Patents by Inventor Dan Boljonis

Dan Boljonis 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: 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: 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
  • Patent number: 11173046
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a distal end connectable with an implant, and a handle connected to a proximal end of the shaft. The instrument defines an internal fluid channel through which a fluid can be passed. A kit includes the instrument and a spinal implant that is expandable through the introduction of the fluid therein. A method of using the instrument includes passing a fluid through an internal fluid channel defined by the instrument and toward the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
  • Publication number: 20210338290
    Abstract: A surgical system includes an implant having a first attachment mechanism and an insertion instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, and a second attachment mechanism disposed at the distal end for removable connection with the first attachment mechanism. The proximal end of the insertion instrument is pivotable with respect to the implant. The insertion instrument can include an inserter and a guide. A method of using the surgical system is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
  • Patent number: 11033302
    Abstract: A surgical system includes an implant having a first attachment mechanism and an insertion instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, and a second attachment mechanism disposed at the distal end for removable connection with the first attachment mechanism. The proximal end of the insertion instrument is pivotable with respect to the implant. The insertion instrument can include an inserter and a guide. A method of using the surgical system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
  • Publication number: 20210106434
    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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10898344
    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: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20200229936
    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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
  • Patent number: 10548738
    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: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
  • Publication number: 20190224025
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a distal end connectable with an implant, and a handle connected to a proximal end of the shaft. The instrument defines an internal fluid channel through which a fluid can be passed. A kit includes the instrument and a spinal implant that is expandable through the introduction of the fluid therein. A method of using the instrument includes passing a fluid through an internal fluid channel defined by the instrument and toward the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
  • Patent number: 10285825
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a distal end connectable with an implant, and a handle connected to a proximal end of the shaft. The instrument defines an internal fluid channel through which a fluid can be passed. A kit includes the instrument and a spinal implant that is expandable through the introduction of the fluid therein. A method of using the instrument includes passing a fluid through an internal fluid channel defined by the instrument and toward the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
  • Publication number: 20190059956
    Abstract: A surgical system includes an implant having a first attachment mechanism and an insertion instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, and a second attachment mechanism disposed at the distal end for removable connection with the first attachment mechanism. The proximal end of the insertion instrument is pivotable with respect to the implant. The insertion instrument can include an inserter and a guide. A method of using the surgical system is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
  • Patent number: 10143499
    Abstract: A surgical system includes an implant having a first attachment mechanism and an insertion instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, and a second attachment mechanism disposed at the distal end for removable connection with the first attachment mechanism. The proximal end of the insertion instrument is pivotable with respect to the implant. The insertion instrument can include an inserter and a guide. A method of using the surgical system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
  • Publication number: 20180303625
    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: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
  • Patent number: 9962270
    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: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20170290671
    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: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
  • Publication number: 20170290680
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a distal end connectable with an implant, and a handle connected to a proximal end of the shaft. The instrument defines an internal fluid channel through which a fluid can be passed. A kit includes the instrument and a spinal implant that is expandable through the introduction of the fluid therein. A method of using the instrument includes passing a fluid through an internal fluid channel defined by the instrument and toward the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
  • Publication number: 20160213482
    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: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
  • Patent number: 9320610
    Abstract: An expandable implant (210, 410) includes top and bottom plates (220, 250, 420, 450) having angled inner surfaces (222, 252, 422, 452) that interact with expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502). The expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502) may be situated on an actuator (280, 480), and may include at least one vertical projection (312, 314, 512, 514) for interacting with a recess (230, 430) in the plates (220, 250, 420, 450). In some instances, rotation of the actuator (280, 480) in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502) to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation or collapse of the top and bottom plates (220, 250, 420, 450). Pins (316, 516) may also be associated with the expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502) and received in respective slots (318, 518) in the plates (220, 250, 420, 450).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20150100094
    Abstract: A surgical system includes an implant having a first attachment mechanism and an insertion instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, and a second attachment mechanism disposed at the distal end for removable connection with the first attachment mechanism. The proximal end of the insertion instrument is pivotable with respect to the implant. The insertion instrument can include an inserter and a guide. A method of using the surgical system is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis