Patents by Inventor Keith E. Miller

Keith E. Miller 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).

  • Publication number: 20180116815
    Abstract: An expandable spinal implant includes a distal projection extending from only one side of the implant, ending in an anterior tip, the anterior portion and anterior tip defining an elongated distal end hook, which is wider than the proximal end. The distal end hook rotates around the spinal cord, aligning the implant with a desired pathway, then inserts into place in the disc space between the vertebrae. The elongated widened distal end hook provides a TLIF approach, distributes loads, provides anterior rim engagement, and creates lordosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Adriaan J. Kuyler, Anthony J. Melkent, Keith E. Miller, Charles Branch, Jonathan M. Dewey, Charles Fisher, Mladen Djurasovic, Marcel Dvorak, Sigurd Berven
  • Publication number: 20180116891
    Abstract: A surgical table includes a sagittal adjustment device for manipulating the position of a patient. The surgical table includes a base portion including an upper surface for spacing the sagittal adjustment device from the ground. The sagittal adjustment device includes a first support portion and a second support portion. The first and second support portions are supported by and moveable over the upper surface of the base portion. The first and second support portions each include an upper surface configured to support portions of the body of the patient thereon. One of the first and second support portions is pivotally attached to the base portion, and moveable between a first position and a second position. The pivotal movement between the first and second positions of the one of the first and second portions serves in repositioning the body of patient to manipulate the spine of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Beale, Keith E. Miller, Harlod S. Taylor, Robert Andrew Fields
  • Publication number: 20180071113
    Abstract: A spinal fusion implant includes a leading end, an opposite trailing end, an upper portion extending between the leading and trailing ends, a lower portion extending between the leading and trailing ends, and opposed first and second side portions extending between the leading and trailing ends. The upper portion includes at least two rails extending between the leading and trailing ends, the at least two rails including a first rail and a second rail spaced apart from one another, the first rail of the upper portion including a bone-contacting surface being at least partially smoothened. The lower portion includes at least two rails extending between the leading and trailing ends, the at least two rails including a first rail and a second rail spaced apart from one another, the first rail of the lower portion including a bone-contacting surface being at least partially smoothened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, Keith E. Miller
  • Patent number: 9872779
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprises a first component and a second component. The second component includes an actuator and a third component comprises a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The third component comprises rails including at least a portion of the ramps. At least one of the ramp portions disposed with the first rail has a first height and at least one of the ramp portions disposed with the second rail has a second height. The first height is greater than the second height. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation such that the ramps engage at least one of the components between a first configuration and a second configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Miller, Stanley T. Palmatier, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20170189200
    Abstract: A pivoting wedge expandable spinal implant. An upper portion and a lower portion are pivotally connected together. The implant, in a collapsed position, is inserted into a disc space. A driving screw engages and applies a force to a pushing portion, driving the pushing portion toward the implant's distal end. The pushing portion engages and drives a wedge toward the implant's distal end. The wedge pivots upward against an inner surface of the lower portion. The wedge continues to pivot along an inner surface of the upper portion, translating the force to the upper portion, pivoting and expanding the upper portion to an expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Keith E. Miller, Anthony J. Melkent
  • Publication number: 20170105844
    Abstract: An expandable spinal implant is provided having a frame with a distal wall for retaining an expansion plug such that bone growth promoting material may be introduced to a proximal portion of the implant after expansion. Various implants, systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Adriaan J. Kuyler, Anthony J. Melkent, Keith E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20160374826
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant is provided. The intervertebral implant comprises a first component comprising an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. A second component is connected to the first component, and is relatively moveable therefrom. The second component comprises an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. The second component includes an actuator. A third component is disposed for engagement and is movable relative to the first and second components. The third component comprises at least a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation of the wedge such that the ramps engage the inner surface of at least one of the first component and the second component to move the components between a first, collapsed configuration and a second, expanded configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, Keith E. Miller, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20160324661
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprises a first component and a second component. The second component includes an actuator and a third component comprises a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The third component comprises rails including at least a portion of the ramps. At least one of the ramp portions disposed with the first rail has a first height and at least one of the ramp portions disposed with the second rail has a second height. The first height is greater than the second height. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation such that the ramps engage at least one of the components between a first configuration and a second configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: KEITH E. MILLER, Stanley T. Palmatier, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20160324547
    Abstract: A spinal construct comprises at least one tether including a first end connectable with a first fastener connected with spinal tissue and a second end connectable with a second fastener connected with spinal tissue. The at least one tether has a tension between the fasteners. A member defines an axis and includes an element disposed transverse relative to the axis. The element is engageable with the at least one tether. The member further includes a drive engageable with the dement to adjust the tension. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Keith E. Miller, William Alan Rezach
  • Patent number: 9445919
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant is provided. The intervertebral implant comprises a first component comprising an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. A second component is connected to the first component, and is relatively moveable thereform. The second component comprises an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. The second component includes an actuator. A third component is disposed for engagement and is movable relative to the first and second components. The third component comprises at least a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation of the wedge such that the ramps engage the inner surface of at least one of the first component and the second component to move the components between a first, collapsed configuration and a second, expanded configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, Keith E. Miller, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9433442
