Patents by Inventor John Lawrence Walker

John Lawrence Walker 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: 9254151
    Abstract: Pedicle screws that can include a pedicle screw body, housing, plurality of clamps, rod, and set screw are disclosed herein. The clamps may be positioned side by side inside the lower portion of the housing. When the rod and set screw are provided in the housing, the set screw applies a force on the rod and the rod engages the plurality of clamps, causing the clamps to frictionally engage a head of the pedicle screw between the clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Spinal USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, James Milton Phillips, Justin Kyle Johnson, Gilbert Monroe Aust
  • Patent number: 9220543
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for assisting in spinal stabilization. An access device is provided that includes an outer sleeve, inner sleeve, spring latch and lock nut. The inner sleeve includes compressible grasping elements. The access device can be coupled to a screw head by sliding the outer sleeve relative to the inner sleeve and compressing the grasping elements. The coupled access device and screw can then be delivered to a target location in a patient. After providing two or more access devices, a rod member can be delivered using a rod insertion device. The rod member can serve as a connection between the two screws, and can provide spinal stabilization. An anti-torque device and a persuading device can be used to help ensure that the rod member is placed and secured in a proper location within a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Spinal USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, John Franklin Cummins
  • Patent number: 9188111
    Abstract: A displacement assembly includes a rotor and a plurality of reciprocating members in engagement with the rotor. The displacement assembly further includes a ring assembly. The ring assembly defines a cam surface that is in engagement with the reciprocating members. The ring assembly has a first ring and an axially adjacent second ring with at least one of the first and second rings being adapted for selective movement relative to the other between a neutral position and a displaced position. The first ring has a first ring portion defining a bore that has an inner surface. The second ring has a second ring portion defining a bore that has an inner surface. A first circumferential portion of the inner surface of the first ring portion and a second circumferential portion of the inner surface of the second ring portion define the cam surface in the displaced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Lowell Dean Hansen, John Lawrence Walker
  • Patent number: 9133830
    Abstract: A fluid device includes a housing defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A variable displacement assembly is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The variable displacement assembly includes a rotor assembly, a flexible ring, and a plurality of ring supports. The rotor assembly includes a rotor having a plurality of reciprocating members. The flexible ring is disposed about the rotor assembly. The flexible ring includes an inner surface, which is adapted for engagement with the plurality of reciprocating members, and an outer surface. The plurality of ring supports is disposed about the flexible ring. Each of the plurality of ring supports includes a support portion and a pivot portion about which the ring support selectively pivots. The support portion is adapted for engagement with the outer surface of the flexible ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Lowell Dean Hansen, Phillip Wayne Galloway, John Lawrence Walker, August Nathan Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150134005
    Abstract: Pedicle screws that can include a pedicle screw body, housing, plurality of clamps, rod, and set screw are disclosed herein. The clamps may be positioned side by side inside the lower portion of the housing. When the rod and set screw are provided in the housing, the set screw applies a force on the rod and the rod engages the plurality of clamps, causing the clamps to frictionally engage a head of the pedicle screw between the clamps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, James Milton Phillips, Justin Kyle Johnson, Gilbert Monroe Aust
  • Patent number: 8986354
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical drill guide having an anchoring mechanism for locking the drill guide to a bone plate. The anchoring mechanism is adapted to be received through an opening of a bone plate and rotated to lock the drill guide to the bone plate. The anchoring mechanism can be rotated by a driver, which has a distal end key that fits into a corresponding socket of on the proximal portion of the anchoring mechanism. The present invention also relates to a kit including a bone plate, a driver, and the drill guide and a method for using the kit to perform surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Zavation LLC
    Inventor: John Lawrence Walker
  • Publication number: 20140371800
    Abstract: A bone plate screw-blocking system and method that comprises a plate with at least two bone screw receiving holes, blocking elements, bone screws, and a tool capable of simultaneously actuating at least two blocking elements. The plate includes an upper surface and a lower surface with bone screw receiving holes that extend through both surfaces of the plate. The bone screws couple the plate to the bone via the bone screw receiving holes. The blocking elements are movably positioned proximate each bone screw receiving hole. In an initial unblocked position, the blocking elements do not cover the bone screw receiving holes. Upon movement into final blocked positions, the blocking elements cover at least a portion of the bone screw receiving holes and preferably extend over at least a portion of the bone screw during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, James Milton Phillips, Jeffrey Johnson, John Franklin Cummins
  • Patent number: 8882809
    Abstract: Pedicle screws that can include a pedicle screw body, housing, plurality of clamps, rod, and set screw are disclosed herein. The clamps may be positioned side by side inside the lower portion of the housing. When the rod and set screw are provided in the housing, the set screw applies a force on the rod and the rod engages the plurality of clamps, causing the clamps to frictionally engage a head of the pedicle screw between the clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Spinal USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, James Milton Phillips, Justin Kyle Johnson, Gilbert Monroe Aust, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140249583
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for assisting in spinal stabilization. An access device is provided that includes an outer sleeve, inner sleeve, spring latch and lock nut. The inner sleeve includes compressible grasping elements. The access device can be coupled to a screw head by sliding the outer sleeve relative to the inner sleeve and compressing the grasping elements. The coupled access device and screw can then be delivered to a target location in a patient. After providing two or more access devices, a rod member can be delivered using a rod insertion device. The rod member can serve as a connection between the two screws, and can provide spinal stabilization. An anti-torque device and a persuading device can be used to help ensure that the rod member is placed and secured in a proper location within a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Spinal USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, John Franklin Cummins
  • Patent number: 8795341
    Abstract: A bone plate screw-blocking system and method that comprises a plate with at least two bone screw receiving holes, blocking elements, bone screws, and a tool capable of simultaneously actuating at least two blocking elements. The plate includes an upper surface and a lower surface with bone screw receiving holes that extend through both surfaces of the plate. The bone screws couple the plate to the bone via the bone screw receiving holes. The blocking elements are movably positioned proximate each bone screw receiving hole. In an initial unblocked position, the blocking elements do not cover the bone screw receiving holes. Upon movement into final blocked positions, the blocking elements cover at least a portion of the bone screw receiving holes and preferably extend over at least a portion of the bone screw during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Spinal USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, James Milton Phillips, Jeffrey Johnson, John Franklin Cummins
  • Publication number: 20140073836
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of applying a therapeutic electrical field to a bone region of a human being in order to promote healing and growth that that bone region. The present invention also provides a system that produces a combined magnetic field (CMF) that is precisely located and controlled across the entire treatment area requiring bone growth stimulation by utilizing bone dimensional input parameters to automatically calculate and drive the appropriate output therapy single through a single coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Zavation, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Johnson, John Lawrence Walker, Joel Frank McCown
  • Patent number: 8603094
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for assisting in spinal stabilization. An access device is provided that includes an outer sleeve, inner sleeve, spring latch and lock nut. The inner sleeve includes compressible grasping elements. The access device can be coupled to a screw head by sliding the outer sleeve relative to the inner sleeve and compressing the grasping elements. The coupled access device and screw can then be delivered to a target location in a patient. After providing two or more access devices, a rod member can be delivered using a rod insertion device. The rod member can serve as a connection between the two screws, and can provide spinal stabilization. An anti-torque device and a persuading device can be used to help ensure that the rod member is placed and secured in a proper location within a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Spinal USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, John Franklin Cummins
  • Publication number: 20130245358
    Abstract: Cervical bone growth stimulators utilizing combined magnetic field therapy is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey Johnson, John Lawrence Walker, Joel Frank McCowan
  • Publication number: 20130211462
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical drill guide having an anchoring mechanism for locking the drill guide to a bone plate. The anchoring mechanism is adapted to be received through an opening of a bone plate and rotated to lock the drill guide to the bone plate. The anchoring mechanism can be rotated by a driver, which has a distal end key that fits into a corresponding socket of on the proximal portion of the anchoring mechanism. The present invention also relates to a kit including a bone plate, a driver, and the drill guide and a method for using the kit to perform surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: ZAVATION LLC
    Inventor: John Lawrence WALKER
  • Publication number: 20130144387
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods relating to a spinal implant for placement in a disc space of a spine are described. A spinal implant (1) can include a plurality of wedge members including a leading wedge (22), a trailing wedge (28), and one or more intermediary wedges (26) therebetween. The spinal implant (1) can be configured to have a first linear configuration in which the plurality of wedge members are in a linearly expanded form and a second circular configuration in which the plurality of wedge members are positioned circumferentially relative to a center axis. In its first configuration, the spinal implant (1) can be delivered to a disc space, whereby it can assume its second configuration within the disc space, thereby forming a replacement nucleus. The spinal implant (1) can be kept in its first configuration by a rod member (41) received as through the plurality of wedge members. The wedge members can be slidably removed off of the rod member (41) and can assume the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: SPINAL USA LLC
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, Michael Molleston
  • Patent number: 8419777
    Abstract: A bone plate screw-blocking system and method that comprises a plate with at least two bone screw receiving holes, blocking elements, bone screws, and a tool capable of simultaneously actuating at least two blocking elements. The plate includes an upper surface and a lower surface with bone screw receiving holes that extend through both surfaces of the plate. The bone screws couple the plate to the bone via the bone screw receiving holes. The blocking elements are movably positioned proximate each bone screw receiving hole. In an initial unblocked position, the blocking elements do not cover the bone screw receiving holes. Upon movement into final blocked positions, the blocking elements cover at least a portion of the bone screw receiving holes and preferably extend over at least a portion of the bone screw during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Spinal USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, James Milton Phillips, Jeffrey Johnson, John Franklin Cummins
  • Publication number: 20120303064
    Abstract: Pedicle screws that can include a pedicle screw body, housing, plurality of clamps, rod, and set screw are disclosed herein. The clamps may be positioned side by side inside the lower portion of the housing. When the rod and set screw are provided in the housing, the set screw applies a force on the rod and the rod engages the plurality of clamps, causing the clamps to frictionally engage a head of the pedicle screw between the clamps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: SPINAL USA, INC.
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, James Milton Phillips, Justin Kyle Johnson, Gilbert Monroe Aust, JR.
  • Patent number: 8241341
    Abstract: Pedicle screws that can include a pedicle screw body, housing, plurality of clamps, rod, and set screw are disclosed herein. The clamps may be positioned side by side inside the lower portion of the housing. When the rod and set screw are provided in the housing, the set screw applies a force on the rod and the rod engages the plurality of clamps, causing the clamps to frictionally engage a head of the pedicle screw between the clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Spinal USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, James Milton Phillips, Justin Kyle Johnson, Gilbert Monroe Aust, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120042774
    Abstract: A displacement assembly includes a rotor and a plurality of reciprocating members in engagement with the rotor. The displacement assembly further includes a ring assembly. The ring assembly defines a cam surface that is in engagement with the reciprocating members. The ring assembly has a first ring and an axially adjacent second ring with at least one of the first and second rings being adapted for selective movement relative to the other between a neutral position and a displaced position. The first ring has a first ring portion defining a bore that has an inner surface. The second ring has a second ring portion defining a bore that has an inner surface. A first circumferential portion of the inner surface of the first ring portion and a second circumferential portion of the inner surface of the second ring portion define the cam surface in the displaced position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Lowell Dean Hansen, John Lawrence Walker
  • Publication number: 20120022594
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for assisting in spinal stabilization. An access device is provided that includes an outer sleeve, inner sleeve, spring latch and lock nut. The inner sleeve includes compressible grasping elements. The access device can be coupled to a screw head by sliding the outer sleeve relative to the inner sleeve and compressing the grasping elements. The coupled access device and screw can then be delivered to a target location in a patient. After providing two or more access devices, a rod member can be delivered using a rod insertion device. The rod member can serve as a connection between the two screws, and can provide spinal stabilization. An anti-torque device and a persuading device can be used to help ensure that the rod member is placed and secured in a proper location within a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Spinal USA LLC
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, John Franklin Cummins