US7621950B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Expandable intervertebral spacer
Assignee: Medtronic Europe SARL
•
Filing: 2000-01-27
•
Granted: 2009-11-24
•
Expires: 2020-01-27
Abstract
Abstract An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface, a proximal end and a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said surface and define a geometry of an expanded spacer. Preferably the spacer is adapted to be inserted between two spinal vertebrae of a human.
Inventors
- 👤 Oren Globerman
- 👤 Boaz Shenhav
- 👤 Ronen Shavit
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:56
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25F; C25F3/00; C25F3/16; C25F3/22; A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/16; A61B17/1637; A61B17/1662; A61B17/1671; A61B17/22; A61B17/22031; A61B17/22032; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/72; A61B17/7233; A61B17/7258; A61B17/7266; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/4455; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61F2/4657; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00261; A61B17/02; A61B17/025; A61B2017/0256; A61B2017/22034; A61B17/32; A61B2017/320004; A61B2017/320008; A61B2017/320044; A61B2017/320048; A61F2/28; A61F2/30721; A61F2/30724; A61F2/30744; A61F2/30767; A61F2/30771; A61F2/3094; A61F2/441; A61F2/442; A61F2/446; A61F2/48; A61F2/0077; A61F2002/0086; A61F2002/009; A61F2002/2817; A61F2002/2835; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/30004; A61F2002/30014; A61F2002/30052; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/30079; A61F2002/30082; A61F2002/30092; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/3011; A61F2002/30112; A61F2002/30113; A61F2002/3013; A61F2002/30131; A61F2002/30136; A61F2002/30138; A61F2002/30153; A61F2002/30154; A61F2002/30156; A61F2002/30158; A61F2002/30199; A61F2002/30224; A61F2002/30235; A61F2002/30291; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30317; A61F2002/30324; A61F2002/30326; A61F2002/30327; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30405; A61F2002/30451; A61F2002/30462; A61F2002/30476; A61F2002/30484; A61F2002/30485; A61F2002/30495; A61F2002/305; A61F2002/30507; A61F2002/30518; A61F2002/3052; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30537; A61F2002/30545; A61F2002/30546; A61F2002/3055; A61F2002/30579; A61F2002/30593; A61F2002/30594; A61F2002/30604; A61F2002/30616; A61F2002/30617; A61F2002/30667; A61F2002/30668; A61F2002/3067; A61F2002/30677; A61F2002/30772; A61F2002/30774; A61F2002/30777; A61F2002/30784; A61F2002/30785; A61F2002/30787; A61F2002/30841; A61F2002/30878; A61F2002/30891; A61F2002/30892; A61F2002/30906; A61F2002/3093; A61F2002/30932; A61F2002/30971; A61F2002/4415; A61F2002/448; A61F2002/4485; A61F2002/4619; A61F2002/4625; A61F2002/4627; A61F2002/4635; A61F2/4637; A61F2002/4638; A61F2/4644; A61F2002/4649; A61F2002/4658; A61F2002/4677; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0014; A61F2210/0019; A61F2210/0023; A61F2210/0028; A61F2210/009; A61F2210/0095; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025; A61F2220/0058; A61F2220/0075; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0004; A61F2230/0006; A61F2230/001; A61F2230/0013; A61F2230/0017; A61F2230/0019; A61F2230/0021; A61F2230/0023; A61F2230/0026; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0069; A61F2230/0091; A61F2240/00; A61F2240/001; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0001; A61F2250/0002; A61F2250/0004; A61F2250/0007; A61F2250/001; A61F2250/0012; A61F2250/0014; A61F2250/0018; A61F2250/0036; A61F2250/0037; A61F2250/0039; A61F2250/0043; A61F2250/0058; A61F2250/006; A61F2250/0063; A61F2250/0096; A61F2250/0097; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00005; A61F2310/00011; A61F2310/00017; A61F2310/00023; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S606/00; Y10S606/907; Y10S606/91
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 63
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein a trans-axial cross-section diameter of said expanded geometry varies along an axis of said expanded geometry; and wherein said cross-section is rectangular and wherein said cross-section diameter increases along said expanded geometry axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein a trans-axial cross-section diameter of said expanded geometry varies along an axis of said expanded geometry; and wherein said cross-section is rectangular and wherein said cross-section diameter increases along said expanded geometry axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
173 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, said spacer further comprising a ratchet mechanism to maintain said spacer in an expanded configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
173 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, said spacer further comprising a ratchet mechanism to maintain said spacer in an expanded configuration.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
204 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, said spacer further comprising at least one portion of said spacer that prevents axial contraction of said spacer, wherein said at least one portion comprises a strip that folds and forms a thickness between two opposing sides of said spacer, preventing the opposing sides from meeting.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
204 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, said spacer further comprising at least one portion of said spacer that prevents axial contraction of said spacer, wherein said at least one portion comprises a strip that folds and forms a thickness between two opposing sides of said spacer, preventing the opposing sides from meeting.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
172 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is formed of a combination of distinct zones of different materials.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
172 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is formed of a combination of distinct zones of different materials.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
175 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is formed of a super-elastic material, which is super-elastically deformed by an extension deformation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
175 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is formed of a super-elastic material, which is super-elastically deformed by an extension deformation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
175 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 20 Kg force.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
175 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 20 Kg force.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
175 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 30 Kg force.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
175 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 30 Kg force.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
175 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 50 Kg force.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
175 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 50 Kg force.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
175 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 70 Kg force.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
175 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 70 Kg force.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
175 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 90 Kg force.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
175 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 90 Kg force.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
190 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein said spacer comprises at least one portion that prevents axial contraction of said spacer, the at least one portion including a pair of tabs that abut when the spacer is axially contracted or a strip that folds and forms a thickness between two opposing sides of said spacer, preventing the opposing sides from meeting.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
190 words
