Patents by Inventor Steven Willis

Steven Willis 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: 20260137526
    Abstract: A spinal interbody implant includes an outer portion and an inner portion surrounded by the outer portion and having a plurality of channels. The inner portion has a greater porosity than that of the outer portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2026
    Publication date: May 21, 2026
    Applicant: VB Spine US Opco LLC
    Inventors: Sean Corcoran, Keith Fava, Kenneth Dieselman, Jennifer Anne Moore, Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Christopher P. Bell, Steven Willis, Russell Simms, Justyna Zielinska, Christian Karl Schultz, Clint Boyd, Eleftherios Louvis, Leonid Pavlovsky, Joseph Henry Robinson
  • Patent number: 12544233
    Abstract: A spinal interbody implant includes an outer shell, a fill material disposed within the outer shell and a plurality of tubes extending from a first outer surface of the implant to a second outer surface of the implant through the fill material. The fill material is more porous than the outer shell and the plurality of tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2026
    Assignee: VB Spine US Opco LLC
    Inventors: Sean Corcoran, Keith Fava, Kenneth Dieselman, Jennifer Anne Moore, Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Christopher P. Bell, Steven Willis, Russell Simms, Justyna Zielinska, Christian Karl Schultz, Clint Boyd, Eleftherios Louvis, Leonid Pavlovsky, Joseph Henry Robinson
  • Publication number: 20250392628
    Abstract: A secure communication system enabling secure transport of information is disclosed. The system comprises a secure network with one or more packet processing units connected by links through an internal communication system. The secure network transports packets of information between credentialed and authenticated agents. Each packet is associated with a visa issued by a visa service. The visa specifies the procedures governing the processing of the packet by the packet processing units as it is transported along a compliant flow, between agents thorough the network, according to a set of policies specified in a network configuration. Packet processing units include docks and forwarders. Adaptors serving the agents communicate with the network through tie-ins to docks. The system also includes and admin service, accessible to one more admins, that facilitates configuration and management of the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2025
    Publication date: December 25, 2025
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, David C. Douglas, Mathias Kolehmainen, Steven Willis, Frank Kastenholz, Michael Dubno
  • Patent number: 12407728
    Abstract: A secure communication system enabling secure transport of information is disclosed. The system comprises a secure network with one or more packet processing units connected by links through an internal communication system. The secure network transports packets of information between credentialed and authenticated agents. Each packet is associated with a visa issued by a visa service. The visa specifies the procedures governing the processing of the packet by the packet processing units as it is transported along a compliant flow, between agents thorough the network, according to a set of policies specified in a network configuration. Packet processing units include docks and forwarders. Adaptors serving the agents communicate with the network through tie-ins to docks. The system also includes and admin service, accessible to one more admins, that facilitates configuration and management of the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2025
    Assignee: APPLIED INVENTION, LLC
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, David C. Douglas, Mathias Kolehmainen, Steven Willis, Frank Kastenholz, Michael Dubno
  • Publication number: 20250269092
    Abstract: Implants including non-resorbable frameworks and resorbable components, as well as methods of use thereof are disclosed. The embodiments include different combinations of a non-resorbable framework (in some case structural and in other cases non-structural), and a resorbable component embedded within and/or around the framework (again, in some cases structural and in other cases non-structural). The disclosed implants provide an efficient means of providing structural support for the vertebral bodies post-implantation, as well as encouraging resorption of the implant and fusion of the associated vertebral bodies without negative side effects and/or failure, such as subsidence of the implant or cracking/fracturing of a portion of the implant when implanted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2025
    Publication date: August 28, 2025
    Inventors: Bradley William Paddock, Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Adam Laurance Wollowick, Oliver Buchert, Matthew B. Havener, Robert Cipoletti, Steven Willis, Marc Gilles Long
  • Publication number: 20250241766
    Abstract: A spinal implant including porous and solid portions is disclosed. The implant includes porous portions on upper and lower surfaces and in an interior thereof. Methods of manufacturing and implanting such implants are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2025
    Publication date: July 31, 2025
    Inventors: Steven Willis, Justyna Zielinska, Robin Stamp, Chau Ngo
  • Publication number: 20250193195
