Patents Examined by David O. Reip
  • Patent number: 7267678
    Abstract: An implant for fracture fixation having external portion shaped to be externally engaged on and secured to a stable bone fragment on one side of a bone fracture and an integral internal portion sized and shaped for being inserted into and accommodated in an intramedullary canal of an unstable bone fragment on an opposite side of the fracture. The internal portion has an end with a rounded tip of bullet-shape for fitting in an apical space at an endosteal surface of the unstable bone fragment to provide a bearing support for the unstable bone fragment over a large area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Robert J. Medoff
  • Patent number: 7131973
    Abstract: Bone anchor implantation devices and methods for their use are disclosed. The bone anchor implantation devices have an ergonometric and/or rotatable handle. The bone anchor implantation devices and methods find particular application for implanting a bone anchor for maintaining or improving urinary continence by suspending or stabilizing the bladder neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Hoffman
  • Patent number: RE47870
    Abstract: The inventive concept presents a device and method to better provide cooking options to a user of an outdoor cooking grill. The disclosed “Plate Setter” is a reversible, circular plate-like structure having three legs integral to, and spaced symmetrically about, the circumference of the Plate Setter. The reversible structure is characterized by two integral, back-to-back cooking surfaces. Disclosed is a first cooking surface consisting of a plurality of parallel, raised ribs elevated above a walled, circular plate bed. The second cooking surface comprises a flat cooking surface reversible from, and precisely opposite to the first cooking surface. The second cooking surface further consists of three raised beams which intersect at a common point on the surface of the second cooking surface. The raised beams provide structural strength and also partition the second cooking surface into three equal cooking sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Micahel Chance
  • Patent number: RE48217
    Abstract: A golf club includes a club head having a volume of greater than about 360 cm3 and a mass less than 200 g. A shaft attachable to the club head has a tip end, a butt end, and a shaft balance point distance, BPs, as measured from the butt end, of no more than 19 inches. And the golf club has a mass less than 300 g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Dustin J. Brekke, Jeff D. Brunski, Matthew R. Daraskavich, Samuel G. Lacey, Nathaniel J. Radcliffe, Brian D. Schielke
  • Patent number: RE48237
    Abstract: A utility cart with lock box which includes a fixed housing portion mounted to the top of a cart storage unit, and a rotating housing portion rotatably mounted to the fixed housing portion. The fixed housing portion includes spaced sidewalls joined to a clear see through arcuate back wall, and an open front. The rotating housing portion includes spaced sidewalls joined to a clear see through arcuate front wall, and an open back. The rotating housing portion is dimensioned such that it can be rotated rearwardly up and over the fixed housing to provide access to items stored in the fixed housing portion, or under the closed rotating housing portion. Alternatively the rotating housing can be rotated forwardly and downwardly to enclose all items in the lock box. The items located in the lock box are visible whether the box is opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Geerpres, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Fodrocy, Anton D. Jerovsek, Jeffrey R. Kolbe, Scott E. Ribbe
  • Patent number: RE48250
    Abstract: A compressor/distractor system for operating on a spine is disclosed. The system includes two rod reducers which each advance a spinal rod into the shoulder portion of a pedicle screw. Each rod reducer includes an inner member, an outer member, and a pair of gripping members. Each outer member receives and advances the spinal rod into the pedicle screw. The outer member also includes a through slot which receives the proximal end of each of the pair of gripping members which may limit the longitudinal translation of the outer member with respect to the inner member. The compressor/distractor system may include a compressor/distractor device which has a compressing, a distracting, and a neutral configuration. A method for using the minimally invasive rod reducers with the compressor/distractor system to secure at least two pedicle screws in desired positions on a spinal rod is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry E. McClintock, Clint Boyd
  • Patent number: RE48535
    Abstract: A wound dressing, a method of manufacturing a wound dressing, and a method of treating a patient are disclosed. The wound dressing may include an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate; and an obscuring element for at least partially obscuring a view of wound exudate absorbed by the absorbent layer in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Ella Lynn Mumby, Helene Anne Lecomte
  • Patent number: RE48771
