Patents by Inventor Nathan E. Belcher

Nathan E. Belcher 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: 10159498
    Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a femoral implant having a non-custom internal bone engagement surface. The femoral implant includes at least nine parameters adjusted preoperatively to correspond to a specific patient. The parameters can include patient-specific lengths, such as, for example, medial and lateral condyle widths and notch height, and patient-specific medial and lateral angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Brian A. Uthgenannt, Robert Metzger, Nathan E. Belcher, Joshua B. Catanzarite
  • Patent number: 9770345
    Abstract: A method for preparing a femur for receiving a prosthesis. The method includes the following: fixing a femoral trial component to the femur; coupling a reamer bushing relative to the femoral trial component; reaming a cavity into the femur using the reamer bushing as a guide; coupling at least one of a modular femoral box trial and a stem adapter relative to the femoral trial component; trialing the femoral trial component with the articulating surface of the femoral trial component; and performing the coupling of the reamer bushing, the reaming of the cavity, the coupling of the at least one of the modular femoral box trial and stem adapter, and the trialing of the femoral trial component all while the femoral trial component remains fixed to the distal femur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan E. Belcher, Bradley T. Durcholz
  • Patent number: 9480490
    Abstract: A device for an orthopedic knee procedure. The device includes a tibial drill guide having a body portion and first and second posts extending from the body portion, the first post shorter in length than the second post. The device includes a patient-specific tibial alignment guide including a body with an inner anatomy-engaging surface shaped to closely conform and mate with a corresponding tibial joint surface. The first and second guiding receptacles define first and second inner channels sized and shaped to receive the first and second posts of the tibial drill guide. The first receptacle being shorter in length than the second receptacle, such that when the alignment guide is mounted on the tibial joint surface and the drill guide is mounted on the alignment guide, the first receptacle and the first post define a clearance gap between the tibia and the device for a patellar tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Nathan E. Belcher
  • Publication number: 20150351778
    Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a femoral implant having a non-custom internal bone engagement surface. The femoral implant includes at least nine parameters adjusted preoperatively to correspond to a specific patient. The parameters can include patient-specific lengths, such as, for example, medial and lateral condyle widths and notch height, and patient-specific medial and lateral angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Brian A. Uthgenannt, Robert Metzger, Nathan E. Belcher, Joshua B. Catanzarite
  • Patent number: 9173661
    Abstract: A patient-specific guiding system for guiding an instrument relative to a portion of an anatomical feature of a patient. The patient-specific guiding system includes a patient-specific guide. The guide includes a first portion having a first patient-specific inner surface that conforms to a first surface of the anatomical feature and an outer surface opposite the first patient-specific inner surface. The first portion also includes a guide surface for use in guiding the instrument relative to the anatomical feature. The guide also includes a second portion having a second patient-specific inner surface that conforms to a second surface of the anatomical feature and an outer surface opposite the second patient-specific inner surface. The second portion is removably connected to the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Ryan J. Schoenefeld, Nathan E. Belcher, Brian A. Uthgenannt
  • Publication number: 20150157472
    Abstract: A method for preparing a femur for receiving a prosthesis. The method includes the following: fixing a femoral trial component to the femur; coupling a reamer bushing relative to the femoral trial component; reaming a cavity into the femur using the reamer bushing as a guide; coupling at least one of a modular femoral box trial and a stem adapter relative to the femoral trial component; trialing the femoral trial component with the articulating surface of the femoral trial component; and performing the coupling of the reamer bushing, the reaming of the cavity, the coupling of the at least one of the modular femoral box trial and stem adapter, and the trialing of the femoral trial component all while the femoral trial component remains fixed to the distal femur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Nathan E. BELCHER, Bradley T. DURCHOLZ
  • Patent number: 8906104
    Abstract: A method of assembling a knee joint prosthesis for replacing a portion of a knee joint. The method includes rotatably coupling a post to an extension portion of an insert extending from a bearing member, and coupling a femoral component for articulation on the bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan E. Belcher
  • Publication number: 20140100578
    Abstract: A device for an orthopedic knee procedure. The device includes a tibial drill guide having a body portion and first and second posts extending from the body portion, the first post shorter in length than the second post. The device includes a patient-specific tibial alignment guide including a body with an inner anatomy-engaging surface shaped to closely conform and mate with a corresponding tibial joint surface. The first and second guiding receptacles define first and second inner channels sized and shaped to receive the first and second posts of the tibial drill guide. The first receptacle being shorter in length than the second receptacle, such that when the alignment guide is mounted on the tibial joint surface and the drill guide is mounted on the alignment guide, the first receptacle and the first post define a clearance gap between the tibia and the device for a patellar tendon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert METZGER, Nathan E. Belcher
  • Publication number: 20140047695
    Abstract: A method of assembling a knee joint prosthesis for replacing a portion of a knee joint. The method includes rotatably coupling a post to an extension portion of an insert extending from a bearing member, and coupling a femoral component for articulation on the bearing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan E. Belcher
  • Patent number: 8562688
    Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis for implantation to replace a portion of a knee joint. The knee joint prosthesis includes a tibial tray and a bearing member that engages the tibial tray. The prosthesis also includes an insert with a base that is fixed to the bearing member and an extension portion that extends away from the bearing member and the tibial tray. The extension portion has an axis, and the extension portion includes a threaded portion. The prosthesis further includes a post that is rotatably coupled to the extension portion, and the post is rotatable about the axis of the extension portion relative to the insert. Furthermore, the prosthesis includes a retention member that threadably couples to the threaded portion of the insert to limit movement of the post along the axis away from the bearing member and the tibial tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan E. Belcher
  • Patent number: 8480751
    Abstract: A prosthesis system for replacing a knee joint between a femur and a tibia can include a first femoral component including a first condylar portion, a second condylar portion, a first sidewall extending superiorly from the first condylar portion and a second sidewall offset from the first sidewall a first distance and extending superiorly from the second condylar portion. A tibial component can have a bone engaging inferior surface and a bearing engaging superior surface. A bearing can have an inferior surface that engages the bearing engaging surface and a superior femoral engaging surface. The bearing can define an opening and a bearing keyway. A first yoke and a second yoke can each have an inferior portion, a superior portion, and a yoke keyway extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, David R. Brown, Brian M. May, Audra Watson, Nathan E. Belcher
  • Patent number: 8473305
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant manufacturing method. The method includes preparing a pre-operative surgical plan for a specific patient, the surgical plan including a three-dimensional image of a patient's joint indicating at least one resection plane, communicating the surgical plan to a surgeon of the patient, and receiving approval of the surgical plan and the resection plane by the surgeon. The method also includes providing automated osteophyte/protrusion removal control for surgeon manipulation, receiving a modified three-dimensional image of a patient's joint indicating an osteophyte/protrusion removal and a recommendation for a corresponding selected orthopedic implant from the surgeon, and requesting manufacture of the selected orthopedic implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Nathan E. Belcher, Robert Metzger, Joshua B. Catanzarite
  • Patent number: 8407067
    Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a femoral implant having a non-custom internal bone engagement surface. The femoral implant includes at least nine parameters adjusted preoperatively to correspond to a specific patient. The parameters can include patient-specific lengths, such as, for example, medial and lateral condyle widths and notch height, and patient-specific medial and lateral angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Brian A. Uthgenannt, Robert Metzger, Nathan E. Belcher, Joshua B. Catanzarite
  • Patent number: 8328873
    Abstract: A prosthesis system for replacing a knee joint between a femur and a tibia can include a femoral component, a tibial component, a bearing, a first yoke, and a first key. The femoral component can include a first condylar portion, a second condylar portion, a first sidewall extending superiorly from the first condylar portion, a second sidewall extending superiorly from the second condylar portion where the first and second sidewalls collectively comprise a first hinge portion. The tibial component can have a bone engaging inferior surface and a bearing engaging superior surface. The bearing can have an inferior that engages the bearing engaging surface and a superior femoral engaging surface. The bearing can define an opening. The first yoke can have an inferior portion, a superior portion and a yoke keyway extending through the therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, David R. Brown, Brian M. May, Audra Watson, Nathan E. Belcher
