Patents by Inventor Charles L. Branch

Charles L. Branch 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).

  • Patent number: 10327913
    Abstract: An interbody implant system is provided. The interbody implant system includes an implant having an engagement surface and an instrument including a first member and a second member that is movable relative to the first member. The first member is configured to capture the implant and the second member includes an interface configured to engage the engagement surface to releasably lock the implant in at least one orientation relative to the second member. The at least one of the engagement surface and the interface include at least one planar face. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, Keith M. Miller, Charles L. Branch, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas E. Drochner, Richard A. Hynes, Jonathan E. Blackwell, Kidong Yu
  • Patent number: 9993630
    Abstract: A subdural drainage system includes: (a) a subdural drainage device having an opening formed therethrough, said subdural drainage device having an upper portion, a body portion, and a lower portion; (b) a housing having an upper portion and lower portion, with said housing connected to said subdural drainage device; said housing movable between (i) a first configuration and (ii) a second configuration; and (c) an elongated element positioned inside said housing, said elongated element having an upper portion, a lower portion and a deformable member connected to the lower portion; said elongated element being configured such that said elongated element is moved between (i) a retracted position with said elongated element inside a portion of said subdural drainage device and said deformable member inside said housing, and (ii) an extended position with said elongated element extending through said subdural drainage device such that said deformable member automatically extends to an extended, deformed position i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
    Inventors: Charles L. Branch, Jr., John P. Eikman
  • Publication number: 20170291017
    Abstract: A subdural drainage device includes a subdural drainage housing defining a drainage passageway. The drainage passageway has a A subdural drainage device includes a subdural drainage housing defining a drainage passageway. The drainage passageway has a lower opening configured to connect to a subdural space of a patient and an upper opening. A blockage removal unit is in the housing, and the blockage removal unit has an end portion that is configured to reduce or remove blockages adjacent the lower opening of the drainage passageway that is movable between a retracted position in which the end portion is in the subdural drainage housing and an extended position in which the end portion of the blockage removal unit extends away from the subdural drainage housing via the lower opening of the drainage passageway. At least one side delivery port is in the housing and in fluid communication with the drainage passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Charles L. Branch, JR., John P. Eickman
  • Publication number: 20160166812
    Abstract: A subdural drainage system includes: (a) a subdural drainage device having an opening formed therethrough, said subdural drainage device having an upper portion, a body portion, and a lower portion; (b) a housing having an upper portion and lower portion, with said housing connected to said subdural drainage device; said housing movable between (i) a first configuration and (ii) a second configuration; and (c) an elongated element positioned inside said housing, said elongated element having an upper portion, a lower portion and a deformable member connected to the lower portion; said elongated element being configured such that said elongated element is moved between (i) a retracted position with said elongated element inside a portion of said subdural drainage device and said deformable member inside said housing, and (ii) an extended position with said elongated element extending through said subdural drainage device such that said deformable member automatically extends to an extended, deformed position i
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Charles L. Branch, JR., John P. Elkman
  • Patent number: 9220607
    Abstract: An interbody implant system is provided. The interbody implant system includes an implant having an engagement surface and an instrument including a first member and a second member that is movable relative to the first member. The first member is configured to capture the implant and the second member includes an interface configured to engage the engagement surface to releasably lock the implant in at least one orientation relative to the second member. The at least one of the engagement surface and the interface include at least one planar face. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Oorthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, Keith M. Miller, Charles L. Branch, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas Drochner, Richard A. Hynes, Jonathan Blackwell, Kidong Yu
  • Publication number: 20150351922
    Abstract: An interbody implant system is provided. The interbody implant system includes an implant having an engagement surface and an instrument including a first member and a second member that is movable relative to the first member. The first member is configured to capture the implant and the second member includes an interface configured to engage the engagement surface to releasably lock the implant in at least one orientation relative to the second member. The at least one of the engagement surface and the interface include at least one planar face. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, Keith M. Miller, Charles L. Branch, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas E. Drochner, Richard A. Hynes, Jonathan E. Blackwell, Kidong Yu
  • Patent number: 9126006
