Patents by Inventor Thomas Carls

Thomas Carls 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: 20240197492
    Abstract: A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae having an upper joint component and a lower joint component. The joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from the lower joint component and from the disc space, with the bridge component having a lower contact surface configured for engaging a resected bone surface of a pedicle of the lower vertebrae. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas CARLS, Eric LANGE, Danny BRADDOCK, JR., Steven C. HUMPHREYS, Scott D. HODGES, Richard G. FESSLER, Jeffrey ZHANG
  • Patent number: 11918479
    Abstract: A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae having an upper joint component and a lower joint component. The joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from the lower joint component and from the disc space, with the bridge component having a lower contact surface configured for engaging a resected bone surface of a pedicle of the lower vertebrae. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: 3SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Carls, Eric Lange, Danny Braddock, Jr., Steven C Humphreys, Scott D Hodges, Richard G Fessler, Jeffrey Zhang
  • Publication number: 20200246156
    Abstract: A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae having an upper joint component and a lower joint component. The joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from the lower joint component and from the disc space, with the bridge component having a lower contact surface configured for engaging a resected bone surface of a pedicle of the lower vertebrae. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas CARLS, Eric LANGE, Danny BRADDOCK, JR., Steven C. HUMPHREYS, Scott D. HODGES, Richard G. FESSLER, Jeffrey ZHANG
  • Patent number: 10631995
    Abstract: A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae comprises an upper joint component. The upper joint component comprises an upper contact surface and an upper articulation surface. The system further includes a lower joint component. The lower joint component comprises a lower contact surface and a lower articulation surface configured to movably engage the upper articulation surface to form an articulating joint. The articulating joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from one of either the upper or lower joint components and from the disc space. The bridge component has a distal end opposite the one of the either upper or lower joint components. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: 3SPINE SEZC
    Inventors: Thomas Carls, Eric Lange, Danny Braddock, Jr., Steven C. Humphreys, Scott D Hodges, Richard G Fessler, Jeffrey Zhang
  • Patent number: 9925063
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William Armstrong, Thomas Carls, John A. Cowan, Jr., James Duncan, Richard A. Hynes, Anthony J. Melkent, Jean-Pierre Mobasser, D. Hal Silcox, III
  • Publication number: 20180008426
    Abstract: A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae comprises an upper joint component. The upper joint component comprises an upper contact surface and an upper articulation surface. The system further includes a lower joint component. The lower joint component comprises a lower contact surface and a lower articulation surface configured to movably engage the upper articulation surface to form an articulating joint. The articulating joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from one of either the upper or lower joint components and from the disc space. The bridge component has a distal end opposite the one of the either upper or lower joint components. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas CARLS, Eric LANGE, Danny BRADDOCK, JR., Steven C. HUMPHREYS, Scott D. HODGES, Richard G. FESSLER, Jeffrey ZHANG
  • Patent number: 9770338
    Abstract: A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae comprises an upper joint component. The upper joint component comprises an upper contact surface and an upper articulation surface. The system further includes a lower joint component. The lower joint component comprises a lower contact surface and a lower articulation surface configured to movably engage the upper articulation surface to form an articulating joint. The articulating joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from one of either the upper or lower joint components and from the disc space. The bridge component has a distal end opposite the one of the either upper or lower joint components. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: HH SPINAL LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Carls, Eric C. Lange, Danny Braddock, Jr., Steven C. Humphreys, Scott D Hodges, Richard G Fessler, Jeffrey Zhang
  • Publication number: 20170151064
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: William Armstrong, Thomas Carls, John A. Cowan, JR., James Duncan, Richard A. Hynes, Anthony J. Melkent, Jean-Pierre Mobasser, D. Hal Silcox, III
  • Patent number: 9615940
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William Armstrong, Thomas Carls, John A. Cowan, Jr., James Duncan, Richard A. Hynes, Anthony J. Melkent, Jean-Pierre Mobasser, D. Hal Silcox, III
  • Patent number: 9526532
