Patents by Inventor Rodney Ray Ballard

Rodney Ray Ballard 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: 20190350600
    Abstract: A surgical device has a shaft including a proximal portion and a distal portion being disposable with a surgical robot guide to engage vertebral tissue. The proximal portion defines a detectable marker and is connectable with at least one surgical instrument for manipulating the vertebral tissue. Systems, surgical instruments, spinal implants, constructs and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Ronald A. Lehman, JR., William Alan Rezach, Rodney Ray Ballard
  • Publication number: 20190343566
    Abstract: A bone screw comprises a shaft including a proximal portion, a distal portion and a wall including at least one thread having an external thread form having a lattice configuration. The thread form defining at least one void configured for bone growth therethrough. The distal portion is fabricated onto the proximal portion by an additive manufacturing method. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Dale A. Tempco, Rodney Ray Ballard, Keith E. Miller, William Alan Rezach
  • Publication number: 20190343564
    Abstract: A bone screw comprising a shaft having a wall, the wall including a minor diameter and at least one thread having an external thread form. The thread form including a first portion comprising a crest of the thread form and a second portion extends between a minor diameter of the thread form and the first portion. The first portion having a solid configuration relative to the second portion. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Dale A. Tempco, Rodney Ray Ballard, Keith E. Miller, William Alan Rezach
  • Publication number: 20190343567
    Abstract: A bone screw comprises a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and a minor diameter. The shaft including a core having an angled surface relative to the axis. The angled surface extending from the minor diameter adjacent a proximal portion of the shaft to a distal portion of the shaft, and a wall disposed about the angled surface. The wall including at least one thread having an external thread form. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Dale A. Tempco, Rodney Ray Ballard, Keith E. Miller, William Alan Rezach
  • Publication number: 20190343565
    Abstract: A bone screw includes a shaft including at least one thread having an external thread form and defining at least one cavity. The shaft includes at least one tissue gathering member disposed to direct tissue into the at least one cavity. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Dale A. Tempco, Rodney Ray Ballard, Keith E. Miller, William Alan Rezach
  • Publication number: 20190262049
    Abstract: A bone fastener includes a screw shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion is formed by a first manufacturing method and defines a distal face. The distal portion is formed onto the distal face by a second manufacturing method. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale A. Tempco, Rodney Ray Ballard, Matthew D. May
  • Patent number: 10307194
    Abstract: A bone fastener includes a screw shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion is formed by a first manufacturing method and defines a distal face. The distal portion is formed onto the distal face by a second manufacturing method. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale A. Tempco, Rodney Ray Ballard, Matthew D. May
  • Publication number: 20190105178
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member defining a cavity configured for disposal of a plurality of implants and including a distal portion that retains the implants with the first member. An element is configured to urge the implants in a first, release direction and the first member having at least one tab movable to prevent movement of at least one of the implants in a second direction. A second member is engageable with the at least one tab. Systems, spinal implants and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Jason M. May, Rodney Ray Ballard
  • Publication number: 20190076170
    Abstract: A bone fastener comprises a first member defining an implant cavity. A part is connectable with the first member. A second member is configured to penetrate tissue and includes a mating surface engageable with the part. The part is engageable to selectively translate the implant cavity relative to the second member. Implants, spinal constructs, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Ronald A. Lehman, JR., Rodney Ray Ballard, William Alan Rezach
  • Publication number: 20190038318
    Abstract: A bone fastener includes a screw shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion is formed by a first manufacturing method and defines a distal face. The distal portion is formed onto the distal face by a second manufacturing method. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Dale A. Tempco, Rodney Ray Ballard, Matthew D. May
  • Publication number: 20190039286
    Abstract: A build plate includes a surface that defines at least one opening configured for disposal of a proximal portion of a screw shaft. The proximal portion is formed by a first manufacturing method and defines a distal face. The proximal portion is connected with the surface in a configuration to orient the distal face for forming a distal portion of the screw shaft thereon by a second manufacturing method that includes an additive manufacturing apparatus. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Dale A. Tempco, Rodney Ray Ballard, Matthew D. May
  • Patent number: 10172719
