Patents by Inventor James Kercher

James Kercher 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: 10052134
    Abstract: Growing rod systems and methods for correcting spinal deformities include at least one growing rod assembly and at least one fluid delivery assembly. Each growing rod assembly includes a fluid actuator that is operable to extend first and second rod segments in opposite directions along the spine. The fluid actuator can be provided by, for example, a piston-cylinder actuator. Each fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid pump operably connectable to a fluid line, which in turn is connected to the fluid actuator. In one embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a linear design. In another embodiment, two linear or curvilinear fluid actuators are provided back-to-back and connected by a connecting rod that mounts to the mid-spine and is contourable. In another embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a curvilinear design to generally conform the normal spine. And in another embodiment, the fluid actuator includes a fluid-over-fluid shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: KERFLIN ORTHOPEDIC INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: James Kercher, John Helfin
  • Publication number: 20180098794
    Abstract: Growing rod systems and methods for correcting spinal deformities include at least one growing rod assembly and at least one fluid delivery assembly. Each growing rod assembly includes a fluid actuator that is operable to extend first and second rod segments in opposite directions along the spine. The fluid actuator can be provided by, for example, a piston-cylinder actuator. Each fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid pump operably connectable to a fluid line, which in turn is connected to the fluid actuator. In one embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a linear design. In another embodiment, two linear or curvilinear fluid actuators are provided back-to-back and connected by a connecting rod that mounts to the mid-spine and is contourable. In another embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a curvilinear design to generally conform the normal spine. And in another embodiment, the fluid actuator includes a fluid-over-fluid shock absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: James KERCHER, John Heflin
  • Publication number: 20160346009
    Abstract: Growing rod systems and methods for correcting spinal deformities include at least one growing rod assembly and at least one fluid delivery assembly. Each growing rod assembly includes a fluid actuator that is operable to extend first and second rod segments in opposite directions along the spine. The fluid actuator can be provided by, for example, a piston-cylinder actuator. Each fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid pump operably connectable to a fluid line, which in turn is connected to the fluid actuator. In one embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a linear design. In another embodiment, two linear or curvilinear fluid actuators are provided back-to-back and connected by a connecting rod that mounts to the mid-spine and is contourable. In another embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a curvilinear design to generally conform the normal spine. And in another embodiment, the fluid actuator includes a fluid-over-fluid shock absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: James KERCHER, John Heflin
  • Patent number: 9060810
    Abstract: Growing rod systems and methods for correcting spinal deformities include at least one growing rod assembly and at least one fluid delivery assembly. Each growing rod assembly includes a fluid actuator that is operable to extend first and second rod segments in opposite directions along the spine. The fluid actuator can be provided by, for example, a piston-cylinder actuator. Each fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid pump operably connectable to a fluid line, which in turn is connected to the fluid actuator. In one embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a linear design. In another embodiment, two linear or curvilinear fluid actuators are provided back-to-back and connected by a connecting rod that mounts to the mid-spine and is contourable. In another embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a curvilinear design to generally conform the normal spine. And in another embodiment, the fluid actuator includes a fluid-over-fluid shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: KERFLIN ORTHOPEDIC INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: James Kercher, John Heflin
  • Publication number: 20090306717
    Abstract: Growing rod systems and methods for correcting spinal deformities include at least one growing rod assembly and at least one fluid delivery assembly. Each growing rod assembly includes a fluid actuator that is operable to extend first and second rod segments in opposite directions along the spine. The fluid actuator can be provided by, for example, a piston-cylinder actuator. Each fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid pump operably connectable to a fluid line, which in turn is connected to the fluid actuator. In one embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a linear design. In another embodiment, two linear or curvilinear fluid actuators are provided back-to-back and connected by a connecting rod that mounts to the mid-spine and is contourable. In another embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a curvilinear design to generally conform the normal spine. And in another embodiment, the fluid actuator includes a fluid-over-fluid shock absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: James Kercher, John Heflin
  • Patent number: RE50048
    Abstract: Growing rod systems and methods for correcting spinal deformities include at least one growing rod assembly and at least one fluid delivery assembly. Each growing rod assembly includes a fluid actuator that is operable to extend first and second rod segments in opposite directions along the spine. The fluid actuator can be provided by, for example, a piston-cylinder actuator. Each fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid pump operably connectable to a fluid line, which in turn is connected to the fluid actuator. In one embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a linear design. In another embodiment, two linear or curvilinear fluid actuators are provided back-to-back and connected by a connecting rod that mounts to the mid-spine and is contourable. In another embodiment, the fluid actuator is of a curvilinear design to generally conform the normal spine. And in another embodiment, the fluid actuator includes a fluid-over-fluid shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: James Kercher, John Helfin