Patents by Inventor William Reimels

William Reimels 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: 20240041445
    Abstract: A tissue retractor device within the scope of the present invention generally includes a frame, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of blades. The actuating mechanism generally includes at least one cam that encourages automatic toe-out of the blades. The tissue retractor eliminates the need for bulky secondary blade mechanisms to prevent undesired blade deformation at the surgical site. The toe-out motion occurs simultaneously along with the opening of the blades. The present invention further provides for depth adjustment of the blades by means of an adjustable screw assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Patent number: 11826030
    Abstract: A tissue retractor device within the scope of the present invention generally includes a frame, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of blades. The actuating mechanism generally includes at least one cam that encourages automatic toe-out of the blades. The tissue retractor eliminates the need for bulky secondary blade mechanisms to prevent undesired blade deformation at the surgical site. The toe-out motion occurs simultaneously along with the opening of the blades. The present invention further provides for depth adjustment of the blades by means of an adjustable screw assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Publication number: 20230285163
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an expandable interbody that includes superior and inferior shells enclosing a control mechanism that includes interlocking proximal and distal cages as well as an adjustment screw that longitudinally translates the distal cage relative to the proximal cage and thereby expands interbody by pushing apart the distal ends of the superior and inferior shells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: William Reimels, Max C. Zemezonak
  • Patent number: 11690732
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an expandable interbody that includes superior and inferior shells enclosing a control mechanism that includes interlocking proximal and distal cages as well as an adjustment screw that longitudinally translates the distal cage relative to the proximal cage and thereby expands interbody by pushing apart the distal ends of the superior and inferior shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: William Reimels, Max C. Zemezonak
  • Publication number: 20230102897
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to expandable interbodies that include superior and inferior shells and a control assembly positioned between and inside of the shells, the control assembly including nested cages operably connected to each other with an adjustment screw. Rotation of the adjustment screw translates the cages relative to each other, which in turn causes the shells to open or expand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: William Reimels, Max C. Zemezonak
  • Publication number: 20230059243
    Abstract: A surgical screw configured to expand and prevent or minimize bone growth inside of the surgical screw is provided. Accordingly, the surgical screw is configured to increase the purchase of the surgical screw with respect to the bone, but also to be withdrawn from the bone without damaging the bone as a result of bone ingrowth. The surgical screw includes a center post with an inner bore and an outer sleeve concentric to the center post. An outer surface of the outer sleeve includes a thread to engage bone. The outer sleeve includes a cut pattern defining an expandable region configurable between a first state with a first radius measured from a longitudinal axis of the surgical screw to the outer surface and a second state having a second radius measured from the longitudinal axis to the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Patent number: 11564809
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to expandable interbodies that include superior and inferior shells and a control assembly positioned between and inside of the shells, the control assembly including nested cages operably connected to each other with an adjustment screw. Rotation of the adjustment screw translates the cages relative to each other, which in turn causes the shells to open or expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: William Reimels, Max C. Zemezonak
  • Patent number: 11510715
    Abstract: A surgical screw configured to expand and prevent or minimize bone growth inside of the surgical screw is provided. Accordingly, the surgical screw is configured to increase the purchase of the surgical screw with respect to the bone, but also to be withdrawn from the bone without damaging the bone as a result of bone ingrowth. The surgical screw includes a center post with an inner bore and an outer sleeve concentric to the center post. An outer surface of the outer sleeve includes a thread to engage bone. The outer sleeve includes a cut pattern defining an expandable region configurable between a first state with a first radius measured from a longitudinal axis of the surgical screw to the outer surface and a second state having a second radius measured from the longitudinal axis to the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Publication number: 20220273283
    Abstract: A system for interchangeable retractor blades includes a shell, a first retractor blade, and a second retractor blade. The shell includes a rigid proximal end configured to attach to a surgical retractor and an opening, a distal closed end, and a pliable portion including a pocket in communication with the opening and extending along a length of the shell to the distal closed end. The first retractor blade includes a first geometry received through the opening into the pocket and that shapes the pliable portion to configure the shell in a first configuration. The second retractor blade includes a second geometry received through the opening into the pocket and that shapes the pliable portion to configure the shell in a second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Patent number: 11357493
    Abstract: A system for interchangeable retractor blades includes a shell, a first retractor blade, and a second retractor blade. The shell includes a rigid proximal end configured to attach to a surgical retractor and an opening, a distal closed end, and a pliable portion including a pocket in communication with the opening and extending along a length of the shell to the distal closed end. The first retractor blade includes a first geometry received through the opening into the pocket and that shapes the pliable portion to configure the shell in a first configuration. The second retractor blade includes a second geometry received through the opening into the pocket and that shapes the pliable portion to configure the shell in a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Publication number: 20210393252
