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:
Oct. 20, 2009
Filed:
May. 03, 2006
Alan E. Shluzas, Millis, MA (US);
Alan E. Shluzas, Millis, MA (US);
Zimmer Spine, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
An apparatus includes a fastener engageable with a bone portion to connect a longitudinal member to the bone portion. A housing has a first passage configured to receive the longitudinal member and a second passage extending transverse to the first passage. The fastener extends through an opening in the housing into the second passage. A longitudinal axis of the fastener is positionable in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to a longitudinal axis of the second passage. A spacer received in the second passage of the housing is engageable with the fastener and the longitudinal member. A positioning member applies a force to prevent relative movement between the fastener and the housing and permit manual movement of the fastener relative to the housing against the force when the longitudinal member is disengaged from the spacer. A clamping mechanism clamps the longitudinal member, the spacer, and the housing to the fastener to prevent movement of the fastener relative to the housing.