Patents by Inventor Michael Fulton

Michael Fulton 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).

  • Patent number: 11350970
    Abstract: A bone fastener assembly for connecting a bone to a stabilizing construct includes a connecting member, a fastener seat, and a bone fastener. The connecting member includes a connecting member axis, a first opening, a second opening, and a first spherical surface. The connecting member axis extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The first opening is adjacent the proximal end. The second opening is adjacent the distal end. The fastener seat includes a first end, a second end, a passageway, and a second spherical surface. The passageway extends from the first end to the second end along a seat axis. The second spherical surface is configured to slidably engage the first spherical surface. The bone fastener includes a shank and a head. The shank extends though the passageway. The head engages a head-mating surface of the fastener seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffrey J Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder
  • Publication number: 20190239931
    Abstract: A bone fastener assembly for connecting a bone to a stabilizing construct includes a connecting member, a fastener seat, and a bone fastener. The connecting member includes a connecting member axis, a first opening, a second opening, and a first spherical surface. The connecting member axis extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The first opening is adjacent the proximal end. The second opening is adjacent the distal end. The fastener seat includes a first end, a second end, a passageway, and a second spherical surface. The passageway extends from the first end to the second end along a seat axis. The second spherical surface is configured to slidably engage the first spherical surface. The bone fastener includes a shank and a head. The shank extends though the passageway. The head engages a head-mating surface of the fastener seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffrey J. Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder
  • Patent number: 10307184
    Abstract: A bone fastener assembly for connecting a bone to a stabilizing construct includes a connecting member, a fastener seat, and a bone fastener. The connecting member includes a connecting member axis, a first opening, a second opening, and a first spherical surface. The connecting member axis extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The first opening is adjacent the proximal end. The second opening is adjacent the distal end. The fastener seat includes a first end, a second end, a passageway, and a second spherical surface. The passageway extends from the first end to the second end along a seat axis. The second spherical surface is configured to slidably engage the first spherical surface. The bone fastener includes a shank and a head. The shank extends though the passageway. The head engages a head-mating surface of the fastener seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffrey Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder
  • Publication number: 20180193065
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J. Thramann
  • Patent number: 9861400
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J Thramann
  • Publication number: 20170360485
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spinal implant for placement between adjacent processes of the human spine. In some embodiments the spinal implant includes a spacer and one or more retention members. In some embodiments, the retention members are fixed relative to the spacer and in other embodiments the retention members are deployable from a first or compact or stowed position to a second or expanded or deployed position. In some embodiments the spacer is expandable from a first size to a second size. In some embodiments the spacer has a tapered body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Lawrence Binder, Terry Ziemek, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J. Thramann, Robert E. Lins
  • Publication number: 20170333091
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Justin Taber, Andrew Lamborne, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J. Thramann
  • Patent number: 9770271
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spinal implant for placement between adjacent processes of the human spine. In some embodiments the spinal implant includes a spacer and one or more retention members. In some embodiments, the retention members are fixed relative to the spacer and in other embodiments the retention members are deployable from a first or compact or stowed position to a second or expanded or deployed position. In some embodiments the spacer is expandable from a first size to a second size. In some embodiments the spacer has a tapered body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Lawrence Binder, Terry Ziemek, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J Thramann, Robert E Lins
  • Patent number: 9743960
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Justin Taber, Michael Fulton, Joe Maddux
  • Patent number: 9724136
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Taber, Andrew Lamborne, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J Thramann
  • Publication number: 20170189078
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Justin Taber, Michael Fulton, Joe Maddux
  • Publication number: 20160354123
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J. Thramann
  • Publication number: 20160120579
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Justin Taber, Michael Fulton, Joe Maddux
  • Publication number: 20160113687
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Justin Taber, Andrew Lamborne, Michael Fulton, Jeffrey J. Thramann
  • Patent number: 9265532
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Lanx, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Justin Taber, Michael Fulton, Joseph Maddux
  • Patent number: 9247968
    Abstract: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Lanx, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Taber, Andrew Lamborne, Michael Fulton, Jeff Thramann
  • Publication number: 20150351813
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spinal implant for placement between adjacent processes of the human spine. In some embodiments the spinal implant includes a spacer and one or more retention members. In some embodiments, the retention members are fixed relative to the spacer and in other embodiments the retention members are deployable from a first or compact or stowed position to a second or expanded or deployed position. In some embodiments the spacer is expandable from a first size to a second size. In some embodiments the spacer has a tapered body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew LAMBORNE, Lawrence BINDER, Terry ZIEMEK, Michael FULTON, Jeffrey J THRAMANN, Robert E. LINS
  • Patent number: 9119682
    Abstract: The described apparatus and method include a bone plating system comprising a plate longitudinally extending between a first plate end and a second plate end, wherein the plate further comprises a first plate surface spaced apart from an opposing second plate surface. Further, the bone plating system further includes a first spacer segment longitudinally extending between a first spacer end and a second spacer end, wherein the first spacer segment is shaped to adapt the plate to conform to an adjacent bone segment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: LANX, INC.
    Inventors: Caleb Stoll, Morgan Lorio, Michael Fulton
  • Patent number: 9055981
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spinal implant for placement between adjacent processes of the human spine. In some embodiments the spinal implant includes a spacer and one or more retention members. In some embodiments, the retention members are fixed relative to the spacer and in other embodiments the retention members are deployable from a first or compact or stowed position to a second or expanded or deployed position. In some embodiments the spacer is expandable from a first size to a second size. In some embodiments the spacer has a tapered body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Lanx, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lamborne, Lawrence Binder, Terry Ziemek, Michael Fulton, Jeffery Thramann, Robert Lins
  • Publication number: 20150157365
    Abstract: A bone fastener assembly for connecting a bone to a stabilizing construct includes a connecting member, a fastener seat, and a bone fastener. The connecting member includes a connecting member axis, a first opening, a second opening, and a first spherical surface. The connecting member axis extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The first opening is adjacent the proximal end. The second opening is adjacent the distal end. The fastener seat includes a first end, a second end, a passageway, and a second spherical surface. The passageway extends from the first end to the second end along a seat axis. The second spherical surface is configured to slidably engage the first spherical surface. The bone fastener includes a shank and a head. The shank extends though the passageway. The head engages a head-mating surface of the fastener seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Laurence McKinley, Michael Fulton, Gregory Causey, Jeffrey Thramann, Damon Belloni, Terry Ziemek, Alan Burkholder