    Abstract: A method for treating a spine is provided. The method includes the steps of: pre-operatively measuring a first portion of intervertebral tissue adjacent to a neural foramen; intra-operatively measuring a second portion of the intervertebral tissue adjacent to the neural foramen; generating a threshold value based on the measured portions; and selecting an interbody implant based on the threshold value. Spinal implants, surgical instruments and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Benson, Rodney Ray Ballard, James M. Mirda
  • Publication number: 20180228623
    Abstract: A method for treating a spine is provided. The method includes the steps of: pre-operatively measuring a first portion of intervertebral tissue adjacent to a neural foramen; intra-operatively measuring a second portion of the intervertebral tissue adjacent to the neural foramen; generating a threshold value based on the measured portions; and selecting an interbody implant based on the threshold value. Spinal implants, surgical instruments and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Benson, Rodney Ray Ballard, James M. Mirda
  • Publication number: 20180028327
    Abstract: Methods for surgically adjusting a curvature of a spine are disclosed. The methods provide for controlling the alignment of bony structures, such as vertebral bodies or portions thereof, as they are moved relative to one another during a surgical procedure. An intrabody implant disclosed and methods of use are also disclosed. The implant has an inclined surface, forming a wedge or other shape having, for example, an acute angle adapted to be placed between at least two separated portions of a single bony structure (such as a vertebral body). In some embodiments, the implant may be used to support portions of a vertebral body that have been separated surgically as part of a pedicle subtraction osteotomy and to orient the portions at a more predictable lordotic angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Rodney Ray Ballard, David A. Mire
  • Patent number: 8915945
    Abstract: Coupling assemblies and systems and methods are provided with an anchor member movably coupled with a receiver member extending along a receiver axis. A seat member is movable in the receiver member to assume any one of a plurality of orientations corresponding to an orientation of a connecting element extending through the receiver member transversely to the receiver axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Carson, Rodney Ray Ballard, James Mirda
  • Publication number: 20110230917
    Abstract: Coupling assemblies and systems and methods are provided with an anchor member movably coupled with a receiver member extending along a receiver axis. A seat member is movable in the receiver member to assume any one of a plurality of orientations corresponding to an orientation of a connecting element extending through the receiver member transversely to the receiver axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Carson, Rodney Ray Ballard, James Mirda
  • Patent number: 7967849
    Abstract: Coupling assemblies and systems and methods are provided with an anchor member movably coupled with a receiver member extending along a receiver axis. A seat member is movable in the receiver member to assume any one of a plurality of orientations corresponding to an orientation of a connecting element extending through the receiver member transversely to the receiver axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Carson, Rodney Ray Ballard, James Mirda
  • Patent number: 7967828
    Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for delivering multiple implants to multiple implant locations in a patient without requiring a second implant to be loaded onto or engaged to the delivery instrument after delivery of a first implant. The implants can be sequentially engaged, using the delivery instrument, to the patient or to receptacles of one or more receiving members secured to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, INc.
    Inventors: Jesse Gabriel Moore, Jeffrey W. Beale, Rodney Ray Ballard
  • Patent number: 7833252
    Abstract: A pivoting connector couples a vertebral member to a longitudinal member. An anchor is pivotally attached to a body by positioning a head of the anchor within a cavity in the body. A longitudinal rod is inserted into a channel also positioned within the body and axially aligned with the cavity. A retainer applies a force to maintain the longitudinal rod within the channel, however the force may be isolated from the anchor. One embodiment may include a compression member that is separate from or integral with the body. The compression member may transmit a rod securing force to the anchor to secure or limit the pivoting movement of the anchor member relative to the body. The compression member may deflect or detach under the influence of the securing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff R. Justis, Fred J. Molz, IV, James Michael Mirda, Rodney Ray Ballard
  • Publication number: 20100262190
    Abstract: A rod translation device is described that minimizes the wear between a spinal rod and a bone anchor in a spinal implant. In one embodiment, the rod translation device is a sleeve that is slid onto the outside diameter of the spinal rod. At least one compressible member, such as an O-ring, may be placed within the inside diameter of the sleeve to prevent direct contact of the outside diameter of the spinal rod to the inside diameter of the sleeve. Once the spinal rod is secured within the implant any translation of the spinal rod decreases wear debris between the outside diameter of the spinal rod and the pedicle screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Ray BALLARD, Jason Michael May