Patents by Inventor Thomas Zink

Thomas Zink 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).

  • Patent number: 10888643
    Abstract: An implantable interbody negative pressure device that permits reduced or negative pressure therapies to be applied to a portion of a patient's body. More specifically, the implantable interbody negative pressure device comprises a body portion having a plurality of openings in fluid communication with both an internal passageway and a vacuum source, and that serves as a manifold and permits reduced or negative pressure therapy to be applied to a surgical site, such as a wound or damaged bone. The application of the reduced or negative pressure to the body improves circulation and the disposal of cellular waste, and promotes bone growth and healing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Zink, Zeshan Hyder, Frank Kuwamura, III, Nicholas Cordaro
  • Patent number: 10888430
    Abstract: A structurally encoded implant comprising a pair of endplates movably secured at the posterior end via a slip joint and a wedge component. The wedge component is inserted between the pair of endplates to increase implant height and change the lordotic angle. The pair of endplates may be manufactured together as one integral component using additive manufacturing techniques. During this additive manufacturing process, water-soluble support material may be positioned around the slip joint. Once the pair of endplates is formed, the support material may be dissolved away, allowing the pair of endplates to move independently from one another, but to still remain movably attached via the slip joint, such that the pair of endplates allow for height expansion and lordotic angle change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Kieser, Thomas Zink, Nicholas Cordaro, Frank Kuwamura, III
  • Patent number: 10779907
    Abstract: A carrier for retaining a plurality of implants each comprising a structurally encoded pin, the structurally encoded pin having a shape or surface characteristics discernable by an imaging modality such as x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, visible light, UV light, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and neutron imaging, from outside the carrier, the shape or surface characteristics representing structurally encoded data. The invention further discloses a carrier for viewing a plurality of implants, and associated reading systems for reading a plurality of implants. Finally, the invention discloses methods for reading a plurality of implantable devices retained within a carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Kieser, Thomas Zink, Nicholas M. Cordaro
  • Patent number: 10682204
    Abstract: An implant and method for manufacturing an implant comprising an implant body defining a longitudinal axis and a structurally encoded pin contained within the implant body and aligned substantially along the longitudinal axis, the structurally encoded pin having a shape or surface characteristics discernable by an imaging modality such as x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, visible light, UV light, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and neutron imaging, from outside the implant body, the shape or surface characteristics representing structurally encoded data. The structurally encoded pin is encoded via an electric discharge machining process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Kieser, Thomas Zink, Nicholas M. Cordaro
  • Patent number: 10646304
    Abstract: An implant containing a structurally encoded region, the implant comprising an implant body defining adjacent first and second encoded regions, the first encoded region comprising a first series of shaped inclusions in a first pattern of relatively differing opacity figures, and the second encoded region comprising a second series of shaped inclusions in a second pattern of relatively differing opacity figures, the first and second encoded regions being disposed such that, when the first encoded region and second encoded regions are viewed by reading illumination from a position wherein the first pattern and second pattern overlap, a third pattern is revealed by the reading illumination, the third pattern being different than the first and second patterns, and comprising shape or surface characteristics representing structurally encoded data. The invention further comprises systems and methods of manufacturing, using and reading the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Kieser, Thomas Zink, Nicholas M. Cordaro, Christopher Elkins
  • Publication number: 20200138485
    Abstract: An improved sacroiliac (SI) joint implant device that comprises a compression screw and an additively manufactured bone matrix that promotes osteointegration between the device and a patient's bone. Specifically, the SI joint implant device will compress the patient's SI joint with the differential between the thread pitch of a distal portion of the device and a proximal portion of the device. As the SI joint implant device is advanced across the patient's SI joint, the smaller pitch on the proximal threads will compress the joint with every turn of the screw. The center section of the SI joint implant will also be sheathed in the additively manufactured bone matrix sleeve that has both the porosity and the structure to promote boney ingrowth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Frank Kuwamura, Thomas Zink
  • Publication number: 20200129679
