US 10426633

US Patent 10426633 (US10426633B2) Summary:

• Title: Zero-profile expandable intervertebral spacer devices for distraction and spinal fusion and a universal tool for their placement and expansion
• Assignee: Moskowitz Family LLC
• Inventors: Ahmnon D. Moskowitz, Mosheh T. Moskowitz, Pablo A. Valdivia Y. Alvarado, Eric Sugalski, Nathan C. Moskowitz
• Filing Date: July 2, 2018
• Issue Date: October 1, 2019
• Abstract: A unique, universal Zero-Profile Expandable Intervertebral Spacer (ZP-EIS) device for fusion and distraction throughout the entire spine is provided. These devices can be inserted via anterior, anterolateral, lateral, far lateral, or posterior surgical approaches. The patent discloses multiple ZP-EIS embodiments with distinct calibrated expansion mechanisms. Two embodiments include bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screws, while five others do not. The patent also describes a universal tool for implanting and expanding these intervertebral devices.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

1. Claim 1: This device for fusing vertebrae (bones in the spine) includes a top part and a bottom part. Both the top and bottom parts have built-in guides for screws. The top guide is for a first screw that goes into the upper vertebra, and the bottom guide is for a second screw that goes into the lower vertebra.
2. Claim 7: This intervertebral fusion device has a top and bottom housing. It uses a special expansion mechanism with a "worm drive" (a type of gear system) that a surgeon can turn with a tool. This worm drive connects to a "spur gear mount" which has screw threads inside and is linked to the top housing. As the worm drive is turned, it causes a threaded component to move, expanding the device vertically.
3. Claim 14: This fusion device consists of a top and bottom part, connected by one or more pins. It has an expansion mechanism where a "lead screw" is rotated. This lead screw moves a wedge-shaped part (translation nut). This wedge-shaped part then pushes against a sloped inner surface of the top housing, causing the top housing to pivot and move away from the bottom housing.
4. Claim 19: This intervertebral fusion device includes a top and a bottom housing. Its expansion mechanism uses a "lead screw" that, when turned, moves a "separation block." This separation block is connected to an internal link, and there are also external links that connect the top and bottom housings, all working together to separate the housings and expand the device.
5. Claim 24: This device for spinal fusion has a top housing and a bottom housing connected by pins. The expansion mechanism involves a "lead screw" that controls how much the top and bottom housings rotate relative to each other. This lead screw is connected to a "translation nut," which in turn is attached to "linkage bars." These bars extend out from the bottom housing and push against the top housing, causing expansion.
6. Claim 29: This claim describes a surgical tool. It has a handle, a gripper with prongs that works with the handle, and a screw guide that is held by these prongs. The screw guide helps direct self-drilling screws into the vertebral bodies. The tool also includes an Allen key, which is used to expand the expandable intervertebral devices.
7. Claim 30: This claim describes a surgical tool with a handle, a gripper with prongs, and an Allen key used for expanding intervertebral devices. The key feature is that the prongs are designed to fit into specific indentations on the sides of an intervertebral fusion device, which itself has a top and a bottom housing.

Litigation Information:

• PTAB Case: A Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) case, IPR2026-00217, has been filed and is currently pending.
• District Court Cases: US cases have been filed in both the Minnesota District Court and the Delaware District Court.
• CAFC Docket: The assignee, Moskowitz Family LLC, was involved in a case (24-1696, Moskowitz Family LLC v. Globus Medical, Inc.) that was argued before Panel A of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) on May 4, 2026. While the specific patent number 10426633 is not explicitly stated as the subject of this particular CAFC case in the provided snippet, the involvement of the assignee strongly suggests related litigation.
• Worldwide Litigation: The first worldwide family litigation has been filed.