Patents Examined by Marcia Watkins
  • Patent number: 9498340
    Abstract: A blade-like stem of a hip joint prosthesis for anchoring in the femur, including a portion comprising a prosthesis neck on the one hand and a femur-anchoring portion tapering towards a distal end on the other hand, the lateral narrow side of which comprises a distal straight portion and a proximal arcuate portion, the straight portion extending over a length of from 60% to 75% of the total length of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG
    Inventors: Walter Moser, Alex Seidl, Dirk Wunderle
  • Patent number: 9492155
    Abstract: A securing element is intended for connecting a ligament to a bone part of a human or animal. The securing element comprises a wire or thread which is intended to be connected to the ligament. A clamping element of the securing element clamps' at least one part of the wire or thread in a releasable manner, for which purpose the clamping element comprises a first clamping part and a second clamping part. The first clamping part is provided with a conical first surface and the second clamping part is provided with a corresponding conical second surface on a side facing the first clamping part, in order for the at least one part of the ligament coupling element to be clamped between the first and second surfaces. The clamping element can be actuated from outside the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Kokbing Lo
  • Patent number: 9486333
    Abstract: A prosthetic sock for a patient to wear over a residual limb is provided. The prosthetic sock includes an inner layer configured to fit over at least a portion of the residual limb of the patient. A foam layer is disposed on an outer surface of the inner layer. The foam layer compensates for changes in shape or volume of the residual limb within the prosthetic sock by changing shape in a manner effective to maintain a secure fit between the residual limb and a prosthetic socket of a prosthetic limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben Wang, Chun Zhang, Changchun Zeng, Leslie David Kramer, Arlene Gillis
  • Patent number: 9468530
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for orthopedic implants. The implants may include a base member, such as an acetabular shell or an augment, that is configured to couple with an augment, flange cup, mounting member, or any other suitable orthopedic attachment. An implant may include abuse member that has at least two projections with a gap between the projections. The gap between the projections allows the implant to be implanted around another implanted component, such as around a bone screw of an acetabular shell. The implant may include a fixation element, such as a screw or a cement trough, on one or more projections to couple the implant to an implanted acetabular shell. The implant may also include timing marks to facilitate alignment with corresponding marks on another implanted component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Quinn, Jeffrey Joel Shea
  • Patent number: 9439765
    Abstract: Implantable devices for the surgical treatment of bone, and particularly to a bone defect at a joint region, and even more particularly at the subchondral bone level of the joint region, are disclosed. The implantable devices may be formed of a bone material, and configured to serve the dual functions of providing mechanical strength and structural integrity to the area to be treated, while also facilitating the dispersal of a flowable material in the same area. Associated delivery tools are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: ZIMMER KNEE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Charanpreet S. Bagga, Shaun B. Hanson
  • Patent number: 9414925
    Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint assembly includes a femoral component and a bearing that supports articulation of the femoral component. The assembly further includes a tibial tray. Furthermore, the assembly includes a ligament link operably coupled to the tibial tray or the femoral component via a coupling component. The ligament link extending through the other of the tibial tray or the femoral component to couple to the respective one of the femur or tibia. The ligament link extends between first and second ends and includes an outer wall defining an interior longitudinal passage portion. First and second apertures extend through the wall. The first end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a first adjustable loop, and the second end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a second adjustable loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Brian A. Uthgenannt, Kevin T. Stone
  • Patent number: 9408702
    Abstract: A tibial component for implantation at a resected tibia. The tibial component includes a medial tray, a lateral tray, and a connection member between the medial tray and the lateral tray. A first fastener extends from the medial tray to the connection member along a first pivot axle to pivotably couple the medial tray to the connection member. A second fastener is spaced apart from the first fastener and extends from the lateral tray to the connection member along a second pivot axle to pivotably couple the lateral tray to the connection member. The medial tray and the lateral tray are configured to pivot independently of one another with respect to the connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Metzger
  • Patent number: 9408723
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device for connecting an implant system anchored in bone with an external prosthesis component, such as a limb prosthesis, prosthetic knee elbow or finger. The connection device includes a main housing, a first attachment portion arranged for attachment to the implant system and a second attachment portion arranged for attachment to the prosthesis component. It further includes a safety mechanism to protect the implant system from high mechanical forces, including rotational forces and or bending forces. According to one aspect of the invention the safety mechanism includes a rotational force release mechanism. This includes a first component including a ring unit having an inner surface with at least one depression and a second component includes at least one plunge unit urged into contact with said the depression by said spring means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Integrum AB
    Inventors: Rickard Brånemark, Birger Roos, Erik Ax
  • Patent number: 9393131
    Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Christopher O. Evans, N. Christopher Perry, Dirk Albertus van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, John Matthew Kerwin, Stewart M. Coulter, Stanley B. Smith, III, Keith David Violette, Steven W. Nickson, Thomas S. Schnellinger, Alexander H. Muller, Gerald Michael Guay
  • Patent number: 9393123
    Abstract: Total joint replacements for implants include a first member configured to attach to a first bone, a second member configured to reside in an adjacent second bone and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to (i) lock the first and second members in alignment for full extension or other defined stabilized configuration and (ii) unlock to allow the first and second members to pivot relative to each other for flexion or bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignees: Clemson University Research Foundation, University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Eric Montgomery Lucas, John David DesJardins, Kim John Chillag, Frank Richard Voss
