Patents by Inventor Gary K. Michelson

Gary K. Michelson 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).

  • Dynamic, modular, single-lock anterior cervical plate system having assembleable and moveable segments and instrumentation for installation thereof
    Patent number: 7811285
    Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system having modular plate segments that are assembleable to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a detachable fastener. The plating system includes locking elements for locking only one bone screw to the plate, instrumentation, and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Dynamic, modular, multilock anterior cervical plate system having detachably fastened assembleable and moveable segments and instrumentation for installation thereof
    Patent number: 7803157
    Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system having moveable and modular plate segments that are assembleable to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a detachable fastener. The plating system includes locking elements, each locking element adapted to lock at least two bone screws to the plate, instrumentation, and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Implant with openings adapted to receive bone screws
    Patent number: 7794502
    Abstract: A spinal fusion implant for insertion between adjacent vertebral bodies has opposed upper and lower surfaces adapted to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies from within the disc space, a leading end for insertion between the adjacent vertebral bodies, and a trailing end opposite the leading end. The trailing end has an exterior surface and an outer perimeter with an upper edge and a lower edge adapted to be oriented toward the adjacent vertebral bodies, respectively, and a plurality of bone screw receiving holes. At least one of the bone screw receiving holes is adapted to only partially circumferentially surround a trailing end of a bone screw received therein. At least one of the bone screw receiving holes passes through the exterior surface and one of the edges so as to permit the trailing end of the bone screw to protrude beyond one of the edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Spinal implant having deployable bone engaging projections
    Patent number: 7771475
    Abstract: Instrumentation is disclosed for inserting an interbody spinal fusion implant for implantation at least in part within and across the generally restored height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine. The implant has an external housing and a substantially hollow internal rotatable member having bone engaging projections that are deployable through the housing to penetrably engage the adjacent vertebral bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Anterior cervical plate system having vertebral body engaging anchors and connecting plate
    Patent number: 7740630
    Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system includes vertebral body engaging anchors coupled to a connecting plate in moveable relationship to vary the spacing between the anchoring points of the plating system to the vertebral bodies and to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies. The plating system includes instrumentation and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Nested interbody spinal fusion implants
    Publication number: 20100145463
    Abstract: Tapered root threaded hollow perforated interbody spinal fusion implants are disclosed for placement into a disc space in a human spine between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implants have opposite arcuate portions with lockable screws passing therethrough for engaging each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. The implants are adapted for use in side-by-side pairs such that a portion of the circumference of a first implant nests within the circumference of a second implant, so as to have a reduced combined width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Instrumentation for use with dynamic multilock anterior cervical plate system having non-detachably fastened and moveable segments
    Patent number: 7704250
    Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system having moveable plate segments to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a non-detachable fastener. The plating system includes locking elements, each locking element adapted to lock at least two bone screws to the plate, instrumentation, and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Threadless multi-lock anterior cervical plating system
    Patent number: 7704255
    Abstract: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Spinal interspace shaper
    Publication number: 20100094299
    Abstract: A device and method for use in a vertebral spine to prepare a space between adjacent vertebral bodies to receive an implant. The device includes a shaft, and a mounting member at one end of the shaft. A working end is mounted on the mounting member and is coupled to a drive mechanism adjacent to the working end. The drive mechanism is operable to move the upper and lower cutters of the working end to create surfaces having predetermined contours in the end plate region of the adjacent vertebral bodies. A guard provides protected access to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies for the working end of the bone removal device through a passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Hemi-interbody spinal fusion implants manufactured from a major long bone ring
    Publication number: 20100030333
    Abstract: An interbody spinal implant comprising cortical bone having a width less than one-half the width of the disc space into which it is adapted to be inserted. The implant has a leading end that is asymmetrical from side to side and/or includes a straight portion adapted to be used in side-by-side pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Method for inserting and deploying an expandable interbody spinal fusion implant
    Patent number: 7655027
    Abstract: Methods for inserting and expanding fusion implants having an expandable height are disclosed. An implant holder having a passage therethrough that is adapted to receive an expander driver is provided. The implant holder is attached to the implant, and the expander driver is inserted through the passage to engage an expander of the implant. Using the expander driver, the expander is rotated from a first position to a second position to expand the expandable implant from a first collapsed height to a second expanded height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Segmentable plate with locking element
    Patent number: 7651497
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to (1) a plating system having multiple and single locking mechanisms for general skeletal use other than in the anterior cervical spine; (2) an orthopedic plating system that permits a pair of bone screws to be inserted into a bone in a crossed over orientation and locked to the plate; (3) a segmentable plating system which can be made to a selected length by the surgeon; and (4) a combination screw-lock-plating system for allowing and/or causing intersegmental compression of bone portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Nested interbody spinal fusion implants
    Patent number: 7637951
    Abstract: Tapered root threaded hollow perforated interbody spinal fusion implants are disclosed for placement into a disc space in a human spine between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implants have opposite arcuate portions with lockable screws passing therethrough for engaging each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. The implants are adapted for use in side-by-side pairs such that a portion of the circumference of a first implant nests within the circumference of a second implant, so as to have a reduced combined width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Apparatus for inserting nested interbody spinal fusion implants
    Patent number: 7637954
    Abstract: Tapered root threaded hollow perforated interbody spinal fusion implants are disclosed for placement into a disc space in a human spine between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implants have opposite arcuate portions with lockable screws passing therethrough for engaging each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. The implants are adapted for use in side-by-side pairs such that a portion of the circumference of a first implant nests within the circumference of a second implant, so as to have a reduced combined width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Bone removal device
    Patent number: 7635370
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for placing adjacent vertebrae at a fixed distance and angular relationship relative to each other, fixing said vertebrae in said position by use of a milling block engaging each of said adjacent vertebrae and then using a milling means, the depth, length and excursion of which from side to side are controlled by said apparatus to machine out a defined thickness of bone and a space of defined length, height, width and shape in preparation for receiving an interbody spinal implant or graft of known size and configuration are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • System and method for stabilizing a portion of the spine
    Patent number: 7625381
    Abstract: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Method for installing dynamic multilock anterior cervical plate system having detachably fastened and moveable segments
    Patent number: 7621943
    Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system having moveable plate segments to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a non-detachable fastener. The plating system includes locking elements, each locking element adapted to lock at least two bone screws to the plate, instrumentation, and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Hemi-interbody spinal fusion implants manufactured from a major long bone ring
    Patent number: 7611536
    Abstract: An interbody spinal implant comprising cortical bone having a width less than one-half the width of the disc space into which it is adapted to be inserted. The implant has a leading end that is asymmetrical from side to side and/or includes a straight portion adapted to be used in side-by-side pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Spinal interspace shaper
    Patent number: 7611514
    Abstract: A device and method for use in a vertebral spine to prepare a space between adjacent vertebral bodies to receive an implant. The device includes a shaft, and a mounting member at one end of the shaft. A working end is mounted on the mounting member and is coupled to a drive mechanism adjacent to the working end. The drive mechanism is operable to move the upper and lower cutters of the working end to create surfaces having predetermined contours in the end plate region of the adjacent vertebral bodies. A guard provides protected access to the disc space and the adjacent vertebral bodies for the working end of the bone removal device through a passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Spinal fusion implant with bone screws
    Publication number: 20090270991
    Abstract: An interbody spinal fusion implant made of a material other than bone adapted for placement across an intervertebral space formed across the height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has a leading end that is curved to form a portion of a circle from side to side, sides that are at least in part straight, and a trailing end with a bone screw receiving hole for receiving at least one bone screw to engage the vertebral bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson