Patents by Inventor Tom Francis

Tom Francis 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: 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: 7976579
    Abstract: An intervertebral disc augmentation implant for implantation between a pair of vertebral bodies comprises a core member having a first height dimension along an axis defined by the pair of vertebral bodies and a cavity running perpendicular to the axis, a first post and a second post each having a bottom portion with a plurality of teeth, and a plug having a tapered portion with engaging mechanisms that are configured to mate with the bottom portions of the first and second post. The first and second posts are disposed substantially in the center of the core member along the axis. The bottom portions of the first and second post extend into the cavity at opposite sides of the cavity. The plug is inserted and advanced in the cavity between the bottom portions of the first and second post, thereby expanding the core member from the first height dimension to a second height dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Francis
  • Publication number: 20100185287
    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: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Randall Allard, Jason Eckhardt, Tom Francis, Thomas Carls, Robert Rice
  • Publication number: 20100185286
    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: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Randall Allard, Jason Eckhardt, Tom Francis, Thomas Carls, Robert Rice
  • Patent number: 7637955
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprises a first member for engaging a first vertebral body and a second member for engaging a second vertebral body. The first member has a first surface with a first curve, and the second member has a second surface with a second curve. The first member is translatable with respect to the second member and the second curve is positioned within the first curve to bias the first and second curved surfaces towards central alignment along a longitudinal axis passing through the first and second vertebral bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventors: Greg Marik, Kevin Foley, Tom Francis, Randall Allard
  • Publication number: 20080167719
    Abstract: An intervertebral disc augmentation implant for implantation between a pair of vertebral bodies comprises a core member having a first height dimension along an axis defined by the pair of vertebral bodies and a cavity running perpendicular to the axis, a first post and a second post each having a bottom portion with a plurality of teeth, and a plug having a tapered portion with engaging mechanisms that are configured to mate with the bottom portions of the first and second post. The first and second posts are disposed substantially in the center of the core member along the axis. The bottom portions of the first and second post extend into the cavity at opposite sides of the cavity. The plug is inserted and advanced in the cavity between the bottom portions of the first and second post, thereby expanding the core member from the first height dimension to a second height dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventor: Tom Francis
  • Publication number: 20070270837
    Abstract: Devices and methods for spinal stabilization include first and second anchor assemblies engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebrae and a connecting element engageable to the first and second anchor assemblies. The connecting element includes opposite first and second end members and a bumper assembly between the end members that flexibly connects the end members so the connecting element can provide dynamic stabilization of the spinal column when engaged to the anchor assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Jason Eckhardt, Tom Francis, Hai Trieu
  • Publication number: 20070232905
    Abstract: The embodiments provide systems and methods for determining at least one parameter of an intervertebral space. The systems and methods may be useful to determine the appropriate size and geometry of a spinal implant. Thus, the systems and methods provided by the embodiments may aid in the selection and implantation of a spinal implant, and may increase the probability of a positive surgical outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Tom Francis
  • Publication number: 20070213642
    Abstract: An intradisc sizer for measuring dimensions in an intradiscal space is provided. The intradisc sizer may comprise a longitudinal element having a longitudinal axis, proximate and distal ends, and an axially concentric bore. A measuring mechanism may be disposed in a compressed state in the axially concentric bore of the longitudinal element. An actuator mechanism may be positioned at the proximate end of the longitudinal element, and the actuator mechanism may be capable of causing the measuring mechanism to protrude out of the distal end of the axially concentric bore and attain an expanded state. Also, methods to measure at least one dimension in an intradiscal space using the intradisc sizers are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Tom Francis
  • Publication number: 20070213641
    Abstract: An intradisc sizer is provided. The intradisc sizer includes a constrained expandable member, a longitudinal element, and a dispensing device. A fluid may be used to inflate the constrained expandable member, which is placed in an intradiscal space. Methods of using the intradisc sizer and implanting a spinal implant, and a kit containing the intradisc sizer, also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Tom Francis
  • Publication number: 20070149975
    Abstract: Instrument and method for removing material from an intervertebral disc. The instrument includes outer and inner tubular members. The outer tubular member defines a passage and a cutting window. The inner tubular member is coaxially disposed within the passage, and defines a central lumen and a cutting tip. The cutting tip forms an open mouth having a plurality of teeth. Upon assembly, the cutting tip is exposed within the cutting window combining to define a shaving head. A powered handpiece is coupled to the inner tubular member, and the shaving head is inserted into an intervertebral disc and positioned such that the cutting tip contacts targeted material (e.g., nucleus, annulus and/or end plate). The handpiece is activated to rotate the cutting tip relative to the cutting window. Contacted material is sheared between an edge of the cutting window and the teeth of the cutting tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Dana Oliver, Kenneth Adams, Tom Francis
  • Publication number: 20070010889
