Patents by Inventor Robert L. Assell

Robert L. Assell 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: 9833328
    Abstract: A method of resurfacing a facet joint with a facet implant system. The facet joint includes a superior facet and an inferior facet that are adjacent to each other and movable with respect to each other. A first facet implant component is provided that has a first visualization marker. The first visualization marker includes a first marker section and a second marker section. The first marker section is oriented at an angle with respect to the second marker section. The first facet implant component between the superior facet and the inferior facet. A location and an orientation of the first facet implant component are determined using an imaging technique that locates the first visualization marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Zyga Technology
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Brian P. Beaubien, David W. Stassen
  • Patent number: 9713478
    Abstract: A method of performing an orthopedic procedure in a sacroiliac region. At least a portion of an undercutting system is inserted at least partially into an aperture in at least one of an ilium and a sacrum. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus, a probe assembly and a cutting assembly. The probe assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position so that at least a portion of the probe assembly is between the ilium and the sacrum. The probe assembly is manipulated between the ilium and the sacrum. The cutting assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a refracted position to an extended position so that at least a portion of the probe assembly is between the ilium and the sacrum. The cutting assembly is manipulated between the ilium and the sacrum to cut tissue between the ilium and the sacrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Zyga Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Jeremy Thomas Carr, Eugene Arthur Dickhudt, Thomas Godfrey Berg, Brian P. Beaubien
  • Patent number: 9700427
    Abstract: A method of treating a facet joint of a patient. The facet joint has a superior facet with a superior articular face and an inferior facet with an inferior articular face. An implant delivery cannula is used to position a superior resurfacing implant and an inferior resurfacing implant between the superior articular face and the inferior articular face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Zyga Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Brian P. Beaubien, Eugene A. Dickhudt
  • Patent number: 9314277
    Abstract: A method of treating a facet joint of a patient. The facet joint includes a superior articular face and an inferior articular face. An implant is secured to an implant insertion tool by mating a first engagement feature on the implant with a second engagement feature on the implant insertion tool. A distal end of a guide cannula is positioned proximate the facet joint. The guide cannula has an internal passage extending therethrough. The implant slides through the guide cannula passage until the implant passes through a distal end of the guide cannula passage and is at least partially between the superior articular face and the inferior articular face. A force of at least 1 Newton is exerted on the implant insertion tool to separate the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Zyga Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L Assell, Brian P Beaubien, Eugene Arthur Dickhudt
  • Patent number: 9233006
    Abstract: A facet implant system for implanting between a superior facet and an inferior facet. The facet implant system includes a first facet implant component and a second facet implant component. The first facet implant component has a first articulating surface and a first engagement surface located opposite the first articulating surface. The first facet implant component has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The first facet implant component has teeth that extend from the first engagement surface. The teeth are arranged in a plurality of rows and wherein teeth in adjacent rows are offset from each other. The second facet implant component has a second articulating surface and a second engagement surface located opposite the second articulating surface. The second facet implant component has teeth that extend from the second engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Zyga Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Brian P. Beaubien, David W. Stassen
  • Publication number: 20150327872
    Abstract: A method of performing an orthopedic procedure in a sacroiliac region. At least a portion of an undercutting system is inserted at least partially into an aperture in at least one of an ilium and a sacrum. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus, a probe assembly and a cutting assembly. The probe assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position so that at least a portion of the probe assembly is between the ilium and the sacrum. The probe assembly is manipulated between the ilium and the sacrum. The cutting assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a refracted position to an extended position so that at least a portion of the probe assembly is between the ilium and the sacrum. The cutting assembly is manipulated between the ilium and the sacrum to cut tissue between the ilium and the sacrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: ZYGA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Jeremy Thomas Carr, Eugene Arthur Dickhudt, Thomas Godfrey Berg, Brian P. Beaubien
  • Patent number: 9161763
