Patents Assigned to Zimmer
  • DENTAL IMPLANT DEVICES, KITS, AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20130011814
    Abstract: Dental implant devices, kits, and methods for implantation or use in a bone cavity, are disclosed. A dental implant can include a body portion, extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis, including a central bore extending from the proximal end to a termination point, located proximal of the distal end. The dental implant can further include and one or more channels extending between the central bore and an exterior surface of the body portion. A kit can include a set of different sized dental implants, a set of slugs including a resorbable material, and optionally, an injection tool. A method can include inserting the dental implant into a bone cavity, introducing a resorbable material into the central bore of the body portion, and permitting the resorbable material to flow from the central bore, through the one or more channels, and into the bone cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Zimmer Dental, Inc.
    Inventor: Suneel Ranga Sai Battula
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUGMENTING THE POSTERIOR ASPECT OF A FEMORAL KNEE JOINT PROSTHESIS COMPONENT
    Publication number: 20130013077
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a femoral component having an anterior flange and a condyle opposite the anterior flange. The condyle can be augmented by a femoral posterior augment. The femoral posterior augment is securable to the condyle by a fastener which is actuated to a securement position by a rotatable driver which does not contact the anterior flange through rotation of the driver sufficient to actuate the fastener to secure the femoral augment to the condyle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Dianne S. Metzger, Dwight T. Todd, Ian R. Vaughan
  • POLYAXIAL PEDICLE SCREW WITH INCREASED ANGULATION
    Publication number: 20130013004
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchor including a housing and a bone screw. A bottom surface of the housing includes an aperture that defines an angulation limit of the bone screw for each azimuthal angle around a longitudinal axis of the housing. The aperture is V-shaped, with the V-shape having converging side walls that define a low-angulation direction near their intersection and a high-angulation direction opposite the low-angulation direction. In some cases, the angulation limit of the bone screw is generally constant over a range of azimuthal angles centered around the high-angulation direction. The housing may be modular, including tabs on one component that are plastically deformed to engage a lip on another component. During assembly, a mandrel advances longitudinally along a bore in the housing, and forces the tabs radially outward toward the lip to a radially outward plastically deformed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Hugh D. Hestad, Jack A. Dant, Eric J. Lundequam, Eric P. Jerke, Deborah L. Hoch
  • Shock-absorbing intervertebral implant
    Patent number: 8349016
    Abstract: The invention relates to an intervertebral implant comprising a spacer designed to be applied between two spinous processes of two vertebrae. The spacer comprises: two elements (10, 12) made of a first material, and each presenting a first end (10a, 12a) and a second end (10b, 12b), said first end (10a, 12a) being securable to a spinous process; and a connection piece (14) made of a second material of greater elastic deformability than said first material, said connection piece interconnecting said second ends (10b, 12b) of said two elements (10, 12) so that the stresses that are exerted on said two elements (10, 12) are damped, and said connection piece enabling said intervertebral implant to limit and brake the relative movements of said vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine
    Inventors: Regis Le Couedic, Jacques Senegas
  • Procedure specific storage block for holding implant containers and surgical tools
    Patent number: 8342841
    Abstract: A storage device is provided for holding bone implant surgery articles. The storage device includes a body defining a plurality of openings capable of holding at least one rotatable drill bit that may be mounted on a drill and used to form a bore in bone and at least one implant container that holds an implant capable of being placed in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer Dental, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson Vogel, Charles Howlett, Mojtaba Esfahni
  • Cable button
    Patent number: 8343155
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for reducing a bone fracture and an apparatus such as a cable button for use with a bone plate, the cable button including cable button threads, a plurality of cable button apertures, a hex socket, and a hex opening. The present disclosure also includes a method for reducing a bone fracture and an apparatus such as a cable button for use with a bone plate, the cable button including a plurality of legs, where a leg includes a protrusion, where the protrusion engages the bone plate, and the cable button defines at least one cable button aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Larabeth Gladys Fisher, Michael Joseph LaLonde, Michael Kent Keith
  • Flexible member with variable flexibility for providing dynamic stability to a spine
    Patent number: 8337526
    Abstract: The present invention relates to spinal support devices and, more specifically, to a flexible member having variable flexibility for use with a dynamic stabilization system or implant to provide dynamic stability to a person's spine. The flexible member generally includes a first material having a first portion including a first material having a first elasticity and a second portion including a second material having a second elasticity greater than the first to provide the flexible member with a variable flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh D. Hestad, Steven L. Griffith
  • Polyaxial pedicle screw with increased angulation
    Patent number: 8337530
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchor including a housing and a bone screw. A bottom surface of the housing includes an aperture that defines an angulation limit of the bone screw for each azimuthal angle around a longitudinal axis of the housing. The aperture is V-shaped, with the V-shape having converging side walls that define a low-angulation direction near their intersection and a high-angulation direction opposite the low-angulation direction. In some cases, the angulation limit of the bone screw is generally constant over a range of azimuthal angles centered around the high-angulation direction. The housing may be modular, including tabs on one component that are plastically deformed to engage a lip on another component. During assembly, a mandrel advances longitudinally along a bore in the housing, and forces the tabs radially outward toward the lip to a radially outward plastically deformed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh D. Hestad, Jack A. Dant, Eric J. Lundequam, Eric P. Jerke, Deborah L. Hoch
  • Variable geometry occipital fixation plate
    Patent number: 8337496
    Abstract: A fixation device for connecting a stabilization device to a bone comprises a first member comprising a first portion for attachment to a bone, and a second member comprising a second portion for attachment to a bone and connected to the first member by a pivotal connection such that the first and second portions are spaced apart by an adjustable distance, at least one of the first and second members further comprising a portion for mounting a connector adapted to secure a stabilization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Piehl
  • FEMORAL COMPONENT FOR A KNEE PROSTHESIS WITH IMPROVED ARTICULAR CHARACTERISTICS
    Publication number: 20120323335
    Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component which exhibits enhanced articular features, minimizes removal of healthy bone stock from the distal femur, and minimizes the impact of the prosthesis on adjacent soft tissues of the knee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Parisi, Nick Drury, Charles A. Baldridge, James C. Harris
  • FEMORAL PROSTHESIS SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120323334
    Abstract: A provisional femoral component, in one embodiment, including at least one first visual indicator and at least one second visual indicator, the first and second visual indicators providing indicating means for simultaneously visually representing a first profile of a first femoral prosthesis and a second profile of a second femoral prosthesis. In another embodiment, a provisional femoral component including a patellofemoral flange having two sulci and a central ridge between the two sulci. In this manner, the provisional femoral component can be positioned on a resected distal femur surface of both a right and left knee joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Nolan C. Jones, Jeffery A. VanDiepenbos
  • FEMORAL COMPONENT FOR A KNEE PROSTHESIS WITH IMPROVED ARTICULAR CHARACTERISTICS
    Publication number: 20120323337
    Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component which exhibits enhanced articular features, minimizes removal of healthy bone stock from the distal femur, and minimizes the impact of the prosthesis on adjacent soft tissues of the knee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Parisi, Nick Drury, Charles A. Baldridge
  • CHEMICAL VAPOR INFILTRATION APPARATUS AND PROCESS
    Publication number: 20120321779
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in chemical vapor infiltration processes and devices for depositing a biocompatible material onto a porous substrate to form an orthopedic implant. The substrate may be formed of reticulated vitreous foam and coated with tantalum, niobium, tungsten, or other biocompatible materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Vargas, Steven J. Seelman, David B. Roberts
  • MICRO-ALLOYED POROUS METAL HAVING OPTIMIZED CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20120323323
