Patents by Inventor Michael S. Butler

Michael S. Butler 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).

  • Publication number: 20180256336
    Abstract: A spinal interbody implant is fabricated using 3-D printing to provide an engineered structure of one or more porous, permeable, or non-solid portions with or without one or more solid, dense, or micro-dense portions. The porous, permeable, or non-solid structure can be a mesh, lattice, web, weave, honeycomb, simple cubic, tetrahedral, diamond, or otherwise with the number and size of its pores, holes, perforations, or openings, as well as the distance or thickness between them, can vary accordingly. Some portions of the porous, permeable, or non-solid structure(s) may have porosities and/or thicknesses different than other portions. The solid, dense, or micro-dense structure may be constant throughout the body of the implant or may be a range of densities throughout the body of the implant. Alternately, one or more portions of the implant may have a range of densities throughout its body ranging from solid to a maximum porosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Mueller, Eugene Shoshtaev, Gregory Palagi, Daniel P. Predick, Michael S. Butler
  • Publication number: 20180235676
    Abstract: A guide assembly includes a spinal screw assembly having a bone screw and a spinal rod holder; and a spinal rod guide having first and second elongated arc portions defining a pair of longitudinal slots extending along the first and second arc portions, each of the first and second arc portions further defining at least one recess extending transversely from each of the longitudinal slots, the at least one recess configured to receive at least a portion of a reduction tool to enable reduction of a spinal rod received within the spinal rod holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Applicant: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Danish Siddiqui, Daniel Predick
  • Patent number: 10052210
    Abstract: Dimensionally adjustable spinal prostheses are adjustable in an axial or superior to inferior dimension such that spinal prostheses may assume variations in height. The height adjustable spinal prostheses are characterized by first and second portions that are configured for adjustable coupling with one another. Spatial adjustment between the first and second portions is provided by an adjustment assembly. The adjustment mechanism preferably, but not necessarily, provides infinite adjustment over a minimum prosthesis height to a maximum prosthesis height. In one form, first and second ends of the height adjustable spinal prostheses are configured to receive an endplate. The endplates aid in attachment and/or anchoring of the spinal prosthesis within the spine. The endplates may be fashioned in various configurations such as circular or anatomical. In one form, the adjustment assembly utilizes rotational motion for varying the axial position of one prosthetic portion relative to the other prosthetic portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Butler
  • Patent number: 10052139
    Abstract: Interspinous/inter-laminar spinal spacers are configured to be placed between bony structures of adjacent vertebrae. In one form, a spinal spacer includes a body including a first plate having a first wing configured to engage a first vertebra and a second wing configured to engage a second vertebra, and a post extending from the first plate to define a longitudinal axis, the post having a bullet nose; a second plate slidably coupled to the post of the body, the second plate including a first wing configured to engage the first vertebra; and a second wing configured to engage the second vertebra; wherein the second plate defines a first bore configured to receive the post, and wherein the bullet nose is designed to pierce through an interspinous ligament between the first vertebra and the second the vertebra so that the interspinous ligament can hold the implant in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Kara A. Bucci, Madeline Wolters, Michael S. Butler
  • Patent number: 10045859
    Abstract: Lumbar and cervical interbody or intervertebral devices for implantation between adjacent vertebrae of a spine and/or within intermediary canals of long bones are characterized by a body defining a superior end and an inferior end whose surfaces have serrations or teeth thereon forming anti-backout structures that allow implantation of the body but inhibit removal or backing out therefrom. The one-way structures may extend from the anterior end to the posterior end. The one-way structures may take different shapes but are always configured to allow insertion of the interbody device in an anterior-first manner while preventing and/or inhibiting the interbody device from backing out posteriorly. The various interbody devices may be further characterized by a body defining a cavity that is in communication with the superior and inferior ends of the body and at least one lateral side thereof via openings in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Michael J. Milella, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9993347
    Abstract: The invention is a subtalar implantable to expand after implantation. The subtalar implant has two or more expansion segments or wings. In all forms, the expansion wings are hinged on the distal portion of the subtalar implant which causes only the proximal portion of the wing to expand relative to the midplane of the implant. The expansion wings and the entire subtalar implant are threaded to prevent the implant from backing out of the sinus tarsi once implanted. In one form, the subtalar implant includes an integral expansion screw that, when rotated, expands the expansion wings. In another form, the subtalar implant includes a separate expansion screw that, when rotated, expands the expansion wings. The integral and the separate expansion screw includes a socket that accepts a like driver tool for rotating the expansion screw and expanding the expansion wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett D. Lauf, Michael S. Butler, Matthew S. Coyne
  • Publication number: 20180133024
