US5415661A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Implantable spinal assist device
Assignee: University of Miami
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Filing: 1993-03-24
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Granted: 1995-05-16
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Expires: 2013-03-24
Abstract
Abstract An implantable device for restoring normal biomechanical function to a motion segment unit of the spine which includes a curvilinear body composed of a composite material made up of a fiber material interspersed in a matrix material.
Inventors
- 👤 David C. Holmes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:10
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/70; A61B17/7001; A61B17/7002; A61B17/7019; A61B17/7026; A61B17/7031; A61B17/7062; A61L; A61L31/00; A61L31/12; A61L31/125; A61L31/126; A61L31/129; A61B17/7011; A61B17/7041; A61L2430/00; A61L2430/38; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S606/00; Y10S606/907; Y10S606/91
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
A compliant implantable device for restoring normal biomechanical function to a motion segment unit of the spine comprising a flexible body having a longitudinal axis, said body being curved along said longitudinal axis and being composed of a composite material comprising a fiber material interspersed in a matrix material, said body comprising a curved central section unattached to a motion segment unit and a pair of opposed terminal sections, each terminal section having respective end portions for attaching the implantable device to adjacent motion segment units, said central section being free to move in response to pressure applied to the motion segment unit to provide support for and restore normal biomechanical function to the motion segment unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
117 words
A compliant implantable device for restoring normal biomechanical function to a motion segment unit of the spine comprising a flexible body having a longitudinal axis, said body being curved along said longitudinal axis and being composed of a composite material comprising a fiber material interspersed in a matrix material, said body comprising a curved central section unattached to a motion segment unit and a pair of opposed terminal sections, each terminal section having respective end portions for attaching the implantable device to adjacent motion segment units, said central section being free to move in response to pressure applied to the motion segment unit to provide support for and restore normal biomechanical function to the motion segment unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The implantable device of claim 1 wherein the matrix material is selected from the group consisting of a biocompatible thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers, alloys and mixtures thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implantable device of claim 1 wherein the fiber material is selected from biocompatible carbon fibers and polyamide fibers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implantable device of claim 2 wherein the matrix material is selected from polysulfone and polyetheretherketone.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implantable device of claim 1 wherein the body is composed of the composite material in the form of a pre-peg tape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implantable device of claim 1 wherein the fiber material has an isotropic fiber orientation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The implantable device of claim 1 wherein the fiber material has an anisotropic fiber orientation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The implantable device of claim 1 wherein the density of the fiber material is from about 40 to 70% by volume based on the total volume of the composite material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The implantable device of claim 1 wherein the body further comprises a pair of intermediate sections between each of said terminal sections and said central section, said intermediate sections having a lower stiffness than said terminal sections.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implantable device of claim 9 wherein the stiffness of the device continuously decreases from the terminal sections to the central sections.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The implantable device of claim 1 wherein the body has an arc measure exceeding 0° and less than 180°.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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WO1990013265A1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-05-15 | 1998-11-14 | 1999-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-05-15 | 2002-11-14 | 2003-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-05-15 | 2006-11-14 | 2007-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |