Patents Assigned to Materialise, N.V.
  • Patent number: 10384263
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a hybrid support system for supporting an object formed by three dimensional printing. In some embodiments, a hybrid support system includes one or more volume support structures, a first volume support structure of the one or more volume support structures being coupled to a base plate and to a first portion of the object. The hybrid support system further includes a partially solidified support structure coupled to a second portion of the object. The hybrid support system further includes one or more reinforcement support structures, a first reinforcement support structure of the one or more reinforcement support structures being coupled to the base plate and to at least one of a portion of the partially solidified support structure and a third portion of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Tom Craeghs, Gerald Eggers, Tom Cluckers
  • Patent number: 10373328
    Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting shape are provided. A system for predicting shape can include a database, a training analysis module, a subject analysis module, and a prediction module. The database can store two sets of training models characterized by first and second parameters, respectively (e.g., bone and cartilage), as well as a subject model characterized by the first parameter (e.g., a bone model). The relationships between these models can be determined by a training analysis module and a subject module. Based on these relationships, the prediction module can generate a predicted shape characterized by the second parameter (e.g., a predicted cartilage model corresponding to the bone model).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Maes, Tom Cluckers, Joris Van Deun
  • Patent number: 10343389
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method for supporting an object made by means of stereo lithography or any other rapid prototype production method. The generation of the support begins by determining the region that requires support in each layer of the object and defines a number of support points in this region. In a next step, a support mesh is generated connected to the object using these support points. The present invention also discloses different techniques that reduce superfluous edges to further optimize the support mesh. Finally, a support is generated from this support mesh. The present invention may facilitate the generation of supports data by employing more automation and less user analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Gerald Eggers, Kurt Renap
  • Patent number: 10331111
    Abstract: Embodiments of this application relate to systems and methods which allow for 3-D printed objects, such as eyeglasses and wristwatches, for example, to be customized by users according to modification specifications that are defined and constrained by manufacturers. These modification specifications may be constrained by the manufacturers based on factors relating to the printability of a modified design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Tom Cluckers, Jan Maes
  • Patent number: 10231745
    Abstract: The present application relates to adaptive surface surgical guiding apparatuses. A surgical guiding apparatus may include one or more rigid portions configured to attach to a first region of an underlying anatomical surface. The surgical guiding apparatus may further include a variable deformable portion coupled to the one or more rigid portions, the variable deformable portion configured to conform to a shape of a second region of the underlying anatomical surface to provide a stable attachment of the surgical guiding apparatus to the underlying anatomical surface. The present disclosure further provides methods for manufacturing surgical guiding apparatuses and uses of the apparatuses for placement onto an underlying anatomical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Benjamin Geebelen, Louis Keppler, Dries Vandecruys
  • Patent number: 10231847
    Abstract: The implant fixation systems disclosed herein include an implant manufactured with, or coupled to, one or more implant fixation devices used to secure the implant to bone. Various implant fixation device embodiments have an engagement element with a concave engagement tip, a guiding element defining a planned trajectory along which the engagement element is configured to move, and an adjustment element configured to move the engagement element along the planned trajectory. Moving the engagement element along the planned trajectory causes the concave engagement tip to enter a bone in a first position and rotate within the bone to a second position. Continuing to move the engagement element along the planned trajectory may cause the concave engagement tip to undergo translational movement from the second position to a third position, thereby pulling the implant towards the bone and exerting compression forces on the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Benjamin Geebelen, Nils Faber
  • Patent number: 10052217
    Abstract: Orthotic and prosthetic devices having integrated features such as cushioning features are described, as well as methods for computer aided designing and making of these devices. The orthotic or prosthetic devices comprise a cushioning layer superimposed onto an orthotic or prosthetic shell, the cushioning layer comprising an array (35) of discrete solid and resilient cushioning elements (31). In one preferred embodiment, the cushioning structure is a beam, defined around a centerline of any arbitrary shape. In another preferred embodiment, the cushioning structure has the shape of a spiral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventor: Jari Heikki Petteri Pallari
  • Patent number: 10010431
    Abstract: Customized surgical guide for guiding a bone implant to a predetermined location on the bone during a surgical procedure, wherein the guide comprises a body comprising at least one implant contacting surface and at least one patient specific bone contacting surface, wherein the implant contacting surface is arranged to contact the implant for ensuring a unique and stable fit between the guide and the implant, and wherein the bone contacting surface is arranged to contact the bone for ensuring a unique and stable fit of a combination of the guide and the implant on the predetermined location on the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Koen Eraly, Frederik Gelaude, Nadia Van Geel, Jan Demol