    Abstract: A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable and contractable. The device includes a body assembly, a top member configured to fit within a gap in the body assembly, a drive gear disposed within the body assembly at a distal end of the body assembly, a proximal gear assembly, and a distal gear assembly. The drive gear includes a receiver accessible from outside the body assembly and configured to be rotated in order to rotate the drive gear. Each gear assembly is attached to the top member. The distal gear assembly engages the drive gear. Rotation of the drive gear in a first direction causes the gear assemblies to translate the top member away from the body assembly, and rotation of the drive gear in a second direction causes the gear assemblies to translate the top member towards the body assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Applicant: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Madeline Wolters, Daniel Predick, Michael S. Butler
  • Patent number: 9936986
    Abstract: A guide assembly includes a spinal screw assembly having a bone screw and a spinal rod holder; and a spinal rod guide having first and second elongated arc portions defining a pair of longitudinal slots extending along the first and second arc portions, each of the first and second arc portions further defining at least one recess extending transversely from each of the longitudinal slots, the at least one recess configured to receive at least a portion of a reduction tool to enable reduction of a spinal rod received within the spinal rod holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Danish Siddiqui, Daniel Predick
  • Publication number: 20170367842
    Abstract: An expandable implant includes a base member including a top surface, a first end, and a second end, and defining a central cavity positioned between the first end and the second end; an adjustable member including a top surface and at least one control channel, wherein the adjustable member is adjustably coupled to the base member and movable between a first, collapsed position, and a second, expanded position; a control shaft rotatable received by the base member, wherein rotation of the control shaft cause relative movement of the adjustable member relative to the base member; and at least one control member received on the control shaft and by the control channel, wherein rotation of the control shaft causes the control member to translate along the control shaft and along the control channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Predick, Madeline Wolters, Michael S. Butler
  • Publication number: 20170311990
    Abstract: A spinal implant for immobilizing the C1 vertebra with respect to the C2 vertebra of the spine provides controlled coupling between the C1 and C2 vertebrae, and includes a C1 component attachable to the C1 vertebra, two C2 components attachable to the C2 vertebra, and a transverse element. The C1 component has two wings each of which retains a rod holder that rotates and translate for capturing a C2 component rod. Each C2 component has a hook for connection with a side of the C2 vertebra lamina and a rod for attachment to one of the rod holders of the C1 component. Each C2 component receives and secures the transverse connector which holds position of the C2 components relative to one another. Each C2 component may include a plate configured for compression against the C2 vertebra spinous process, with each plate including spikes to aid in preventing construct migration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Hirschl, Michael S. Butler, Daniel Predick, Madeline C. Wolters
  • Publication number: 20170311989
    Abstract: A spinal implant for immobilizing the C1 vertebra with respect to the C2 vertebra of the spine provides controlled coupling between the C1 and C2 vertebrae, and includes a C1 component attachable to the C1 vertebra, two C2 components attachable to the C2 vertebra, and a transverse element. The C1 component has two wings each of which retains a rod holder that rotates and translates for capturing a C2 component rod. Each C2 component has a hook for connection with a side of the C2 vertebra lamina and a rod for attachment to one of the rod holders of the C1 component. Each C2 component receives and secures the transverse connector which holds position of the C2 components relative to one another. Each C2 component may include a plate configured for compression against the C2 vertebra spinous process, with each plate including spikes to aid in preventing construct migration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Hirschl, Michael S. Butler, Daniel Predick, Madeline C. Wolters
  • Patent number: 9801733
    Abstract: A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable and contractable. The device includes a body assembly, a top member configured to fit within a gap in the body assembly, a drive gear disposed within the body assembly at a distal end of the body assembly, a proximal gear assembly, and a distal gear assembly. The drive gear includes a receiver accessible from outside the body assembly and configured to be rotated in order to rotate the drive gear. Each gear assembly is attached to the top member. The distal gear assembly engages the drive gear. Rotation of the drive gear in a first direction causes the gear assemblies to translate the top member away from the body assembly, and rotation of the drive gear in a second direction causes the gear assemblies to translate the top member towards the body assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Madeline Wolters, Daniel Predick, Michael S. Butler
  • Publication number: 20170258624
    Abstract: Hand orthotics are provided for protecting and/or supporting phalanges, metacarpals and/or ligaments of the hand providing thin, lightweight, moldable devices that form to the digits of and to the hand to provide shock absorption and limited range of motion in flexion and extension movements of the digits of the hand, but mitigate or prevent hyperextension. Each orthotic has several plates of thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like that are generally, if not entirely, inflexible and interlinked through limited range of motion hinges, overlapping, and/or abutting plates that accommodate stability and protection. The plates are contained within, on top, underneath, or permutations of these, a form fitting material (e.g. neoprene or vinyl) to maintain a tight fit to the hand, digits and wrist. A thumb plate is hinged to an upper or lower hand plate of the device and includes a loop for receiving the thumb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Matthew J. Butler, Zachary I. Butler
  • Publication number: 20170238918
