Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Purcell
Thomas A. Purcell 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: 20140142635Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2014Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: ALPHATEC SPINE, INC.Inventors: Thomas Purcell, Don Hair, Tamas T. Frech
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Publication number: 20140121773Abstract: A stand-alone interbody fixation system having a cage, anterior fixation blade and posterior fixation blade. The cage includes an annular side wall with an open interior and upper and lower surfaces, the cage being configured to fit between end plates of adjacent vertebrae. The anterior fixation blade includes an anterior alignment boss with two opposing outward extending anterior blades with end plate penetrating tips configured to fit within the open interior of the cage. The posterior fixation blade includes a posterior alignment boss with two opposing outward extending posterior blades with end plate penetrating tips configured to fit within the open interior of the cage. The anterior alignment boss and posterior alignment boss being rotatably coupled to each other and with a first opening and a second opening in the annular side wall opposite the first opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Inventors: Nirali PATEL, Yang CHENG, Fred MURRILLO, Thomas PURCELL, Jens Peter TIMM
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Publication number: 20140107705Abstract: A spinous process device and method are disclosed. The device includes a first plate having a first part slidably coupled to a second part, a second plate having a third part slidably coupled to a fourth part, and first and second connector devices configured to be placed through openings created in spinous processes and rotatably couple respective first and second parts to third and fourth parts of the first and second plates together allowing angular displacement of the second plate with respect to the first plate and secure the spinous processes between the first and second plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Joseph STERN, Henry ELSNER, Nirali PATEL, Thomas PURCELL, Brett ABSHIRE
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Patent number: 8657832Abstract: A surgical implant insertion system for deployment and removal of an implant into a vertebral body. The system includes an actuation rod, an actuator handle coupled to the actuation rod, and an inserter locking tube disposed over the actuation rod and coupled to an inserter handle. Upon insertion of the implant into the vertebral body using the inserter handle, the actuator handle is turned causing the actuation rod to expand or compress the implant disposed at a distal end of the inserter locking tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Purcell, William Reimels
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Patent number: 8636773Abstract: A spinous process device and method are disclosed. The device includes a first plate having a first part slidably coupled to a second part, a second plate having a third part slidably coupled to a fourth part, and first and second connector devices configured to be placed through openings created in spinous processes and rotatably couple respective first and second parts to third and fourth parts of the first and second plates together allowing angular displacement of the second plate with respect to the first plate and secure the spinous processes between the first and second plates.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Stern, Henry Elsner, Bret Abshire, Nirali Patel, Thomas Purcell
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Patent number: 8636775Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Inventors: Thomas Purcell, Don Hair, Tamas T. Frech
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Publication number: 20130317554Abstract: In an implantable medical device, a locking mechanism with enhanced frictional stabilization comprises a substantially spherical elongating spring adapted to expand from a collapsed state to an elongated state, wherein the spring volume is increased in the elongated state for increasing a frictional contact with a surrounding surface. A screw or other protruding element is inserted into the spherical elongating spring for driving the expansion thereof. Locking methods include the expansion of a spring within an aperture of a device body for increasing frictional stabilization therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventor: Thomas Purcell
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Patent number: 8425602Abstract: A curvilinear spinal access device having an expandable working portal. The device includes a slide having a channel with an open top and a movable top sized to cover the open top of the channel forming an expandable working portal with a proximal end and a distal end. The movable top can be moved between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the movable top blocks direct visualization between the proximal end and the distal end of the expandable working portal and in the open position movement of the movable top results in direct visualization from the proximal end to the distal end of the expandable working portal.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Guyer, Thomas Purcell, Jens Peter Timm, Ali Araghi, Javier Garcia-Bengochea, Carl Lauryssen, Morgan Lorio
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Patent number: 8328870Abstract: A stand-alone interbody fixation system having a cage, anterior fixation blade and posterior fixation blade. The cage includes an annular side wall with an open interior and upper and lower surfaces, the cage being configured to fit between end plates of adjacent vertebrae. The anterior fixation blade includes an anterior alignment boss with two opposing outward extending anterior blades with end plate penetrating tips configured to fit within the open interior of the cage. The posterior fixation blade includes a posterior alignment boss with two opposing outward extending posterior blades with end plate penetrating tips configured to fit within the open interior of the cage. The anterior alignment boss and posterior alignment boss being rotatably coupled to each other and with a first opening and a second opening in the annular side wall opposite the first opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Nirali Patel, Yang Cheng, Fred Murrillo, Thomas Purcell, Jens Peter Timm
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Publication number: 20120303066Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Purcell, Don Hair, Tamas T. Frech
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Patent number: 8298265Abstract: A spinal screw assembly providing an adjustable securement of a fixation rod across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion and a tool engagement surface in the head portion for use in driving the screw into a vertebrae. The head portion of the screw is positioned in a body member adjacent a curvilinear surface disposed about an aperture in the end of the body member such that the shaft portion of the screw extends therethrough and the curvilinear inner surface abuts and mates with the head portion of the screw so as to define a ball joint therewith. The body member additionally defines a pair of opposed parallel slots therein adapted to receive a portion of the fixation rod and a locking cap bears against the fixation rod to releasably secure the rod within the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Inventors: Thomas Purcell, Don Hair, Tamas T. Frech
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Publication number: 20120253396Abstract: A spinous process device and method are disclosed. The device includes a first plate having a first part slidably coupled to a second part, a second plate having a third part slidably coupled to a fourth part, and first and second connector devices configured to be placed through openings created in spinous processes and rotatably couple respective first and second parts to third and fourth parts of the first and second plates together allowing angular displacement of the second plate with respect to the first plate and secure the spinous processes between the first and second plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Stern, Henry Elsner, Bret Abshire, Nirali Patel, Thomas Purcell
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Publication number: 20120215229Abstract: A system for performing a procedure on a spine of a patient includes a curved tissue distractor, a curved housing, and an exterior channel. The curved tissue distractor includes a first distractor ramp and a second distractor ramp. The curved housing is configured to slide between the first and second distractor ramps. The curved housing includes a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior channel disposed between the distal end and the proximate end. The exterior channel is disposed on an outside surface of the curved housing and between the distal end and the proximal end. The curved housing is configured to slide between the first and second distractor ramps to provide access through the interior channel to the spine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Javier Garcia-Bengochea, Jeffrey Allen Guyer, Thomas Purcell
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Publication number: 20120203281Abstract: A semi-rigid head for a bone screw comprising includes a first rigid portion, a second rigid portion, and a semi-rigid portion. The first rigid portion is configured to receive a fixation rod. The second rigid portion is configured for coupling with a bone screw. The semi-rigid portion links the first rigid portion with the second rigid portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: Alphatec Spine, IncInventors: Martin Bouliane, Thomas Purcell
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Patent number: 8206420Abstract: A spinous process device and method are disclosed. The device includes a first plate having a first part slidably coupled to a second part, a second plate having a third part slidably coupled to a fourth part, and first and second connector devices configured to be placed through openings created in spinous processes and rotatably couple respective first and second parts to third and fourth parts of the first and second plates together allowing angular displacement of the second plate with respect to the first plate and secure the spinous processes between the first and second plates.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Alphatec Spine, IncInventors: Nirali Patel, Thomas Purcell
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Publication number: 20120101506Abstract: Apparatus and methods of use for a tissue retractor having a first retractor with a first main frame with a first distal blade and a second retractor having a second main frame with a second distal blade, the first distal blade and second distal blade being configured to engage each other on opposite sides of a spinal implant creating an expandable passageway p between the first main frame and second main frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: John SHIM, Thomas PURCELL, Clark HUTTON
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Publication number: 20120101533Abstract: A polyaxial screw body includes a side wall defining a lumen having a first end and a second end. An opening disposed at the first end of the lumen, includes an interior surface disposed in the side wall thereabout. The interior surface is adapted to accommodate a head portion of a pedicle screw. A transverse channel extends from a first aperture through the side wall to a second aperture and is adapted to accommodate a portion of a fixation rod therebetween. A lateral connector extending integrally from the side wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Thomas PURCELL, Darren REIMERS
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Patent number: 8152714Abstract: A curvilinear spinal access device for performing a procedure on a spine of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a working portal configured to be advanced toward a surgical site located at the spine of the patient. The working portal includes a distal end and a proximate end, a working portal housing having an open interior channel disposed between the distal end and the proximate end, an exterior channel disposed on an outside surface of the working portal housing and between the distal end and the proximate end. The distal end is configured to be disposed at the surgical site and the proximate end is disposed away from the surgical site. The housing has a curved shape defined between the proximate end and the distal end, wherein the proximate end is disposed with respect to the distal end. The working channel is configured to allow advancement of at least one surgical tool and/or at least one implant toward the surgical site.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Javier Garcia-Bengochea, Jeffrey Allen Guyer, Thomas Purcell
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Publication number: 20120083887Abstract: A minimally invasive intervertebral implant includes a circuitous body defining a luminal axis extending longitudinally therethrough. The circuitous body includes proximal and distal ends oppositely disposed along a lateral axis of the circuitous body. Each of the proximal and distal ends includes an aperture disposed therethrough such that the circuitous body includes a first configuration wherein the proximal and distal ends are at a maximum separation and a second configuration wherein the proximal and distal ends are closer together than in the first configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Purcell, Morgan Lorio
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Publication number: 20120083889Abstract: An intervertebral device comprises a plurality of struts that are rotatably associated with each adjacent strut to form a modifiable inner volume V for bone graft containment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Purcell, Morgan Lorio