    Abstract: A tissue retractor device within the scope of the present invention generally includes a frame, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of blades. The actuating mechanism generally includes at least one cam that encourages automatic toe-out of the blades. The tissue retractor eliminates the need for bulky secondary blade mechanisms to prevent undesired blade deformation at the surgical site. The toe-out motion occurs simultaneously along with the opening of the blades. The present invention further provides for depth adjustment of the blades by means of an adjustable screw assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Patent number: 11134935
    Abstract: A tissue retractor device within the scope of the present invention generally includes a frame, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of blades. The actuating mechanism generally includes at least one cam that encourages automatic toe-out of the blades. The tissue retractor eliminates the need for bulky secondary blade mechanisms to prevent undesired blade deformation at the surgical site. The toe-out motion occurs simultaneously along with the opening of the blades. The present invention further provides for depth adjustment of the blades by means of an adjustable screw assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Publication number: 20210275319
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to expandable interbodies that include superior and inferior shells and a control assembly positioned between and inside of the shells, the control assembly including nested cages operably connected to each other with an adjustment screw. Rotation of the adjustment screw translates the cages relative to each other, which in turn causes the shells to open or expand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Publication number: 20210275318
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an expandable interbody that includes superior and inferior shells enclosing a control mechanism that includes interlocking proximal and distal cages as well as an adjustment screw that longitudinally translates the distal cage relative to the proximal cage and thereby expands interbody by pushing apart the distal ends of the superior and inferior shells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Publication number: 20210022783
    Abstract: A surgical screw configured to expand and prevent or minimize bone growth inside of the surgical screw is provided. Accordingly, the surgical screw is configured to increase the purchase of the surgical screw with respect to the bone, but also to be withdrawn from the bone without damaging the bone as a result of bone ingrowth. The surgical screw includes a center post with an inner bore and an outer sleeve concentric to the center post. An outer surface of the outer sleeve includes a thread to engage bone. The outer sleeve includes a cut pattern defining an expandable region configurable between a first state with a first radius measured from a longitudinal axis of the surgical screw to the outer surface and a second state having a second radius measured from the longitudinal axis to the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Patent number: 10820932
    Abstract: A surgical screw configured to expand and prevent or minimize bone growth inside of the surgical screw is provided. Accordingly, the surgical screw is configured to increase the purchase of the surgical screw with respect to the bone, but also to be withdrawn from the bone without damaging the bone as a result of bone ingrowth. The surgical screw includes a center post with an inner bore and an outer sleeve concentric to the center post. An outer surface of the outer sleeve includes a thread to engage bone. The outer sleeve includes a cut pattern defining an expandable region configurable between a first state with a first radius measured from a longitudinal axis of the surgical screw to the outer surface and a second state having a second radius measured from the longitudinal axis to the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Patent number: 10695115
    Abstract: An expandable screw includes generally a shaft, a head, and a cut pattern. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis, an outer surface including a thread to engage bone, and an expandable region configurable between a first state with a first radius measured from the longitudinal axis to the outer surface and a second state having a second radius measured from the longitudinal axis to the outer surface. The cut pattern on the shaft permits at least partial nesting of a first portion of the expandable region within a second portion of the expandable region in the second state. The central lumen is closed by the abutment of a top portion of the second cut surface with the bottom portion of the first cut surface so as to form a closed structure or fluid seal preventing a bone ingrowth inside the central lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Patent number: 10299845
    Abstract: An orthopedic screw having a shaft and a thread ribbon is provided. The shaft includes a proximal driving end and a distal end. The thread ribbon extends around the shaft and including a base portion that is rigidly attached to the shaft and a flange portion that is resilient. The flange portion extends away from the shaft at a preset angle to form a preset outer thread diameter in a preset configuration. The flange portion extends away from the shaft at a second angle greater than the preset angle to form a second outer thread diameter greater than the preset outer thread diameter when the orthopedic screw is subjected to a pull out force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Patent number: 10285747
    Abstract: A surgical implant deployment system for deploying and removing an implant into a vertebral body. Upon insertion of the implant into the vertebral body, the actuator handle is turned causing the actuation rod to expand or compress the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels
  • Publication number: 20190133656
    Abstract: A surgical screw configured to expand and prevent or minimize bone growth inside of the surgical screw is provided. Accordingly, the surgical screw is configured to increase the purchase of the surgical screw with respect to the bone, but also to be withdrawn from the bone without damaging the bone as a result of bone ingrowth. The surgical screw includes a center post with an inner bore and an outer sleeve concentric to the center post. An outer surface of the outer sleeve includes a thread to engage bone. The outer sleeve includes a cut pattern defining an expandable region configurable between a first state with a first radius measured from a longitudinal axis of the surgical screw to the outer surface and a second state having a second radius measured from the longitudinal axis to the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Reimels