Patents by Inventor Eddie F. Ray
Eddie F. Ray 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: 6740118Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic joint including a first articular component adapted to engage a first vertebra and a second articular component adapted to engage a second vertebra. The articular components include abutting convex and concave articular surfaces that cooperate to permit articulating motion between the articular components. At least one of the convex and concave articular surfaces includes at least one surface depression that is configured to facilitate removal of matter disposed between abutting portions of the articular surfaces. In one embodiment of the prosthetic joint, each of the articular components has a vertebral bearing surface and a flange extending therefrom that is configured to penetrate a corresponding one of the first and second vertebrae, with the flange defining at least one opening extending therethrough to permit bone through-growth.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Lukas Eisermann, Eddie F. Ray, III
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Publication number: 20040097932Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for vertebral interbody fusion are provided. Sleeve assemblies can be provided with a reduced width portion adjacent the distal end to limit the amount of retraction of the surrounding vascular and neural structures required for the procedure. A sleeve assembly can be provided with a guide sleeve removably engaged to a guide sleeve housing. The guide sleeve can be removed during surgery to improve the surgeon's viewing of the operative site while the guide sleeve housing maintains disc space distraction. Methods and instruments for inserting and using the guide sleeve housing are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Eddie F. Ray, James P. Duncan
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Patent number: 6723096Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: John D. Dorchak, J. Kenneth Burkus, Eddie F. Ray, III, John L. White
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Publication number: 20040073312Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic joint including a first articular component adapted to engage a first vertebra and a second articular component adapted to engage a second vertebra. The articular components include abutting convex and concave articular surfaces that cooperate to permit articulating motion between the articular components. At least one of the convex and concave articular surfaces includes at least one surface depression that is configured to facilitate removal of matter disposed between abutting portions of the articular surfaces. In one embodiment of the prosthetic joint, each of the articular components has a vertebral bearing surface and a flange extending therefrom that is configured to penetrate a corresponding one of the first and second vertebrae, with the flange defining at least one opening extending therethrough to permit bone through-growth.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Lukas Eisermann, Eddie F. Ray
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Patent number: 6719760Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: John D. Dorchak, Eddie F. Ray, III, John L. White, Bret M. Berry
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Patent number: 6669698Abstract: A screw placement guide includes a first member having a first guide adapted to contact a first vertebral bone portion and a second member having a second guide adapted to contact a second vertebral bone portion. A clamping mechanism provided on one of the members clamps the first guide and the second guide to the vertebral bone portions. The first guide and the second guide are aligned in order to indicate how a fastener will be aligned when fastened between adjacent vertebrae. A driver engages clamping mechanism to clamp the two members together.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Scott G. Tromanhauser, Bret M. Berry, Eric C. Lange, Eddie F. Ray, III
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Publication number: 20030212404Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: John D. Dorchak, Eddie F. Ray, John L. White, Bret M. Berry
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Publication number: 20030208273Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic joint including a first articular component adapted to engage a first vertebra and a second articular component adapted to engage a second vertebra. The articular components include abutting convex and concave articular surfaces that cooperate to permit articulating motion between the articular components. At least one of the convex and concave articular surfaces includes at least one surface depression that is configured to facilitate removal of matter disposed between abutting portions of the articular surfaces. In one embodiment of the prosthetic joint, each of the articular components has a vertebral bearing surface and a flange extending therefrom that is configured to penetrate a corresponding one of the first and second vertebrae, with the flange defining at least one opening extending therethrough to permit bone through-growth.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Lukas Eisermann, Eddie F. Ray
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Publication number: 20030204261Abstract: An articular disc prosthesis and method of implanting the same within an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies. The prosthesis includes a pair of articular components and an articular ball disposed therebetween. Each of the articular components includes an outer shell portion and a removable inner insert portion. The insert portion includes a concave articular surface sized and shaped to receive a portion of the articular ball to provide articulating motion between the articular components. The outer shell portion includes a central hemi-cylindrical portion, a pair of laterally extending flanges, and an axially extending lip. Following removal of the natural intervertebral disc, a pair of hemi-cylindrical recesses are formed along a central region of the adjacent vertebral bodies to a predetermined depth.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: Lukas Eisermann, Eddie F. Ray
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Patent number: 6635062Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for vertebral interbody fusion are provided. Sleeve assemblies can be provided with a reduced width portion adjacent the distal end to limit the amount of retraction of the surrounding vascular and neural structures required for the procedure. A sleeve assembly can be provided with a guide sleeve removably engaged to a guide sleeve housing. The guide sleeve can be removed during surgery to improve the surgeon's viewing of the operative site while the guide sleeve housing maintains disc space distraction. Methods and instruments for inserting and using the guide sleeve housing are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Eddie F. Ray, III, James P. Duncan
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Publication number: 20030195629Abstract: Spinal spacers 20 are provided for fusion of a motion segment. The spacers include a load bearing member 21 having a wall 22 sized for engagement within a space between adjacent vertebrae to maintain the space and an effective amount of an osteogenic composition to stimulate osteoinduction. The osteogenic composition includes a substantially pure osteogenic factor in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment the load bearing member includes a bone graft impregnated in an osteogenic composition. In another embodiment, the osteogenic composition 30 is packed within a chamber 25 defined in the graft. Any suitable configuration of a bone graft is contemplated, including bone dowels, D-shaped spacers and cortical rings.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: John Pafford, Lawrence M. Boyd, William F. McKay, Eddie F. Ray, James E. Van Hoeck
