Patents by Inventor Frank J. Schwab
Frank J. Schwab 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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Publication number: 20240074794Abstract: This disclosure discloses a line coupled to a spine of a user at two points such that the line can be movable relative to those two points. The line can be encased by a protective member between those two points. The line can be covered by a compound between those two points. The line can be guided between those two points.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
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Patent number: 11712272Abstract: This disclosure discloses a line coupled to a spine of a user at two points such that the line can be movable relative to those two points. The line can be encased by a protective member between those two points. The line can be covered by a compound between those two points. The line can be guided between those two points.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
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Publication number: 20220249133Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device to restrict interspinous motion across multiple segments of a spinal column in a patient, comprising at least a first ligamentous line attached to a spinous process, a soft tissue in proximity to posterior aspects of a spinal vertebrae, or a pre-existing spinal fixation device or system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2021Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
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Patent number: 11058437Abstract: A method of implanting a bone anchor in a vertebra comprises engaging a tip of a flexible drill bit with boney structure of the vertebra, rotating the flexible drill bit at a slow speed, pushing the drill bit into exterior cortical bone of the boney structure of the vertebra, guiding the flexible drill bit into cancellous bone of the vertebra, receiving a tactile output generated by the flexible drill bit indicating resistance of interior cortical bone of the boney structure against the flexible drill bit, and reorienting a trajectory of the flexible drill bit toward the cancellous bone of the vertebra in reaction to the tactile output.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.Inventors: Allison Christine Capote, Adam Costanza, David Lee Skaggs, Frank J. Schwab
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Publication number: 20200187993Abstract: This disclosure discloses a line coupled to a spine of a user at two points such that the line can be movable relative to those two points. The line can be encased by a protective member between those two points. The line can be covered by a compound between those two points. The line can be guided between those two points.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2019Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
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Publication number: 20190298392Abstract: A method of implanting a bone anchor in a vertebra comprises engaging a tip of a flexible drill bit with boney structure of the vertebra, rotating the flexible drill bit at a slow speed, pushing the drill bit into exterior cortical bone of the boney structure of the vertebra, guiding the flexible drill bit into cancellous bone of the vertebra, receiving a tactile output generated by the flexible drill bit indicating resistance of interior cortical bone of the boney structure against the flexible drill bit, and reorienting a trajectory of the flexible drill bit toward the cancellous bone of the vertebra in reaction to the tactile output.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2019Publication date: October 3, 2019Inventors: Allison Christine Capote, Adam Costanza, David Lee Skaggs, Frank J. Schwab
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Patent number: 9693809Abstract: A spinal implant detection device comprises at least one detectable marker connected to an implantable longitudinal element and including a capture element configured to facilitate manipulation of the longitudinal element. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
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Patent number: 9277939Abstract: A spinal correction system includes at least one longitudinal element extending between a first portion and a second portion. At least one fixation element includes a first end and a second end that is configured for penetrating tissue. A coupling member is configured for disposal about the at least one longitudinal element. The coupling member includes a first part and a second part being movable relative to the first part between a first orientation and a second orientation such that an inner surface of the parts are fixed with the at least one longitudinal element. The parts include an outer surface such that in the second orientation, the coupling member is configured for a snap fit engagement with the at least one fixation element such that the parts are fixed with the first end. Methods of use are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
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Publication number: 20150265316Abstract: A spinal implant detection device comprises at least one detectable marker connected to an implantable longitudinal element and including a capture element configured to facilitate manipulation of the longitudinal element. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2014Publication date: September 24, 2015Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
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Publication number: 20150265303Abstract: A method for treating a spine comprises the steps of: creating a surgical pathway in tissue of a body along a posterior approach; delivering a cutting surface via the surgical pathway to adjacent a longitudinal element implanted with the body; and engaging the cutting surface with the longitudinal element. Systems and surgical instruments are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2014Publication date: September 24, 2015Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.Inventors: Frank J. Schwab, Gary S. Lindemann
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Publication number: 20140257492Abstract: An implant configured for placement through an anterior surgical approach made of at least two different materials. The implant may include materials with varying radiolucency and mechanical properties. Such a hybrid implant may offer controlled radiographic visibility and optimized structural properties for implant placement, including placement for use in spinal arthrodesis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.Inventors: Frank J. Schwab, Anthony J. Melkent, Brian Robert Thoren