An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface provided along an initial contour, a proximal end, a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of axially displaced slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said initial contour and define a geometry of an expanded spacer; wherein when the tube is axially compressed, the at least two extensions have respective peaks farthest radially from the tube, the peaks of the extensions being separated from each other along the tube axis by portions of said surface situated radially inwards of said peaks in the axially compressed configuration; wherein said spacer is adapted for support of two vertebral plates on either side of the spacer, and wherein said spacer comprises at least one portion that prevents axial contraction of said spacer, the at least one portion including a pair of tabs that abut when the spacer is axially contracted or a strip that folds and forms a thickness between two opposing sides of said spacer, preventing the opposing sides from meeting.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
31 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said at least two extensions comprises at least three extensions, which three extensions extend in at least three different directions from said tube.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said at least two extensions comprises at least four extensions, which four extensions extend in at least four different directions from said tube.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
12 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said slits are straight.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
12 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said slits are curved.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
12 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said slits are narrow.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said slits are substantially parallel to said tube axis.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said slits are not parallel to said tube axis.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said slits are arranged in pairs of same length.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein slits associated with one extension axially overlap slits associated with a second, axially displaced, extension.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
33 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said proximal end of said tube defines a proximal end-cap, which end-cap extends outside of a volume defined by the geometry of said extended extensions.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said distal end of said tube defines a distal end-cap, which end-cap extends outside of a volume defined by the geometry of said extended extensions.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
A spacer according to claim 21 , wherein at least one of said extensions is flush with said proximal end of said tube.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
A spacer according to claim 21 , wherein at least one of said extensions is flush with said distal end of said tube.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , further comprising at least one spur axially extending from said spacer, to engage tissue adjacent said spacer.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
A spacer according to claim 25 , wherein said at least one spur comprises at least two spurs axially extending from said spacer.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
12 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , further comprising an inner bolt.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
A spacer according to claim 27 , wherein said inner bolt has a smooth exterior.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
A spacer according to claim 27 , wherein said inner bolt has a threaded exterior.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
50 words
A spacer according to claim 27 , wherein said bolt has a head, which head locks against at least one end of said tube, to prevent axial expansion of said tube, wherein said head comprises at least one protrusion extending from said head toward said tube, to engage said tube.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
104 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein at least one of the extensions is designed to carry greater stress and has an increased strength over another extension, wherein said spacer comprises a plurality of segments, each segment defining one or more extensions that extend from said spacer; and wherein said segments comprises at least two segment types, each segment type defining extensions that extend in different directions relative to said tube, wherein said two segment types comprise a horizontal segment defining two extensions that extend along a line and a segment defining four extensions that extend at about ±45° to said two extensions.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
41 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein a trans-axial cross-section diameter of said expanded geometry varies along an axis of said expanded geometry; and wherein said cross-section is rectangular and wherein said cross-section diameter increases along said expanded geometry axis.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
23 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said spacer further comprising a ratchet mechanism to maintain said spacer in an expanded configuration.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said spacer further comprising at least one protrusion on at least one of said extensions, to prevent collapsing of said extension.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein the at least one portion includes at least one pair of tabs that prevent axial contraction.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 20 Kg force.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 30 Kg force.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
24 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 50 Kg force.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
24 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 70 Kg force.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
24 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said spacer is adapted to axially deform only under axial forces of over 90 Kg force.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
35 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said spacer is adapted to remain expanded in a vertebra of an active human, when placed with the tube axis perpendicular to a spine of said human.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
16 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said spacer is coated with a bio-active coating.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
14 words
A spacer according to claim 42 , wherein said bio-active coating retards bone ingrowth.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
14 words
A spacer according to claim 42 , wherein said bio-active coating promotes bone ingrowth.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
28 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said spacer comprises at least one protrusion on at least one of said extensions, to prevent collapsing of said extension.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
24 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said spacer is formed of a super-elastic material, which is super-elastically deformed by an extension deformation.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
21 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein said spacer is formed of a combination of distinct zones of different materials.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
25 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein a plurality of annealed locations are provided on said spacer to assist in expansion of said spacer.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
26 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , wherein at least one of said extensions comprises at least four legs that are coupled by an extension top.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
29 words
A spacer according to claim 11 , said spacer further comprising at least one protrusion on at least one of said extensions, to interlock said at least two extensions.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
16 words
A spacer according to 11 , wherein said slits are arranged in pairs of different lengths.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
16 words
A spacer according to 11 , wherein said slits are arranged in pairs of different lengths.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2012-11-23 | 2013-05-25 | 2013-11-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2016-11-23 | 2017-05-25 | 2017-11-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2020-11-23 | 2021-05-25 | 2021-11-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |