Patents by Inventor Joel R. Helgerson
Joel R. Helgerson 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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Patent number: 8998966Abstract: A screw system includes a screw and a washer assembly captive to the screw. The washer assembly is polyaxially pivotable relative to the screw. The screw may be freely rotated in one direction relative to the washer assembly, but frictionally binds with the washer assembly when rotated in a second direction. Various auxiliary fixation features are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: OsteoMed, LLCInventors: Marc Yap, Rob D. Dickerman, Matthew T. Bennett, Charles R. Forton, Andrew R. Fauth, Joel R. Helgerson, Shresta Marigowda
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Patent number: 8998952Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.Inventors: Andrew R. Fauth, Daniel J. Triplett, Joel R. Helgerson, Daniel E. Gerbec
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Publication number: 20150080964Abstract: An apparatus is designed to attach an implant to bone in a manner that permits rotational adjustment of the implant about multiple axes prior to securement via the apparatus. The apparatus includes separate rotational and translational fasteners that can be individually locked to independently restrict rotation and translation of the implant relative to the bone. The rotational fastener includes an interpositional member, an expandable engagement member, and a rotational locking member that urges the expandable engagement member to advance along the interpositional member. The resulting expansion of the engagement member causes it to engage the implant. The rotational fastener is slidable along a fixation member implanted in the bone until the translational fastener is applied to restrict relative translation between the rotational fastener and the bone.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Daniel J. Triplett, Joel R. Helgerson, Robert W. Hoy
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Publication number: 20150045888Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Andrew R. Fauth, Daniel J. Triplett, Joel R. Helgerson, Daniel E. Gerbec
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Patent number: 8920468Abstract: An apparatus is designed to attach an implant to bone in a manner that permits rotational adjustment of the implant about multiple axes prior to securement via the apparatus. The apparatus includes separate rotational and translational fasteners that can be individually locked to independently restrict rotation and translation of the implant relative to the bone. The rotational fastener includes an interpositional member, an expandable engagement member, and a rotational locking member that urges the expandable engagement member to advance along the interpositional member. The resulting expansion of the engagement member causes it to engage the implant. The rotational fastener is slidable along a fixation member implanted in the bone until the translational fastener is applied to restrict relative translation between the rotational fastener and the bone.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: GMEDelaware 2 LLCInventors: Daniel J. Triplett, Joel R. Helgerson, Robert W. Hoy
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Patent number: 8900273Abstract: A fixation system is designed to lock an elongated member within a housing member, permitting positional and/or orientational adjustment of the elongated member prior to locking. The system includes a housing member, a slotted spherical collet, an elongated member, and may include a tapered wedge, which may be a discrete component or formed as part of the elongated member. The housing member and/or elongated member may be implantable. The elongated member may be positioned in the wedge, the wedge in the collet, and the collet in the housing such that when compression force is applied to the wedge and the collet, the wedge contracts about the elongated member and the collet expands to engage the housing, thus locking the elongated member relative to the housing. The collet may have a tapered channel with a degree of taper equal to the tapered wedge. The collet may have multiple slots to allow uniform radial expansion and compression.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: GMEDelaware 2 LLCInventors: Andrew R. Fauth, Daniel J. Triplett, Joel R. Helgerson
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Patent number: 8900270Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: GMEDelaware 2 LLCInventors: Andrew R. Fauth, Daniel J. Triplett, Joel R. Helgerson, Daniel E. Gerbec
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Patent number: 8529609Abstract: A screw system includes a screw and a washer assembly captive to the screw. The washer assembly is polyaxially pivotable relative to the screw. The screw may be freely rotated in one direction relative to the washer assembly, but frictionally binds with the washer assembly when rotated in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: OsteoMed LLCInventors: Joel R. Helgerson, Shresta Marigowda, Andrew Fauth
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Publication number: 20130023932Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface and may include a crosslink extending across a vertebral sagittal plane. The inferior implant may comprise an inferior strut, and a polyaxially adjustable, lockable mechanism which may couple the inferior articular surface with a first end of the inferior strut, and couple the inferior articular surface with the crosslink. A second end of the inferior strut may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable, lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The superior implant may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The positions of the inferior articular surface and the first end of the inferior strut are independently translatable along a medial-lateral axis of the vertebra prior to lockout by the lockable mechanism. The crosslink may be placed into the lockable mechanism from a posterior approach.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventor: Joel R. Helgerson
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Patent number: 8353933Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, and a superior implant with a superior articular surface. The inferior implant may comprise an inferior strut, and a polyaxially adjustable, lockable mechanism which couples the inferior articular surface with a first end of the inferior strut. A second end of the inferior strut may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable, lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The first end of the inferior strut may be post-shaped, and the second end ring-shaped, and vice versa. The superior implant may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. Inferior and superior implants may be implanted individually, paired on one lateral vertebral side, bi-laterally, and/or in multiple vertebral levels. A crosslink may be secured to one implant and extend across a vertebral sagittal plane to a second implant. A clip may align the articular surfaces during implantation.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: GMEDelaware 2 LLCInventors: Daniel J. Triplett, Joel R Helgerson, Andrew R. Fauth, David M. Skinlo, E. Marlowe Goble, Daniel E. Gerbec
