member cooperates with the spherical element. The spherical element and the socket member cooperate to define a dynamic junction that allows the socket member to move relative to the ball element while remaining engaged therewith. The dynamic junction is advantageously incorporated into a spinal stabilization system that includes additional pedicle screw(s), spherical element(s) and socket member(s). The spinal stabilization system may incorporate dynamic stabilizing member(s) to so as to provide clinically efficacious results.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2004Publication date: August 18, 2005Inventors: Jens Timm, Jeffrey White, Carmen Walters, Manohar Panjabi
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Publication number: 20050177156Abstract: A surgical implant is provided that includes first and second abutment surfaces between which are positioned a force imparting mechanism. A sheath is positioned between the first and second abutment surfaces, and surrounds the force imparting mechanism. The sheath is fabricated from a material that accommodates relative movement of the abutment members, while exhibiting substantially inert behavior relative to surrounding anatomical structures. The sheath is generally fabricated from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a copolymer of polycarbonate and a urethane, or a blend of a polycarbonate and a urethane. The force imparting member may include one or more springs, e.g., a pair of nested springs. The surgical implant may be a dynamic spine stabilizing member that is advantageously incorporated into a spine stabilization system to offer clinically efficacious results.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2004Publication date: August 11, 2005Inventors: Jens Timm, Bryan Hildebrand, Carmen Walters
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Publication number: 20050177166Abstract: A pedicle screw is provided that includes an upwardly extending collet. The collet may include downwardly extending slots that define deflectable segments therebetween. When a spherical element or other structure, e.g., a non-dynamic stabilizing element, is positioned around the collet, introduction of a set screw causes outward deflection of the upstanding segments into engagement with the spherical element. A snap ring may be interposed between the collet and the spherical element to facilitate positioning therebetween. In an alternative embodiment, a non-slotted collet is employed. In such embodiment, the collet and the spherical element may be threadingly engaged and may include a snap ring therebetween. The pedicle screw subassemblies may be incorporated into a spinal stabilization system which may include a dynamic stabilizing member to provide clinically efficacious results.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2004Publication date: August 11, 2005Inventors: Jens Timm, Bryan Hildebrand, Ronald Callahan, Ernest Corrao, Stephen MaGuire, Carmen Walters
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Publication number: 20050177164Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly is provided that includes a pedicle screw and a preloaded set screw. The set screw is preloaded in a threaded, central aperture formed in the head region of the pedicle screw. An interference is advantageously formed on the set screw to prevent dislodgement of the set screw, e.g., during shipment and/or clinical placement of the pedicle screw. An upwardly extending collet is generally formed in the head region of the pedicle screw, the collet being sized to receive a spherical element therearound. Advancement of the set screw relative to the pedicle screw secures the spherical element relative to the pedicle screw. The spherical element typically includes a socket member that cooperates with a dynamic stabilizing member. The pedicle screw assembly and dynamic stabilizing member are advantageously used as part of a spinal stabilization system to provide clinically efficacious results.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2004Publication date: August 11, 2005Inventors: Carmen Walters, Bryan Hildebrand, Jens Timm, Ronald Callahan, Ernest Corrao, Stephen Maguire, Jeffrey White