    Abstract: Embodiments include a foldable nucleus replacement device comprising a body capable of folding upon itself more than twice at pre-determined folds. Each fold in the device may define an inner surface and an outer surface. The body of the device also may be capable of unfolding to an approximately linear state before implantation, and returning to its folded, non-linear state after implantation. In this way, the foldable nucleus replacement device may be unfolded to its approximately linear state having a smaller cross section for implantation, and then return to its folded, non-linear state to function as a nucleus replacement after implantation. Additionally, embodiments include a method for replacing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc nucleus using foldable nucleus replacement devices such as those disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Inventor: Tom Francis
  • Publication number: 20060247781
    Abstract: An intervertebral disc nucleus replacement is provided that is configurable into a first configuration to be assumed while the replacement is implanted in the nuclear cavity and a second configuration to be assumed during the procedure of inserting the replacement into the nuclear cavity. The first configuration may have an accordion-like structure formed by a plurality of sections folded in an alternating, zigzag-like manner, and may be sized and shaped to conform to the nuclear cavity. The second configuration may be formed by straightening the plurality of folded sections into an unfolded, elongated, linear member, thereby affording a smaller effective cross-section. The nucleus replacement may be made of an elastic material having shape memory and may be formed so that the first configuration is an unmanipulated or relaxed configuration and the second configuration is a manipulated or unrelaxed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Applicant: SDGI HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Tom Francis
  • Publication number: 20060247655
    Abstract: Devices and methods to insert a prosthetic implant into an intervertebral disc space. The device may comprise pivotally connected channel members and a locking mechanism pivotally connected to the channel members. The locking mechanism may comprise a latch that engages a slot in the sidewalls of a channel member to at least partially cover an open side of the channel members and lock the channel members in place. A prosthetic implant may be loaded into the channel members in a relaxed configuration and then unfolded to an implantation configuration by pivoting the channel members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Tom Francis, Randy Allard, Hai Trieu, Chris Hughes
  • Publication number: 20060089656
    Abstract: A system for removing an implant from between a pair of vertebral bodies comprises a removal shaft. The removal shaft includes a threaded shaft portion and is coupled to a spreader block. A connector body is threadedly coupled to the threaded shaft portion. The system further includes a first removal blade having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is attached to the connector body and the distal end is attachable to the implant. A first spreader brace is attached to the spreader block. Rotation of the threaded shaft removes at least a portion of the implant from between the pair of vertebral bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Applicant: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Allard, Tom Francis, Jason Eckhardt, Chris Hughes, Lukas Eisermann, Peter McCombe
  • Publication number: 20060041313
    Abstract: An vertebral implant is interposed between two vertebral endplates and comprises a first endplate assembly having a first restraint mechanism extending from a first exterior surface for engaging a first vertebral endplate The implant further comprises a second endplate assembly having a second restraint mechanism extending from a second exterior surface for engaging a second vertebral endplate and a central body articulable between the first and second endplate assemblies. The first restraint mechanism has a shape that matches a contour in the first vertebral endplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Applicant: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Allard, Elliott Marshall, Leonard Tokish, Alex Kunzler, David Yager, Tom Francis, Kenneth Misser, Greg Marik, Kevin Foley, David Rosler, Lukas Eisermann, Anthony Finazzo, Richard Broman
  • Publication number: 20050216086
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprises a first member for engaging a first vertebral body and a second member for engaging a second vertebral body. The first member has a first surface with a first curve, and the second member has a second surface with a second curve. The first member is translatable with respect to the second member and the second curve is positioned within the first curve to bias the first and second curved surfaces towards central alignment along a longitudinal axis passing through the first and second vertebral bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 29, 2005
    Applicant: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Marik, Kevin Foley, Tom Francis, Randall Allard
  • Publication number: 20050216092
    Abstract: A joint prosthesis comprises a first member for engaging a first bone portion and a second member for engaging a second bone portion. The first member comprises a first surface with a first curve and the second member comprises a second surface with a second curve. The first member is translatable with respect to the second member and the second curve is positioned within the first curve to bias the first and second curves towards alignment along a first axis passing through the first and second bone portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 29, 2005
    Applicant: SDGI Holdings, inc.
    Inventors: Greg Marik, Kevin Foley, Tom Francis, Randall Allard
  • Patent number: 6189488
    Abstract: An assembly for adjusting the vertical height of a pipe in an animal waterer includes a bracket for securing the assembly to pen gating and a locking portion for locking the pipe at a particular height. The bracket includes a plurality of retaining loops having an arch portion with a pin protruding inwardly therefrom. The locking portion, having a locked position and an unlocked position, urges the pipe to engage the pins of the retaining loops in the locked position. In the unlocked position, the locking portion allows the pipe to move away from the pins so that the pipe may slide for height adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Engineering Services & Products Company
    Inventors: Barry Goldsher, Tom Francis Soboleski