Patents by Inventor Christopher Rast

Christopher Rast has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11399953
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Publication number: 20200030115
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Patent number: 10470893
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Patent number: 9782268
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Mueller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Publication number: 20170266018
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Patent number: 9724206
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Muller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jorg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Patent number: 9724183
    Abstract: A surgical method is provided, the method including the steps of: providing an artificial or allograft flexible planar structure; providing an implant, the implant including material liquefiable by mechanical oscillation, exposing a surface region of hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material; positioning the implant on an exposed area of the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material; and fastening the implant to the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material by impinging the proximal end of the implant with mechanical oscillation and simultaneously pressing the implant against the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material while the distal end of the implant protrudes into a cavity of the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material and regions of the liquefiable material are in contact with the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material, and thereby liquefying at least a portion of the liquefiable material, and letting the liquefiable material resolidify.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Urs Weber, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Christopher Rast, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani
  • Publication number: 20160135961
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Patent number: 9301790
    Abstract: A device and method for fixation of bone fractures has a bone screw comprising a shank with a threaded end portion, on the outer surface. The screw has a through bore with two bore portions differing in diameter. A step in the diameter is formed between these bore portions and is located within the end of the screw having the thread. This step in diameter can support a metal insert which in turn supports a polymer pin when the latter if pressurized with a sonotrode in the bone screw. Together with an applied ultrasonic vibration the pressure fluidizes the polymer pin and presses the material through holes configured in the wall of the bone screw and into surrounding bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: Woodwelding AG, Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Klaus Dorawa, Manuel Schwager, Christopher Rast, Marcel Aeschlimann, Philipp Seiler
  • Publication number: 20160058579
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Mueller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Publication number: 20150196378
    Abstract: A surgical method is provided, the method including the steps of: providing an artificial or allograft flexible planar structure; providing an implant, the implant including material liquefiable by mechanical oscillation, exposing a surface region of hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material; positioning the implant on an exposed area of the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material; and fastening the implant to the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material by impinging the proximal end of the implant with mechanical oscillation and simultaneously pressing the implant against the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material while the distal end of the implant protrudes into a cavity of the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material and regions of the liquefiable material are in contact with the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material, and thereby liquefying at least a portion of the liquefiable material, and letting the liquefiable material resolidify.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Urs Weber, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Christopher Rast, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani
  • Patent number: 9017380
    Abstract: A surgical method is provided, the method including the steps of: providing an artificial or allograft flexible planar structure; providing an implant, the implant including material liquefiable by mechanical oscillation, exposing a surface region of hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material; positioning the implant on an exposed area of the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material; and fastening the implant to the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material by impinging the proximal end of the implant with mechanical oscillation and simultaneously pressing the implant against the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material while the distal end of the implant protrudes into a cavity of the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material and regions of the liquefiable material are in contact with the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material, and thereby liquefying at least a portion of the liquefiable material, and letting the liquefiable material resolidify.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Urs Weber, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Christopher Rast, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani
  • Patent number: 8911234
    Abstract: A bone implant (10) is implanted in a cavity parallel to an implant axis (l) and without substantial rotation. The implant includes, on an implant portion to be implanted, cutting edges (14), which do not extend in a common plane with the implant axis and are facing toward the distal end of the implant. The implant also includes surface ranges (16) of a material that is liquefiable by mechanical oscillations. The cutting edges (14) are dimensioned such that they are lodged in the cavity wall after implantation. For implantation, the implant is impinged with mechanical oscillations, resulting in the thermoplastic material being at least partially liquefied and pressed into unevennesses and pores of the cavity wall to form a form-fit and/or material-fit connection between implant (10) and cavity wall, when re-solidified. The cutting edges (14) anchor the implant in the cavity wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Jorg Mayer, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Christopher Rast, Andrea Muller