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Patent number: 8333789Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, and a superior implant with a superior articular surface. The inferior implant may comprise an inferior strut, and a polyaxially adjustable, lockable mechanism which couples the inferior articular surface with a first end of the inferior strut. A second end of the inferior strut may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable, lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The first end of the inferior strut may be post-shaped, and the second end ring-shaped, and vice versa. The superior implant may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. Inferior and superior implants may be implanted individually, paired on one lateral vertebral side, bi-laterally, and/or in multiple vertebral levels. A crosslink may be secured to one implant and extend across a vertebral sagittal plane to a second implant. A clip may align the articular surfaces during implantation.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: GMEDelaware 2 LLCInventors: Daniel J Triplett, Joel R. Helgerson, Andrew R. Fauth, David M. Skinlo
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Patent number: 8252027Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface and may include a crosslink extending across a vertebral sagittal plane. The inferior implant may comprise an inferior strut, and a polyaxially adjustable, lockable mechanism which may couple the inferior articular surface with a first end of the inferior strut, and couple the inferior articular surface with the crosslink. A second end of the inferior strut may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable, lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The superior implant may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The positions of the inferior articular surface and the first end of the inferior strut are independently translatable along a medial-lateral axis of the vertebra prior to lockout by the lockable mechanism. The crosslink may be placed into the lockable mechanism from a posterior approach.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: GMedelaware 2 LLCInventor: Joel R. Helgerson
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Patent number: 8206418Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, and a superior implant with a superior articular surface. The implants may be coupled together by a detachable coupler which can align and rigidly hold the inferior and superior articular surfaces in a preferred alignment relative to one another. A portion of the coupler may be deformable to allow detachment of the coupler from at least one of the implants. In one method of implantation, the superior and inferior implants may be aligned and coupled together with the coupler, and then secured to fixation members anchored in adjacent vertebrae. Alternatively, a first implant may be secured to a fixation member anchored in a first vertebra, and a second implant coupled to the coupler, aligned with the first implant and then secured to a fixation member anchored in a second vertebra. A tool may grip, position and/or deliver the coupler and the implants.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: GMEDelaware 2 LLCInventors: Daniel J. Triplett, Andrew R. Fauth, Joel R. Helgerson
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Publication number: 20120029573Abstract: An apparatus is designed to attach an implant to bone in a manner that permits rotational adjustment of the implant about multiple axes prior to securement via the apparatus. The apparatus includes separate rotational and translational fasteners that can be individually locked to independently restrict rotation and translation of the implant relative to the bone. The rotational fastener includes an interpositional member, an expandable engagement member, and a rotational locking member that urges the expandable engagement member to advance along the interpositional member. The resulting expansion of the engagement member causes it to engage the implant. The rotational fastener is slidable along a fixation member implanted in the bone until the translational fastener is applied to restrict relative translation between the rotational fastener and the bone.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Daniel J. Triplett, Joel R. Helgerson, Robert W. Hoy
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Publication number: 20120016372Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: FACET SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Andrew R. Fauth, Daniel J. Triplett, Joel R. Helgerson, David M Skinlo, Daniel E. Gerbec
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Publication number: 20110319925Abstract: A screw system includes a screw and a washer assembly captive to the screw. The washer assembly is polyaxially pivotable relative to the screw. The screw may be freely rotated in one direction relative to the washer assembly, but frictionally binds with the washer assembly when rotated in a second direction. A cannula insertion system includes an instrument and a cannula. The instrument may include a dilator. The cannula insertion system may have a locked setting in which the dilator is fixed relative to the cannula, and an unlocked setting in which the dilator is slidable relative to the cannula. A surgical method uses the cannula insertion system to implant the screw system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: OSTEOMED, LLCInventor: Joel R. Helgerson
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Publication number: 20110313472Abstract: A screw system includes a screw and a washer assembly captive to the screw. The washer assembly is polyaxially pivotable relative to the screw. The screw may be freely rotated in one direction relative to the washer assembly, but frictionally binds with the washer assembly when rotated in a second direction. Various auxiliary fixation features are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: OSTEOMED, L.PInventors: Marc Yap, Rob D. Dickerman, Matthew T. Bennett, Charles R. Forton, Andrew R. Fauth, Joel R. Helgerson, Shresta Marigowda
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Patent number: 8062336Abstract: An apparatus is designed to attach an implant to bone in a manner that permits rotational adjustment of the implant about multiple axes prior to securement via the apparatus. The apparatus includes separate rotational and translational fasteners that can be individually locked to independently restrict rotation and translation of the implant relative to the bone. The rotational fastener includes an interpositional member, an expandable engagement member, and a rotational locking member that urges the expandable engagement member to advance along the interpositional member. The resulting expansion of the engagement member causes it to engage the implant. The rotational fastener is slidable along a fixation member implanted in the bone until the translational fastener is applied to restrict relative translation between the rotational fastener and the bone.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: GMEDELAWARE 2 LLCInventors: Daniel J. Triplett, Joel R. Helgerson, Robert W. Hoy
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Publication number: 20110182693Abstract: A screw system includes a screw and a washer assembly captive to the screw. The washer assembly is polyaxially pivotable relative to the screw. The screw may be freely rotated in one direction relative to the washer assembly, but frictionally binds with the washer assembly when rotated in a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: OSTEOMED, L.PInventors: Joel R. Helgerson, Shresta Marigowda, Andrew Fauth
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Publication number: 20100087880Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: FACET SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Andrew R. Fauth, Daniel J. Triplett, Joel R. Helgerson, Daniel E. Gerbec