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).

  • Orthopedic Anchor Assembly
    Publication number: 20140296925
    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: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Stephan Lawson, Jason Cianfrani, Sean Suh, Jon Suh, Michael Black, Chris Angelucci, Matt Hansell
  • Interspinous Ligament Transverse Connector
    Publication number: 20140288603
    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: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • Interspinous ligament transverse connector
    Patent number: 8777996
    Abstract: The present invention includes the steps for creating an access path to the posterior portion of the spine, positioning a first and second elongate rod longitudinally on opposing portions of the spine, piercing a portion of the interspinous ligament with a third elongate rod, and positioning the third elongate rod connecting the first and second elongated rods in a cross connection assembly. The cross connection assembly includes a one-piece 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: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • Securing fasteners
    Patent number: 8771324
    Abstract: A fastener, for example a bone screw, is sized to pass into an aperture of an implant, for example a bone plate, the fastener having an anchor portion engageable with body tissue, and a head portion formed by an assembly of an insert and an anchor extension. The implant has an aperture with a reduced entry dimension. The insert and anchor extension cooperate to form a reduced dimension passable into the aperture, and an expanded dimension not passable out of the aperture. The size of the assembly is configurable by bending resilient tabs of the anchor extension or the implant, using ramped surfaces, or an expanding diameter of a threadable insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Black, Matthew Hansell, Jon Suh
  • PIVOT POINT ARM FOR A ROBOTIC SYSTEM USED TO PERFORM A SURGICAL PROCEDURE
    Publication number: 20140188130
    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: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Sanchez, Michael Black, Scott Hammond
  • Securing fasteners
    Patent number: 8734495
    Abstract: A polyaxial fastener is secured within an implant with a retaining ring. The ring is assembled onto a circumferential groove formed in the fastener head. The groove and ring are positionable, when the fastener is installed into an implant, at a wide portion of the mating polyaxial aperture in the implant. The ring is compressible into the groove to form a narrowed diameter, which is passable into a narrow diameter of the aperture, near an entrance to the aperture. The ring is released to expand and increase an overall diameter of the head and ring assembly, thereby rending the assembly too wide to pass by the narrow entrance to the aperture, thereby securing the assembly within the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • Locking Bone Screws and Methods of Use Thereof
    Publication number: 20140142641
    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: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Black, Jon Suh
  • Fenestrated Bone Screw
    Publication number: 20140058461
    Abstract: Improved bone screws are provided. The bone screws comprise a head portion that is connected to a shaft portion. The shaft portion can comprise one or more fenestrations that extend along a length of the screw. The fenestrations can be straight, or they can include angled bends and arcuate curves. At least a portion of the bone screws can be shot-peened or cold-worked in order to increase the strength of the bone screws to allow for use in, among other regions, the cervical region of the spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • Dynamic Spine Stabilizers
    Publication number: 20140052185
    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: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • Locking Confirmation Mechanism For a Bone Screw and Plate Assembly
    Publication number: 20140046377
    Abstract: Novel bone screw and plate assemblies including locking confirmation mechanisms are provided. In certain cases, a locking confirmation mechanism is operably attached to the plate, and comprises a toggling arm having an upper portion, a mid-portion and a lower portion. When a bone screw is positioned in a plate in an unlocked configuration, the locking confirmation mechanism assumes a first position. When the bone screw is positioned in the plate in a locked configuration, this causes the locking confirmation mechanism to pivot and assume a second position. The locking confirmation mechanism thus provides a convenient visual and/or tactile means to assess when the screw is in a locked configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Noah Hansell, Michael Black
  • Locking bone screws and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 8647371
    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: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Black, Jon Suh
  • Pivot point arm for robotic system used to perform a surgical procedure
    Patent number: 8641698
    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: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Sanchez, Michael Black, Scott Hammond
  • Transverse Connector
    Publication number: 20140031875
    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 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • Aligning Vertebral Bodies
    Publication number: 20130325071
    Abstract: Misaligned bones on opposite sides of a joint are aligned using a first rigid extension securable to one of the misaligned bones using a particular surgical approach, and a second rigid extension having a contacting surface positionable in contact with the other the two misaligned bones from the same surgical approach. The first and second rigid extensions are moved with respect to each other using a lever, whereby a pulling force is exerted on one of the bones, and a pushing force on the other, thereby aligning the first and second misaligned bones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Marcin Niemiec, Duncan Sibson, Noah Hansell, Chad Glerum, Colm McLaughlin, Daniel Davenport, Mark Weiman, Jason Gray, Khiem Pham, Michael Black, Ben Silber, Mark Fromhold, Andrew Iott, Kathleen Hill, John Gilbert, Richard Castle
  • Locking confirmation mechanism for a bone screw and plate assembly
    Patent number: 8591556
    Abstract: Novel bone screw and plate assemblies including locking confirmation mechanisms are provided. In certain cases, a locking confirmation mechanism is operably attached to the plate, and comprises a toggling arm having an upper portion, a mid-portion and a lower portion. When a bone screw is positioned in a plate in an unlocked configuration, the locking confirmation mechanism assumes a first position. When the bone screw is positioned in the plate in a locked configuration, this causes the locking confirmation mechanism to pivot and assume a second position. The locking confirmation mechanism thus provides a convenient visual and/or tactile means to assess when the screw is in a locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Hansell, Michael Black
  • Transverse connector having a locking element for capturing multiple rods
    Patent number: 8568456
    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 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • OCCIPITAL PLATE SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20130238033
    Abstract: Occipital plate systems are described. The occipital plate systems can include a novel occipital plate having an upper portion and lower portion. The lower portion can include an opening for receiving one or more lateral members therethrough. The lateral members include top and/or side apertures for receiving lateral connectors that are attached to polyaxial screw receiving members. The occipital plate systems can also include low-profile clamping arms that are operably attached to an occipital plate via an extension member and articulating joint member. The clamping arms, along with tension cables attached intermittently along its length, can be used in addition to or instead of screws and hooks to secure an occipital plate system to vertebrae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • Dynamic spine stabilizers
    Patent number: 8491638
    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: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Black
  • Orthopedic Anchor Assembly
    Publication number: 20130096633
    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: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Black, Jon Suh, Christopher Angelucci, Matthew Hansell
  • Bone Fixation Plate System and Method
    Publication number: 20130046348
    Abstract: A fastener, for example a bone screw, is sized to pass through a hole of an implant, for example a bone plate, the fastener having a shaft or anchor portion engageable with body tissue, and a head portion. A locking cap secures to the bone plate and covers the head to block the head and inhibit screw back out. Alternatively or additionally, a locking disc located in the plate hole resiliently deflects downward to allow screw insertion, but is blocked to limit or prevent upward deflection so that screw back out is inhibited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Black