The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 18, 2003
Filed:
Apr. 09, 2001
Donald R. Huene, Fresno, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
An expandable intervertebral implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae includes first and second opposed and operatively connected shells. Each one of the shells has a plurality of engaging members that are interdigitated with a corresponding plurality of engaging members of another of the shells. The implant also includes at least one extrusion opening and a cavity for containing osteogenic material. As one shell is moved relative to the other shell with a threaded actuator operatively connecting the shells, a volume of the cavity decreases and osteogenic material is extruded through the extrusion opening. A cross section of the implant at one or both ends thereof has a curvalinear shoulder for improved support of the vertebrae during bony growth and fusion of the vertebrae.