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William Armstrong, Thomas Carls, John A. Cowan, Jr., James Duncan, Richard A. Hynes, Anthony J. Melkent, Jean-Pierre Mobasser, D. Hal Silcox, III
  • Publication number: 20160256294
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: William Armstrong, Thomas Carls, John A. Cowan, JR., James Duncan, Richard A. Hynes, Anthony J. Melkent, Jean-Pierre Mobasser, D. Hal Silcox, III
  • Publication number: 20160000475
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: William Armstrong, Thomas Carls, John A. Cowan, JR., James Duncan, Richard A. Hynes, Anthony J. Melkent, Jean-Pierre Mobasser, D. Hal Silcox, III
  • Patent number: 9180019
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William Armstrong, Thomas Carls, John A. Cowan, James Duncan, Richard A. Hynes, Anthony J. Melkent, Jean-Pierre Mobasser, D. Hal Silcox
  • Patent number: 9066816
    Abstract: A multi-piece intervertebral disc augmentation implant that may be assembled within the annulus fibrosus is disclosed. The implant may be guided into a precise location through a relatively small opening in the annulus fibrosus with the aid of an elongated guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Allard, Robert S. Biscup, Thomas Carls, Jason Eckhardt, Tom Francis, Clayton G. Leroux, Robert B. Rice
  • Patent number: 9011538
    Abstract: A multi-piece intervertebral disc augmentation implant that may be assembled within the annulus fibrosus is disclosed. The implant may be guided into a precise location through a relatively small opening in the annulus fibrosus with the aid of an elongated guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Allard, Robert S. Biscup, Thomas Carls, Jason Eckhardt, Tom Francis, Clayton G. Leroux, Robert B. Rice
  • Patent number: 9011539
    Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis implantable within a disc space and disposed between upper and lower vertebral endplates is provided. The prosthesis comprises a plurality of prosthesis modules insertable into the disc space, wherein the modules have at least one set of complementarily-shaped and sized surfaces, and wherein at least one of the modules is expandable. The modules have surfaces configured to engage within the disc space in a manner such that the modules form an assembled prosthesis of a size substantially preventing it from being outwardly expelled from the disc space, and the modules have bearing surfaces slidably engageable with the endplates to permit articulation between upper and lower vertebral endplates. In one embodiment, the at least one expandable module of the intervertebral prosthesis expands by inflation. In another embodiment, the at least one expandable module expands by unfolding into its intended form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Carls, Joshua Simpson, Jason John Eckhardt
  • Publication number: 20150005884
    Abstract: A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae comprises an upper joint component. The upper joint component comprises an upper contact surface and an upper articulation surface. The system further includes a lower joint component. The lower joint component comprises a lower contact surface and a lower articulation surface configured to movably engage the upper articulation surface to form an articulating joint. The articulating joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from one of either the upper or lower joint components and from the disc space. The bridge component has a distal end opposite the one of the either upper or lower joint components. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Carls, Eric C. Lange, Danny Braddock, JR., Steven C. Humphreys, Scott D. Hodges, Richard G. Fessler, Jeffrey Zhang
  • Patent number: 8864832
    Abstract: A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae comprises an upper joint component. The upper joint component comprises an upper contact surface and an upper articulation surface. The system further includes a lower joint component. The lower joint component comprises a lower contact surface and a lower articulation surface configured to movably engage the upper articulation surface to form an articulating joint. The articulating joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from one of either the upper or lower joint components and from the disc space. The bridge component has a distal end opposite the one of the either upper or lower joint components. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: HH Spinal LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Carls, Eric Lange, Danny Braddock, Jr., Steven Craig Humphreys, Scott D. Hodges, Richard G. Fessler, Jeffrey Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140156009
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthropedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William Armstrong, Thomas Carls, John A. Cowan, James Duncan, Richard A. Hynes, Anthony J. Melkent, Jean-Pierre Mobasser, D. Hal Silcox
  • Patent number: 8740944
    Abstract: A bio-compatible stabilization system includes one or more inserters and a connector for traversing a space between one or more bony structures. The stabilization system is designed to reduce or eliminate stress shielding effects while functioning as a tension band. The connector includes an extendable member and an over-extension limiter that limits extension of the extendable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Hai H. Trieu, Thomas Carls, Jonathan Dewey