Patents by Inventor Ralph Fritz Zwirnmann

Ralph Fritz Zwirnmann 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).

  • Publication number: 20220110829
    Abstract: A modular syringe assembly can include: a tubular syringe barrel having a proximal end and a distal end, the tubular syringe barrel defining a longitudinal axis; a plunger slidable within the tubular syringe barrel; and a cap assembly including a stopper portion and a Luer tip, the stopper portion receivable in the distal end of the tubular syringe barrel, the stopper portion defining a vent window. The cap assembly can be slidable within the tubular syringe barrel along the longitudinal axis between a sealed position where the vent window is covered by the tubular syringe barrel to prevent venting between the cap assembly and the tubular syringe barrel, and a vented position where the vent window forms a vent between the cap assembly and the tubular syringe barrel. Other features and methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Ralph Fritz Zwirnmann, Matthew Piserchio, Emma Richard
  • Patent number: 8197481
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable self drilling tap assembly and method for drilling and tapping bores in bone for use in orthopedic procedures to treat bone. The adjustable length tap assembly includes a shaft having cutting threads for drilling holes in bone, a stop collar configured and dimensioned to be translatable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a locking collar comprising a member configured and dimensioned to be received over at least a portion of the stop collar. The locking collar preferably is configured and dimensioned to engage with the stop collar to adjustably set the effective length for the cutting threads and to prevent movement of the stop collar along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventor: Ralph Fritz Zwirnmann
  • Patent number: 8052691
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for attaching fixation elements to bone, having a longitudinal member with a channel extending therein adapted for receiving at least one fixation element. A shaft extends within the channel and is positioned coaxially within at least a portion of the longitudinal member and at least a portion of the shaft is retained within the longitudinal member and a distal end of the shaft is configured and adapted to contact at least a portion of the fixation element received within the longitudinal member. A spring is positioned adjacent the shaft for resiliently biasing the shaft in an axial direction and the shaft is moveable with respect to the longitudinal member to drive the fixation element into bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Fritz Zwirnmann, Michael C. Chen
  • Publication number: 20090275949
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable self drilling tap assembly and method for drilling and tapping bores in bone for use in orthopedic procedures to treat bone. The adjustable length tap assembly includes a shaft having cutting threads for drilling holes in bone, a stop collar configured and dimensioned to be translatable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a locking collar comprising a member configured and dimensioned to be received over at least a portion of the stop collar. The locking collar preferably is configured and dimensioned to engage with the stop collar to adjustably set the effective length for the cutting threads and to prevent movement of the stop collar along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Ralph Fritz Zwirnmann
  • Patent number: 7569058
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable self drilling tap assembly and method for drilling and tapping bores in bone for use in orthopedic procedures to treat bone. The adjustable length tap assembly includes a shaft having cutting threads for drilling holes in bone, a stop collar configured and dimensioned to be translatable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a locking collar comprising a member configured and dimensioned to be received over at least a portion of the stop collar. The locking collar preferably is configured and dimensioned to engage with the stop collar to adjustably set the effective length for the cutting threads and to prevent movement of the stop collar along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventor: Ralph Fritz Zwirnmann
  • Patent number: 6951562
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable self drilling tap assembly and method for drilling and tapping bores in bone for use in orthopedic procedures to treat bone. The adjustable length tap assembly includes a shaft having cutting threads for drilling holes in bone, a stop collar configured and dimensioned to be translatable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a locking collar comprising a member configured and dimensioned to be received over at least a portion of the stop collar. The locking collar preferably is configured and dimensioned to engage with the stop collar to adjustably set the effective length for the cutting threads and to prevent movement of the stop collar along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Ralph Fritz Zwirnmann
  • Publication number: 20040092940
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable self drilling tap assembly and method for drilling and tapping bores in bone for use in orthopedic procedures to treat bone. The adjustable length tap assembly includes a shaft having cutting threads for drilling holes in bone, a stop collar configured and dimensioned to be translatable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a locking collar comprising a member configured and dimensioned to be received over at least a portion of the stop collar. The locking collar preferably is configured and dimensioned to engage with the stop collar to adjustably set the effective length for the cutting threads and to prevent movement of the stop collar along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph Fritz Zwirnmann
  • Publication number: 20030125750
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for attaching fixation elements to bone, having a longitudinal member with a channel extending therein adapted for receiving at least one fixation element. A shaft extends within the channel and is positioned coaxially within at least a portion of the longitudinal member and at least a portion of the shaft is retained within the longitudinal member and a distal end of the shaft is configured and adapted to contact at least a portion of the fixation element received within the longitudinal member. A spring is positioned adjacent the shaft for resiliently biasing the shaft in an axial direction and the shaft is moveable with respect to the longitudinal member to drive the fixation element into bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Ralph Fritz Zwirnmann, Michael C. Chen