    Abstract: A secure communication system enabling secure transport of information is disclosed. The system comprises a secure network with one or more packet processing units connected by links through an internal communication system. The secure network transports packets of information between credentialed and authenticated agents. Each packet is associated with a visa issued by a visa service. The visa specifies the procedures governing the processing of the packet by the packet processing units as it is transported along a compliant flow, between agents thorough the network, according to a set of policies specified in a network configuration. Packet processing units include docks and forwarders. Adaptors serving the agents communicate with the network through tie-ins to docks. The system also includes and admin service, accessible to one more admins, that facilitates configuration and management of the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2025
    Publication date: June 12, 2025
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, David C. Douglas, Mathias Kolehmainen, Steven Willis, Frank Kastenholz, Michael Dubno
  • Patent number: 12268613
    Abstract: A spinal implant including porous and solid portions is disclosed. The implant includes porous portions on upper and lower surfaces and in an interior thereof. Methods of manufacturing and implanting such implants are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Steven Willis, Justyna Zielinska, Robin Stamp, Chau Ngo
  • Patent number: 12263279
    Abstract: Implants including non-resorbable frameworks and resorbable components, as well as methods of use thereof are disclosed. The embodiments include different combinations of a non-resorbable framework (in some case structural and in other cases non-structural), and a resorbable component embedded within and/or around the framework (again, in some cases structural and in other cases non-structural). The disclosed implants provide an efficient means of providing structural support for the vertebral bodies post-implantation, as well as encouraging resorption of the implant and fusion of the associated vertebral bodies without negative side effects and/or failure, such as subsidence of the implant or cracking/fracturing of a portion of the implant when implanted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Bradley William Paddock, Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Adam Laurance Wollowick, Oliver Buchert, Matthew B. Havener, Robert Cipoletti, Steven Willis, Marc Gilles Long
  • Patent number: 12263091
    Abstract: A spinal interbody device (IBD) includes a solid wall that at least partially defines a boundary of the IBD and a porous body connected to the solid wall. The porous body includes a plurality of sections that form at least a portion of both a superior and inferior bone interface side of the IBD. Each section of the porous body has a different porosity than an adjacent section such that the porosities increase toward a center of the IBD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Collin Newman, Christian Karl Schultz, Steven Willis, Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Oliver Buchert, Christopher P. Bell, Andrew Edward Ehlers, Anna Reza, Marc Gilles Long, Joseph Henry Robinson
  • Publication number: 20250090346
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spinal implant with a solid frame and a porous inner layer. The implant may have a cavity defined by the porous inner layer. The solid frame may have one or more ribs extending from a medial wall to a lateral wall. The thickness of the porous layer may vary relative the thickness of the solid frame at various locations. An inserter to place a spinal implant and a method to perform same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2024
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Cetrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason H. Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, JR., Brad Juchno
  • Patent number: 12238104
    Abstract: A secure communication system enabling secure transport of information is disclosed. The system comprises a secure network with one or more packet processing units connected by links through an internal communication system. The secure network transports packets of information between credentialed and authenticated agents. Each packet is associated with a visa issued by a visa service. The visa specifies the procedures governing the processing of the packet by the packet processing units as it is transported along a compliant flow, between agents thorough the network, according to a set of policies specified in a network configuration. Packet processing units include docks and forwarders. Adaptors serving the agents communicate with the network through tie-ins to docks. The system also includes and admin service, accessible to one more admins, that facilitates configuration and management of the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: APPLIED INVENTION, LLC
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, David C. Douglas, Mathias Kolehmainen, Steven Willis, Frank Kastenholz, Michael Dubno
  • Patent number: 12133806
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spinal implant with a solid frame and a porous inner layer. The implant may have a cavity defined by the porous inner layer. The solid frame may have one or more ribs extending from a medial wall to a lateral wall. The thickness of the porous layer may vary relative the thickness of the solid frame at various locations. An inserter to place a spinal implant and a method to perform same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Cetrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason H. Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, Jr., Brad Juchno
