Patents by Inventor John A. Pafford

John A. Pafford 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: 9439692
    Abstract: A minimally invasive spinal fixation system comprises first and second bone screws each including a threaded shaft for respective engagement with a vertebra and a yoke articulatingly attached to the shaft, each yoke including a pair of upstanding opposed arms defining a slot therebetween. A connecting element has opposite ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the connecting element including a tab adjacent each end projecting from the connecting element transversely to the longitudinal axis. Bone screw extensions are provided for guiding the placement of the connecting element into the yoke slots, each extension having a pair of opposing slots that are sized to pass the tabs through the extensions when oriented in a first position and to prevent passage when the tabs are oriented in a second different position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: SPINE WAVE, INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Schlesinger, John A. Pafford
  • Patent number: 9237908
    Abstract: A system for dynamic stabilization of the spine includes a bone engaging fastener configured to be anchored in a vertebra and a deflectable element mounted on the fastener. The deflectable element or bumper is configured and arranged to contact a portion of an adjacent vertebra, such as the facet, during extension of the spine, while offering no resistance during flexion. In certain embodiments, a cable may be fastened to the bone engaging fastener and arranged to contact a portion of the adjacent vertebra, such as the spinous process, during flexion of the spine. In one surgical technique of the invention, a contralateral approach is used to introduce the bone engaging fastener through the deflectable element and into the vertebra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Spine Wave, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared W. Walkenhorst, Michael E. Landry, Thomas G. Wilson, John A. Pafford
  • Patent number: 7993406
    Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500? include a body 505? having a wall 506? which defines a chamber 530? and an opening 531? in communication with the chamber 530?. In one embodiment the wall 506? includes a pair of arms 520?, 521? facing one another and forming a mouth 525? to the chamber 530?. Preferably, one of the arms 520? is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505? does a bone dowel comprise an off-center plug from the diathesis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805. In one specific embodiment the plate 821 defines a groove 822 which is disposed around a fastener 830 attached to the housing 805 so that the plate 821 is sliceable relative to the housing 805.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Bianchi, Kevin C. Carter, Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Publication number: 20100217396
    Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500? include a body 505? having a wall 506? which defines a chamber 530? and an opening 531? in communication with the chamber 530?. In one embodiment the wall 506? includes a pair of arms 520?, 521? facing one another and forming a mouth 525? to the chamber 530?. Preferably, one of the arms 520? is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505? is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805. In one specific embodiment the plate 821 defines a groove 822 which is disposed around a fastener 830 attached to the housing 805 so that the plate 821 is slideable relative to the housing 805.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: John R. Bianchi, Kevin C. Carter, Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Patent number: 7678149
    Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500? include a body 505? having a wall 506? which defines a chamber 530? and an opening 531? in communication with the chamber 530?. In one embodiment the wall 506? includes a pair of arms 520?, 521? facing one another and forming a mouth 525? to the chamber 530?. Preferably, one of the arms 520? is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505? is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805. In one specific embodiment the plate 821 defines a groove 822 which is disposed around a fastener 830 attached to the housing 805 so that the plate 821 is slideable relative to the housing 805.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: John R. Bianchi, Kevin C. Carter, Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Patent number: 7329283
    Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500? include a body 505? having a wall 506? which defines a chamber 530? and an opening 531? in communication with the chamber 530?. In one embodiment the wall 506? includes a pair of arms 520?, 521? facing one another and forming a mouth 525? to the chamber 530?. Preferably, one of the arms 520? is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505? is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805. In one specific embodiment the plate 821 defines a groove 822 which is disposed around a fastener 830 attached to the housing 805 so that the plate 821 is slideable relative to the housing 805.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Patent number: 7273498
    Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500? include a body 505? having a wall 506? which defines a chamber 530? and an opening 531? in communication with the chamber 530?. In one embodiment the wall 506? includes a pair of arms 520?, 521? facing one another and forming a mouth 525? to the chamber 530?. Preferably, one of the arms 520? is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505? is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805. In one specific embodiment the plate 821 defines a groove 822 which is disposed around a fastener 830 attached to the housing 805 so that the plate 821 is slideable relative to the housing 805.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Bianchi, Kevin C. Carter, Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Patent number: 6913621
    Abstract: Implantable devices useful for creating bony fusion particularly in intervertebral spinal fusion. The device is formed of bone and has an at least partially demineralized portion between two rigid bone portions creating an area of flexibility. In one application, the area of flexibility may be used to move the device between a reduced size insertion configuration and an expanded implanted configuration. In another use, the area of flexibility may be useful to dampen shock applied to the implant. A method is also disclosed for making the implants and inserting the implants into an intervertebral disc space to promote interbody fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Publication number: 20040148029
    Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500′ include a body 505′ having a wall 506′ which defines a chamber 530′ and an opening 531′ in communication with the chamber 530′. In one embodiment the wall 506′ includes a pair of arms 520′, 521′ facing one another and forming a mouth 525′ to the chamber 530′. Preferably, one of the arms 520′ is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505′ is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: John R. Bianchi, Kevin C. Carter, Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Publication number: 20040073309
    Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500′ include a body 505′ having a wall 506′ which defines a chamber 530′ and an opening 531′ in communication with the chamber 530′. In one embodiment the wall 506′ includes a pair of arms 520′, 521′ facing one another and forming a mouth 525′ to the chamber 530′. Preferably, one of the arms 520′ is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505′ is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: John R. Bianchi, Kevin C. Carter, Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Patent number: 6695882
    Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500′ include a body 505′ having a wall 506′ which defines a chamber 530′ and an opening 531′ in communication with the chamber 530′. In one embodiment the wall 506′ includes a pair of arms 520′, 521′ facing one another and forming a mouth 525′ to the chamber 530′. Preferably, one of the arms 520′ is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505′ is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignees: SDGI Holdings, Inc., University of Florida Tissue Bank
    Inventors: John R. Bianchi, Kevin C. Carter, Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Publication number: 20040002760
    Abstract: Implantable devices useful for creating bony fusion particularly in intervetebral spinal fusion. The device is formed of bone and has an at least partially demineralized portion between two rigid bone portions creating an area of flexibility. In one application, the area of flexibility may be used to move the device between a reduced size insertion configuration and an expanded implanted configuration. In another use, the area of flexibility may be useful to dampen shock applied to the implant. A method is also disclosed for making the implants and inserting the implants into an intervertebral disc space to promote interbody fusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Publication number: 20020082700
    Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500′ include a body 505′ having a wall 506′ which defines a chamber 530′ and an opening 531′ in communication with the chamber 530′. In one embodiment the wall 506′ includes a pair of arms 520′, 521′ facing one another and forming a mouth 525′ to the chamber 530′. Preferably, one of the arms 520′ is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505′ is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: John R. Bianchi, Kevin C. Carter, Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Patent number: 6409765
    Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500′ include a body 505′ having a wall 506′ which defines a chamber 530′ and an opening 531′ in communication with the chamber 530′. In one embodiment the wall 506′ includes a pair of arms 520′, 521′ facing one another and forming a mouth 525′ to the chamber 530′. Preferably, one of the arms 520′ is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505′ is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignees: SDGI Holdings, Inc., University of Florida Tissue Bank, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Bianchi, Kevin C. Carter, Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Publication number: 20010010021
    Abstract: Implantable devices useful for creating bony fusion particularly in intervetebral spinal fusion. The device is formed of bone and has an at least partially demineralized portion between two rigid bone portions creating an area of flexibility. In one application, the area of flexibility may be used to move the device between a reduced size insertion configuration and an expanded implanted configuration. In another use, the area of flexibility may be useful to dampen shock applied to the implant. A method is also disclosed for making the implants and inserting the implants into an intervertebral disc space to promote interbody fusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Patent number: 6206923
    Abstract: Implantable devices useful for creating bony fusion particularly in intervetebral spinal fusion. The device is formed of bone and has an at least partially demineralized portion between two rigid bone portions creating an area of flexibility. In one application, the area of flexibility may be used to move the device between a reduced size insertion configuration and an expanded implanted configuration. In another use, the area of flexibility may be useful to dampen shock applied to the implant. A method is also disclosed for making the implants and inserting the implants into an intervertebral disc space to promote interbody fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Patent number: 6033438
    Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500' include a body 505' having a wall 506' which defines a chamber 530' and an opening 531' in communication with the chamber 530'. In one embodiment the wall 506' includes a pair of arms 520', 521' facing one another and forming a mouth 525' to the chamber 530'. Preferably, one of the arms 520' is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505' is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805. In one specific embodiment the plate 821 defines a groove 822 which is disposed around a fastener 830 attached to the housing 805 so that the plate 821 is slideable relative to the housing 805.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Bianchi, Kevin C. Carter, Bradley T. Estes, Larry Boyd, John A. Pafford
  • Patent number: 5624441
    Abstract: An attachment plate for use with a spinal rod system converts a normally side-tightening eyebolt to a top-tightenable arrangement for engaging spinal fixation elements to the spinal rod. The plate is configured for use with spinal fixation elements having a posteriorly projecting central post, one lateral surface of the post contacting the spinal rod when the rod extends through an aperture of the eyebolt. The attachment plate is generally L-shaped with a slot in one portion for receiving the posteriorly projecting threaded post of the eyebolt. The plate includes a flange portion having a surface configured to engage the lateral surface of the fixation element post opposite the spinal rod. The attachment plate includes a camming segment to provide a clamping force component directed toward the flange portion of the plate to thereby tightly clamp the spinal rod to the fixation element post when a nut is threaded onto the eyebolt threaded post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Danek Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Sherman, John A. Pafford, Richard B. Ashman
  • Patent number: 5437670
    Abstract: An attachment plate for use with a spinal rod system converts a normally side-tightening eyebolt to a top-tightenable arrangement for engaging spinal fixation elements to the spinal rod. The plate is configured for use with spinal fixation elements having a posteriorly projecting central post, one lateral surface of the post contacting the spinal rod when the rod extends through an aperture of the eyebolt. The attachment plate is generally L-shaped with a slot in one portion for receiving the posteriorly projecting threaded post of the eyebolt. The plate includes a flange portion having a surface configured to engage the lateral surface of the fixation element post opposite the spinal rod. The attachment plate includes a camming segment to provide a clamping force component directed toward the flange portion of the plate to thereby tightly clamp the spinal rod to the fixation element post when a nut is threaded onto the eyebolt threaded post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Danek Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Sherman, John A. Pafford, Richard B. Ashman