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).
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Patent number: 11648131Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: STRYKER EUROPEAN OPERATIONS HOLDINGS LLCInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Patent number: 11583407Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 22, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
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Patent number: 11173046Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
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Publication number: 20210338290Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
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Patent number: 11033302Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
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Publication number: 20210106434Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Patent number: 10898344Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 23, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLCInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Publication number: 20200229936Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
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Patent number: 10548738Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
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Publication number: 20190224025Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2019Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
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Patent number: 10285825Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
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Publication number: 20190059956Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
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Patent number: 10143499Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 8, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
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Publication number: 20180303625Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Patent number: 9962270Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Publication number: 20170290671Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis
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Publication number: 20170290680Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
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Publication number: 20160213482Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2016Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Patent number: 9320610Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Thomas Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Publication number: 20150100094Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis