Patents by Inventor Matthew Kovach
Matthew Kovach 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: 9005260Abstract: A receiver body for an elongated spinal fixation element includes a housing portion with one or more flanges extending outwardly. In one embodiment, the receiver body includes first and second flanges extending outwardly from the housing portion. The housing portion includes first and second slots that form a passage through the housing portion. Each flange has a circular perimeter edge and a chamfered section, the chamfered section having a notched undercut for engagement with an instrument. In another embodiment, the receiver body includes a housing portion having a circular flange with a first chamfered section and a second chamfered section diametrically opposite the first chamfered section. The first chamfered section has a first aperture that opens out beneath the flange, and the second chamfered section has a second aperture that opens out beneath the flange. The first and second apertures form diametrically opposed pivot-attachment points for an instrument.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Aesculap Implant Systems, LLCInventors: Andrew Dauster, Matthew Kovach, Paul Weaver
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Patent number: 8998958Abstract: An instrument includes components configured to secure a locking device inside a rod fixation assembly. In one embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve and a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve. A drive assembly cooperatively engages the pusher member. In another embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve, a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve, and a pair of drive assemblies. A first drive assembly engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a first loading. A second drive assembly also engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a second loading, the second loading being substantially greater than the first loading. In another embodiment, a method for reducing and locking a spinal rod includes the step of advancing a locking element while the locking element is retained in a fixed orientation.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Aesculap Implant Systems, LLCInventors: Andrew Dauster, Matthew Kovach, Paul Weaver
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Patent number: 8540718Abstract: A rod persuader assembly includes a tubular body, an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inner shaft is axially displaceable relative to the tubular body, and has a gripping end and a handle end. The outer shaft is axially displaceable relative to the tubular body, and has a rod reducing end. In one embodiment, the handle end is rotatable relative to the gripping end. In another embodiment, the gripping end includes a cylindrical socket. In yet another embodiment, the rod persuader assembly is operable in two separate and independent stages to secure the instrument to an implant, and advance a rod into the implant.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Aesculap Implant Systems, LLCInventors: Andrew Dauster, Matthew Kovach, Paul Weaver
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Patent number: 8540719Abstract: Instruments and methods for inserting a spinal fixation rod include various components for inserting a rod with visual guidance. One kit includes a plurality of hollow elongated extension tubes and rod templates. The tube connectors connect the extension tubes in series. Another kit includes a rod guidance instrument having a sleeve. A guide member is attachable to the midsection of the sleeve, and a spinal fixation rod is attachable to the distal end of the sleeve. A method for inserting a spinal fixation rod into a plurality of rod receiving implants includes the steps of contouring a fixation rod to conform to a predetermined shape, contouring a guide member to match the shape of the contoured rod, and guiding the fixation rod into a rod receiving implant by maneuvering the guide member through a guide slot representing the location of the rod receiving implant.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Aesculap Implant Systems, LLCInventors: Andrea Peukert, Alexander Haas, Matthew Kovach
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Patent number: 8500782Abstract: A fixation plate system includes a plate with elongated slots, and first and second anchors for attaching the plate to vertebrae. The first and second anchors have different head configurations that are selected by the surgeon to control how settlement occurs at each fused segment. The head of the first fastener is insertable in any of the slots and resists translation. The head of the second fastener is insertable in any of the slots in free sliding engagement to allow translation of the head in that slot. In one method of use, the surgeon selects a segment where settling needs to be limited, and uses the first fastener to fix the plate near the segment and limit settling at that segment. The first and second fasteners have a built-in spring that assists in securing the fasteners in the plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Aesculap Implant Systems, LLCInventors: Matthew Kovach, David W. Wimberley, Scott Leary, Paul Weaver, Andrea Peukert
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Patent number: 8221471Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a rod in a screw and rod fixation assembly includes a cap having a sidewall and a locking element extending from at least a portion of the sidewall. Locking mechanism cooperates with a receiver component for a spinal fixation rod to lock the rod in the receiver without requiring application of torque. A method of locking a spinal fixation member in a receiver of a screw fixation assembly includes the steps of placing the spinal fixation member into a channel of a receiver, axially advancing a locking cap into the receiver toward the spinal fixation member without application of any torque, and securing the locking cap in a locked position above the spinal fixation member without application of any torque.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Aesculap Implant Systems, LLCInventors: Matthew Kovach, Paul Weaver
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Patent number: 8211111Abstract: An instrument for manipulating a spinal fixation rod includes a gripping section for engaging a spinal implant and a lever body pivotally attached to the gripping section. A rod carrier extends from one side of the lever body and is adapted to push a spinal fixation rod downwardly into the spinal implant.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Aesculap Implant Systems, LLCInventors: Andrew Dauster, Matthew Kovach, Paul Weaver
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Patent number: 8182539Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a body for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, and one or more anchors extending from the body for securing the body between the vertebrae. A linear motion control mechanism is mounted in the body and operable to limit linear translation of the anchor(s) relative to the body. Also, a pivot control mechanism in the body operates to limit pivot motion of the anchor(s) relative to the body. The linear and pivot control mechanisms are configured in various arrangements and embodiments exhibiting adjustable dynamic settings, allowing a single implant to provide various types of dynamic fixation with ranges of motion that permit loads to transfer to graft material contained in the disk space.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Aesculap Implant Systems, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Tyber, Matthew Kovach, Larry Pijanowski
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Publication number: 20110196426Abstract: Instruments and methods for inserting a spinal fixation rod include various components for inserting a rod with visual guidance. One kit includes a plurality of hollow elongated extension tubes and rod templates. The tube connectors connect the extension tubes in series. Another kit includes a rod guidance instrument having a sleeve. A guide member is attachable to the midsection of the sleeve, and a spinal fixation rod is attachable to the distal end of the sleeve. A method for inserting a spinal fixation rod into a plurality of rod receiving implants includes the steps of contouring a fixation rod to conform to a predetermined shape, contouring a guide member to match the shape of the contoured rod, and guiding the fixation rod into a rod receiving implant by maneuvering the guide member through a guide slot representing the location of the rod receiving implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventors: Andrea Peukert, Alexander Haas, Matthew Kovach
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Publication number: 20100228302Abstract: An instrument for manipulating a spinal fixation rod includes a gripping section for engaging a spinal implant and a lever body pivotally attached to the gripping section. A rod carrier extends from one side of the lever body and is adapted to push a spinal fixation rod downwardly into the spinal implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2009Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: Aesculap Implant Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Dauster, Matthew Kovach, Paul Weaver
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Publication number: 20100179602Abstract: A receiver body for an elongated spinal fixation element includes a housing portion with one or more flanges extending outwardly. In one embodiment, the receiver body includes first and second flanges extending outwardly from the housing portion. The housing portion includes first and second slots that form a passage through the housing portion. Each flange has a circular perimeter edge and a chamfered section, the chamfered section having a notched undercut for engagement with an instrument. In another embodiment, the receiver body includes a housing portion having a circular flange with a first chamfered section and a second chamfered section diametrically opposite the first chamfered section. The first chamfered section has a first aperture that opens out beneath the flange, and the second chamfered section has a second aperture that opens out beneath the flange. The first and second apertures form diametrically opposed pivot-attachment points for an instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: Aesculap Implant Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Dauster, Matthew Kovach, Paul Weaver
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Publication number: 20100106249Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a body for insertion between adjacent vertebrae, and one or more anchors extending from the body for securing the body between the vertebrae. A linear motion control mechanism is mounted in the body and operable to limit linear translation of the anchor(s) relative to the body. Also, a pivot control mechanism in the body operates to limit pivot motion of the anchor(s) relative to the body. The linear and pivot control mechanisms are configured in various arrangements and embodiments exhibiting adjustable dynamic settings, allowing a single implant to provide various types of dynamic fixation with ranges of motion that permit loads to transfer to graft material contained in the disk space.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: Aesculap Implant Systems Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Tyber, Matthew Kovach, Larry Pijanowski
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Publication number: 20090163962Abstract: An instrument includes components configured to secure a locking device inside a rod fixation assembly. In one embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve and a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve. A drive assembly cooperatively engages the pusher member. In another embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve, a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve, and a pair of drive assemblies. A first drive assembly engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a first loading. A second drive assembly also engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a second loading, the second loading being substantially greater than the first loading. In another embodiment, a method for reducing and locking a spinal rod includes the step of advancing a locking element while the locking element is retained in a fixed orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: AESCULAP IMPLANT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: ANDREW DAUSTER, MATTHEW KOVACH, PAUL WEAVER
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Publication number: 20090105712Abstract: A rod persuader assembly includes a tubular body, an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inner shaft is axially displaceable relative to the tubular body, and has a gripping end and a handle end. The outer shaft is axially displaceable relative to the tubular body, and has a rod reducing end. In one embodiment, the handle end is rotatable relative to the gripping end. In another embodiment, the gripping end includes a cylindrical socket. In yet another embodiment, the rod persuader assembly is operable in two separate and independent stages to secure the instrument to an implant, and advance a rod into the implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Andrew Dauster, Matthew Kovach, Paul Weaver
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Publication number: 20080294203Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a rod in a screw and rod fixation assembly includes a cap having a sidewall and a locking element extending from at least a portion of the sidewall. Locking mechanism cooperates with a receiver component for a spinal fixation rod to lock the rod in the receiver without requiring application of torque. A method of locking a spinal fixation member in a receiver of a screw fixation assembly includes the steps of placing the spinal fixation member into a channel of a receiver, axially advancing a locking cap into the receiver toward the spinal fixation member without application of any torque, and securing the locking cap in a locked position above the spinal fixation member without application of any torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: AESCULAP IMPLANT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: MATTHEW KOVACH, PAUL WEAVER