    Abstract: A spinal construct includes at least one tether extending between a first end connectable with a first fastener connected with spinal tissue and a second end connectable with a second fastener connected with spinal tissue. The at least one tether has a tension between the fasteners. A ratchet is engagable with the at least one tether to adjust the tension. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Lindemann, Alison G. Powers, Keith E. Miller, Jeremy J. Rawlinson
  • Patent number: 9414862
    Abstract: A bone fastener includes a receiver defining a longitudinal axis and extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a first wall and a second wall that define an implant cavity, each wall having a proximal face. At least one of the first wall and the second wall include an extension extending proximally from the proximal face along the longitudinal axis, the extension having a distal end integral with the proximal face and a proximal end including a first locking part configured for fixation with a second locking part of an instrument. A bone penetrating member has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the bone penetrating member being connected with the distal end of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith E. Miller
  • Patent number: 9414936
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprises a first component and a second component. The second component includes an actuator and a third component comprises a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The third component comprises rails including at least a portion of the ramps. At least one of the ramp portions disposed with the first rail has a first height and at least one of the ramp portions disposed with the second rail has a second height. The first height is greater than the second height. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation such that the ramps engage at least one of the components between a first configuration and a second configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Miller, Stanley T. Palmatier, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9375240
    Abstract: A system includes a sleeve including first and second arms each including an outer ramp and an inward projection, each of the arms defining a cavity. First and second extensions are configured for disposal in the cavities. A fastener includes walls defining an implant cavity and a distal portion. The walls each include first and second end surfaces and a locking cavity. The extensions are configured for translation relative to the sleeve between a first orientation such that the extensions engage the respective ramps to fix the projections with a respective locking cavity in a configuration to capture the fastener with the sleeve and a second orientation such that the extensions move out of engagement with the respective ramps so that the projections are movable out of engagement with the locking cavities to release the fastener from the sleeve. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry T. McBride, Keith E. Miller
  • Patent number: 9333012
    Abstract: A spinal implant system includes a first member including at least one wall, which includes a first axial end surface, a second axial end surface and an outer surface including a locking cavity. A second member includes a first extension defining an inner surface and a second extension defining an inner surface, the inner surfaces defining a first cavity therebetween. At least one of the inner surfaces includes a first angled portion and a second angled portion. A third member is disposed in the first cavity, and includes a first arm and a second arm, at least one of the arms includes a protrusion. The third member is configured for axial translation relative between a first orientation and a second orientation. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Beale, Larry T. McBride, Keith E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20160038192
    Abstract: A bone fastener includes a receiver defining a longitudinal axis and extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a first wall and a second wall that define an implant cavity, each wall having a proximal face. At least one of the first wall and the second wall include an extension extending proximally from the proximal face along the longitudinal axis, the extension having a distal end integral with the proximal face and a proximal end including a first locking part configured for fixation with a second locking part of an instrument. A bone penetrating member has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the bone penetrating member being connected with the distal end of the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Keith E. Miller
  • Patent number: 9095445
    Abstract: An interbody spacer includes an elongated body with a maximum width between opposite side walls and a maximum height between upper and lower bearing surfaces. The interbody spacer also includes a leading end nose connecting the side walls to facilitate insertion of the interbody spacer into a disc space between vertebrae in an insertion orientation, from which the interbody device is then rotated to position the upper and lower bearing surfaces in contact with the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae. The leading end nose forms a blunt convex nose between the upper and lower bearing surfaces to maximize the bearing surface area available to contact the adjacent endplates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kidong Yu, Keith E. Miller, William D. Armstrong, Charles Branch, Kevin T. Foley, Peter McCombe, Anthony J Melkent, William R. Sears
  • Publication number: 20150201973
    Abstract: A spinal construct includes at least one tether extending between a first end connectable with a first fastener connected with spinal tissue and a second end connectable with a second fastener connected with spinal tissue. The at least one tether has a tension between the fasteners. A ratchet is engagable with the at least one tether to adjust the tension. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Lindemann, Alison G. Powers, Keith E. Miller, Jeremy J. Rawlinson
  • Patent number: 8728124
    Abstract: A spinal rod assembly may be formed by attaching an extension portion onto a spinal rod that extends along a longitudinal axis. The extension portion may include a rod coupler that attaches to the spinal rod with a first coupling that includes a first degree of rotational freedom and a first degree of translational freedom in positioning the rod coupler relative to the spinal rod along the longitudinal axis. The extension portion may further include an extender rod including an elongated rod body that may be secured to the rod coupler using a second coupling that includes at least a second degree of rotational freedom in positioning the extender rod relative to the rod coupler about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The extension portion may be assembled in situ to a spinal rod that has been previously secured to vertebral bodies in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith E Miller
  • Patent number: 8715323
    Abstract: A connector is provided for linear implants such as spinal rods which are disposed within the coronal plane of a body. The connector includes a first portion having a first cavity for disposal therethrough of a first spinal rod. A second portion has a second cavity for the disposal therethrough of a second spinal rod. The second portion is rotatable relative to the first portion. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney R. Ballard, Keith E. Miller