    Abstract: A dual therapy device for delivering reduced pressure therapy and regenerative therapy to a degenerated vertebral disc and a method of using the same is disclosed herein. The dual therapy device is preferably comprised of a cannulated trocar for accessing a disc space, a probe that coils within said disc space and a cannulated and fenestrated catheter that also coils within the disc space, adjacent to the probe. The catheter is useful for applying reduced or negative pressure therapy to the entire or substantially entire disc space and, upon completion of said therapy, delivering regenerative therapy to the disc space in the form of a biological material. Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that the catheter may be eliminated, and the dual therapies delivered via a cannulated and fenestrated probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Zink, Frank Kuwamura, III
  • Publication number: 20200093522
    Abstract: A pedicle screw extraction device that comprises a cannulated shaft and an attached pedicle screw acceptance component secured on the distal end of the shaft, as well as a rod position in and extending outwardly from the distal and proximal ends of the cannulated shaft. The pedicle screw acceptance component comprises a tapered reverse thread for engaging a pedicle screw, while the rod prevents the head of the pedicle screw from rotating during the extraction process. The shaft will have a handle adapter that allows for the attachment of various types and sizes of handles as well as a lateral extrusion on the proximal portion that allows for the maximizing of torque during rotation of the shaft and the attached pedicle screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Zink, Zeshan Hyder
  • Publication number: 20200069437
    Abstract: A graft packing system comprised of a graft packing tray and insertion device and a method of using the same if disclosed. The graft packing tray is useful for storing and/or transporting a medical implant, wherein the tray is designed to permit the introduction of biological and/or bio-reactive material into the interior of the tray and the interior of the medical implant being stored and/or transported therein in a sterile and efficient manner via the insertion device. The graft packing tray may also be equipped with a reservoir containing pre-existing biological and/or bio-reactive material that can be introduced to the medical implant at the appropriate time via the insertion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Zink, Thomas Slott, Steven Lee, Frank Kuwamura
  • Publication number: 20200046345
    Abstract: A bone staple and integral insertion device that provides biocompatibility, increased strength, and cost effectiveness is disclosed. Once the bone staple is inserted the desired depth into the bone, the arms of the insertion device are spread apart thereby applying the desired amount of compression to the bone staple. The insertion device can then be broken free from the bone staple, and removed from the patient. In this manner, the amount of compression between the broken ends of the bone can be regulated directly by the surgeon during implantation of the bone staple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Zink, Alexandra Zink
  • Publication number: 20190350673
    Abstract: A posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) implant that comprises a body with substantially parallel posterior and anterior sidewalls, and a pair of superior and inferior faces. The implant is inserted via an insertion tool within a depression in the sidewalls of the implant. The insertion tool is secured to the side walls of the implant to prevent any bending or breaking of the implant or the inserter during implantation. Once inserted, the implant may be rotated approximately 90 degrees within the disc space. Because of the shape and size of the implant, the effective height of the implant within a patient's disc space is increased upon rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Kieser, Zeshan Hyder, Thomas Zink
  • Publication number: 20190209334
    Abstract: A subtalar implant that can be expanded/contracted in vivo to adjust the amount of distraction applied to the subtalar joint of a patient and a related insertion device are disclosed herein. More specifically, the subtalar implant can expand both radially and also in the angle between the proximal and distal end of the outer component of the implant. The implant comprises an internal component that allows for the distal or proximal ends of the implant to be manipulated via the insertion device. The subtalar implant and the related insertion device permit a surgeon to adjust the implant construct to suit a particular patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Brandon Lampe, Binoy Sheth, Thomas Zink
  • Publication number: 20190105432
    Abstract: An implantable interbody negative pressure device that permits reduced or negative pressure therapies to be applied to a portion of a patient's body. More specifically, the implantable interbody negative pressure device comprises a body portion having a plurality of openings in fluid communication with both an internal passageway and a vacuum source, and that serves as a manifold and permits reduced or negative pressure therapy to be applied to a surgical site, such as a wound or damaged bone. The application of the reduced or negative pressure to the body improves circulation and the disposal of cellular waste, and promotes bone growth and healing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Zink, Zeshan Hyder, Frank Kuwamura, III, Nicholas Cordaro
  • Publication number: 20180368984
