Patents by Inventor Michael Black

Michael Black 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).

  • Jointed rod
    Patent number: 9532811
    Abstract: The present invention is a spinal fixation device that includes an occipital rod having a first end and a second end, and a spinal rod extending from a connection housing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the spinal rod is integral with a portion of the connection housing and the connection housing is configured with an elongated opening, a rotating plug, and a locking mechanism. The elongated opening is configured for mating with the first end of the occipital plate and the locking mechanism is adapted to enable the occipital rod to be locked in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Black, Michael Zentko
  • Interspinous ligament transverse connector
    Patent number: 9492206
    Abstract: An interspinous cross connector system configured and designed to be implanted through the interspinous ligament by a rod that can puncture through the ligament while leaving the ligament intact. The cross connector system includes a first and second elongate rod and a third elongate rod connecting the first and second elongate rods using a cross connection assembly. The cross connection assembly includes a one-piece L-shaped connecting body comprising a receptacle facing outwards towards the first rod and away from the second rod and a clamp, and a set screw selectively positioned to securely hold the connecting body to the first rod. The connecting body is disposed substantially between the first and second elongate rods. The clamp allows the connecting body to slidingly engage with the third rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • SYSTEM FOR SACROILIAC JOINT FUSION
    Publication number: 20160310197
    Abstract: A system for preparing the sacroiliac (SI) joint for an SI joint fusion, and optionally delivering an implant to the SI joint, is described herein. The implant is inserted via an inferior inlet approach. A sliding joint finder is inserted into the joint, followed by insertion of a working cannula. The working cannula is operatively coupled to the sliding joint finder, in that it is configured to fit over the sliding joint finder, allowing subsequent removal of the sliding joint finder, and providing a hollow cavity for joint fusion preparation, decortication and insertion of an implant. This system and method provides a less invasive and safer approach for fixing an SI joint or delivering an implant to the SI joint than currently available methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: MICHAEL BLACK, Kenan Aksu, Damian Heinz
  • ORTHOPEDIC ANCHOR ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20160249962
    Abstract: An orthopedic assembly is described that comprises an orthopedic device, an anchor, and a locking mechanism. The orthopedic device can be a plate member having an aperture that is configured to receive the anchor. The anchor can include a head, neck and shank portion. The head portion can include a plurality of arms separated by grooves that are capable of splaying. The assembly is configured such that when the locking mechanism is inserted into the head portion, this causes expansion of the arms of the head. This expansion locks and secures the anchor to the orthopedic device. Various instruments are provided that can deliver the locking mechanism to the anchor, and can provide impact to lock functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Black, Jon Suh, Christopher Angelucci, Matthew Hansell
  • Orthopedic anchor assembly
    Patent number: 9358050
    Abstract: An orthopedic assembly is described that comprises an orthopedic device, an anchor, and a locking mechanism. The orthopedic device can be a plate member having an aperture that is configured to receive the anchor. The anchor can include a head, neck and shank portion. The head portion can include a plurality of arms separated by grooves that are capable of splaying. The assembly is configured such that when the locking mechanism is inserted into the head portion, this causes expansion of the arms of the head. This expansion locks and secures the anchor to the orthopedic device. Various instruments are provided that can deliver the locking mechanism to the anchor, and can provide impact to lock functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: GloBus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Black, Jon Suh, Christopher Angelucci, Matthew Hansell
  • Dynamic spine stabilizers
    Patent number: 9320544
    Abstract: Treatment of spinal irregularities, including, in one or more embodiments, dynamic spine stabilizers and systems that can be used to stabilize one or more motion segments in a patient's spine. Spine stabilization systems may comprise a first bone fastener configured to attach the spine stabilization system to a first vertebra. Spine stabilization systems further may comprise a second bone fastener configured to attach the spine stabilization system to a second vertebra. Spine stabilization systems further may comprise a dynamic spine stabilizer configured to connect the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener with at least some relative movement between the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • LOCKING BONE SCREWS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF
    Publication number: 20160081730
    Abstract: The invention encompasses a bone screw for use in the human body including a shaft having a threaded region along at least a portion of its length and a screw head including a locking mechanism to secure the screw, for example to a bone plate. In certain embodiments, the thread has an outer diameter dimensioned to pass through the screw hole in the implant. The screw head is configured to cooperatively engage at least a portion of the screw hole of the implant so as to prevent the screw from coming out of the implant and avoided soft tissue damage and other complications associated with unintended screw removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Black, Jon Suh
  • JOINTED ROD
    Publication number: 20160051293
    Abstract: The present invention is a spinal fixation device that includes an occipital rod having a first end and a second end, and a spinal rod extending from a connection housing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the spinal rod is integral with a portion of the connection housing and the connection housing is configured with an elongated opening, a rotating plug, and a locking mechanism. The elongated opening is configured for mating with the first end of the occipital plate and the locking mechanism is adapted to enable the occipital rod to be locked in a fixed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Black, Michael Zentko
  • INTERSPINOUS LIGAMENT TRANSVERSE CONNECTOR
    Publication number: 20160051291
    Abstract: An interspinous cross connector system configured and designed to be implanted through the interspinous ligament by a rod that can puncture through the ligament while leaving the ligament intact. The cross connector system includes a first and second elongate rod and a third elongate rod connecting the first and second elongate rods using a cross connection assembly. The cross connection assembly includes a one-piece L-shaped connecting body comprising a receptacle facing outwards towards the first rod and away from the second rod and a clamp, and a set screw selectively positioned to securely hold the connecting body to the first rod. The connecting body is disposed substantially between the first and second elongate rods. The clamp allows the connecting body to slidingly engage with the third rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • Locking bone screws and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 9226785
    Abstract: The invention encompasses a bone screw for use in the human body including a shaft having a threaded region along at least a portion of its length and a screw head including a locking mechanism to secure the screw, for example to a bone plate. In certain embodiments, the thread has an outer diameter dimensioned to pass through the screw hole in the implant. The screw head is configured to cooperatively engage at least a portion of the screw hole of the implant so as to prevent the screw from coming out of the implant and avoided soft tissue damage and other complications associated with unintended screw removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Black, Jon Suh
  • Jointed rod
    Patent number: 9204901
    Abstract: The present invention is a spinal fixation device that includes an occipital rod having a first end and a second end, and a spinal rod extending from a connection housing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the spinal rod is integral with a portion of the connection housing and the connection housing is configured with an elongated opening, a rotating plug, and a locking mechanism. The elongated opening is configured for mating with the first end of the occipital plate and the locking mechanism is adapted to enable the occipital rod to be locked in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Black, Michal Zentko
  • Interspinous ligament transverse connector
    Patent number: 9204900
    Abstract: An interspinous cross connector system configured and designed to be implanted through the interspinous ligament by a rod that can puncture through the ligament while leaving the ligament intact. The cross connector system includes a first and second elongate rod and a third elongate rod connecting the first and second elongate rods using a cross connection assembly. The cross connection assembly includes a one-piece L-shaped connecting body comprising a receptacle facing outwards towards the first rod and away from the second rod and a clamp, and a set screw selectively positioned to securely hold the connecting body to the first rod. The connecting body is disposed substantially between the first and second elongate rods. The clamp allows the connecting body to slidingly engage with the third rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • SPINE STABILIZATION
    Publication number: 20150289909
    Abstract: A bone stabilizing plate includes two plate portions, each affixable to bones of a patient, the plate portions telescoping together with mating rails and grooves. A limiter associated with one of the plate portions sliding engages one a catch associated with the other of the plate portions, when the plate portions are telescoped together, and resists stops telescoping when the plate portions are telescoped a predetermined distance apart. Once the limiter and catch are engaged, the plate portions enable imposition of a minimum compressive force between bones connected to the plates. The limiter is resiliently positioned to deflect into a relief formed in its respective plate portion. A groove positioned proximate the catch enables free telescoping motion limited by the engagement of the catch and limiter, whereby the minimum compressive force between bones is maintained, and Wolfe's Law may apply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Angelucci, Michael Black, Brian Garvey, James Himmelberger, Colm McLaughlin, Robert W. Trout
  • CO-REGISTRATION - SIMULTANEOUS ALIGNMENT AND MODELING OF ARTICULATED 3D SHAPES
    Publication number: 20150262405
    Abstract: Present application refers to a method, a model generation unit and a computer program (product) for generating trained models (M) of moving persons, based on physically measured person scan data (S). The approach is based on a common template (T) for the respective person and on the measured person scan data (S) in different shapes and different poses. Scan data are measured with a 3D laser scanner. A generic personal model is used for co-registering a set of person scan data (S) aligning the template (T) to the set of person scans (S) while simultaneously training the generic personal model to become a trained person model (M) by constraining the generic person model to be scan-specific, person-specific and pose-specific and providing the trained model (M), based on the co registering of the measured object scan data (S).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften e. V.