    Abstract: A retractor assembly includes a base, a first side assembly coupled to a first side of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along a first direction, a first tap assembly coupled to the first side assembly and configured to threadingly engage bone, a second side assembly coupled to a second side of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along the first direction independent from the first side assembly, a second tap assembly coupled to the second side assembly and configured to threadingly engage bone, and a center assembly coupled to a center portion of the base. At least a portion of the center assembly is configured to translate relative to the base along a second direction different from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Predick, Michael S. Butler, Paul Christopher Zakelj
  • Publication number: 20170239053
    Abstract: A spinal interbody cage implant includes a cage, an endplate, and flexible barbs. The endplate is separately attached to the cage and is configured to receive, hold and direct a flexible barb into an upper vertebral surface and a flexible barb into a lower adjacent vertebral surface. Each proximal leg of the cage is configured to receive the endplate, and has a lateral bore that receives a pin which retains the endplate. The endplate directs a first flexible barb upwardly toward an upper vertebral surface, and directs a second flexible barb downwardly toward a lower vertebral surface. Each flexible barb has a proximal head, a shaft extending from the head with a bore extending from the head to its distal end. Teeth are provided along the exterior surface of the shaft with two flats disposed on opposite sides thereof with a slit extending from the distal end towards the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Predick, Michael S. Butler
  • Publication number: 20170224505
    Abstract: An expandable implant includes a top support assembly defining an upper surface configured to engage a first portion of vertebral bone; a bottom support assembly defining a lower surface configured to engage a second portion of vertebral bone; and a control assembly coupled to the top support assembly and the bottom support assembly and configured to control relative movement between the top support assembly and the bottom support assembly between a collapsed position and an expanded position. In the collapsed position, the upper surface is generally parallel to the lower surface, and in the expanded position, a portion of the upper surface extends at an acute angle relative to a portion of the lower surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Madeline Wolters, Daniel Predick, Eugene Shoshtaev
  • Publication number: 20170224502
    Abstract: A spinal interbody implant has a bone screw retention mechanism that prohibits bone screws from backing out after the bone screws are installed. A bone screw retention plate is received in a plate retention area of the implant to provide a barrier that keeps the installed bone screws from backing out of their bone screw pocket. The bone screw retention mechanism consists of a retention plate and a configured plate retention area in a face of the implant body. Retention plate fasteners may be used to retain the configured plate. In one form, the bone screw retention mechanism consists of a retention plate, a configured plate retention area in a face of the implant body, and a retention plate bolt. In another form, the bone screw retention mechanism consists of a retention plate, a configured plate retention area in a face of the implant body, and a retention plate bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Madeline C. Wolters, James A. Rinner, Michael S. Butler, Seetal K. Erramilli
  • Publication number: 20170224504
    Abstract: An expandable implant includes a top support configured to engage a first portion of vertebral bone, a bottom support configured to engage a second portion of vertebral bone, and a control assembly coupled to the top support and the bottom support and configured to control relative movement between the top support and the bottom support. The control assembly includes a control member including a head and a body portion. The head includes a recess and the body portion includes at least one access port in fluid communication with the recess to enable delivery of fluid to an interior of the implant via the recess and at least one access port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Madeline Wolters, Daniel Predick, Eugene Shoshtaev
  • Publication number: 20170215930
    Abstract: A spine plate implant utilizes cam lock setscrews to retain bone screws in the plate once implanted. A cam lock setscrew is received in a setscrew pocket adjacent a configured bone screw bore of the plate and is configured to allow a bone screw to be received in the plate when in an unlocked rotational position, and to retain the received bone screw when in a locked rotational position. The bone screw includes a tang that allows engagement with external teeth of the cam lock setscrew when the cam lock setscrew is rotated into the locked position. Once the cam lock setscrew is in the locked position, the bone screw is inhibited from backing out of the bone screw bore. When the cam lock setscrew is in the unlocked position, a flat of the cam lock setscrew is adjacent the bone screw tang so the bone screw may be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: Life Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett D. Lauf, Michael S. Butler
  • Publication number: 20170202679
    Abstract: A spinal interbody device includes a base link having a first end and a second end, a linkage including a first link having a first end coupled to the first end of the base link and a second end, and a second link having a first end coupled to the second end of the first link and a second end coupled to the second end of the base link. The base link and the first and second links define top and bottom surfaces configured to engage adjacent portions of bone, and first and second sides extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The device further includes at least one radiographic element provided in at least one of the first link and the second link and positioned such that the radiographic element provides an indication of a degree of expansion of the device when the device is imaged from one of the first side and the second side of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Michael S. Butler, Daniel Predick