Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
A device for stabilizing spinal column segments, comprising: a pedicle screw having a threaded shaft portion and a semi-spherical head at the end of said threaded shaft portion; a locking collar having a semi-spherical interior volume for flexibly retaining said semi-spherical head, said locking collar having a linearly tapered cylindrical exterior surface; a receiver member having a rod receiving channel, a bore having first and second ends, a receiving chamber being provided at said second end, said chamber having a linear taper for receiving the locking collar, and an opening being provided opposite said bore, at said first end for inserting said locking collar through said bore, and said second end being provided to receive the head of said screw therethrough for positioning thereof in the semi-spherical interior volume of said locking collar, such that said shaft portion of said screw extends downwardly from said receiving member; and said device further comprising a compression member for exerting a force onto said locking collar such that said semi-spherical interior chamber contracts and is pressed against said semi-spherical head by cooperation between the tapered exterior surface and the chamber linear taper thereby compression locking said head to said locking collar.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
198 words
A device for stabilizing spinal column segments, comprising: a pedicle screw having a threaded shaft portion and a semi-spherical head at the end of said threaded shaft portion; a locking collar having a semi-spherical interior volume for flexibly retaining said semi-spherical head, said locking collar having a linearly tapered cylindrical exterior surface; a receiver member having a rod receiving channel, a bore having first and second ends, a receiving chamber being provided at said second end, said chamber having a linear taper for receiving the locking collar, and an opening being provided opposite said bore, at said first end for inserting said locking collar through said bore, and said second end being provided to receive the head of said screw therethrough for positioning thereof in the semi-spherical interior volume of said locking collar, such that said shaft portion of said screw extends downwardly from said receiving member; and said device further comprising a compression member for exerting a force onto said locking collar such that said semi-spherical interior chamber contracts and is pressed against said semi-spherical head by cooperation between the tapered exterior surface and the chamber linear taper thereby compression locking said head to said locking collar.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said channel comprises a recess in the side of the receiving member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first end of said bore comprises a pair of upwardly extending members defining therebetween said channel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said locking collar further comprises at least one axial slot.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tapered exterior surface of said locking collar includes at least one circumferential arc section along a portion of its axial extent which is flat, and wherein said second end of said bore comprises a corresponding circumferential flat portion such that said locking collar may remain rotationally oriented in said axial bore.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said top surface of said locking collar comprises a pair of notches for receiving thereon said rod.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said receiving member further includes a threading formed on a surface thereof at the end of said receiving member which is proximal to the first end of said bore.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The assembly as set forth in claim 7, wherein said threading is formed on an inner surface of said bore at said first end.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The assembly as set forth in claim 7, wherein said threading is formed on an exterior surface of said receiving member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
The assembly as set forth in claim 7, wherein said compression member comprises a threaded means which engages said threads of said receiving member and locks said rod in said channel, thereby applying said force to said locking collar.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
221 words
A orthopedic rod implantation apparatus having polyaxial screw and coupling elements, comprising: at least one elongate rod; a plurality of rod coupling assemblies, wherein at least one of said assemblies comprises, a pedicle screw having a threaded shaft portion and a semi-spherical head at the end of said threaded shaft portion; a locking collar having a semi-spherical interior volume for flexibly retaining said semi-spherical head, said locking collar having a linearly tapered cylindrical exterior surface; a receiver member having a rod receiving channel, a bore having first and second ends, a receiving chamber being provided at said second end, said chamber having a linear taper for receiving the locking collar, and an opening being provided opposite said bore, at said first end for inserting said locking collar through said bore, and said second end being provided to receive the head of said screw therethrough for positioning thereof in the semi-spherical interior volume of said locking collar, such that said shaft portion of said screw extends downwardly from said receiving member; and said device further comprising a compression member for exerting a force onto said locking collar such that said semi-spherical interior chamber contracts and is pressed against said semi-spherical head by cooperation between the tapered exterior surface and the chamber linear taper thereby compression locking said head to said locking collar.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
221 words
A orthopedic rod implantation apparatus having polyaxial screw and coupling elements, comprising: at least one elongate rod; a plurality of rod coupling assemblies, wherein at least one of said assemblies comprises, a pedicle screw having a threaded shaft portion and a semi-spherical head at the end of said threaded shaft portion; a locking collar having a semi-spherical interior volume for flexibly retaining said semi-spherical head, said locking collar having a linearly tapered cylindrical exterior surface; a receiver member having a rod receiving channel, a bore having first and second ends, a receiving chamber being provided at said second end, said chamber having a linear taper for receiving the locking collar, and an opening being provided opposite said bore, at said first end for inserting said locking collar through said bore, and said second end being provided to receive the head of said screw therethrough for positioning thereof in the semi-spherical interior volume of said locking collar, such that said shaft portion of said screw extends downwardly from said receiving member; and said device further comprising a compression member for exerting a force onto said locking collar such that said semi-spherical interior chamber contracts and is pressed against said semi-spherical head by cooperation between the tapered exterior surface and the chamber linear taper thereby compression locking said head to said locking collar.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said channel comprises a recess in the side of the receiving member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the first end of said bore comprises a pair of upwardly extending members defining therebetween said channel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said locking collar further comprises at least one axial slot.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said tapered exterior surface of said locking collar includes at least one circumferential arc section along a portion of its axial extent which is flat, and wherein said second end of said bore comprises a corresponding circumferential flat portion such that said locking collar may remain rotationally oriented in said bore.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said top surface of said locking collar comprises a pair of notches for receiving thereon said rod.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said receiving member further includes a threading formed on a surface thereof at the end of said receiving member which is proximal to the first end of said bore.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 17, wherein said threading is formed on an inner surface of said bore at said first end.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 17, wherein said threading is formed on an exterior surface of said receiving member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 17, wherein said compression member comprises a threaded means which engages said threads of said receiving member and locks said rod in said channel, thereby applying said force to said locking collar.