Patents by Inventor William R. Sears

William R. Sears 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: 20160346094
    Abstract: A prosthesis for a vertebral column has an upper part (10) for attachment to an upper vertebrae, a lower part (12) for attachment to a lower vertebrae and a middle part (11) located between the upper and the lower parts, wherein the upper part has a lower surface portion with a first radius of curvature, the middle part has an upper surface portion with a second radius of curvature and a lower surface with a third radius of curvature and the lower part has an upper surface with a fourth radius of curvature. The centre of the radius of curvature for at least two surfaces is offset rearwardly with respect to a central vertical axis (13) through the upper and lower vertebrae and/or the upper and lower parts. Also defined is device for linking bones, in the form of a band with attachment portions having a number of filaments that provide zones conducive to cellular growth as well as a method of modelling a prosthesis and a process for analysing performance of a prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Peter Francis McCombe, William R. Sears
  • Patent number: 9375322
    Abstract: A prosthesis for a vertebral column has an upper part (10) for attachment to an upper vertebrae, a lower part (12) for attachment to a lower vertebrae and a middle part (11) located between the upper and the lower parts, wherein the upper part has a lower surface portion with a first radius of curvature, the middle part has an upper surface portion with a second radius of curvature and a lower surface with a third radius of curvature and the lower part has an upper surface with a fourth radius of curvature. The centre of the radius of curvature for at least two surfaces is offset rearwardly with respect to a central vertical axis (13) through the upper and lower vertebrae and/or the upper and lower parts. Also defined is device for linking bones, in the form of a band with attachment portions having a number of filaments that provide zones conducive to cellular growth as well as a method of modelling a prosthesis and a process for analysing performance of a prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Francis McCombe, William R. Sears
  • Patent number: 9283090
    Abstract: A spinal construct includes a first member including a surface that defines a first cavity and a second cavity. The first member is configured to engage a first vertebral surface. A second member includes a surface that defines a first cavity and a second cavity. The second member is configured to engage a second vertebral surface. The members are spaced and the first cavities are disposed in substantial alignment such that at least one first rod is disposed in the first cavities and the second cavities are disposed in substantial alignment such that a plurality of second rods are disposed in the second cavities and spaced via at least one spacer disposed between the second rods within at least one of the second cavities. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy K. Lim, Matthew M. Morrison, William R. Sears
  • Publication number: 20160038303
    Abstract: A prosthesis for a vertebral column has an upper part (10) for attachment to an upper vertebrae, a lower part (12) for attachment to a lower vertebrae and a middle part (11) located between the upper and the lower parts, wherein the upper part has a lower surface portion with a first radius of curvature, the middle part has an upper surface portion with a second radius of curvature and a lower surface with a third radius of curvature and the lower part has an upper surface with a fourth radius of curvature. The centre of the radius of curvature for at least two surfaces is offset rearwardly with respect to a central vertical axis (13) through the upper and lower vertebrae and/or the upper and lower parts. Also defined is device for linking bones, in the form of a band with attachment portions having a number of filaments that provide zones conducive to cellular growth as well as a method of modelling a prosthesis and a process for analysing performance of a prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Peter Francis McCombe, William R. Sears
  • Patent number: 9138329
    Abstract: A prosthesis for a vertebral column has an upper part (10) for attachment to an upper vertebrae, a lower part (12) for attachment to a lower vertebrae and a middle part (11) located between the upper and the lower parts, wherein the upper part has a lower surface portion with a first radius of curvature, the middle part has an upper surface portion with a second radius of curvature and a lower surface with a third radius of curvature and the lower part has an upper surface with a fourth radius of curvature. The center of the radius of curvature for at least two surfaces is offset rearwardly with respect to a central vertical axis (13) through the upper and lower vertebrae and/or the upper and lower parts. Also defined is device for linking bones, in the form of a band with attachment portions having a number of filaments that provide zones conducive to cellular growth as well as a method of modelling a prosthesis and a process for analysing performance of a prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Francis McCombe, William R. Sears
  • Patent number: 9095445