  • Publication number: 20140237714
    Abstract: A shower tray having a heat exchanger that is arranged beneath the shower tray for recovering heat from waste water in order to heat up clean water, wherein a first heat-exchanger surface is in contact with the waste water and a second heat-exchanger surface is in contact with the clean water, and the first heat-exchanger surface forms the floor, or part of the floor, of the shower tray. The shower tray here is produced from one metal material and, in the region of the tray floor, beneath the shower tray, a base plate made of some other metal is fastened on the tray floor, so as to form a heat-conducting connection to the tray floor is formed substantially over the entire surface of the base plate. Beneath the base plate, tubes are connected to the base plate in an integral manner. The tubes form the second heat-exchanging surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: JOULIA AG
    Inventors: Christoph Rusch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Christopher Rast, Reto Schmid, Martin Sigrist
  • Publication number: 20130345764
    Abstract: A device and method for fixation of bone fractures has a bone screw comprising a shank with a threaded end portion, on the outer surface. The screw has a through bore with two bore portions differing in diameter. A step in the diameter is formed between these bore portions and is located within the end of the screw having the thread. This step in diameter can support a metal insert which in turn supports a polymer pin when the latter if pressurized with a sonotrode in the bone screw. Together with an applied ultrasonic vibration the pressure fluidizes the polymer pin and presses the material through holes configured in the wall of the bone screw and into surrounding bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: STRYKER TRAUMA GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus Dorawa, Manuel Schwager, Christopher Rast, Marcel Aeschlimann, Philipp Seiler
  • Patent number: 8556947
    Abstract: A device and method for fixation of bone fractures has a bone screw comprising a shank with a threaded end portion, on the outer surface. The screw has a through bore with two bore portions differing in diameter. A step in the diameter is formed between these bore portions and is located within the end of the screw having the thread. This step in diameter can support a metal insert which in turn supports a polymer pin when the latter if pressurized with a sonotrode in the bone screw. Together with an applied ultrasonic vibration the pressure fluidizes the polymer pin and presses the material through holes configured in the wall of the bone screw and into surrounding bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Dorawa, Manuel Schwager, Christopher Rast, Marcel Aeschlimann, Philipp Seiler
  • Publication number: 20100023057
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue comprises two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts comprises a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations comprises a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations comprises a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying vibration, e.g. ultrasonic vibration, to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Muller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jorg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Publication number: 20070265704
    Abstract: A surgical method is provided, the method including the steps of: providing an artificial or allograft flexible planar structure; providing an implant, the implant including material liquefiable by mechanical oscillation, exposing a surface region of hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material; positioning the implant on an exposed area of the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material; and fastening the implant to the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material by impinging the proximal end of the implant with mechanical oscillation and simultaneously pressing the implant against the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material while the distal end of the implant protrudes into a cavity of the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material and regions of the liquefiable material are in contact with the hard tissue or hard tissue substitute material, and thereby liquefying at least a portion of the liquefiable material, and letting the liquefiable material resolidify.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Jorg Mayer, Urs Weber, Andrea Muller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Christopher Rast, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani
  • Publication number: 20060122543
    Abstract: For promoting tissue regeneration on wound surfaces (1) mechanical oscillation is coupled into the wound surfaces. A treatment instrument (2) coupled to an oscillation drive is brought into contact with the wound surface (1), or an implant is impinged with oscillation during and/or after being positioned in the tissue. The oscillation acts mechanically and thermally on the tissue in the region of the treated wound surface (1), and according to the intensity acts in a stimulating, traumatic, necrotic or cell-destroying manner. Therefore, biological elements inhibiting tissue regeneration are destroyed or denatured and the metabolism in the region of the wound surface is stimulated. The effect may also be a mechanical one, slightly compacting or regionally dislocating the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Applicant: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Jorg Mayer, Christopher Rast, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani
  • Publication number: 20060105295
    Abstract: A bone implant (10) is implanted in a cavity parallel to an implant axis (I) and without substantial rotation. The implant includes, on an implant portion to be implanted, cutting edges (14), which do not extend in a common plane with the implant axis and are facing toward the distal end of the implant. The implant also includes surface ranges (16) of a material that is liquefiable by mechanical oscillations. The cutting edges (14) are dimensioned such that they are lodged in the cavity wall after implantation. For implantation, the implant is impinged with mechanical oscillations, resulting in the thermoplastic material being at least partially liquefied and pressed into unevennesses and pores of the cavity wall to form a form-fit and/or material-fit connection between implant (10) and cavity wall, when re-solidified. The cutting edges (14) anchor the implant in the cavity wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Jorg Mayer, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Christopher Rast, Andrea Muller