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Publication number: 20140214081Abstract: A spinal implant includes a wall having a first surface and a second surface configured to engage tissue. The wall defines a first opening and a second opening configured for disposal of a bone fastener. The wall further defines a cavity disposed between the surfaces and in communication with the second opening. A biasing member is configured for disposal in the cavity and is engageable with the bone fastener to resist backout of the bone fastener from the second opening. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.Inventors: Frank J. Schwab, Alison G. Powers
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Patent number: 8764832Abstract: An implant configured for placement through an anterior surgical approach made of at least two different materials. The implant may include materials with varying radiolucency and mechanical properties. Such a hybrid implant may offer controlled radiographic visibility and optimized structural properties for implant placement, including placement for use in spinal arthrodesis.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Warsaw Orhtopedic, Inc.Inventors: Frank J. Schwab, Anthony J. Melkent, Brian Robert Thoren
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Patent number: 8727972Abstract: A tissue extender includes a ring defining a proximal end opening to engage a head of a subcutaneous screw, a first extender portion coupled to the ring at a proximal end of the first extender portion, and a second extender portion coupled to the ring at a proximal end of the second extender portion. The first extender portion includes a first coupling portion disposed at a distal end of the first extender portion, and the second extender portion includes a second coupling portion at a distal end of the second extender portion. The first and second extender portions define two side openings disposed on opposite sides of the tissue extender. The distal ends of the first and second extender portions together define a distal end opening. The first coupling portion engages the second coupling portion when the tissue extender is in an extended state. The distal end opening is larger in the extended state than in an unextended state.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Zhang, Randall N. Allard, Frank J. Schwab, Lawrence G. Lenke, Carlos E. Gil, Greg C. Marik
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Patent number: 8728166Abstract: An implant made of at least two different materials. The implant may include materials with varying radiolucency and mechanical properties. Such a hybrid implant may offer controlled radiographic visibility and optimized structural properties for implant placement, including placement for use in spinal arthrodesis.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
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Publication number: 20140094854Abstract: A spinal correction system includes at least one longitudinal element extending between a first portion and a second portion. At least one fixation element includes a first end and a second end that is configured for penetrating tissue. A coupling member is configured for disposal about the at least one longitudinal element. The coupling member includes a first part and a second part being movable relative to the first part between a first orientation and a second orientation such that an inner surface of the parts are fixed with the at least one longitudinal element. The parts include an outer surface such that in the second orientation, the coupling member is configured for a snap fit engagement with the at least one fixation element such that the parts are fixed with the first end. Methods of use are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
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Patent number: 8663289Abstract: The present invention relates to pedicle screw spinal rod connectors and more specifically, a pedicle screw head extender for use with a pedicle screw to ease connection to a spinal rod. The pedicle screw head extenders provided herein can be used with either fixed head pedicle screws or multi-axial head pedicle screws. The pedicle screw head extenders can either be threaded to or snapped into place within the various pedicle screws. It may also be possible to use the present invention with other types of spinal screws that may be connected to spinal rods without the screw actually being implanted through the pedicle of the spine.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
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Patent number: 8465547Abstract: Methods and devices for spacing vertebral members using modular intervertebral devices and insertion tools. The devices may include opposing first and second endplates, and an intermediate member configured to fit between and support the endplates. The insertion tool may include an elongated handle and a distracter. A method of inserting the device using the tool may include inserting the endplates positioned on opposing sides of the handle into the intervertebral space and positioning the endplates in the intervertebral space relative to first and second vertebral members. The method may include deploying the distracter and increasing a distance between the endplates. Another step may include inserting the intermediate member into the intervertebral space and between the endplates and supporting the endplates with the intermediate member. The insertion tool may then be removed from the intervertebral space.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, William David Armstrong, Lindsey G. Waugh, Frank J. Schwab, Christopher I. Shaffrey, Brian Bulter, Stanley Palmatier
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Patent number: 8403958Abstract: An anchor for attaching an elongate flexible member to bone. The anchor includes a base adapted for attaching to bone and a connector mounted on the base. The connector includes a cam positioned for engaging the flexible member when the base is attached to bone. The cam is pivotable between an open position in which the flexible member may be moved relative to the connector and a closed position in which the cam engages the flexible member so the flexible member is fixed relative to the connector.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
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Patent number: 8372146Abstract: Distensible ligaments and distensible ligament systems are provided, including apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for distensible systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventor: Frank J. Schwab