    Abstract: An interbody spacer includes an elongated body with a maximum width between opposite side walls and a maximum height between upper and lower bearing surfaces. The interbody spacer also includes a leading end nose connecting the side walls to facilitate insertion of the interbody spacer into a disc space between vertebrae in an insertion orientation, from which the interbody device is then rotated to position the upper and lower bearing surfaces in contact with the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae. The leading end nose forms a blunt convex nose between the upper and lower bearing surfaces to maximize the bearing surface area available to contact the adjacent endplates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kidong Yu, Keith E. Miller, William D. Armstrong, Charles Branch, Kevin T. Foley, Peter McCombe, Anthony J Melkent, William R. Sears
  • Publication number: 20150025636
    Abstract: A spinal construct includes a first member including a surface that defines a first cavity and a second cavity. The first member is configured to engage a first vertebral surface. A second member includes a surface that defines a first cavity and a second cavity. The second member is configured to engage a second vertebral surface. The members are spaced and the first cavities are disposed in substantial alignment such that at least one first rod is disposed in the first cavities and the second cavities are disposed in substantial alignment such that a plurality of second rods are disposed in the second cavities and spaced via at least one spacer disposed between the second rods within at least one of the second cavities. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy K. Lim, Matthew M. Morrison, William R. Sears
  • Publication number: 20140094915
    Abstract: A prosthesis for a vertebral column has an upper part (10) for attachment to an upper vertebrae, a lower part (12) for attachment to a lower vertebrae and a middle part (11) located between the upper and the lower parts, wherein the upper part has a lower surface portion with a first radius of curvature, the middle part has an upper surface portion with a second radius of curvature and a lower surface with a third radius of curvature and the lower part has an upper surface with a fourth radius of curvature. The centre of the radius of curvature for at least two surfaces is offset rearwardly with respect to a central vertical axis (13) through the upper and lower vertebrae and/or the upper and lower parts. Also defined is device for linking bones, in the form of a band with attachment portions having a number of filaments that provide zones conducive to cellular growth as well as a method of modelling a prosthesis and a process for analysing performance of a prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: NUVASIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Francis McCombe, William R. Sears
  • Publication number: 20140031943
    Abstract: An interbody spacer includes an elongated body with a maximum width between opposite side walls and a maximum height between upper and lower bearing surfaces. The interbody spacer also includes a leading end nose connecting the side walls to facilitate insertion of the interbody spacer into a disc space between vertebrae in an insertion orientation, from which the interbody device is then rotated to position the upper and lower bearing surfaces in contact with the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae. The leading end nose forms a blunt convex nose between the upper and lower bearing surfaces to maximize the bearing surface area available to contact the adjacent endplates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kidong YU, Keith E. Miller, William D. Armstrong, Charles Branch, Kevin T. Foley, Peter McCombe, Anthony J. Melkent, William R. Sears
  • Publication number: 20130018466
    Abstract: An interbody spacer includes an elongated body with a maximum width between opposite side walls and a maximum height between upper and lower bearing surfaces. The interbody spacer also includes a leading end nose connecting the side walls to facilitate insertion of the interbody spacer into a disc space between vertebrae in an insertion orientation, from which the interbody device is then rotated to position the upper and lower bearing surfaces in contact with the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae. The leading end nose forms a blunt convex nose between the upper and lower bearing surfaces to maximize the bearing surface area available to contact the adjacent endplates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Kidong Yu, Keith E. Miller, William D. Armstrong, Charles Branch, Kevin Thomas Foley, Peter M. McCombe, Anthony J. Melkent, William R. Sears
  • Patent number: 8109976
    Abstract: Systems and methods for vertebral stabilization are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a bone anchor with a threaded portion positioned opposite a post portion. A connector is provided including a pair of oppositely positioned branches defining a receptacle structured to receive the post portion. The receptacle is positionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the connector is positionable along and about the post portion in the open configuration. The system also includes an elongate support member defining a passage structured to receive and engage a portion of the connector. As the connector is received in the passage, the branches of the connector move toward one another and force the receptacle toward the closed configuration wherein the connector is fixed relative to the post portion. Other systems, apparatuses and methods for vertebral stabilization are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy K. Lim, William R. Sears
