Patents by Inventor John L. Wheeler

John L. Wheeler 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: 8357147
    Abstract: A method of repairing a defect in an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, without excising the entire nucleus pulposus of the disc. The method includes inserting an introducer needle through the annulus fibrosus by puncturing the annulus fibrosus with the introducer needle, injecting an in situ curable, bio-compatible polymerizable or polymeric material composition into the disc through the introducer needle directly or indirectly so that the in situ curable composition contacts a defect in the annulus fibrosus; and curing said material in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Spinal Restoration, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Burkinshaw, John L. Wheeler, James B. Rogan, Steven I. Whitlock
  • Publication number: 20120083828
    Abstract: A device for delivery of biologic materials, comprising: a cartridge having at least two cylinder bores for fluids to be delivered, wherein each cylinder includes an exit port for a fluid, a plunger within each cylinder for pushing the fluids out of the cylinder, a housing adapted to receive the cartridge, wherein the housing or cartridge includes an adaptor to receive and lock a manifold that operably connects to the exit ports of the cartridge, at least two toothed rams, wherein each toothed ram is at least partially within a cylinder bore, a trigger connected to the housing, wherein the trigger includes a toothed drive rack, a toothed wheel assembly that cooperates with the toothed drive rack and with the toothed rams, as well as methods of making the device, methods of using the device to treat discs, kits including the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: John L. Wheeler, Gary Whipple, A. David Boccuti, Thomas T. Washburn, Andrew Nicholas Gentile, J. Brent Ratz, John Spiridigliozzi
  • Patent number: 8047407
    Abstract: A device for delivery of biologic materials, comprising: a cartridge having at least two cylinder bores for fluids to be delivered, wherein each cylinder includes an exit port for a fluid, a plunger within each cylinder for pushing the fluids out of the cylinder, a housing adapted to receive the cartridge, wherein the housing or cartridge includes an adaptor to receive and lock a manifold that operably connects to the exit ports of the cartridge, at least two toothed rams, wherein each toothed ram is at least partially within a cylinder bore, a trigger connected to the housing, wherein the trigger includes a toothed drive rack, a toothed wheel assembly that cooperates with the toothed drive rack and with the toothed rams, as well as methods of making the device, methods of using the device to treat discs, kits including the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Spinal Restoration, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Wheeler, Gary Whipple, A. David Boccuti, Thomas T. Washburn, Andrew Nicholas Gentile, J. Brent Ratz, John Spiridigliozzi
  • Publication number: 20110213464
    Abstract: A method and kit for treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Steven I. Whitlock, Brian D. Burkinshaw, Kevin Pauza, John L. Wheeler, Kevin Thorne
  • Publication number: 20080103564
    Abstract: A method of repairing a defect in an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, without excising the entire nucleus pulposus of the disc. The method includes inserting an introducer needle through the annulus fibrosus by puncturing the annulus fibrosus with the introducer needle, injecting an in situ curable, bio-compatible polymerizable or polymeric material composition into the disc through the introducer needle directly or indirectly so that the in situ curable composition contacts a defect in the annulus fibrosus; and curing said material in situ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Brian D. Burkinshaw, John L. Wheeler, James B. Rogan, Steven I. Whitlock
  • Patent number: 6120509
    Abstract: An intramedullary reference instrument is provided for aligning a cutting instrument in connection with surgical implantation of an orthopedic prosthesis having a stem component. The intramedullary reference instrument includes a stem trial having a length and diameter corresponding to that of the stem component of the prosthesis, and also includes a first connector. The instrument further includes a shaft adapter having a first end portion including a second connector. The second connector is configured for mating with the first connector of the stem trial to removably connect the shaft adapter to the stem trial. The shaft adapter is engageable with the cutting instrument to properly align the cutting instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Sulzer Orthopedics Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 5490853
    Abstract: An orthopedic bone plug cutter for cutting a customized bone plug for use with prosthesis having stems of complex geometry, such as a cruciate stem. The bone plug cutter comprises an anvil which supports a piece of bone obtained intraoperatively. A specialized cutting head is forced against the anvil by a parallel jaw clamp. The cutting head can then be removed from the clamp and the bone plug extruded from the cutter with a plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Intermedics Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Burkinshaw, John L. Wheeler