  • Publication number: 20240091022
    Abstract: A spinal interbody device (IBD) includes a solid wall that at least partially defines a boundary of the IBD and a porous body connected to the solid wall. The porous body includes a plurality of sections that form at least a portion of both a superior and inferior bone interface side of the IBD. Each section of the porous body has a different porosity than an adjacent section such that the porosities increase toward a center of the IBD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Collin Newman, Christian Karl Schultz, Steven Willis, Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Oliver Buchert, Christopher P. Bell, Andrew Edward Ehlers, Anna Reza, Marc Gilles Long, Joseph Henry Robinson
  • Patent number: 11925398
    Abstract: A bone fastener includes a head, and a screw portion extends from the head. The screw portion includes a shaft and a thread extending along and about the shaft. The thread has a height extending from a root to a tip thereof. The thread also has first and second portions disposed between the root and the tip. The second portion has a porous structure configured to promote bone ingrowth and has a porosity greater than that of the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Steven Willis, Steven F. Krause, Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Brett Traficant, Erika Corbin, Lauren Barkauskas
  • Patent number: 11857430
    Abstract: A spinal interbody device (IBD) includes a solid wall that at least partially defines a boundary of the IBD and a porous body connected to the solid wall. The porous body includes a plurality of sections that form at least a portion of both a superior and inferior bone interface side of the IBD. Each section of the porous body has a different porosity than an adjacent section such that the porosities increase toward a center of the IBD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Collin Newman, Christian Karl Schultz, Steven Willis, Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Oliver Buchert, Christopher P. Bell, Andrew Edward Ehlers, Anna Reza, Marc Gilles Long, Joseph Henry Robinson
  • Patent number: 11856027
    Abstract: A secure communication system enabling secure transport of information is disclosed. The system comprises a secure network with one or more packet processing units connected by links through an internal communication system. The secure network transports packets of information between credentialed and authenticated agents. Each packet is associated with a visa issued by a visa service. The visa specifies the procedures governing the processing of the packet by the packet processing units as it is transported along a compliant flow, between agents thorough the network, according to a set of policies specified in a network configuration. Packet processing units include docks and forwarders. Adaptors serving the agents communicate with the network through tie-ins to docks. The system also includes and admin service, accessible to one more admins, that facilitates configuration and management of the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: APPLIED INVENTION, LLC
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, David C. Douglas, Mathias Kolehmainen, Steven Willis, Frank Kastenholz, Michael Dubno
  • Publication number: 20230404773
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a spinal implant having structures that incorporate a solid material and a porous material. The solid material provides the implant with an outer shell for structural integrity while the porous material, distributed within an interior of the implant as a lattice structure for example, promotes visibility of the implant in radiological imaging, promotes bony ingrowth and cell attachment and improves wicking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Noel Gantick, Ailon Haileyesus, Joseph Michael Meyer, Eleftherios Louvis, Leonid Pavlovsky, Joseph Henry Robinson, Steven Willis
  • Publication number: 20230380983
    Abstract: A spinal interbody implant includes an outer shell, a fill material disposed within the outer shell and a plurality of tubes extending from a first outer surface of the implant to a second outer surface of the implant through the fill material. The fill material is more porous than the outer shell and the plurality of tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Sean Corcoran, Keith Fava, Kenneth Dieselman, Jennifer Anne Moore, Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Christopher P. Bell, Steven Willis, Russell Simms, Justyna Zielinska, Christian Karl Schultz, Clint Boyd, Eleftherios Louvis, Leonid Pavlovsky, Joseph Henry Robinson
  • Publication number: 20230285162
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spinal implant with a solid frame and a porous inner layer. The implant may have a cavity defined by the porous inner layer. The solid frame may have one or more ribs extending from a medial wall to a lateral wall. The thickness of the porous layer may vary relative the thickness of the solid frame at various locations. An inserter to place a spinal implant and a method to perform same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Centrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason H. Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, JR., Brad Juchno