Patents by Inventor Erik E. Emstad

Erik E. Emstad 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: 8864829
    Abstract: A spinal cage with a wall extending in a longitudinal direction defining an interior space is disclosed. There is also provided a deployable element in movable relation to the spinal cage. In some embodiments, there is a rib, and the rotatable member is engaged at one end with the wall and at the other end with the rib. In some embodiments, the spinal cage is provided with holes for screws that can be directed at adjacent vertebrae for fixation. Such a spinal cage can be used with the spin-plate or with the screws. The screws and the spinal cage may have features that cooperate to prevent back-out of the screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Theken Spine, LLC
    Inventors: James Bruffey, Bret E. Hartzell, Erik E. Emstad
  • Patent number: 7641659
    Abstract: A method of, and surgical instrument for accessing first and second pedicle locations of a spinal column area. The surgical instrument including a blade member slidably positionable along first and second wires. The instrument having a nested arrangement of members, including a portal member having an elongated aperture to access the first and second pedicle locations. The nested arrangement further including a plurality of members configured and sized to incrementally expand the access opening to the spinal column area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik E. Emstad, Daniel Robbins
  • Patent number: 7108698
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for use during a spinal surgery procedure. The surgical instrument being configured to distract two adjacent vertebral elements and retract the nerve root to provide access to the distracted site. The instrument including an elongated blade member having a wing located on an edge of the blade member, and a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Robbins, Erik E. Emstad
  • Publication number: 20040181231
    Abstract: A method of, and surgical instrument for accessing first and second pedicle locations of a spinal column area. The surgical instrument including a blade member slidably positionable along first and second wires. The instrument having a nested arrangement of members, including a portal member having an elongated aperture to access the first and second pedicle locations. The nested arrangement further including a plurality of members configured and sized to incrementally expand the access opening to the spinal column area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Centerpulse Spine-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik E. Emstad, Daniel S. Robbins
  • Publication number: 20030216744
    Abstract: Instruments and methods for insertion of one or more spinal implants into an intervertebral space between opposing vertebral bodies are disclosed. Instruments according to the invention include a guide for preparing a spinal fusion implant site, a guide starter, implant depth gauges, reamers, taps and implant drivers. The instruments and methods disclosed provide improved visualization of the surgical field and enhanced precision of placement of spinal fusion implants between vertebral bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: Sulzer Spine-Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Longhini, John J. Grabowski, Kevin V. Guenther, Erik E. Emstad, Peter J. Pohndorf
  • Patent number: 6524318
    Abstract: Instruments and methods for insertion of one or more spinal implants into an intervertebral space between opposing vertebral bodies are disclosed. Instruments according to the invention include a guide for preparing a spinal fusion implant site, a guide starter, implant depth gauges, reamers, taps and implant drivers. The instruments and methods disclosed provide improved visualization of the surgical field and enhanced precision of placement of spinal fusion implants between vertebral bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sulzer Spine-Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Longhini, John J. Grabowski, Kevin V. Guenther, Erik E. Emstad, Peter J. Pohndorf
  • Patent number: 6036290
    Abstract: An electrical enclosure includes a frame and a seismic subframe. The seismic subframe includes vertical frame members interconnecting with braces at the top and bottom and opening at the front and rear of the enclosure. The assembly mounts to the rectangular frame of the enclosure. Grid straps extend from front to rear to connect the assemblies and provide additional bracing. Front and rear panels include gusset type braces at the corners mounted to the panels that engage inner edges of the framework to provide positioning as well as support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Hoffman Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Jancsek, Creighton R. Thompson, Robert G. Lau, Todd J. Mickley, Erik E. Emstad