Patents by Inventor Thomas Kilpela
Thomas Kilpela 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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Patent number: 10792835Abstract: A wood splitter apparatus comprising a base portion and a leg portion extending upwards from the base portion. An elevated cross member portion extending across the leg portion. A blade portion extending superiorly from the cross member portion. A leading upward edge at a superior aspect of the blade portion for splitting wood. A first splitter surface angled from a second splitter surface inferior to the leading upward edge. A collector portion positioned below the blade portion where the collector portion has a capture space. The collector having a floor face at a bottom of said capture space. The collector portion supported at an angle such that the floor face is sloped defining a high side and a low side where kindling split from a log over the blade portion falls into the high side of the collector portion and gathers on the low side of the collector portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Inventors: Thomas Kilpela, Brian Patrick Janowski, Robert A. Goodwin, Jr., Joseph David Mohar
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Publication number: 20190091035Abstract: Systems and tools for inserting and securing an implant within the intervertebral space. An intervertebral disc implant with upper and lower bearing members with an articulation interface between the members for providing relative motion therebetween. The implant may be provided with various securing members for fixing the implant within the intervertebral space. A tool may be used to insert the implant, which includes a plurality of shiftable implant engaging members that are shiftable between non-engaging and engaging configurations to alternatively release or hold the implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Brian Patrick Janowski, Thomas Kilpela, Michael R. Jackson, Qi-Bin Bao
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Patent number: 10080667Abstract: Systems and tools for inserting and securing an implant within the intervertebral space. An intervertebral disc implant with upper and lower bearing members with an articulation interface between the members for providing relative motion therebetween. The implant may be provided with various securing members for fixing the implant within the intervertebral space. A tool may be used to insert the implant, which includes a plurality of shiftable implant engaging members that are shiftable between non-engaging and engaging configurations to alternatively release or hold the implant.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Brian Patrick Janowski, Thomas Kilpela, Michael R. Jackson, Qi-Bin Bao
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Publication number: 20180200919Abstract: A wood splitter apparatus comprising a base portion and a leg portion extending upwards from the base portion. An elevated cross member portion extending across the leg portion. A blade portion extending superiorly from the cross member portion. A leading upward edge at a superior aspect of the blade portion for splitting wood. A first splitter surface angled from a second splitter surface inferior to the leading upward edge. A collector portion positioned below the blade portion where the collector portion has a capture space. The collector having a floor face at a bottom of said capture space. The collector portion supported at an angle such that the floor face is sloped defining a high side and a low side where kindling split from a log over the blade portion falls into the high side of the collector portion and gathers on the low side of the collector portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventors: Thomas Kilpela, Brian Patrick Janowski, Robert A. Goodwin, JR., Joseph David Mohar
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Publication number: 20170296354Abstract: Systems and tools for inserting and securing an implant within the intervertebral space. An intervertebral disc implant with upper and lower bearing members with an articulation interface between the members for providing relative motion therebetween. The implant may be provided with various securing members for fixing the implant within the intervertebral space. A tool may be used to insert the implant, which includes a plurality of shiftable implant engaging members that are shiftable between non-engaging and engaging configurations to alternatively release or hold the implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Brian Patrick Janowski, Thomas Kilpela, Michael R. Jackson, Qi-Bin Bao
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Patent number: 9693872Abstract: Systems and tools for inserting and securing an implant within the intervertebral space. An intervertebral disc implant with upper and lower bearing members with an articulation interface between the members for providing relative motion therebetween. The implant may be provided with various securing members for fixing the implant within the intervertebral space. A tool may be used to insert the implant, which includes a plurality of shiftable implant engaging members that are shiftable between non-engaging and engaging configurations to alternatively release or hold the implant.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: PIONEER SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Brian Patrick Janowski, Thomas Kilpela, Michael R. Jackson, Qi-Bin Bao
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Publication number: 20160120657Abstract: Systems and tools for inserting and securing an implant within the intervertebral space. An intervertebral disc implant with upper and lower bearing members with an articulation interface between the members for providing relative motion therebetween. The implant may be provided with various securing members for fixing the implant within the intervertebral space. A tool may be used to insert the implant, which includes a plurality of shiftable implant engaging members that are shiftable between non-engaging and engaging configurations to alternatively release or hold the implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2016Publication date: May 5, 2016Inventors: Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Brian Patrick Janowski, Thomas Kilpela, Michael R. Jackson, Qi-Bin Bao