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining contours of a patient's foot ankle and lower leg. The apparatus includes an alignment structure that orientates the foot for imaging. The alignment structure includes at least one support member that engages the plantar surface of the foot substantially only in the immediate area of the lateral metatarsal heads of the foot, preferably the fifth metatarsal head. The support generates a dorsally-directed force that locks the midtarsal joint. The alignment structure further includes a saddle that engages the rearfoot and a laser beam for aligning the second metatarsal head with the distal one-third of the lower leg to place the subtalar joint in a neutral condition. The foot is thus suspended in space such that imaging is able to produce an accurate measurement of the subject areas of the foot, ankle and lower leg without distortion of the soft tissues or bone structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Northwest Podiatrie Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher E. Smith
  • Patent number: RE49061
    Abstract: A bone transport system includes a nail having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured for securing to a first portion of bone, the distal end configured for securing to a second portion of bone. The system includes a housing having a wall with a longitudinal opening extending a length along a portion thereof The system further includes a transport sled having a length that is shorter than the length of the longitudinal opening, the transport sled configured for securing to a third portion of bone, the transport sled further configured to be moveable along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a magnetic assembly disposed within the nail and configured to be non-invasively actuated by a moving magnetic field, wherein actuation of the magnetic assembly moves the transport sled along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a ribbon extending on opposing sides of the transport sled and substantially covering the longitudinal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
  • Patent number: RE49071
    Abstract: A golf club includes a club head having a volume of greater than about 360 cm3 and a mass less than 200 g. A shaft attachable to the club head has a tip end, a butt end, and a shaft balance point distance, BPs, as measured from the butt end, of no more than 19 inches. And the golf club has a mass less than 300 g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Dustin J. Brekke, Jeff D. Brunski, Matthew R. Daraskavich, Samuel G. Lacey, Nathaniel J. Radcliffe, Brian D. Schielke
  • Patent number: RE49138
    Abstract: A spinal device including a variable-length member including a ratchet mechanism that has an operative configuration that allows a change in length of the variable-length member in one direction and prevents a change in length of the variable-length member in an opposite direction, wherein the variable-length member includes polyaxial-joint attachment members for attachment to bone, which permit pivoting movement of the attachment members about more than one pivoting axis, characterized by a force applicator operative to adjust or advance the ratchet mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: ApiFix Ltd.
    Inventor: Uri Arnin
  • Patent number: RE49410
    Abstract: A compressor/distractor system for operating on a spine is disclosed. The system includes two rod reducers which each advance a spinal rod into the shoulder portion of a pedicle screw. Each rod reducer includes an inner member, an outer member, and a pair of gripping members. Each outer member receives and advances the spinal rod into the pedicle screw. The outer member also includes a through slot which receives the proximal end of each of the pair of gripping members which may limit the longitudinal translation of the outer member with respect to the inner member. The compressor/distractor system may include a compressor/distractor device which has a compressing, a distracting, and a neutral configuration. A method for using the minimally invasive rod reducers with the compressor/distractor system to secure at least two pedicle screws in desired positions on a spinal rod is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry E. McClintock, Clint Boyd
  • Patent number: RE49472
    Abstract: A stake consists of two planar panels joined on a longitudinal axis and angularly disposed with respect to one another. Lower portions of the panels converge to a tip on the axis, and an axial tang is formed at the top of the stake. An inwardly directed flange is formed near the top of each panel, the flanges being disposed substantially in a common plane, generally perpendicular to the panels. The flanges and the tang facilitate driving of the stake into a substrate by use of a power hammer, and the driven stake resists both upward and lateral displacement. It is especially adapted for the securement of edging for restraining paving and landscaping materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: TOOLBRO INNOVATORS, LLC
    Inventors: Philip J. Bahler, Kent R. Bahler
  • Patent number: RE49586