  • Patent number: 9977993
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for constructing a statistical shape model from a set of training shapes. In one embodiment, two shapes in the training set can be parameterized to a common base domain. Correspondence between the shapes can be evaluated using shape-specific data, such as, for the case of anatomical shapes, anatomical curves and/or anatomical landmarks. In evaluating correspondence, the shape-specific data about the second shape can be mapped to the shape-specific data about the first shape, and the mapping can be optimized based at least in part on a deformation energy of the mapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventor: Joris Van Deun
  • Patent number: 9925049
    Abstract: The invention relates to surgical guides which are of use during reconstructive bone surgery for guiding a surgical instrument or tool. More particularly, the guides are characterized in that they are fitted to the implant rather than to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Simon Goldstein, Maarten Depuydt, Frederik Gelaude
  • Patent number: 9808261
    Abstract: The invention relates to surgical guides which are of use during reconstructive bone surgery for guiding a surgical instrument or tool. More particularly, the guides are characterized in that they are fitted to the implant rather than to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Frederik Gelaude, Tim Clijmans
  • Patent number: 9339281
    Abstract: The present application relates to surgical guiding tools that may be used for guiding a surgical instrument during bone surgery. A surgical guiding tool may include a body including one or more clamps configured to attach the surgical guiding tool to one or more portions of the bone, wherein a first clamp of the one or more clamps includes a snap-fit portion including a flexible structure for increasing a clamping force of the first clamp and allowing ease of removal of the surgical guiding tool from the bone. The surgical guiding tool may further include at least one aperture for guiding a surgical instrument. The present application further provides methods for manufacturing surgical guiding tools and uses of the tools for placement onto a bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Louis Keppler, Nele Daeman, Katerina Nikonenko
  • Patent number: 9289221
    Abstract: The application provides patient-specific surgical guides for positioning onto a glenoid of a patient, comprising two or more patient-specific positioning elements, each comprising a patient-specific surface which conforms with at least part of one or more features of the bone on or around the glenoid, and wherein the combination of these patient-specific positioning elements ensures a secure fit of the device when positioned onto the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Frederik Gelaude, Koen Eraly
  • Patent number: 9283078
    Abstract: Methods are provided for generating intraluminal prosthetic implants designed to fit onto specific anatomical locations within regions which are stable in terms of their motion in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Toon Roels, Peter Verschueren
  • Patent number: 9198760
    Abstract: The invention relates to guiding instruments (1) for guiding an acetabular cup implant as well as to impactors (13) for press-fitting an acetabular cup implant, both of which are of use during reconstructive joint surgery, more specifically during reconstructive hip joint surgery. The guiding instruments are characterized in that they fit onto an acetabular cup implant (8) and are designed to fit onto specific areas of the pelvic bone ensuring a unique fit on the bone. The impactors are characterized in that a fixation element (15) is connected to the stem (14) of the impactor by a ball joint. The invention also relates to combined guiding and fitting elements for an acetabular cup implant, comprising a guiding instrument and an impactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventor: Benjamin Geebelen
  • Patent number: 8984731
    Abstract: The application provides methods for providing a surgical guide for placement on an anatomical part wherein the guide is provided with one or more dedicated push features that can be used as pressure points for applying force onto the surgical guide. The application further provides guides comprising one or more push features which can be used as a pressure point for applying force onto said guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Joyce Van Den Broeck, Nele Daemen, Katerina Nikonenko, Maryna Stepanenko
  • Patent number: 8939982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for validating the correct position of a patient-specific device on a chosen anatomy of the human body as well as such patient-specific devices. More specifically, the devices are provided with a fitting tool which allows in alignment of the patient-specific device with one or more predetermined patient-specific landmarks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventor: Karim Chellaoui
  • Patent number: 8852198
    Abstract: The present invention provides surgical guiding tools for surgery on a bone head comprising a cutting component, a guiding component and a collar comprising a patient-specific component, which are interconnected and which ensure secure and accurate placement of the guiding tool and thus guarantee accurate implementation of the pre-operative planning of the surgical intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Karla De Smedt, Frederik Gelaude, Tim Clijmans
  • Patent number: D747480
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Benjamin Geebelen, Nils Faber
  • Patent number: D747481
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Materialise N.V.
    Inventors: Benjamin Geebelen, Nils Faber