    Inventors: Michael Black, David L. Hirshberg, Matthew Loper, Eric Rachlin, Alex Weiss
  • Spine stabilization
    Patent number: 9095387
    Abstract: A bone stabilizing plate includes two plate portions, each affixable to bones of a patient, the plate portions telescoping together with mating rails and grooves. A limiter associated with one of the plate portions sliding engages one a catch associated with the other of the plate portions, when the plate portions are telescoped together, and resists stops telescoping when the plate portions are telescoped a predetermined distance apart. Once the limiter and catch are engaged, the plate portions enable imposition of a minimum compressive force between bones connected to the plates. The limiter is resiliently positioned to deflect into a relief formed in its respective plate portion. A groove positioned proximate the catch enables free telescoping motion limited by the engagement of the catch and limiter, whereby the minimum compressive force between bones is maintained, and Wolfe's Law may apply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Angelucci, Michael Black, Brian Garvey, James Himmelberger, Colm McLaughlin, Robert W. Trout
  • METHOD FOR PROVIDING A THREE DIMENSIONAL BODY MODEL
    Publication number: 20150206341
    Abstract: A method for providing a three-dimensional body model which may be applied for an animation, based on a moving body, wherein the method comprises providing a parametric three-dimensional body model, which allows shape and pose variations; applying a standard set of body markers; optimizing the set of body markers by generating an additional set of body markers and applying the same for providing 3D coordinate marker signals for capturing shape and pose of the body and dynamics of soft tissue; and automatically providing an animation by processing the 3D coordinate marker signals in order to provide a personalized three-dimensional body model, based on estimated shape and an estimated pose of the body by means of predicted marker locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew LOPER, Naureen MAHMOOD, Michael BLACK
  • Pivot point arm for a robotic system used to perform a surgical procedure
    Patent number: 9011415
    Abstract: A pivot port that can provide a pivot point for a surgical instrument. The pivot port may be held in a stationary position by a support arm assembly that is attached to a table. The pivot port may include either an adapter or a ball joint that can support the surgical instrument. The pivot port allows the instrument to pivot relative to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Sanchez, Michael Black, Scott Hammond
  • ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANTATION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20150012042
    Abstract: An orthopedic implantation device that includes tulip element, a coupling wedge and a locking assembly, and a kit and method of use thereof are described herein. The coupling wedge is located in the bottom of the tulip element. The tulip element includes transverse slots for receiving the rod therein until the rod sits on the coupling wedge. The locking assembly includes a locking cap adapted to be received completely within the tulip element, and having flanges and tabs that cooperate with corresponding grooves in the tulip element. The locking assembly includes a cap set screw adapted to be received within a thru hole in the locking cap element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • Transverse Connector
    Publication number: 20140379029
    Abstract: A transverse connector system having a first and a second locking element. The present invention also provides transverse rod having opposing first and second ends, the first end being retained within a portion of the first locking element and the second end being retained within a portion of the second locking element. The first locking element is configured with a connector body for engaging and capturing an elongated rod and a transverse rod simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • Transverse connector
    Patent number: 8876871
    Abstract: A transverse connector system having a first and a second locking element. The present invention also provides transverse rod having opposing first and second ends, the first end being retained within a portion of the first locking element and the second end being retained within a portion of the second locking element. The first locking element is configured with a connector body for engaging and capturing an elongated rod and a transverse rod simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Black