Patents by Inventor John E. Ashley
John E. Ashley 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: 9920474Abstract: A fiber blend, a yarn spun from the fiber blend, and a fabric made from the yarn, wherein the fiber blend is a blend of staple fibers comprising non-FR cellulosic fibers, modacrylic fibers, and aramid fibers intimately blended together. The blend is such that the cellulosic fibers constitute at least about 45 wt. % of the fiber blend, a weight ratio of the modacrylic fibers to the cellulosic fibers is at least 0.8 but not exceeding 1.0, and the aramid fibers make up no more than 15 wt. % of the fiber blend.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Quentin Robert Bonner, Rachel W. Boyette, John E. Ashley
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Publication number: 20180064557Abstract: A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized cross section in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: Damien J. Shulock, John E. Ashley, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
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Publication number: 20170362749Abstract: A woven flame-resistant fabric for garments, the warp and fill yarns being made up of at least about 30 wt. % inherently flame-resistant fibers. The fabric is woven from a plurality of warp yarn groups consecutively arranged across the width direction in a recurring pattern, each warp yarn group consisting of a plurality of adjacent consecutively arranged warp yarns. At least one warp yarn in each warp yarn group is woven with the fill yarns in a plain (1/1) weave and at least one warp yarn in each warp yarn group is woven in one or more non-plain weaves each selected from the group consisting of 1/2, 2/1, 2/2, 1/3, and 3/1. Approximately half of the warp yarns in the fabric are woven in a plain (1/1) weave and the remaining warp yarns in the fabric are woven in the one or more non-plain weaves, in an alternating fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Ansel L. Smith, John E. Ashley, Rachel W. Boyette
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Patent number: 9814600Abstract: A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized cross section in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: Damien J. Shulock, John E. Ashley, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
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Publication number: 20170224506Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2016Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: John E. Ashley, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Damien J. Shulock, Murali Kadaba, David G. Matsuura, George A. Mansfield, III, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti, Dennis Crandall
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Patent number: 9545316Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: John E. Ashley, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Damien Shulock, Murali Kadaba, David G. Matsuura, George A. Mansfield, III, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti, Dennis Crandall
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Patent number: 9456829Abstract: A device for modifying tissue in a spine may include: a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion having dimensions which allow it to be passed into an epidural space of the spine and between target and non-target tissues; at least one distal force application member extending from the distal portion of the shaft and configured to facilitate application of at least one of anchoring force and tensioning force to the shaft; at least one movable tissue modifying member coupled with the shaft at or near its distal portion; at least one drive member coupled with the at least one tissue modifying member to activate the at least one tissue modifying member; and at least one power transmission member coupled with the at least one drive member to deliver power to the at least one drive member.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Amendia, Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Jeffery L. Bleich, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, John E. Ashley
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Publication number: 20160271312Abstract: Systems and methods of disinfection of catheter connections are provided. A transfer catheter connector can include a UV-transparent window at its distal end and a sealing plunger proximal to the UV-transparent window. A solution set connector can be inserted inside a portion of the transfer catheter connector to connect a solution set and transfer catheter. The solution set connector comprises a lumen covered by a leading membrane surface; a sealing surface configured to sealingly engage the window surface, and a piercing member configured to pierce the membrane surface. The sealing plunger, membrane surface, and window define a disinfection zone. The connectors can be connected in a disinfection position configuration in which flow is not permitted between the catheters and the connectors are irradiated with UV light. After disinfection, the connectors are advanced to a flow position in which the piercing member pierces the membrane surface, enabling flow between the catheters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2016Publication date: September 22, 2016Inventors: Justin A. LANCE, Stephen BOWER, John E. ASHLEY, Jeffrey ETTER, Julia A. RASOOLY, Michael RASOOLY, Benjamin S. ARNETT
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Publication number: 20150289988Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2015Publication date: October 15, 2015Inventors: John E. Ashley, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Damien Shulock, Murali Kadaba, David G. Matsuura, George A. Mansfield, III, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti, Dennis Crandall
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Publication number: 20150265415Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs, systems including such prosthetic intervertebral discs, and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the saggital plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components, construction, and other features of the discs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2014Publication date: September 24, 2015Inventors: Darin C. Gittings, Michael L. Reo, Janine C. Robinson, John E. Ashley, Nicholas C. Koske, Roxanne L. Richman, Elizabeth V. Wistrom, Uriel Hiram Chee
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Publication number: 20150216676Abstract: A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized cross section in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2015Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventors: Damien J. Shulock, John E. Ashley, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
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Publication number: 20150202054Abstract: An insertion handle for medical implants includes a handle with an elongate shaft extending therefrom and connection means for the implant disposed at the end of the shaft opposite the handle. The connection means includes a pivotable attachment for the implant that is controlled remotely from the handle. Both angle of the implant with respect to the handle and shaft as well as the attachment may be separately controlled and adjusted. Remote angular adjustment facilitates insertion of implants in to small surgical sites because the orientation of the implant may be repeatedly, remotely adjusted as the implant is inserted. Connectors may also be provided at the engagement surface between the handle and implant in order to provide communication with the implant or surgical site. The connectors also may serve as torque bearing members to avoid the need for separate torque bearing means such as keyways and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2015Publication date: July 23, 2015Inventors: Philip J. Simpson, George A. Mansfield, III, Damien Shulock, David G. Matsuura, Walter Dean Gillespie, John E. Ashley
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Patent number: 9028550Abstract: A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized cross section in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: CoAlign Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Damien J. Shulock, John E. Ashley, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
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Patent number: 8998924Abstract: An insertion handle for medical implants includes a handle with an elongate shaft extending therefrom and connection means for the implant disposed at the end of the shaft opposite the handle. The connection means includes a pivotable attachment for the implant that is controlled remotely from the handle. Both angle of the implant with respect to the handle and shaft as well as the attachment may be separately controlled and adjusted. Remote angular adjustment facilitates insertion of implants in to small surgical sites because the orientation of the implant may be repeatedly, remotely adjusted as the implant is inserted. Connectors may also be provided at the engagement surface between the handle and implant in order to provide communication with the implant or surgical site. The connectors also may serve as torque bearing members to avoid the need for separate torque bearing means such as keyways and the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: CoAlign Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Philip J. Simpson, George A. Mansfield, Damien J. Shulock, David G. Matsuura, Walter Dean Gillespie, John E. Ashley
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Patent number: 8992620Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: CoAlign Innovations, Inc.Inventors: John E. Ashley, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Damien J. Shulock, Murali Kadaba, David G. Matsuura, George A. Mansfield, III, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti, Dennis Crandall
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Patent number: 8956413Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can also be corrected, and natural curvatures restored. Preferably, the implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system preferably having a plurality of locking elements to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: CoAlign Innovations, Inc.Inventors: John E. Ashley, Murali Kadaba, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Thomas Grotz, George A. Mansfield, III, David G. Matsuura, Rudy Pretti
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Patent number: 8894710Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can also be corrected, and natural curvatures restored. Preferably, the implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system preferably having a plurality of locking elements to lock the implant in an extended configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: CoAlign Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Philip J. Simpson, David G. Matsuura, Walter Dean Gillespie, George A. Mansfield, III, John E. Ashley
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Publication number: 20140261852Abstract: A fiber blend, a yarn spun from the fiber blend, and a fabric made from the yarn, wherein the fiber blend is a blend of staple fibers comprising non-FR cellulosic fibers, modacrylic fibers, and aramid fibers intimately blended together. The blend is such that the cellulosic fibers constitute at least about 45 wt. % of the fiber blend, a weight ratio of the modacrylic fibers to the cellulosic fibers is at least 0.8 but not exceeding 1.0, and the aramid fibers make up no more than 15 wt. % of the fiber blend.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Quentin Robert Bonner, Rachel W. Boyette, John E. Ashley
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Patent number: 8696751Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a refracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: CoAlign Innovations, Inc.Inventors: John E. Ashley, Philip J. Simpson, Walter Dean Gillespie, Damien J. Shulock, Murali Kadaba, David G. Matsuura, George A. Mansfield, III, Thomas Grotz, Rudy Pretti
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Publication number: 20130310837Abstract: A device for modifying tissue in a spine may include: a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion having dimensions which allow it to be passed into an epidural space of the spine and between target and non-target tissues; at least one distal force application member extending from the distal portion of the shaft and configured to facilitate application of at least one of anchoring force and tensioning force to the shaft; at least one movable tissue modifying member coupled with the shaft at or near its distal portion; at least one drive member coupled with the at least one tissue modifying member to activate the at least one tissue modifying member; and at least one power transmission member coupled with the at least one drive member to deliver power to the at least one drive member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventors: Vahid SAADAT, Jeffery L. BLEICH, Kenneth J. MICHLITSCH, John E. ASHLEY