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Publication number: 20030195520Abstract: A method and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation from an anterior approach to the spine. The invention provides an improved guide sleeve defining a channel having overlapping cylindrical working channel portions and lateral non-distracting extensions extending from reduced thickness wall portions. The guide sleeve has an overall reduced width configuration adjacent the distal end due to the overlapping working channel portions and reduced thickness wall portions. A pair of distractors are provided. A first distractor includes a shaft and distal tip, each having convex walls. A second distractor includes a shaft and distal tip including a recessed area at least along the tip. The first distractor is at least partially received within the recessed area of the second distractor when the first and second distractors are in side-by-side relation and a reduced overall width of the distractors is obtained. Preferably, the first and second distractors are used with the guide sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, Eddie F. Ray, Bradley T. Estes, J. Kenneth Burkus, John D. Dorchak
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Patent number: 6585770Abstract: A device for supporting weak bony structures includes a body having first and second ends configured for contacting adjacent bony structures. The body has a wall that with a number of opening, and the wall defines a hollow chamber for receiving bone growth inducing material. The device includes an end cap for placement in the hollow chamber adjacent one of the ends of the body. The end cap has opposite upper and lower surfaces, and includes a plurality of arms extending from a central ring. Each of the arms having a first end connected with the ring and an opposite second end including an outer surface. Each of the outer surfaces are positionable adjacent the inner surface of the wall of the body when the end cap is inserted into the hollow chamber. Each arm can also include a projection that extends at least partially into a wall opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: John L. White, Eddie F. Ray, III, John Stewart Young
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Patent number: 6582437Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: John D. Dorchak, Eddie F. Ray, III, John L. White
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Patent number: 6575981Abstract: A method and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation from an anterior approach to the spine. The invention provides an improved guide sleeve defining a channel having overlapping cylindrical working channel portions and lateral non-distracting extensions extending from reduced thickness wall portions. The guide sleeve has an overall reduced width configuration adjacent the distal end due to the overlapping working channel portions and reduced thickness wall portions. A pair of distractors are provided. A first distractor includes a shaft and distal tip, each having convex walls. A second distractor includes a shaft and distal tip including a recessed area at least along the tip. The first distractor is at least partially received within the recessed area of the second distractor when the first and second distractors are in side-by-side relation and a reduced overall width of the distractors is obtained. Preferably, the first and second distractors are used with the guide sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, Eddie F. Ray, Bradley T. Estes, J. Kenneth Burkus, John D. Dorchak
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Publication number: 20030040799Abstract: An interbody fusion device for engagement between vertebrae includes a pair of lateral spacers for spacing the vertebrae, and a connecting member adapted to couple together the lateral spacers when inserted between the vertebrae. The connecting member, individual lateral spacers, or the entire spinal spacer can be made of bone in order to promote fusion of the vertebrae. The modular construction permits use of bone segments otherwise unsuitable due to size or strength in stable fusion devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2002Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, Eddie F. Ray, Jeffrey Kozak
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Publication number: 20030032865Abstract: A method and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion is disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion from a posterior approach to the spine. One instrument is a retractor having a lockable pivotally mounted handle. Another instrument is a template for straddling the dura. A modular distractor is also provided and preferably includes a tapered shaft with a visualization window disposed therein. Yet another instrument is a depth gauge to verify bone opening depth and dimension, preferably including a radiopaque portion. A method contemplates the use of these instruments to prepare a disc space to receive an implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Bradley T. Estes, Regis W. Haid, Eddie F. Ray, Jeffrey D. Moore, Gerald E. Rodts
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Patent number: 6506151Abstract: A method and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion is disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion from a posterior approach to the spine. One instrument is a retractor having a lockable pivotally mounted handle. Another instrument is a template for straddling the dura. A modular distractor is also provided and preferably includes a tapered shaft with a visualization window disposed therein. Yet another instrument is a depth gauge to verify bone opening depth and dimension, preferably including a radiopaque portion. A method contemplates the use of these instruments to prepare a disc space to receive an implant.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Bradley T. Estes, Regis W. Haid, Jr., Eddie F. Ray, III, Jeffrey D. Moore, Gerald E. Rodts, Jr.
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Patent number: 6468311Abstract: An interbody fusion device for engagement between vertebrae includes a pair of lateral spacers for spacing the vertebrae, and a connecting member adapted to couple together the lateral spacers when inserted between the vertebrae. The connecting member, individual lateral spacers, or the entire spinal spacer can be made of bone in order to promote fusion of the vertebrae. The modular construction permits use of bone segments otherwise unsuitable due to size or strength in stable fusion devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, Eddie F. Ray, III, Jeffrey Kozak
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Publication number: 20020123750Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic implants made from a mesh material. The mesh material can be treated in order to promote bone growth, to provide antibiotics, or to provide other beneficial treatment. Specific applications for the implants include, for example, a prosthetic ligament, a tension band, an interbody device, or a fixation device that extends across one or more joints or fractures.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2002Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventors: Lukas Eisermann, Eddie F. Ray