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).

  • Publication number: 20240074794
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
  • Patent number: 11712272
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
  • Publication number: 20220249133
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
  • Patent number: 11058437
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Allison Christine Capote, Adam Costanza, David Lee Skaggs, Frank J. Schwab
  • Publication number: 20200187993
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
  • Publication number: 20190298392
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Allison Christine Capote, Adam Costanza, David Lee Skaggs, Frank J. Schwab
  • Patent number: 9693809
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
  • Patent number: 9277939
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
  • Publication number: 20150265316
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
  • Publication number: 20150265303
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Frank J. Schwab, Gary S. Lindemann
  • Publication number: 20140257492
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Frank J. Schwab, Anthony J. Melkent, Brian Robert Thoren
  • Publication number: 20140214081
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Frank J. Schwab, Alison G. Powers
  • Patent number: 8764832
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orhtopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Schwab, Anthony J. Melkent, Brian Robert Thoren
  • Patent number: 8727972
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Zhang, Randall N. Allard, Frank J. Schwab, Lawrence G. Lenke, Carlos E. Gil, Greg C. Marik
  • Patent number: 8728166
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
  • Publication number: 20140094854
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
  • Patent number: 8663289
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
  • Patent number: 8465547
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, William David Armstrong, Lindsey G. Waugh, Frank J. Schwab, Christopher I. Shaffrey, Brian Bulter, Stanley Palmatier
  • Patent number: 8403958
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Schwab
  • Patent number: 8372146
    Abstract: Distensible ligaments and distensible ligament systems are provided, including apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for distensible systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Schwab