Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Alheidt
Thomas A. Alheidt 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).
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Publication number: 20230285162Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Centrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason H. Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, JR., Brad Juchno
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Patent number: 11648131Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: STRYKER EUROPEAN OPERATIONS HOLDINGS LLCInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Patent number: 11622867Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 15, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Cetrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, Jr., Brad Juchno
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Publication number: 20210315712Abstract: An intervertebral implant may include an input for expanding at least two extendable support elements connected to a body at respective locations, such that the extendable support elements each apply a respective expansion force directed away from a surface of the body. Application of a single input force to the input may induce the extendable support elements to apply different amounts of expansion force. Alternatively or additionally, an intervertebral implant may include at least two portions connected together by a hinge for articulation about the hinge. In one aspect, the hinge may include at least two rigid links each pivotably connected to the two portions. In another aspect, a rigid link of the hinge may include a passageway for communicating a hydraulic fluid between the two portions. A locking system may be positionable into successive locked configurations by operation of a cam to prevent contraction of an extendable support element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2021Publication date: October 14, 2021Inventors: Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Oliver Buchert, Ronald Litke, Thomas A. Alheidt
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Patent number: 11083848Abstract: An I.V. flush syringe assembly includes a barrel having an inside surface defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end and a distal end with a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. An elongate plunger having a proximal end, a distal end and a flexible stopper is slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement with the inside surface of the barrel for drawing fluid into and out of the chamber by movement of the stopper relative to the barrel. The barrel includes anti-reflux structure for holding said stopper in a partially deflected position after fluid has been delivered from the chamber and the stopper is being force against the distal end of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Tracy Ray Hottovy, Dustin Drake
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Patent number: 11071633Abstract: An intervertebral implant may include an input for expanding at least two extendable support elements connected to a body at respective locations, such that the extendable support elements each apply a respective expansion force directed away from a surface of the body. Application of a single input force to the input may induce the extendable support elements to apply different amounts of expansion force. Alternatively or additionally, an intervertebral implant may include at least two portions connected together by a hinge for articulation about the hinge. In one aspect, the hinge may include at least two rigid links each pivotably connected to the two portions. In another aspect, a rigid link of the hinge may include a passageway for communicating a hydraulic fluid between the two portions. A locking system may be positionable into successive locked configurations by operation of a cam to prevent contraction of an extendable support element.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Oliver Buchert, Ronald Litke, Thomas A. Alheidt
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Publication number: 20210106434Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Publication number: 20210038404Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Cetrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, JR., Brad Juchno
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Patent number: 10898344Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLCInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Patent number: 10835388Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Cetrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, Jr., Brad Juchno
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Publication number: 20200281736Abstract: A spinal fusion system comprising an interbody device includes a leading end, trailing end, and opposed bone contacting sides extending therebetween. The trailing end defines a threaded opening that extends toward the leading end. The system also includes a bone plate that includes inner and outer surfaces and defines a first bone screw opening and connection screw opening extending therethrough. The system further includes a connection screw that includes a head and a threaded shaft. The head is positioned within the connection screw opening of the bone plate and is rotatably connected thereto such that the connection screw is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof but is prohibited from translational movement relative to the bone plate. The threaded shaft extends from the connection screw opening and is configured for threaded engagement with the threaded opening of interbody device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Zinoviy Sosnov, Thomas A. Alheidt, Anthony Ryan, Steven Greendyk
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Publication number: 20200121471Abstract: An intervertebral implant may include an input for expanding at least two extendable support elements connected to a body at respective locations, such that the extendable support elements each apply a respective expansion force directed away from a surface of the body. Application of a single input force to the input may induce the extendable support elements to apply different amounts of expansion force. Alternatively or additionally, an intervertebral implant may include at least two portions connected together by a hinge for articulation about the hinge. In one aspect, the hinge may include at least two rigid links each pivotably connected to the two portions. In another aspect, a rigid link of the hinge may include a passageway for communicating a hydraulic fluid between the two portions. A locking system may be positionable into successive locked configurations by operation of a cam to prevent contraction of an extendable support element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventors: Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Oliver Buchert, Ronald Litke, Thomas A. Alheidt
