Patents by Inventor William D. Armstrong

William D. Armstrong 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: 10137007
    Abstract: A geared cam expandable spinal implant. Rotational motion of a rotating portion is translated into linear motion of a yoke, which moves geared cams at the distal end of the implant to mate with, and walk along, teeth of corresponding racks. The walking of the gear cam teeth along the rack teeth creates a regular rate of implant expansion, reduces initial excessive expansion force applied to the implant, and provides fine adjustment of the expansion rate and force. Spikes, pivotally mounted on the yoke, pivot outward as the implant expands, to a fully-deployed position into engagement with surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. The engagement between the deployed spikes and the vertebral bodies prevents inadvertent backout of the expanded implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Dewey, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent
  • Patent number: 10117690
    Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a body including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. At least one of the surfaces including a posterior linear side and an anterior arcuate side. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Armstrong, Stanley T. Palmatier, Virginia Leigh Richardson
  • Patent number: 10070971
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a member including an end. A first image guide is connected with the member and is oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the member. A second image guide is connected with the member and is oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the end relative to the member. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, William D. Armstrong, Kelli C. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20180207003
    Abstract: An expandable interbody implant adapted for insertion at least into a disc space, between two adjacent vertebrae of a spine. An upper member and a lower member are pivotally connected at least by a drive link. A bone graft storage portion packed with a selected volume of bone growth material. A translational wall is provided between the bone graft storage portion and a trailing end of the implant. An actuator engages the bone graft storage portion, pushing it forward into engagement with the drive link, which pivots upward, moving the upper member upward away from the lower member. Upward movement of the upper member raises the translational wall to a position to assist in retention of the selected volume bone graft material within the hollow portion of the bone graft storage portion. Upward rotation of the drive link brings a face thereof into contact with a front of the bone graft storage portion, thereby retaining near constant volume of the bone graft material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong, Stanley T. Palmatier
  • Patent number: 10004609
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a member connected with a spinal implant defining an axis. A first image guide is connected with the member and oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the member. A second image guide is connected with the member and oriented to represent an angle measuring a second orientation of the axis relative to a first orientation. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent
  • Patent number: 9937053
    Abstract: An expandable interbody implant adapted for insertion at least into a disc space, between two adjacent vertebrae of a spine. An upper member and a lower member are pivotally connected at least by a drive link. A bone graft storage portion packed with a selected volume of bone growth material. A translational wall is provided between the bone graft storage portion and a trailing end of the implant. An actuator engages the bone graft storage portion, pushing it forward into engagement with the drive link, which pivots upward, moving the upper member upward away from the lower member. Upward movement of the upper member raises the translational wall to a position to assist in retention of the selected volume bone graft material within the hollow portion of the bone graft storage portion. Upward rotation of the drive link brings a face thereof into contact with a front of the bone graft storage portion, thereby retaining near constant volume of the bone graft material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong, Stanley T. Palmatier
  • Publication number: 20180085233
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a member connected with a spinal implant defining an axis. A first image guide is connected with the member and oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the member. A second image guide is connected with the member and oriented to represent an angle measuring a second orientation of the axis relative to a first orientation. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent
  • Publication number: 20180085232
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a member connected with a spinal implant defining an axis. A first image guide is connected with the member and oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the member. A second image guide is connected with the member and oriented to represent an angle measuring a second orientation of the axis relative to a first orientation. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent
  • Patent number: 9872779
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprises a first component and a second component. The second component includes an actuator and a third component comprises a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The third component comprises rails including at least a portion of the ramps. At least one of the ramp portions disposed with the first rail has a first height and at least one of the ramp portions disposed with the second rail has a second height. The first height is greater than the second height. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation such that the ramps engage at least one of the components between a first configuration and a second configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Miller, Stanley T. Palmatier, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20170319352
    Abstract: A geared cam expandable spinal implant. Rotational motion of a rotating portion is translated into linear motion of a yoke, which moves geared cams at the distal end of the implant to mate with, and walk along, teeth of corresponding racks. The walking of the gear cam teeth along the rack teeth creates a regular rate of implant expansion, reduces initial excessive expansion force applied to the implant, and provides fine adjustment of the expansion rate and force. Spikes, pivotally mounted on the yoke, pivot outward as the implant expands, to a fully-deployed position into engagement with surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. The engagement between the deployed spikes and the vertebral bodies prevents inadvertent backout of the expanded implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan Dewey, William D. Armstrong, Anthony J. Melkent
  • Publication number: 20170266382