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Patent number: 9233011Abstract: Systems and tools for inserting and securing an implant within the intervertebral space. An intervertebral disc implant with upper and lower bearing members with an articulation interface between the members for providing relative motion therebetween. The implant may be provided with various securing members for fixing the implant within the intervertebral space. A tool may be used to insert the implant, which includes a plurality of shiftable implant engaging members that are shiftable between non-engaging and engaging configurations to alternatively release or hold the implant.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: PIONEER SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Brian Patrick Janowski, Thomas Kilpela, Michael R. Jackson, Qi-Bin Bao
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Patent number: 9101493Abstract: A system for replacing a natural nuclear disc in an intervertebral space has a spinal device configured for placement in the intervertebral space. An insertion tool is configured for holding the spinal device while the spinal device is inserted into the intervertebral space. A gripping member of the insertion tool has an end for adjustably holding the spinal device within the intervertebral space. A steering actuator of the insertion tool is operably connected to the spinal device and configured for pivoting the adjustably held spinal device within the intervertebral space while the steering actuator is controlled remotely from the intervertebral space.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Qi-Bin Bao, Thomas Kilpela
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Publication number: 20140236301Abstract: Systems and tools for inserting and securing an implant within the intervertebral space. An intervertebral disc implant with upper and lower bearing members with an articulation interface between the members for providing relative motion therebetween. The implant may be provided with various securing members for fixing the implant within the intervertebral space. A tool may be used to insert the implant, which includes a plurality of shiftable implant engaging members that are shiftable between non-engaging and engaging configurations to alternatively release or hold the implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Brian Patrick Janowski, Thomas Kilpela, Michael R. Jackson, Qi-Bin Bao
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Patent number: 8597357Abstract: A prosthetic spinal implant having a deployable securing mechanism that is deployable into a portion of the vertebral space for affixing the implant between the vertebrae, the securing mechanism having tactile feedback means comprising a surface for transmitting tactile feedback during deployment of the securing mechanism. A spinal implant having deployable securing means that interface with the implant to prevent the deployable securing means from retracting after deployment. An implant that utilizes its resilient properties to provide the user with tactile feedback with which the user may ascertain the position of the securing mechanism. A system and tools for sizing and implanting implants with the aforementioned characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Trudeau, Brian Janowski, Thomas Kilpela, Tim Brown, Michael Jackson, Qi-Bin Bao
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Publication number: 20120203344Abstract: A system for replacing a natural nuclear disc in an intervertebral space has a spinal device configured for placement in the intervertebral space. An insertion tool is configured for holding the spinal device while the spinal device is inserted into the intervertebral space. A gripping member of the insertion tool has an end for adjustably holding the spinal device within the intervertebral space. A steering actuator of the insertion tool is operably connected to the spinal device and configured for pivoting the adjustably held spinal device within the intervertebral space while the steering actuator is controlled remotely from the intervertebral space.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Qi-Bin Bao, Thomas Kilpela
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Patent number: 8118872Abstract: A system for replacing a natural nuclear disc in an intervertebral space has a spinal device configured for placement in the intervertebral space. An insertion tool is configured for holding the spinal device while the spinal device is inserted into the intervertebral space. A gripping member of the insertion tool has an end for adjustably holding the spinal device within the intervertebral space. A steering actuator of the insertion tool is operably connected to the spinal device and configured for pivoting the adjustably held spinal device within the intervertebral space while the steering actuator is controlled remotely from the intervertebral space.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Trudeau, Qi-Bin Bao, Thomas Kilpela
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Publication number: 20080109005Abstract: A system for replacing a natural nuclear disc in an intervertebral space has a spinal device configured for placement in the intervertebral space. An insertion tool is configured for holding the spinal device while the spinal device is inserted into the intervertebral space. A gripping member of the insertion tool has an end for adjustably holding the spinal device within the intervertebral space. A steering actuator of the insertion tool is operably connected to the spinal device and configured for pivoting the adjustably held spinal device within the intervertebral space while the steering actuator is controlled remotely from the intervertebral space.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: Jeffrey Trudeau, Qi-Bin Bao, Thomas Kilpela
