Patents by Inventor Michael Molleston

Michael Molleston 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: 9375320
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods relating to a spinal implant for placement in a disc space of a spine are described. A spinal implant (1) can include a plurality of wedge members including a leading wedge (22), a trailing wedge (28), and one or more intermediary wedges (26) therebetween. The spinal implant (1) can be configured to have a first linear configuration in which the plurality of wedge members are in a linearly expanded form and a second circular configuration in which the plurality of wedge members are positioned circumferentially relative to a center axis. In its first configuration, the spinal implant (1) can be delivered to a disc space, whereby it can assume its second configuration within the disc space, thereby forming a replacement nucleus. The spinal implant (1) can be kept in its first configuration by a rod member (41) received as through the plurality of wedge members. The wedge members can be slidably removed off of the rod member (41) and can assume the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Spinal USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, Michael Molleston
  • Publication number: 20130144387
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods relating to a spinal implant for placement in a disc space of a spine are described. A spinal implant (1) can include a plurality of wedge members including a leading wedge (22), a trailing wedge (28), and one or more intermediary wedges (26) therebetween. The spinal implant (1) can be configured to have a first linear configuration in which the plurality of wedge members are in a linearly expanded form and a second circular configuration in which the plurality of wedge members are positioned circumferentially relative to a center axis. In its first configuration, the spinal implant (1) can be delivered to a disc space, whereby it can assume its second configuration within the disc space, thereby forming a replacement nucleus. The spinal implant (1) can be kept in its first configuration by a rod member (41) received as through the plurality of wedge members. The wedge members can be slidably removed off of the rod member (41) and can assume the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: SPINAL USA LLC
    Inventors: John Lawrence Walker, Michael Molleston