    Abstract: A surgical injection device includes at least one tubular element defining a passageway. The passageway is configured for disposal of a selected volume of an agent and an evacuator disposed within the passageway. An actuator is engageable with the evacuator to entirely expel the selected volume of the agent from the passageway to a selected site. Spinal constructs, implants, systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Dewey, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong, Daniel A. Shimko
  • Publication number: 20170216045
    Abstract: A geared cam expandable spinal implant. Rotational motion of a rotating portion is translated into linear motion of a yoke, which moves geared cams at the distal end of the implant to mate with, and walk along, teeth of corresponding racks. The walking of the gear cam teeth along the rack teeth creates a regular rate of implant expansion, reduces initial excessive expansion force applied to the implant, and provides fine adjustment of the expansion rate and force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: JONATHAN M. DEWEY, William D. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20170209286
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a member including an end. A first image guide is connected with the member and is oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the member. A second image guide is connected with the member and is oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the end relative to the member. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, William D. Armstrong, Kelli C. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20170129086
    Abstract: A fastener system comprising a tool and fastener is contemplated. The tool comprises an elongated member having a longitudinal bore that receives the fastener. The fastener is driven by the tool into a working surface whereby first and second vents capture a portion of the propellant gas to optimize penetration of the fastener and reduce the sound level. The fastener typically has a first diameter and a second diameter that meet at a step. A washer can receive the first diameter of the fastener. It is contemplated that the alignment of the fastener as it penetrates the work surface is maintained by at least one of (i) the head of the fastener and the longitudinal bore, (ii) washer, and (iii) a clip to reduce failures and spalling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventor: William D. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20170071611
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis. A second member is axially translatable relative to the first member. A cutting element is connected with the second member and has a cutting surface. The cutting element is rotatable relative to the second member to transversely move cut tissue. Systems, implants and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, William D. Armstrong, Nicholas M. Benson, Grady S. Davis
  • Publication number: 20160374826
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant is provided. The intervertebral implant comprises a first component comprising an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. A second component is connected to the first component, and is relatively moveable therefrom. The second component comprises an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. The second component includes an actuator. A third component is disposed for engagement and is movable relative to the first and second components. The third component comprises at least a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation of the wedge such that the ramps engage the inner surface of at least one of the first component and the second component to move the components between a first, collapsed configuration and a second, expanded configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, Keith E. Miller, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20160324661
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprises a first component and a second component. The second component includes an actuator and a third component comprises a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The third component comprises rails including at least a portion of the ramps. At least one of the ramp portions disposed with the first rail has a first height and at least one of the ramp portions disposed with the second rail has a second height. The first height is greater than the second height. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation such that the ramps engage at least one of the components between a first configuration and a second configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: KEITH E. MILLER, Stanley T. Palmatier, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9445919
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant is provided. The intervertebral implant comprises a first component comprising an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. A second component is connected to the first component, and is relatively moveable thereform. The second component comprises an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. The second component includes an actuator. A third component is disposed for engagement and is movable relative to the first and second components. The third component comprises at least a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation of the wedge such that the ramps engage the inner surface of at least one of the first component and the second component to move the components between a first, collapsed configuration and a second, expanded configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley T. Palmatier, Keith E. Miller, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9414936
    Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprises a first component and a second component. The second component includes an actuator and a third component comprises a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The third component comprises rails including at least a portion of the ramps. At least one of the ramp portions disposed with the first rail has a first height and at least one of the ramp portions disposed with the second rail has a second height. The first height is greater than the second height. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation such that the ramps engage at least one of the components between a first configuration and a second configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Miller, Stanley T. Palmatier, Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20160120660
    Abstract: An expandable interbody implant adapted for insertion at least into a disc space, between two adjacent vertebrae of a spine. An upper member and a lower member are pivotally connected at least by a drive link. A bone graft storage portion packed with a selected volume of bone growth material. A translational wall is provided between the bone graft storage portion and a trailing end of the implant. An actuator engages the bone graft storage portion, pushing it forward into engagement with the drive link, which pivots upward, moving the upper member upward away from the lower member. Upward movement of the upper member raises the translational wall to a position to assist in retention of the selected volume bone graft material within the hollow portion of the bone graft storage portion. Upward rotation of the drive link brings a face thereof into contact with a front of the bone graft storage portion, thereby retaining near constant volume of the bone graft material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Anthony J. Melkent, William D. Armstrong, Stanley T. Palmatier