  • Publication number: 20100298881
    Abstract: Systems and methods for vertebral stabilization are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a bone anchor with a threaded portion positioned opposite a post portion. A connector is provided including a pair of oppositely positioned branches defining a receptacle structured to receive the post portion. The receptacle is positionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the connector is positionable along and about the post portion in the open configuration. The system also includes an elongate support member defining a passage structured to receive and engage a portion of the connector. As the connector is received in the passage, the branches of the connector move toward one another and force the receptacle toward the closed configuration wherein the connector is fixed relative to the post portion. Other systems, apparatuses and methods for vertebral stabilization are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy LIM, William R. SEARS
  • Publication number: 20100268341
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods. Devices expand linearly and laterally to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies, or portions of vertebral bodies, of the spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC., An Indian Corporation
    Inventors: Marcel Dvorak, Charles G. Fisher, Anthony J. Melkent, Keith E. Miller, Y. Raja Rampersaud, William R. Sears
  • Publication number: 20090210059
    Abstract: A prosthesis for a vertebral column has an upper part (10) for attachment to an upper vertebrae, a lower part (12) for attachment to a lower vertebrae and a middle part (11) located between the upper and the lower parts, wherein the upper part has a lower surface portion with a first radius of curvature, the middle part has an upper surface portion with a second radius of curvature and a lower surface with a third radius of curvature and the lower part has an upper surface with a fourth radius of curvature. The centre of the radius of curvature for at least two surfaces is offset rearwardly with respect to a central vertical axis (13) through the upper and lower vertebrae and/or the upper and lower parts. Also defined is device for linking bones, in the form of a band with attachment portions having a number of filaments that provide zones conducive to cellular growth as well as a method of modelling a prosthesis and a process for analysing performance of a prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Peter Francis McCombe, William R. Sears
  • Patent number: 6735473
    Abstract: The defibrillator storage device has an enclosure comprised of wall sections, a top section, bottom section and door section defining an interior compartment of sufficient size to house a defibrillator. A defibrillator mount is connected to the interior of the enclosure. An alarm means having a visual alarm signal and an audible alarm signal is used to indicate that the door of the device has been opened, signaling a possible cardiac arrest incident. An activation switch for triggering the alarm is connected to the door and positioned to contact an enclosure wall when the door is closed. The normally open switch is closed and is closed when the door is opened. An alarm deactivating switch connected in circuit to the alarm is used to reset the system or to totally deactivate the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Robert D. Kolder, Timothy Strok, William R. Sears, Kevin J. Cronin
  • Publication number: 20030032987
    Abstract: The defibrillator storage device has an enclosure comprised of wall sections, a top section, bottom section and door section defining an interior compartment of sufficient size to house a defibrillator. A defibrillator mount is connected to the interior of the enclosure. An alarm means having a visual alarm signal and an audible alarm signal is used to indicate that the door of the device has been opened, signaling a possible cardiac arrest incident. An activation switch for triggering the alarm is connected to the door and positioned to contact an enclosure wall when the door is closed. The normally open switch is closed and is closed when the door is opened. An alarm deactivating switch connected in circuit to the alarm is used to reset the system or to totally deactivate the alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Robert D. Kolder, Timothy Strok, William R. Sears, Kevin J. Cronin
  • Patent number: 6301501
    Abstract: The protective defibrillator storage device has an enclosure comprised of a plurality of wall sections, a top section, a bottom section and a door section. The wall sections, top section, bottom section, and the door section define an interior compartment. The interior compartment is of sufficient size to house a defibrillator. A defibrillator mount is connected to an interior surface of the enclosure. An alarm means is connected to the enclosure. The alarm means is used to indicate that the door of the protective defibrillator storage device has been opened, and that a cardiac arrest incident is possibly in progress. The alarm means is comprised of an alarm circuit with a visual alarm signal and an audible alarm signal. The alarm means is activated when the door section is opened and remains activated until the alarm means is deactivated and reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: Kevin J. Cronin, Robert D. Kolder, Timothy Strok, William R. Sears