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Patent number: 10485675Abstract: An intervertebral implant may include an input for expanding at least two extendable support elements connected to a body at respective locations, such that the extendable support elements each apply a respective expansion force directed away from a surface of the body. Application of a single input force to the input may induce the extendable support elements to apply different amounts of expansion force. Alternatively or additionally, an intervertebral implant may include at least two portions connected together by a hinge for articulation about the hinge. In one aspect, the hinge may include at least two rigid links each pivotably connected to the two portions. In another aspect, a rigid link of the hinge may include a passageway for communicating a hydraulic fluid between the two portions. A locking system may be positionable into successive locked configurations by operation of a cam to prevent contraction of an extendable support element.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.Inventors: Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Oliver Buchert, Ronald Litke, Thomas A. Alheidt
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Publication number: 20190282373Abstract: An expandable implant system is disclosed in which the system comprises an implant with: (1) top and bottom plates, (2) ramp surfaces formed on inner surfaces of the plates, and (3) an expansion member situated between the plates. An actuator also forms part of the system, the actuator being removable from between the top and bottom plates after implantation of the implant. The expansion member has a set of angled surfaces for mating with the ramp surfaces of the plates and, upon movement of the expansion member along a longitudinal axis of the implant, the top and bottom plates expand from a first dimension to a second greater dimension. The top and bottom plates are also securable at varying angles to one another depending on the amount of movement of the expansion member along the ramp surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventor: Thomas A. Alheidt
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Patent number: 10342675Abstract: An expandable implant system is disclosed in which the system comprises an implant with: (1) top and bottom plates, (2) ramp surfaces formed on inner surfaces of the plates, and (3) an expansion member situated between the plates. An actuator also forms part of the system, the actuator being removable from between the top and bottom plates after implantation of the implant. The expansion member has a set of angled surfaces for mating with the ramp surfaces of the plates and, upon movement of the expansion member along a longitudinal axis of the implant, the top and bottom plates expand from a first dimension to a second greater dimension. The top and bottom plates are also securable at varying angles to one another depending on the amount of movement of the expansion member along the ramp surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventor: Thomas A. Alheidt
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Publication number: 20190083270Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Thomas A. Alheidt, Jessica Cetrangol, Christian Karl Schultz, Jason Steinke, Steven Willis, Robert Cipoletti, Charles L. Bush, JR., Brad Juchno
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Publication number: 20190070365Abstract: An I.V. flush syringe assembly includes a barrel having an inside surface defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end and a distal end with a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. An elongate plunger having a proximal end, a distal end and a flexible stopper is slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement with the inside surface of the barrel for drawing fluid into and out of the chamber by movement of the stopper relative to the barrel. The barrel includes anti-reflux structure for holding said stopper in a partially deflected position after fluid has been delivered from the chamber and the stopper is being force against the distal end of the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2018Publication date: March 7, 2019Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Tracy Ray Hottovy, Dustin Drake
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Patent number: 10182919Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral spacer is disclosed. The spacer preferably includes a body and an interface extending away from the body for use during implantation of the spacer. Methods of implanting the spacer and tools used during such procedure are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2018Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau
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Patent number: 10149941Abstract: An I.V. flush syringe assembly includes a barrel having an inside surface defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end and a distal end with a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. An elongate plunger having a proximal end, a distal end and a flexible stopper is slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement with the inside surface of the barrel for drawing fluid into and out of the chamber by movement of the stopper relative to the barrel. The barrel includes anti-reflux structure for holding said stopper in a partially deflected position after fluid has been delivered from the chamber and the stopper is being force against the distal end of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Tracy Ray Hottovy, Dustin Drake
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Publication number: 20180303625Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann