Patents Examined by Marcia Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8123818
    Abstract: A tubular liner has an open proximal end and a closed-end distal area, and a fabric layer continuously defining an exterior surface of the liner without interruption. A polymeric layer having first and second surfaces is bonded to an interior surface of the fabric layer. A seam is formed by opposed sides of the fabric layer joined together and forming an excess portion directed toward the cavity of the liner. The excess portion is embedded in the polymeric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventors: Asmundur Bergmann Bjarnason, Sigurdur Asgeirsson
  • Patent number: 8118879
    Abstract: A keel for a prosthetic foot comprises a unitary keel body having a longitudinal axis and a length L. The keel body includes a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and an ankle portion extending therebetween. In addition, the keel comprises a first bumper disposed in a first capture cavity in the ankle portion. The first bumper has a central axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the keel body in top view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Michael T. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8097042
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a double-wall prosthetic limb socket assembly includes: (a) a first substantially rigid inner-wall socket adapted to receive a patient's residual limb; and (b) a second substantially rigid outer-wall socket seating the first inner-wall socket therein, the second outer-wall socket including, (i) a distal, circular base-plate; and (ii) a molded circumferential wall bonded to and extending proximally from the distal, circular base-plate; where the circular base-plate includes a vacuum port extending radially from a circumferential outer side of the base-plate in fluid communication with a vacuum channel extending through the circular base-plate and out through an outlet hole in a proximal side of the circular base-plate; such that when the vacuum port is coupled to a vacuum pump, the vacuum will help to draw the first inner-wall socket into the second outer-wall socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Prosthetic Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy C. Slemker, Steven Steinbarger, Robert Hoskins
  • Patent number: 8092530
    Abstract: Cartilage implant devices having oval articular ends are provided. The articular ends have a convex upper face and a concave lower face. The convex upper face has a first circular pitch radius and a first circular roll radius. The concave lower face has a first surface comprising a second circular pitch radius and a second circular roll radius, and at least two second surfaces each second surface having a third circular pitch radius and a third circular roll radius. The convex upper face blends into a rim, wherein at least a first and second portion of the rim extends at least a first distance along the vertical axis and a third and fourth portion of the rim tapers inward along the vertical axis, the rim blends into the concave lower face. The implant devices further have a stem extending from the concave lower face away from the convex upper face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: MoiRai Orthopedics, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Strzepa, Stephen D. Cook
  • Patent number: 8066778
    Abstract: An acetabular cup assembly can include a cup portion and a bearing. The cup portion can include a porous metal outer layer having a first thickness and a solid titanium inner layer having a second thickness. A mating feature can be formed between the cup portion and the bearing. The bearing can be adapted to be selectively secured to the titanium inner layer. In one example, the bearing is formed of cobalt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Jason D Meridew, Troy W Hershberger
  • Patent number: 8043375
    Abstract: Cartilage implant devices are provided herein. The implant devices have circular, or oblong, articular ends. The articular ends have a convex upper face and a concave lower face, the convex upper face blending to the concave lower face, and the concave lower face having a curvature less than the curvature of the convex upper face. The implant devices further have a stem extending from the concave lower face away from the upper face, the stem having a maximum radius at the convex lower face and tapering to lesser radius along the length of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: MoiRai Orthopaedic, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Strzepa, Stephen D. Cook
  • Patent number: 8034120
    Abstract: A suspension liner sleeve adapted to provide an interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket, and having outer and inner surfaces. The liner sleeve includes an elongate, generally conical body portion formed from at least one material segment defining the liner outer surface. The at least one material segment being at least radially elastically extensible from a relaxed non-extended condition and including proximal and distal end areas. The liner sleeve includes a layer of polymeric material disposed on the at least one material segment and defining the liner sleeve inner surface, and a plurality of resilient seal elements protruding radially from the liner sleeve outer surface. The plurality of seal elements extend around at least one peripheral portion of the liner body portion. A pair of opposed annular recesses may be adjacently located above and below each of the at least one seal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventors: Egill Sveinbjorn Egilsson, Sigurdur Asgeirsson, Jenny Ruth Hrafnsdottir, Grimur Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8012206
    Abstract: Osteochondral repair of damaged articular joint surfaces is achieved using implants in the form of cylindrical osteochondral plugs. The plugs have an articular surface formed on at least one end. If articular surfaces are provided on both ends of the implant, the articular surfaces have differently curved surfaces. The defective cartilage is removed to create a recipient socket for the implant. An implant sized to fit the recipient socket is chosen from a plurality of implants provided to the surgeon. The implants are preferably formed of a hydrogel material such as Salubria™, although metal or allograft implants can also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventor: Reinhold Schmieding
  • Patent number: 8002829
    Abstract: A prosthesis for insertion in an ear to reduce pain resulting from TMJ disorders. The ear insert has a predefined shape conforming to the shape of the ear canal when the jaw is in an open position. The ear insert supports the TMJ and associated secondary musculature to reduce strain in the TMJ area, including the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and the temporo-mandibular joint itself. The insert is hollow in the inside to permit hearing and is made of a rigid material which retains the shape of the ear canal. A scalloped indenture extends across a surface of the ear insert positioned behind the tragus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Ascentia Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Clayton
  • Patent number: 7993408
    Abstract: An orthopedic prosthesis for implantation into a bone of a patient can include a shell, an augment and a securing member. The shell can be adapted to be affixed within the bone and have an outer surface adapted to receive bone ingrowth after implantation. The shell can have an inner surface adapted to engage a liner. An elongated slot can extend between the outer and inner surfaces of the shell. The augment can define a body and have a passage therethrough. The securing member can extend through the passage and the slot. The securing member can be movable between a locked position wherein the augment is precluded from relative movement with the shell and an unlocked position wherein the securing member is adapted to slidably traverse along the slot to locate the augment at a plurality of positions relative to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Jason D. Meridew, Troy W. Hershberger
  • Patent number: 7985265
    Abstract: A prosthetic ankle and foot combination has an ankle joint mechanism constructed to allow damped rotational movement of a foot component relative to a shin component. The mechanism provides a continuous hydraulically damped range of ankle motion during walking with dynamically variable damping resistances, and with independent variation of damping resistances in the plantarflexion and dorsiflexion directions. An electronic control system coupled to the ankle joint mechanism includes at least one sensor for generating signals indicative of a kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion and/or walking environment, the mechanism and the control system being arranged such that the damping resistances effective over the range of motion of the ankle are adapted automatically in response to such signals. Single and dual piston hydraulic damping arrangements are disclosed, including arrangements allowing independent heel-height adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Chas. A. Blatchford & Sons Limited
    Inventors: David Moser, Fadi Abimosleh, Mir Saeed Zahedi, Graham Harris, Stephen Terry Lang, Andrew John Sykes
  • Patent number: 7976580
    Abstract: A first carpometacarpal joint implant. One embodiment of the invention includes proximal and distal components. The proximal component includes a fixation portion for attachment to one or more elements of a patient's distal carpal row, a ball-type joint portion cantilevered off the fixation portion, and a skid having a concave surface opposite the ball-type joint for engaging a patient's scaphoid bone. The distal component has a fixation portion for attachment to a patient's thumb metacarpal, and a socket-type joint portion that cooperates with the ball-type joint portion of the proximal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventor: Richard A. Berger
  • Patent number: 7955388
    Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus and components thereof, and kits, for connecting to bone using an anchor element configured to be anchored in bone and having a selectively bendable hinge region. In some embodiments, the system may connect the anchor element to connective tissue, a bridge member, and/or to another anchor element by bending the hinge region while the anchor element is disposed in bone, thereby connecting bone to the connective tissue or bridge member, and/or connecting bone members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Acumed LLC
    Inventors: David G. Jensen, Steven P. Horst
  • Patent number: 7922770
    Abstract: The invention presents a total knee arthroplasty endoprosthesis having: a) a femoral component with a lower-radius lateral condyle, a larger-radius medial condyle and between them, a third condyle located posteriorly, superiorly and nearest the medial side, b) a tibial component with a central protruding spigot for the rotating polyethylene insert, and c) a rotating polyethylene insert, with three cavities for articulation of the femoral condyles. For initial and moderate flexion the joint functions with load bearing onto the lateral and medial articular cavities, and in advanced and final flexion with load bearing on the third articular cavity. The advantages of this endoprosthesis are enhanced maximum flexion, improved femoral axis alignment, significant posterior stabilization, favourable accommodation of tibial rotation with consequent relief of materials and fixations, and preservation of more articular fluid for lubrication and reduction of polyethylene wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Athanasios Tsakonas
  • Patent number: 7909868
    Abstract: A gel cap is loaded on a folded flange of a voice prosthesis which is loaded on an end portion of an inserter, wherein a tip of the end portion is pressed against a valve flap of the voice prosthesis. The voice prosthesis includes a strap that is stretched for engagement with an attachment portion on the inserter. The voice prosthesis, gel cap, and inserter are inserted into the tracheoesophageal puncture. The patient then swallows fluids to cause the gel cap to dissolve to allow the esophageal flange to deploy, whereby upon deployment of the esophageal flange, the tip of the end portion of the inserter presses the valve flap open, allowing the inserter to move axially relative to the voice prosthesis until a stop collar of the inserter engages the voice prosthesis providing external visual confirmation to the user that the gel cap has dissolved and the esophageal flange has deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Helix Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Eric D. Blom
  • Patent number: 7867287
    Abstract: A hand prosthesis includes a chassis to which a number of finger prostheses are articulated. Each of the finger prostheses are movable relative to the chassis and toward one another about at least one swiveling axis via a drive that is connected to the finger prostheses by a force transmission unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Gregor Puchhammer
  • Patent number: 7867281
    Abstract: An orthopedic prosthesis comprising a first component having a soft metal bearing surface and a second component having a hard metal bearing surface, in particular a hip prosthesis comprising a spherical bearing member, a femoral stem, and a modular neck configured for interposition between the spherical bearing member and the stem, together with an acetabular implant having a concave bearing surface configured for articulation with the spherical bearing member. One of the spherical bearing member and the concave bearing surface comprises a soft metal bearing surface, the soft metal bearing surface having a hardness of at least about 20 Rc, while the other one of the spherical bearing member and the concave bearing surface comprises a hard metal bearing surface, the hard metal bearing surface having a hardness greater than the soft metal bearing surface by at least about 15 Rc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology Inc
    Inventor: Michael E. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7862622
    Abstract: A prosthetic foot having an adjustable height heel includes a frame portion with an ankle link pivotally supported on the frame portion at a first pivot axis. A detent rod is pivotally connected to the ankle at a second pivot axis, and a detent member is pivotally affixed to the frame portion at a third pivot axis. The detent member is selectively operable to receive and releasably retain a length of the detent rod therein so that the length of the detent rod extending between the second and third pivot axes may be selectably adjusted. When the length of the rod is so adjusted, the angular relationship of the frame portion and the ankle link is changed thereby changing the heel height of the foot. The detent mechanism may be activated by various means including fluidic means, mechanical means, electromechanical means, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: College Park Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Dunlap, Aaron Taszreak, Lars R. Chrisman, Michael G. Leydet, Christopher L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7862621
    Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic device (30), in particular a foot prosthesis, for fitting leg amputees, with a universal joint mechanism (32), which couples a shaft (34) with a treading attachment (40, 42) through an articulation, wherein the universal joint mechanism (32) comprises a joint element (44) supported such that it is rotatable about a first rotational axis (C) and a second rotational axis (D) differing therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Ralf Kloos, Armin Grab, Julia Grunwald, Urs Schneider, Kai Von Lübtow
  • Patent number: 7833287
    Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle having an adjustable range of articulation and a method of adjusting the range of articulation of such an ankle. A lower leg connection component extends from the receiving cavity of a prosthetic foot connection component. The remainder of the receiving cavity is substantially filled with an elastomeric material. An interchangeable external bearing resides atop a portion of the elastomeric material and includes an aperture through which a portion of the lower leg connection component passes. By exchanging an installed external bearing for an external bearing having an aperture of different size, the limits of movement of the lower leg connection component can be altered and the overall range of articulation of the ankle adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Ohio Willow Wood Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Doddroe, Lonnie L. Nolt