Patents by Inventor Paula A Nichter

Paula A Nichter 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: 9131933
    Abstract: A retractor includes a first wall extending from the base. The first wall has a longitudinal axis and extends between a first end and a second end. The first wall includes at least a portion of a longitudinal cavity. A rotatable shaft includes an outer surface that defines a groove. At least a portion of the shaft is disposed in the longitudinal cavity. A blade is disposed for movement along the longitudinal cavity. A post is connected with the blade and is disposed with the groove such that rotation of the shaft causes axial translation of the blade relative to the first wall between a first orientation and a second orientation. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Mire, Paula A. Nichter, Paul Wheeler, Jacob Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20140330086
    Abstract: A retractor includes a first wall extending from the base. The first wall has a longitudinal axis and extends between a first end and a second end. The first wall includes at least a portion of a longitudinal cavity. A rotatable shaft includes an outer surface that defines a groove. At least a portion of the shaft is disposed in the longitudinal cavity. A blade is disposed for movement along the longitudinal cavity. A post is connected with the blade and is disposed with the groove such that rotation of the shaft causes axial translation of the blade relative to the first wall between a first orientation and a second orientation. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Mire, Paula A. Nichter, Paul Wheeler, Jacob Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20140066719
    Abstract: A surgical retractor comprises a first member extending between a first end and a second end including at least one first fixation element. A second member includes a blade and a biasing member connected with the blade. The biasing member includes at least one second fixation element that is selectively engageable with the at least one first fixation element to releasably dispose the blade in a selected orientation relative to the first end. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventor: Paula A. Nichter
  • Patent number: 8636656
    Abstract: A retractor assembly for surgery in a patient includes at least one retractor member removably engageable to a support member. The retractor assembly includes a housing assembly engaged to the support member and to an arm that extends from a retraction portion of the retractor member. A drive mechanism in the housing assembly is coupled to the retractor member and is operable to rotate the retraction portion of the retractor member relative to the support member to a desired angular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paula A. Nichter, Paul F. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20130110238
    Abstract: An interbody implant is provided. The interbody implant includes a body having a cavity configured to retain material deposited in the cavity. The cavity has an opening defining a passageway in communication with the cavity. The implant further includes a membrane disposed about the opening of the cavity having a first configuration covering the opening and a second configuration such that the membrane exposes the passageway in communication with the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Lindemann, Paula A. Nichter
  • Publication number: 20130103103
    Abstract: A dilator includes a first portion and a second portion movable between a first position and a second position. The first portion includes a first wall that defines a first cross section and a first cavity. The second portion includes a second wall that defines a second cross section, which is less than the first cross section, and a second cavity. The second portion dilates and/or dissects tissue adjacent a surgical site. In the first position, the second cavity provides direct visualization of the surgical site and the first cavity supports an instrument. In the second position, the second cavity is expandable such that the instrument is movable along the longitudinal axis in the second cavity. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC
    Inventors: David A. Mire, Paula A. Nichter, Kelli N. Sebastian, Bryant Lee
  • Publication number: 20130046147
    Abstract: A retractor assembly for surgery in a patient includes at least one retractor member removably engageable to a support member. The retractor assembly includes a housing assembly engaged to the support member and to an arm that extends from a retraction portion of the retractor member. A drive mechanism in the housing assembly is coupled to the retractor member and is operable to rotate the retraction portion of the retractor member relative to the support member to a desired angular orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paula A. Nichter, Paul F. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8277453
    Abstract: Vertebral column manipulation systems include spinal derotation instrumentation to affect one or more derotation maneuvers on a scoliotic spine or on a spine having one or more displaced, misaligned or curved vertebral levels. Derotation instrumentation is attached to at least one vertebral body, with the instrumentation including at least two elongated extensions mounted to and extending proximally from the at least one vertebral body. A linking assembly extends between and links proximal ends of the extensions to one another. The linking assembly includes first and second mounting assemblies movably engaged to an elongate link member extending transversely to the extensions. Each of the mounting assemblies includes a movable joint for receiving the proximal end of a respective one of the extensions and a cam assembly for securing the mounting assembly in position relative to the link member and to fix the joint around the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas D Kave, Paula A Nichter, Paul Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20110106082
    Abstract: Vertebral column manipulation systems include spinal derotation instrumentation to affect one or more derotation maneuvers on a scoliotic spine or on a spine having one or more displaced, misaligned or curved vertebral levels. Derotation instrumentation is attached to at least one vertebral body, with the instrumentation including at least two elongated extensions mounted to and extending proximally from the at least one vertebral body. A linking assembly extends between and links proximal ends of the extensions to one another. The linking assembly includes first and second mounting assemblies movably engaged to an elongate link member extending transversely to the extensions. Each of the mounting assemblies includes a movable joint for receiving the proximal end of a respective one of the extensions and a cam assembly for securing the mounting assembly in position relative to the link member and to fix the joint around the extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas D. Kave, Paula A. Nichter, Paul Wheeler