    Abstract: A subdural drainage system includes (a) a subdural drainage device having an opening formed therethrough, said subdural drainage device having an upper portion, a body portion, and a lower portion; (b) a housing having an upper portion and lower portion, with said housing connected to said subdural drainage device; said housing movable between (i) a first configuration and (ii) a second configuration; and (c) a stylet positioned inside said housing, said stylet having an upper portion and a lower portion and configured such that said stylet is moved between (i) a withdrawn position with said stylet withdrawn from a portion of said subdural evacuation port device, and (ii) an extended position with said stylet extending through said subdural drainage device such that blockages are disrupted in the subdural drainage device when said housing is moved between said first and second housing configurations; and (d) an external drain opening formed on either said subdural drainage device or said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
    Inventors: Charles L. Branch, John P. Eickman
  • Patent number: 9095489
    Abstract: A planar support assembly for use with a patient body support, an extension support assembly, and a plurality of interchangeable head supports is provided. The extension support assembly is releasably mounted on a portion of the patient body support such that the extension support assembly extends outwardly from the patient body support. The planar support assembly includes a generally planar support configured to releasably attach to an end of the extension support assembly opposite the patient body support. The planar support is configured to receive and support one of a plurality of interchangeable head supports, and the planar support is adjustable with respect to the patient body support in two or more dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
    Inventors: Joel L. Berry, John E. Reynolds, Charles L. Branch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8979903
    Abstract: A connection system is provided that joins a revision fixation plate to a previously implanted skeletal fixation plate. In one form, the system allows the previously implanted plating system to be revised without disturbing the original implant components. In one aspect, the connection includes joining the revision fixation plate to a previously implanted fastener. In another aspect, the revision fixation plate is directly joined to a previously implanted fixation plate. In yet another aspect, the connection includes forming a dynamic relationship between the previously implanted plating system, the revision fixation plate, and the affected vertebrae. In one form, the dynamic relationship enables movement between the previously implanted plating system and the affected vertebrae and in another form, the dynamic relationship enables movement between the previously implanted plating system and the revision fixation plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco Capote, Robert S. Biscup, Charles L. Branch, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130110241
    Abstract: An interbody implant system is provided. The interbody implant system includes an implant having an engagement surface and an instrument including a first member and a second member that is movable relative to the first member. The first member is configured to capture the implant and the second member includes an interface configured to engage the engagement surface to releasably lock the implant in at least one orientation relative to the second member. The at least one of the engagement surface and the interface include at least one planar face. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, Keith M. Miller, Charles L. Branch, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent, Thomas Drochner, Richard A. Hynes, Jonathan Blackwell, Kidong Yu
  • Patent number: 8403878
    Abstract: A subdural drainage system includes (a) a subdural drainage device having an opening formed therethrough, said subdural drainage device having an upper portion, a body portion, and a lower portion; (b) a housing having an upper portion and lower portion, with said housing connected to said subdural drainage device; said housing movable between (i) a first configuration and (ii) a second configuration; and (c) a stylet positioned inside said housing, said stylet having an upper portion and a lower portion and configured such that said stylet is moved between (i) a withdrawn position with said stylet withdrawn from a portion of said subdural evacuation port device, and (ii) an extended position with said stylet extending through said subdural drainage device such that blockages are disrupted in the subdural drainage device when said housing is moved between said first and second housing configurations; and (e) an external drain opening formed on either said subdural drainage device or said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
    Inventors: Charles L. Branch, Jr., John P. Eickman
  • Patent number: 8353937
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system, apparatus, and method are disclosed which include an interconnection mechanism for engaging stabilization members to one another. In one embodiment, the interconnection mechanism comprises a locking member having first and second threaded segments. An anchor member is provided having an upper segment and a lower segment, wherein the lower segment is structurally configured for engagement with a respective bone segment. A first stabilization member is connected to the upper segment of the anchor member. A locking member is engaged with the anchor member such that the first stabilization member is fixedly secured to the anchor member by a lower portion of the locking member having a first threaded segment. A second stabilization member is connected to an upper portion of the locking member by a cap that is threaded onto a second threaded segment of the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco Dagoberto Capote, Robert S. Biscup, Charles L. Branch
  • Patent number: 8221502
    Abstract: An expandable spinal implant including a body having a plurality of movable portions cooperating to define an outer cross section having first and second transverse dimensions and first and second substantially planar surfaces disposed generally opposite one another and adapted to engage adjacent vertebral bodies. An expansion member co-acts with the movable portions to expand the body along each of the first and second transverse dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Wasaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles L. Branch, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110282263
    Abstract: A subdural drainage system includes (a) a subdural drainage device having an opening formed therethrough, said subdural drainage device having an upper portion, a body portion, and a lower portion; (b) a housing having an upper portion and lower portion, with said housing connected to said subdural drainage device; said housing movable between (i) a first configuration and (ii) a second configuration; and (c) a stylet positioned inside said housing, said stylet having an upper portion and a lower portion and configured such that said stylet is moved between (i) a withdrawn position with said stylet withdrawn from a portion of said subdural evacuation port device, and (ii) an extended position with said stylet extending through said subdural drainage device such that blockages are disrupted in the subdural drainage device when said housing is moved between said first and second housing configurations; and (e) an external drain opening formed on either said subdural drainage device or said housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Charles L. Branch, JR., John P. Eickman
  • Patent number: 8012188
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that include a plate member engageable to the spinal column with an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a coupling member having a post extending through at least one opening of the plate member and an anchor member pivotally captured in a receiver member of the coupling member below a lower surface of the plate member. A locking member secures the plate member to the coupling member. The coupling member includes an extended post with a proximal removable portion. The extended post facilitates placement of the plate member in position relative to the anchor assembly when engaged to the patient and be employed to reduce the plate member toward the anchor assembly when engaged to a vertebra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J Melkent, Charles L Branch, Jonathan Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7998209
    Abstract: This invention relates to implants formed from donor bone for use in lumbar interbody fusion procedures and instruments for performing such procedures. The implants are formed to include a concave surface formed from a portion of the medullary canal of a long bone. The concave surface defines a recess in the implant that serves as a depot for osteogenic material. Specific instruments for inserting the implants prepared according to this invention and for preparing the intervertebral space to receive the implants are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc
    Inventors: Charles L. Branch, Mingyan Liu, Lawrence M. Boyd, Loic Josse
  • Patent number: 7981029
    Abstract: Methods and devices retract tissue for minimally invasive surgery in a patient. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from a first configuration for insertion that minimizes trauma to skin and tissue to an enlarged configuration after insertion to further retract skin and tissue in a minimally invasive manner. Instruments are engageable to the first and second portions and operable to move the first and second portions relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Branch, Kevin T. Foley, Thomas E. Roehm, III, Anthony J. Melkent
  • Patent number: 7959651
    Abstract: Methods and devices for illuminating a surgical space in a patient are provided. A retractor provides a portal or working path for access to a working space location in the patient. The retractor transmits and emits light from a light delivery system to illuminate the working channel and surgical space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Branch, Kevin T. Foley, Maurice M. Smith, Thomas E. Roehm, III, Harold S. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100319706
    Abstract: A planar support assembly for use with a patient body support, an extension support assembly, and a plurality of interchangeable head supports is provided. The extension support assembly is releasably mounted on a portion of the patient body support such that the extension support assembly extends outwardly from the patient body support. The planar support assembly includes a generally planar support configured to releasably attach to an end of the extension support assembly opposite the patient body support. The planar support is configured to receive and support one of a plurality of interchangeable head supports, and the planar support is adjustable with respect to the patient body support in two or more dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Joel L. Berry, John E. Reynolds, Charles L. Branch, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100318132
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that include a plate member engageable to the spinal column with an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a coupling member having a post extending through at least one opening of the plate member and an anchor member pivotally captured in a receiver member of the coupling member below a lower surface of the plate member. A locking member secures the plate member to the coupling member. The coupling member includes an extended post with a proximal removable portion. The extended post facilitates placement of the plate member in position relative to the anchor assembly when engaged to the patient and be employed to reduce the plate member toward the anchor assembly when engaged to a vertebra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, Charles L. Branch, JR., Jonathan Blackwell