    Abstract: A structurally encoded implant comprising a pair of endplates movably secured at the posterior end via a slip joint and a wedge component. The wedge component is inserted between the pair of endplates to increase implant height and change the lordotic angle. The pair of endplates may be manufactured together as one integral component using additive manufacturing techniques. During this additive manufacturing process, water-soluble support material may be positioned around the slip joint. Once the pair of endplates is formed, the support material may be dissolved away, allowing the pair of endplates to move independently from one another, but to still remain movably attached via the slip joint, such that the pair of endplates allow for height expansion and lordotic angle change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Applicant: NVision Biomedical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Kieser, Thomas Zink, Nicholas Cordaro, Frank Kuwamura, III
  • Publication number: 20180368992
    Abstract: A stand-alone ALIF implant that comprises a cage and a rotatable plate attached to an anterior portion of the cage by a fastener mechanism. The plate may also be integrally formed with the cage, and both are typically manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques. Support material may be added during the additive manufacturing process to lend support to the implant, and may be positioned around the fastener mechanism during manufacturing of the implant. Once formed, the support material may be dissolved away, thereby allowing the plate to rotate independently from the cage, but still remain movably attached via the fastener mechanism. The cage may further comprise webbing thereon to promote bone growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Applicant: NVision Biomedical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Zink, Frank Kuwamura, III, Zeshan Hyder
  • Publication number: 20180317986
    Abstract: A bunion correcting medical device is disclosed that does not require the removal of bone to perform the correction. The device provides the surgeon with the ability to correct an undesirable Inter Metatarsal (IM) angle, and to tailor the correction to the specific needs of a particular patient. Further, the bunion correcting medical device comprises a plate that is distal to the tibialis anterior tendon which provides for a more stable fixation and prevents narrowing of the bone, thereby providing a stronger repair. Thus, the bunion correcting medical device provides for more accurate and precise corrections, and the patient is able to bear weight on the affected bone structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Nvision Biomedical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Jackman, Thomas Zink
  • Publication number: 20180085186
    Abstract: An implant device, such as a screw or a rod, which is identifiable after implantation and comprises a main portion of the implant device and a coded portion of the implant device. The coded portion comprises a radiopaque element and indicia on the radiopaque element or indicia as a plurality of radiopaque elements disposed within the coded portion around an entire circumference of the implant device. The indicia are discernible by x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Brian Kieser, Thomas Zink, Nicholas M. Cordaro
  • Publication number: 20180078386
    Abstract: An implant containing a structurally encoded region, the implant comprising an implant body defining adjacent first and second encoded regions, the first encoded region comprising a first series of shaped inclusions in a first pattern of relatively differing opacity figures, and the second encoded region comprising a second series of shaped inclusions in a second pattern of relatively differing opacity figures, the first and second encoded regions being disposed such that, when the first encoded region and second encoded regions are viewed by reading illumination from a position wherein the first pattern and second pattern overlap, a third pattern is revealed by the reading illumination, the third pattern being different than the first and second patterns, and comprising shape or surface characteristics representing structurally encoded data. The invention further comprises systems and methods of manufacturing, using and reading the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Brian Kieser, Thomas Zink, Nicholas M. Cordaro, Christopher Elkins
  • Publication number: 20180064507
    Abstract: An implant and method for manufacturing an implant comprising an implant body defining a longitudinal axis and a structurally encoded pin contained within the implant body and aligned substantially along the longitudinal axis, the structurally encoded pin having a shape or surface characteristics discernable by an imaging modality such as x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, visible light, UV light, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and neutron imaging, from outside the implant body, the shape or surface characteristics representing structurally encoded data. The structurally encoded pin is encoded via an electric discharge machining process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Brian Kieser, Thomas Zink, Nicholas M. Cordaro
  • Publication number: 20180064506
    Abstract: A carrier for retaining a plurality of implants each comprising a structurally encoded pin, the structurally encoded pin having a shape or surface characteristics discernable by an imaging modality such as x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, visible light, UV light, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and neutron imaging, from outside the carrier, the shape or surface characteristics representing structurally encoded data. The invention further discloses a carrier for viewing a plurality of implants, and associated reading systems for reading a plurality of implants. Finally, the invention discloses methods for reading a plurality of implantable devices retained within a carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Brian Kieser, Thomas Zink, Nicholas M. Cordaro