Patents by Inventor Charles R. Forton

Charles R. Forton 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: 20170020587
    Abstract: Systems for trauma and/or joint fusion implants and instruments include transarticular screw and intra-articular washer, polyaxial screw and plate, single- and multi-level polyaxial bone clamps, and minimally invasive adaptations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Douglas E. Schmierer, Charles R. Forton, Victor Zaporojan, Marc C. Yap
  • Patent number: 9539012
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient using quick-connect sleeve assemblies. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly can be coupled to a bone fastener assembly in a fast and intuitive way. In one embodiment, a quick-connect sleeve assembly has a detachable member and a movable member. Both members engage a collar of the bone fastener assembly. In one embodiment, the engagement can be locked via one or more locking features to facilitate screwing a bone fastener of the bone fastener assembly onto a vertebral body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly has a low profile and is particularly shaped for minimally invasive entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: ZIMMER SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Larry T. Khoo, Charles R. Forton, Brian J. Bergeron, Bruce A. Riceman, Peter T. Miller, Kameron Scott Ely
  • Publication number: 20160354119
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Emily King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Publication number: 20160302832
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Larry T. Khoo, Erik J. Wagner, Charles R. Forton, Robert J. Jones
  • Patent number: 9456858
    Abstract: Systems for trauma and/or joint fusion implants and instruments include transarticular screw and intra-articular washer, polyaxial screw and plate, single- and multi-level polyaxial bone clamps, and minimally invasive adaptations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: OsteoMed, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas E. Schmierer, Charles R. Forton, Victor Zaporojan, Marc C. Yap
  • Patent number: 9445849
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily E. King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Publication number: 20150305781
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Larry T. Khoo, Erik J. Wagner, Charles R. Forton, Robert J. Jones
  • Publication number: 20150297264
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Emily E. King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Publication number: 20150297277
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars. An adjuster may be used in conjunction with the extenders to change a separation distance between the bone fastener assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Jones, Charles R. Forton
  • Patent number: 9101414
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide compression/distraction methods and tools useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily E. King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 9066762
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars. An adjuster may be used in conjunction with the extenders to change a separation distance between the bone fastener assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Jones, Charles R. Forton
  • Publication number: 20150148845
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Larry T. Khoo, Erik J. Wagner, Charles R. Forton, Robert J. Jones
  • Publication number: 20150100095
    Abstract: Systems for trauma and/or joint fusion implants and instruments include transarticular screw and intra-articular washer, polyaxial screw and plate, single- and multi-level polyaxial bone clamps, and minimally invasive adaptations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas E. Schmierer, Charles R. Forton, Victor Zaporojan, Marc C. Yap
  • Patent number: 8998966
    Abstract: A screw system includes a screw and a washer assembly captive to the screw. The washer assembly is polyaxially pivotable relative to the screw. The screw may be freely rotated in one direction relative to the washer assembly, but frictionally binds with the washer assembly when rotated in a second direction. Various auxiliary fixation features are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: OsteoMed, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Yap, Rob D. Dickerman, Matthew T. Bennett, Charles R. Forton, Andrew R. Fauth, Joel R. Helgerson, Shresta Marigowda
  • Patent number: 8956362
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Larry T. Khoo, Erik J. Wagner, Charles R. Forton, Robert J. Jones
  • Patent number: 8911476
    Abstract: Systems for trauma and/or joint fusion implants and instruments include transarticular screw and intra-articular washer, polyaxial screw and plate, single- and multi-level polyaxial bone clamps, and minimally invasive adaptations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: OsteoMed, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas E. Schmierer, Charles R. Forton, Victor Zaporojan, Marc C. Yap
  • Publication number: 20140277493
    Abstract: An inserter instrument and an implant device are provided. An interconnection between an implant and an instrument may include a threaded connection and a gripping connection. Motion of the gripping connection is coordinated with motion of the threaded connection. One implant includes a threaded hole and an adjacent angled pocket, both of which extend into the implant through an instrument-facing surface. One instrument includes a threaded rod and an adjacent pivoting finger, both of which protrude from an end face of the instrument. When the implant is connected to this instrument, the instrument-facing surface abuts the end face, the threaded rod engages the threaded hole, and the finger extends into the pocket along an angle of the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Osteomed LLC
    Inventors: Jason M. Glad, Andrew R. Fauth, Charles R. Forton
  • Publication number: 20140277504
    Abstract: Implant devices for insertion between first and second bone structures are disclosed and include an implant device body having an exterior surface and an insertion tool interface including a plurality of apertures configured to secure the implant device to an insertion tool, and includes a first aperture (e.g., a threaded aperture) configured to secure the implant device body to a threaded element of the insertion tool, and a second aperture to receive a finger element of the insertion tool. The plurality of apertures are accessible from at least one edge of the implant device body and extend into the implant device body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: OsteoMed LLC
    Inventors: Charles R. Forton, Seetal Erramilli
  • Patent number: 8814914
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide tools and methods for spinal fusion procedures. One embodiment of a tool can be a pedicle access tool that performs the functions of targeting needle, cannula, tap and awl. The cannula of the tool can be used to guide various tools and bone graft or fusion promoting material to a surgical site for a spinal fusion procedure, such as a posterolateral procedure. In other embodiments, a k-wire can be used as the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Thomas Miller, Charles R. Forton, Reginald James Davis
  • Publication number: 20140135855
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars. An adjuster may be used in conjunction with the extenders to change a separation distance between the bone fastener assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Jones, Charles R. Forton