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Publication number: 20080103598Abstract: A prosthetic spinal implant having a deployable securing mechanism that is deployable into a portion of the vertebral space for affixing the implant between the vertebrae, the securing mechanism having tactile feedback means comprising a surface for transmitting tactile feedback during deployment of the securing mechanism. A spinal implant having deployable securing means that interface with the implant to prevent the deployable securing means from retracting after deployment. An implant that utilizes its resilient properties to provide the user with tactile feedback with which the user may ascertain the position of the securing mechanism. A system and tools for sizing and implanting implants with the aforementioned characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2007Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Jeffrey Trudeau, Brian Janowski, Thomas Kilpela, Tim Brown, Michael Jackson, Qi-Bin Bao
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Publication number: 20080077146Abstract: The present invention relates to tools and methods for cutting the annulus of a spinal disc. The cutting tools of the invention may be cannulated for use in conjunction with a guide wire. A stop surface of the cutting tool is configured to contact the annulus during cutting to prevent further longitudinal movement of the surgical blade(s) into the annulus, thus limiting the size of the incision(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: PIONEER SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Weston Pernsteiner, Thomas Kilpela, Qi-Bin Bao
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Publication number: 20070123879Abstract: Bone plate and bone screw lock systems are provided for use in surgical implants. In a preferred form, the bone plate or other implantable member defines a bore for receiving a bone screw and a recess in communication with the bore. A screw lock operates in the bore at the recess to engage and lock the bone screw against unintentional movement The preferred screw lock is shifted about the screw between an unlocked position to allow manipulation of the screw and a locked position in which the screw lock grips the head of the screw to prevent movement of the screw. The screw lock preferably has a c-shaped collar configuration with opposing ends and a camming engagement with the plate or other member in the recess. Upon rotation of the screw lock, the camming engagement causes the ends of the collar to either shift toward one another in which the collar compresses about the screw to lock the screw or away from another to unlock the screw head.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2004Publication date: May 31, 2007Applicant: Pioneer Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Songer, Hansen Yuan, Thomas Kilpela, Brian Janowski, Gregory Berrevoets
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Publication number: 20070055235Abstract: A spinal fixation system is provided that, in one form, includes a coupling member having a cam lock member that is fixed against translation therealong as it is turned with turning of the cam lock member causing an elongate member such as a spinal rod to be pushed downward in the coupling member for fixing the rod therein. In another aspect, the rod is fixed against a low profile insert that seats in a recess formed in the head of an anchor member projecting from the coupling member. The insert has an upper surface against which the rod is fixed and that in one form is flat to provide for line contact against the rod so as to minimize damage thereto. In another form, the cam lock member cams against a clamping member driving it downward in the coupling member for fixing the rod therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2004Publication date: March 8, 2007Applicant: Pioneer Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Brian Janowski, Francis Korhonen, Thomas Kilpela, Gregory Berrevoets
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Publication number: 20060271051Abstract: A crosslink member for securing spinal rods is disclosed having connector ends that include a brace and a locking member, each having an arcuate face resting on and securing a spinal rod. The locking member is secured by a cam member that rotates relative to the locking member and that cams against the connector to displace the cam member. The crosslink includes a male connector with a cylindrical cross rod received by a cavity in a female connector. The cross rod is secured by a pivotable clamp device in the female connector, and the cross rod connector and female connector may pivot, rotate, and telescope relative to each other. To reduce size without sacrificing pivot sweep, the cross rod has beveled edges, and the cavity of the female connector has windows to provide pivot clearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2006Publication date: November 30, 2006Applicant: PIONEER LABORATORIES, INC.Inventors: Gregory Berrevoets, Brian Janowski, Thomas Kilpela
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Publication number: 20060235401Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for repairing the femur. A connector is provided having a claw-like member to engage with the greater trochanter. Along the body of the connector are a plurality of cable apertures and cable screws to receive and engage with cables that loop around the femur. Along the inferior end of the connector are bone screw slots and bone screws engaging the connector with the femur. The bone screws provide added support to the re-attached greater trochanter and provide support for periprosthetic fractures. The connector may be used to re-attach the greater trochanter by impacting a connector onto the greater trochanter, positioning the greater trochanter onto the femur, passing cables around the femur and through the connector, tensioning the cables to provide engagement between the greater trochanter and the femur, and attaching the connector to the femur using at least one bone screw.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2006Publication date: October 19, 2006Inventors: Eric Baldwin, Thomas Kilpela, Burns Severson