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:
Jun. 28, 2011
Filed:
Nov. 16, 2004
Dennis Colleran, Frisco, TX (US);
James Spitler, Frisco, TX (US);
Carolyn Rogers, Frisco, TX (US);
Theken Spine, LLC, Akron, OH (US);
Abstract
A tool is described for use in a stabilization system for bony structures such as vertebrae, where the system involves connected a connector from one bone anchor in a vertebra to a second bone anchor in another vertebra. The tool includes a handle attached to an arm. The arm is connected by a pivot to a connector engagement mechanism, the pivot allowing the connector engagement mechanism to move from an orientation inline with the arm to an orientation at an angle relative to the arm by rotating at the pivot. The connector engagement mechanism is engaged to an end of the connector when the tool is in its inline orientation and by causing the movement, which can be by the movement of a lever on the handle, of the connector engagement mechanism to the angled orientation, the end of the connector is moved into a position for engagement with the second bone anchor.