Patents by Inventor Kenneth S. Yonemura

Kenneth S. Yonemura 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).

  • Apparatus and method for spinal stabilization
    Publication number: 20040015168
    Abstract: A surgical method and apparatus for implanting a spinal fusion implant includes a rigid centering guide having a distal end sized to be inserted into the disc space with the guide extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal end to a proximal end. The guide includes a first external guide surface which extends at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end. The external guide surface is shaped complimentary to an external guided surface of a drill guide. The external guide surface and the guided surface are nested such that the guided surface slides against the external guide surface along a path of travel parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: Sulzer Spine-Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Yonemura, Douglas W. Kohrs
  • Apparatus and method for spinal stabilization
    Patent number: 6562041
    Abstract: A surgical method and apparatus for implanting a spinal fusion implant includes a rigid centering guide having a distal end sized to be inserted into the disc space with the guide extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal end to a proximal end. The guide includes a first external guide surface which extends at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end. The external guide surface is shaped complimentary to an external guided surface of a drill guide. The external guide surface and the guided surface are nested such that the guided surface slides against the external guide surface along a path of travel parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Sulzer Spine-Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Yonemura, Douglas W. Kohrs
  • Apparatus and method for spinal stablization
    Patent number: 6156040
    Abstract: A surgical method and apparatus for implanting a spinal fusion implant includes a rigid centering guide having a distal end sized to be inserted into the disc space with the guide extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal end to a proximal end. The guide includes a first external guide surface which extends at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end. The external guide surface is shaped complimentary to an external guided surface of a drill guide. The external guide surface and the guided surface are nested such that the guided surface slides against the external guide surface along a path of travel parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Sulzer Spine-Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Yonemura, Douglas W. Kohrs
  • Apparatus and method for spinal stabilization
    Patent number: 6086595
    Abstract: A surgical method and apparatus for implanting a spinal fusion implant includes a rigid centering guide having a distal end sized to be inserted into the disc space with the guide extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal end to a proximal end. The guide includes a first external guide surface which extends at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end. The external guide surface is shaped complimentary to an external guided surface of a drill guide. The external guide surface and the guided surface are nested such that the guided surface slides against the external guide surface along a path of travel parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Sulzer Spine-Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Yonemura, Douglas W. Kohrs