    Abstract: Method for performing spinal correction surgery. The method includes creating at least one access opening in a patient, and implanting a plurality of anchor devices through the at least one access opening onto a plurality of corresponding vertebral bodies. Each anchor device has a channel defined therein. The method further includes disposing a tether into the channel of each of the plurality of anchor devices. A first end portion of the tether is secured to a first of the plurality of anchor devices. Additionally, the method includes translating the vertebral body corresponding to the selected anchor device using a pusher tool. Furthermore, the method includes applying a tension to the tether using a tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Shriners Hospitals For Children
    Inventors: Amer Samdani, Randal R. Betz
  • Patent number: RE49648
    Abstract: A shaving razor having a cartridge containing a razor blade coupled to a monolithic yoke. The yoke is formed from a single piece of material possibly by injection molding. The yoke has a bridge and a pair of cross pieces each coupled to the bridge by a living hinge. The cartridge is coupled to the cross pieces and spans between the cross pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Rolling Razor, Inc
    Inventor: Leon Coresh
  • Patent number: RE49667
    Abstract: Described is a new bone healing method and class of bone fixation implants that change shape once implanted so as to minimize non-healing and speed the bone healing process. The bone fixation method involves shape changing implants that continuously hold the bones in apposition so that a gap does not form. Gaps in time allow non-bony tissue to infiltrate and stop healing. Furthermore, the implants actively compress bone to increase bone mass and strength. Bone cell pressure due to compression and electrical current flow due to bone deformation act to stimulate healing. The new implant designs also provide a scaffolding to conduct bone through the implant and across the healing bone interface. The methods and designs are applicable to but not limited to use for bone screws, plates, staples, rods, cylinders and external fixation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Patent number: RE49720
    Abstract: A bone transport system includes a nail having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end configured for securing to a first portion of bone, the distal end configured for securing to a second portion of bone. The system includes a housing having a wall with a longitudinal opening extending a length along a portion thereof. The system further includes a transport sled having a length that is shorter than the length of the longitudinal opening, the transport sled configured for securing to a third portion of bone, the transport sled further configured to be moveable along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a magnetic assembly disposed within the nail and configured to be non-invasively actuated by a moving magnetic field, wherein actuation of the magnetic assembly moves the transport sled along the longitudinal opening. The system further includes a ribbon extending on opposing sides of the transport sled and substantially covering the longitudinal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Pool, Blair Walker
  • Patent number: RE49753
    Abstract: An adjustable spinal implant includes a lower body, an upper body, a locking pawl, and a locking key. The upper body and the lower body are pivotable relative to one another between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The upper body includes a locking flange that extends towards the lower body. The locking pawl is coupled to the lower body and is moveable between a locked position such that the upper and lower bodies are fixed relative to the one another and an unlocked position such that the upper and lower bodies are moveable relative to one another. The locking key is moveable between a locked state such that the locking pawl is fixed in the locked position and an unlocked state wherein the locking pawl is moveable between the locked position and the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Loubert Suddaby, Larry E. McClintock
  • Patent number: RE49771
    Abstract: A bone plate includes a first through hole extending through the plate along a first longitudinal axis from a proximal surface of the plate to a bone-facing distal surface thereof which, when the plate is placed on a target portion of bone in a desired orientation, faces the bone. An outer wall of the first through hole includes three wall sections provided with projections for receiving a screw head of a bone screw. The three wall sections are straight or convex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Beat Roth, Urs Hulliger
  • Patent number: RE49792
    Abstract: An implant device (V), such as a heart valve, for implantation in an animal body includes an annular structure and one or more elongated anchoring members deployable to a deployed condition for insertion into an animal body. The anchoring members are retractable from the deployed condition to a rolled up condition wherein the anchoring members protrude radially out from the annular structure of the device (V) to provide anchoring to a body structure (AS) of an animal. In the rolled up condition the anchoring members at least partly protrude axially of the annular structure of the device (V).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Corcym S.r.l.
    Inventors: Laura Ghione, Paolo Gaschino, Monica Francesca Achiluzzi