  • Publication number: 20120296438
    Abstract: A prosthesis system for replacing a knee joint between a femur and a tibia can include a first femoral component including a first condylar portion, a second condylar portion, a first sidewall extending superiorly from the first condylar portion and a second sidewall offset from the first sidewall a first distance and extending superiorly from the second condylar portion. A tibial component can have a bone engaging inferior surface and a bearing engaging superior surface. A bearing can have an inferior surface that engages the bearing engaging surface and a superior femoral engaging surface. The bearing can define an opening and a bearing keyway. A first yoke and a second yoke can each have an inferior portion, a superior portion, and a yoke keyway extending therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: BIOMET MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, David R. Brown, Brian M. May, Audra Watson, Nathan E. Belcher
  • Patent number: 8170641
    Abstract: A method of imaging a body part of a patient can include acquiring a first, second and third sets of image data from a first, second and third anatomical reference areas. The first, second and third sets of image data can then be compiled to produce a legend of the body part. The legend can have positional information of the first, second and third anatomical reference areas. A fourth, fifth and sixth sets of image data of the first, second and anatomical reference areas can be acquired. The fourth, fifth and sixth sets of image data can have increased image information relative to the first, second and third sets of image data, respectively. The locations of the fourth, fifth and sixth sets of image data relative to the first, second and third sets of image data can be correlated using the legend to determine a characteristic of the body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Nathan E. Belcher
  • Patent number: 8163028
    Abstract: A prosthesis for replacing a knee joint between a femur and a tibia can include a femoral component having a first condylar portion, a second condylar portion, a first sidewall and a second sidewall that collectively comprise a first hinge portion. A tibial component can have a first engagement portion formed thereon. A bearing can have an articulating inferior surface adapted to articulate along the bearing. The bearing can have an opening. A yoke can have an inferior portion and superior portion, the superior portion having an axle that comprises a second hinge portion. The inferior portion can have a second engagement portion and be configured to at least partially pass through the opening. The femoral component is operable to rotate relative to the tibial component about a superior/inferior axis a first rotational distance until the first and second engagement portions engage each other and inhibit further rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Audra Watson, Nathan E. Belcher
  • Patent number: 8152853
    Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis for implantation to replace a portion of a knee joint. The knee joint prosthesis includes a tibial tray and a bearing member that engages the tibial tray. The prosthesis also includes an insert with a base that is fixed to the bearing member and an extension portion that extends away from the bearing member and the tibial tray. The extension portion has an axis, and the extension portion includes a threaded portion. The prosthesis further includes a post that is rotatably coupled to the extension portion, and the post is rotatable about the axis of the extension portion relative to the insert. Furthermore, the prosthesis includes a retention member that threadably couples to the threaded portion of the insert to limit movement of the post along the axis away from the bearing member and the tibial tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Nathan E. Belcher
  • Publication number: 20120029648
    Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis for implantation to replace a portion of a knee joint. The knee joint prosthesis includes a tibial tray and a bearing member that engages the tibial tray. The prosthesis also includes an insert with a base that is fixed to the bearing member and an extension portion that extends away from the bearing member and the tibial tray. The extension portion has an axis, and the extension portion includes a threaded portion. The prosthesis further includes a post that is rotatably coupled to the extension portion, and the post is rotatable about the axis of the extension portion relative to the insert. Furthermore, the prosthesis includes a retention member that threadably couples to the threaded portion of the insert to limit movement of the post along the axis away from the bearing member and the tibial tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: BIOMET MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventor: Nathan E. Belcher
  • Publication number: 20100324692
    Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a femoral implant having a non-custom internal bone engagement surface. The femoral implant includes at least nine parameters adjusted preoperatively to correspond to a specific patient. The parameters can include patient-specific lengths, such as, for example, medial and lateral condyle widths and notch height, and patient-specific medial and lateral angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Brian A. Uthgenannt, Robert Metzger, Nathan E. Belcher, Joshua B. Catanzarite