    Abstract: An undercutting system for preparing a region between an ilium and a sacrum for sacroiliac fusion. The undercutting system includes a probe assembly and a cutting assembly. The probe assembly is operably mounted to the insertion apparatus. The probe assembly is moveable with respect to the insertion apparatus between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the extended configuration at least a portion of the probe assembly extends laterally from the insertion apparatus. The cutting assembly is operably mounted with respect to the probe assembly and the insertion apparatus. The cutting assembly is movable with respect to the insertion apparatus between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the extended configuration at least a portion of the cutting assembly extends laterally from the insertion apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Zyga Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Jeremy Thomas Carr, Eugene Arthur Dickhudt, Thomas Godfrey Berg, Brian P. Beaubien
  • Patent number: 9149283
    Abstract: An undercutting system for preparing a region between an ilium and a sacrum for sacroiliac fusion. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus, a probe assembly and a cutting assembly. The probe assembly is operably mounted to the insertion apparatus. The probe assembly is moveable with respect to the insertion apparatus between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the extended configuration at least a portion of the probe assembly extends from the insertion apparatus. The cutting assembly is operably mounted with respect to the probe assembly and the insertion apparatus. The cutting assembly is movable with respect to the insertion apparatus between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the extended configuration at least a portion of the cutting assembly extends from the insertion apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Zyga Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Jeremy Thomas Carr, Eugene Arthur Dickhudt, Thomas Godfrey Berg, Brian P. Beaubien
  • Patent number: 9113919
    Abstract: An undercutting system for preparing a region between ilium and sacrum for sacroiliac fusion. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus and a cutting assembly. The insertion apparatus has an elongate shaft and a rotatable handle. The cutting assembly is operably attached to the insertion apparatus. Rotation of the handle with respect to the shaft causes the cutting assembly to move with respect to the shaft between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. When in the extended configuration, at least a portion of the cutting assembly extends laterally from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Zyga Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Jeremy Thomas Carr, Eugene Arthur Dickhudt, Thomas Godfrey Berg, Brian P. Beaubien
  • Patent number: 9101371
    Abstract: A method of repairing a prior sacroiliac fusion that was not effective at stabilizing a sacroiliac joint. The prior sacroiliac fusion used a first fastening device that extended between an ilium and a sacrum. At least one aperture is formed that at least partially extends through at least one of an ilium and a sacrum. An undercutting system is inserted at least partially into the aperture and is used to cut tissue between the ilium and the sacrum. A second fastening device is inserted into the first aperture to retain the ilium in a stationary position with respect to the sacrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Zyga Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Jeremy Thomas Carr, Eugene Arthur Dickhudt, Thomas Godfrey Berg, Brian P. Beaubien
  • Publication number: 20150164652
    Abstract: A method of treating a facet joint of a patient. The facet joint has a superior facet with a superior articular face and an inferior facet with an inferior articular face. An implant delivery cannula is used to position a superior resurfacing implant and an inferior resurfacing implant between the superior articular face and the inferior articular face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Brian P. Beaubien, Eugene A. Dickhudt
  • Publication number: 20150119988
    Abstract: A method of resurfacing a facet joint with a facet implant system. The facet joint includes a superior facet and an inferior facet that are adjacent to each other and movable with respect to each other. A first facet implant component is provided that has a first visualization marker. The first visualization marker includes a first marker section and a second marker section. The first marker section is oriented at an angle with respect to the second marker section. The first facet implant component between the superior facet and the inferior facet. A location and an orientation of the first facet implant component are determined using an imaging technique that locates the first visualization marker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Brian P. Beaubien, David W. Stassen
  • Patent number: 9017389
    Abstract: A method of treating a facet joint of a patient. The facet joint includes a superior facet having superior articular face and an inferior facet having an inferior articular face. A distal end of an implant delivery cannula is extended between the superior and inferior articular faces. The implant delivery cannula has a channel extending therethrough. An implant is moved through the channel until the implant is between the superior and inferior articular faces while at least a portion of the implant is within the channel. The implant includes a first surface and a second surface. The implant delivery cannula is moved away from the superior and inferior articular faces so that the first surface is adjacent the superior articular face and the second surface is adjacent the inferior articular face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Zyga Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Brian P. Beaubien, Eugene A. Dickhudt