    Abstract: A micro-alloyed porous metal is disclosed having an optimized chemical composition to achieve targeted mechanical properties for use as an orthopaedic implant and a cell/soft tissue receptor. The porous metal may achieve a targeted compressive strength and a targeted ductility, for example. These targeted mechanical properties may allow the porous metal to be densified to a low relative density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Vargas, Steven J. Seelman
  • FEMORAL COMPONENT FOR A KNEE PROSTHESIS WITH IMPROVED ARTICULAR CHARACTERISTICS
    Publication number: 20120323336
    Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component which exhibits enhanced articular features, minimizes removal of healthy bone stock from the distal femur, and minimizes the impact of the prosthesis on adjacent soft tissues of the knee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Parisi, Nick Drury, Charles A. Baldridge
  • DERMATOME SWIVEL DOUBLE ACTING VALVE
    Publication number: 20120316576
    Abstract: A dermatome having a handle and an attachment including a valve, where the valve may include a first bobbin at least partially defining a first flow path and a second flow path, a second bobbin at least partially defining a first flow path, an inlet port at least partially defined by the second bobbin and an outlet port at least partially defined by the first bobbin. The ports of the valve may open in response to an application of a mechanical act to the attachment and the ports may close in response to the absence or removal of the mechanical act.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Mahaffey, Bruce Straslicka
  • MODIFIED INJECTION MOLDING UNIT AND METHOD OF DELIVERING COOLED MOLDING MATERIAL
    Publication number: 20120313270
    Abstract: Injection molding units and methods of delivering a cooled molding material to portions of an injection molding unit are disclosed. An injection molding unit can comprise a barrel having a feed zone, a feeding portion configured for dispensing a molding material into the feed zone, and a cooling apparatus configured for cooling at least one of the feed zone or the feeding portion to a temperature that is selected to avoid or reduce bridging or obstruction of the molding material. The cooling apparatus can include a jacket configured to cover at least a portion of the feed zone or the feeding portion. The injection molding unit can further comprise an insulation shield. A method can comprise feeding the molding material into the feed zone and cooling the molding material prior to dispensing it into the feed zone or while it is in the feed zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wallick, Brian H. Thomas, Brion R. Mimnaugh
  • Bone plate fixation system
    Patent number: 8328809
    Abstract: A universal jig is compatible with bone plates of varying size, in which different plate sizes having different hole configurations. For example, a longer bone plate may have a first hole pattern along a given length thereof, while various shorter bone plates may have differing hole patterns along respective corresponding lengths. The universal jig includes a combination of hole groupings to provide a jig hole for each hole in the differing hole patterns of the longer and shorter plates, so that the universal jig is useable with a variety of bone plates having disparate hole patterns. For any given bone plate length and hole configuration, a masking cover may provided to attach to the jig. The masking cover masks off unused jig holes, so that only those jig holes intended for use with a particular bone plate are left exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Wenk, Amanda L. Neher, Kyle A. Bohnenkamper, Simona Paganetto
  • Cord for vertebral stabilization system
    Patent number: 8328849
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system including a cord extendable between first, second and third vertebral anchors. A first length of the cord includes a first set of intermingled filaments, and a second length of the cord includes a second set of intermingled filaments. The first set of intermingled filaments includes a first subset of filaments and a second subset of filaments, and the second set of intermingled filaments includes the first subset of filaments of the first set of intermingled filaments and a third subset of filaments different from the second subset of filaments of the first set of intermingled filaments. When secured to the first, second and third vertebral anchors, a first portion of the cord may be tensioned a first amount and a second portion of the cord may be tensioned a second amount different from the first amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Nydegger, Ben Alcock, Christina Niosi
  • PATIENT-SPECIFIC MANUFACTURING OF POROUS METAL PROSTHESES
    Publication number: 20120310364
    Abstract: A patient-specific porous metal prosthesis and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The orthopaedic prosthesis may be metallic to provide adequate strength and stability. Also, the orthopaedic prosthesis may be porous to promote bone ingrowth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Jia Li, Scott V. Cron, Jeffrey Bassett, Edward M. Willis