  • Patent number: 9387084
    Abstract: A knee prosthesis that includes a tibial component and femoral component. The tibial component includes an articular surface, a posterior portion and an anterior portion. The posterior portion includes a recess for receipt of a posterior cruciate ligament. The anterior portion includes a post extending therefrom. The post includes a posterior surface. The femoral component includes a condylar portion and an intercondylar portion. The intercondylar portion includes a posterior recess for receipt of the posterior cruciate ligament, a cam, and an engagement recess for receipt of the post. The cam includes a sliding surface and is disposed between the engagement recess and posterior recess. The sliding surface of the cam slides along the posterior surface of the post for restricting anterior subluxation of a femur bone when the articular surface and the condylar portion articulates through flexion of a knee joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Masini, Evan Leibowitz
  • Patent number: 9381091
    Abstract: An implant for fixation of first and second bones having a body with first and second axially spaced ends and an outer surface at least nominally matched to a tapered surface around a receptacle formed by rotating a cutting element around an axis. As the body is advanced along the central axis into an operative position within the receptacle, the body outer surface and tapered surface cooperate to cause the central and second axes to consistently substantially align. A plurality of openings in the body each accepts a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: TRIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Gary J. Schmidt, Jamie Riley
  • Patent number: 9358138
    Abstract: Prosthetic liners, prosthetic sockets and prosthetic suspension sleeves, as well as orthotic components, having enhanced thermally conductivity and/or enhanced heat absorption capabilities. Such components may be used in various combinations to create assemblies and systems that are operative to better transfer heat away from and/or absorb heat produced by residual or intact limbs of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: The Ohio Willow Wood Company
    Inventors: Christopher T. Kelley, Michael L. Haynes
  • Patent number: 9351853
    Abstract: A stable shock absorbing prosthetic foot that transfers energy between heel strike and toe-off. A toe plate is separated from one or more other plates by a bumper assembly located at each of the toe end and heel end of the foot. Certain embodiments of the shock absorbing foot of the present invention are designed for use with a prosthetic ankle. A torsion adapter may also be used to attach a prosthetic foot of the present invention to the remainder of a prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: The Ohio Willow Wood Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Doddroe, Charles R. Flora, Lonnie L. Nolt, James M. Colvin
  • Patent number: 9345581
    Abstract: The present teachings provide a modular glenoid prosthesis for replacing a portion of the anatomy. The prosthesis can comprise a platform having a coupling portion, a base and a central bore that extends from the coupling portion through the base. The central bore can define a tapered region, and the coupling portion can include a plurality of bores. The prosthesis can include a glenoid component having a plurality of pegs. Each of the plurality of pegs can be coupled to a respective one of the plurality of bores. The prosthesis can include a glenosphere including a tapered stem couplable to the tapered region. The glenoid component and the glenosphere are selectively couplable to the platform for replacing the portion of the anatomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: BIOMET MANUFACTURING, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan A. Winslow, Clinton E. Kehres, Benjamin I. Joseph, Bryce A. Isch, Russell F. Warren
  • Patent number: 9339376
    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: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Renew Group Private Limited
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Clayton
  • Patent number: 9339354
    Abstract: A membrane for alveolar bone regeneration to guide bone generation by adapting to a bone graft material, which fills a bone defect area, includes a central hole through which an implant is inserted into an alveolar bone, wherein the membrane includes: a coupling part to couple the membrane with the implant; a side bending part that is downwardly bent from the coupling part to have an overall curved shape with a gentle slope; and lateral covering parts that protrude from edges of the side bending part and are bent and curved toward an alveolar bone defect area, wherein the side bending part and the lateral covering parts are pre-formed in three-dimensions to fit a final shape of the alveolar bone that is to be regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: OSSTEMIMPLANT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Hoon Moon, Si Young Jung, Tae Gwan Eom, Kyoo Ok Choi
  • Patent number: 9333096
    Abstract: A prosthetic limb includes a plurality of extendable segments configured to adjust the length of the prosthetic limb. Also included is a first end assembly operatively coupled to the plurality of extendable segments, wherein the first end assembly is radially adjustable to manipulate the thickness of the prosthetic limb. Further included is a second end assembly operatively coupled to the plurality of extendable segments, wherein the second end assembly is radially adjustable to manipulate the thickness of the prosthetic limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Jonathan Michael Perez de Alderete, Erin Elizabeth Keaney, Brendan Charles Donoghue
  • Patent number: 9295567
    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: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: OSSUR hf
    Inventors: Egill Sveinbjorn Egilsson, Sigurdur Asgeirsson
  • Patent number: 9289316
    Abstract: A prosthetic joint device includes a foot portion and a main body pivotally coupled to the foot portion at a first joint. A first compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A first clutch is coupled to the first compliant member. An actuator is coupled to the first clutch to lock and unlock the first clutch and engage and disengage the first compliant member. A control system is coupled to the actuator to control the actuator based on a gait activity. The first clutch is locked to engage the first compliant member. A second compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A sensor is coupled to the prosthetic joint device to measure a physical state of the prosthetic joint device. The engagement and disengagement of the first compliant member is timed based on the physical state of the prosthetic joint device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SpringActive, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Ward, Robert Holgate, Kevin Hollander