  • Patent number: 8961613
    Abstract: A low friction resurfacing implant system including a first implant component having a first bearing surface and a first engagement surface. The first engagement surface is located opposite the first bearing surface. The first implant component has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The first implant component includes teeth that extend from the first engagement surface. The teeth are arranged in a plurality of rows. The teeth in adjacent rows are offset from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Zyga Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Brian P. Beaubien, David W. Stassen
  • Patent number: 8900279
    Abstract: A bone screw including a main body portion having a proximal end and a distal end. An external threaded surface and an internal threaded surface are formed on the main body portion. The external threaded surface intersects the internal threaded surface proximate a lower surface of the external threaded surface and a lower surface of the internal threaded surface. A plurality of bone growth apertures is defined on the surface of the main body portion where the external threaded surface and the internal threaded surface are not located. The bone growth apertures comprise between about 10 percent and about 60 percent of the surface of the main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Zyga Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Brian P. Beaubien, Jeremy Thomas Carr
  • Publication number: 20140243896
    Abstract: A method of treating a facet joint of a patient. The facet joint includes a superior articular face and an inferior articular face. An implant is secured to an implant insertion tool by mating a first engagement feature on the implant with a second engagement feature on the implant insertion tool. A distal end of a guide cannula is positioned proximate the facet joint. The guide cannula has an internal passage extending therethrough. The implant slides through the guide cannula passage until the implant passes through a distal end of the guide cannula passage and is at least partially between the superior articular face and the inferior articular face. A force of at least 1 Newton is exerted on the implant insertion tool to separate the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Zyga Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Brian P. Beaubien, Eugene Arthur Dickhudt
  • Publication number: 20140025117
    Abstract: A spinal implant with associated surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Baxano Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Stephen D. Ainsworth, Andrew H. Cragg, Eugene A. Dickhudt
  • Publication number: 20130158666
    Abstract: A facet fusion system including a first drill guide, a second drill guide and a facet fusion implant. The first drill guide has a first aperture formed therein. The second drill guide has a second aperture formed therein. A position of the first aperture on the first drill guide is offset from a position of the second aperture on the second drill guide. The facet fusion implant has at least one gripping region and at least one bone growth region. The at least one bone growth region has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the first aperture and the second aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Zyga Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Brian P. Beaubien, Corinne Thomford
  • Publication number: 20130030456
    Abstract: An undercutting system for preparing a region between an ilium and a sacrum for sacroiliac fusion. The undercutting system includes a probe assembly and a cutting assembly. The probe assembly is operably mounted to the insertion apparatus. The probe assembly is moveable with respect to the insertion apparatus between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the extended configuration at least a portion of the probe assembly extends laterally from the insertion apparatus. The cutting assembly is operably mounted with respect to the probe assembly and the insertion apparatus. The cutting assembly is movable with respect to the insertion apparatus between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the extended configuration at least a portion of the cutting assembly extends laterally from the insertion apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: ZYGA TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Robert L. Assell, Jeremy Thomas Carr, Eugene Arthur Dickhudt, Thomas Godfrey Berg, Brian P. Beaubien
  • Publication number: 20130013000
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for the provision of spinal therapy to three or more adjacent motion segments accessed through a trans-sacral approach. The spinal therapies include fusion and dynamic stabilization with and without a distraction of the most cephalad motion segment of the two or more adjacent motion segments provided therapy. The disclosure includes methods and apparatus to impart a distraction on a second more caudal motion segment after providing therapy to the more cephalad motion segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: TRANS1 INC.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Ainsworth, Robert L. Assell, Andrew H. Cragg, Eugene A. Dickhudt, Tawney A. Schwarz, Bradley J. Wessman