Patents Examined by Marcia Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8562689
    Abstract: A carpal plate for use in a wrist replacement prosthesis includes at least three non-linearly aligned, internally threaded openings, each opening defining a thread-screw axis with at least one thread-screw axis divergent from the other two thread-screw axes; and further including hollow core screws for the injection of a cement compound to aid in anchoring the screws into the cancellous portion of the carpal bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Aptis Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Luis Roman Scheker, Bryan Babb
  • Patent number: 8551177
    Abstract: A method of implanting a revision glenoid component in one embodiment includes accessing a previously implanted glenoid component in a scapula, removing the previously implanted glenoid component, identifying an inferior glenoid circle center of the scapula, preparing a glenoid fossa of the scapula to receive a revision glenoid component, selecting a revision glenoid component, and implanting the selected revision glenoid component based upon the identified inferior glenoid circle center in the prepared glenoid fossa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Lieven De Wilde, Kyle Lappin
  • Patent number: 8540779
    Abstract: A reverse hip prosthesis comprising an acetabular cup for implanting in an acetabular socket. The acetabular cup is secured to the acetabular socket of the pelvis using fasteners. The acetabular cup has a stem extending from the center of a concave portion thereof and an acetabular ball is attached to the stem, preferably by means of a Morse taper. A femoral implant is provided with a femoral cup attached to the proximal end thereof. The femoral cup has a stem which can be constructed in a modular fashion with several stem lengths in order to accommodate the various sizing requirements of different patients. After implantation of the acetabular cup and ball and the femoral cup, the members are assembled together so that the femoral cup can articulate on the acetabular ball. The prosthesis of the invention has a wide range of motion and substantially improved tribology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Hip Innovation Technology LLC
    Inventor: Zafer Termanini
  • Patent number: 8540781
    Abstract: Foot prosthesis, comprising an upper part, and a lower part that is placed on the ground when walking, wherein the upper part and the lower part are connected to each other via an elastic damping element arranged in the heel area, and the upper part and the lower part, forming a spring, extend one above the other and spaced apart from each other into the area of the forefoot, wherein at least one filling piece (15) is inserted between the upper part (3) and the lower part (4) in the area between the damping element (9) and the forefoot (5), which filling piece (15) increases the flexural stiffness of the upper and lower part coupled via the filling piece during walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Medi GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Volker Nissels, Christof Kurth, Werner Kranner
  • Patent number: 8512416
    Abstract: A transdermal intraosseous device includes a transdermal adapter for an external prosthetic device for a bone of a patient and a bone fixator including a distal portion coupled to the transdermal adapter and a proximal portion for anchoring into the bone. The transdermal adapter includes a dome-shaped portion for transcutaneous implantation and an external shaft extending from the dome-shaped portion. A dermal transition structure is configured to include a controlled roughness gradient from the external shaft to the dome-shaped portion and configured for use in infection control at a dermis layer of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua R. Porter, Troy W. Hershberger
  • Patent number: 8500823
    Abstract: A knee prosthesis comprises an agonist-antagonist arrangement of two series-elastic actuators in parallel, including a knee joint, flexion and extension actuators connected to the joint in parallel with a leg member, and a controller for independently energizing the actuators to control the movement of the knee joint and leg. The flexion actuator comprises the series combination of a flexion motor and a flexion elastic element and the extension actuator comprises the series combination of an extension motor and an extension elastic element. Sensors provide feedback to the controller. The flexion actuator and the extension actuator may be unidirectional, with the flexion and extension elastic elements being series springs. The extension actuator may alternatively be bidirectional, with the extension elastic element being a set of pre-compressed series springs. Alternatively, the flexion elastic element may be a non-linear softening spring and the extension elastic element may be a non-linear hardening spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Ernesto C. Martinez-Villalpando, Jeff Anthony Weber
  • Patent number: 8500818
    Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint assembly includes a femoral component and a bearing that supports articulation of the femoral component. The assembly further includes a tibial tray. Furthermore, the assembly includes a ligament link operably coupled to the tibial tray or the femoral component via a coupling component. The ligament link extending through the other of the tibial tray or the femoral component to couple to the respective one of the femur or tibia. The ligament link extends between first and second ends and includes an outer wall defining an interior longitudinal passage portion. First and second apertures extend through the wall. The first end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a first adjustable loop, and the second end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a second adjustable loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Brian A. Uthgenannt, Kevin T. Stone
  • Patent number: 8496715
    Abstract: A connector for fluidly connecting the sealed interior of an artificial limb socket with a pressure source when the connector is mounted to the socket at a hole and an artificial limb including same. The connector includes a flexible elongated tubular section having a lumen, a flange coupled to one end of the elongated tubular section, the flange having a seal surface for sealingly abutting one of the socket wall surfaces around the hole, and a tubular portion adjacent to the flange and extending the lumen from the seal surface of the flange. Tubular portion has at least one section oversized relative to hole which provides a reasonable air-tight seal between the at least one section and an inner surface of the hole or the other of said socket wall surfaces around the hole and distant from the flange, when the tubular portion is received within the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare LP
    Inventors: Glenn M. Street, Luder Mosler, Robert Edward Finlinson, William M. Clover, Jr., Erik Laatsch
  • Patent number: 8480680
    Abstract: A device useful for spinous process decompression includes a pair of prongs which can be moved apart from each other by rotation of a gear which mates with a threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Adam Lewis
  • Patent number: 8475504
    Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, kits, and components, for bone fixation using a pair of slender spanning members to span a fracture outside bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Acumed LLC
    Inventors: Joel Gillard, Randall J. Huebner, Steven P. Horst
  • Patent number: 8460377
    Abstract: A prosthesis for insertion in an ear to reduce pain resulting from TMJ disorders. The ear insert has a predefined shape conforming to the shape of the ear canal when the jaw is in an open position. The ear insert supports the TMJ and associated secondary musculature to reduce strain in the TMJ area, including the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and the temporo-mandibular joint itself. The insert is hollow in the inside to permit hearing and is made of a rigid material which retains the shape of the ear canal. A scalloped indenture extends across a surface of the ear insert positioned behind the tragus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Ascentia Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Clayton
  • Patent number: 8454703
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved shoulder joint implant assembly including a plastic ball secured to a first joint defining bone end face and a plastic receiver secured to a second joint defining bone end face. Each of the ball and receiver implants are constructed of a composite hardened plastic with a softened cartilage wear surface plastic. A fastener is secured to the first joint defining bone end face and over which is mounted the plastic ball. Anchoring of the receiver is established by a pair of integrally formed and inwardly extending mounting tabs, these further extending into further recess machined cavities in the first bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Linares Medical Devices, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8449624
    Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments provides a portion of the movement capability, enabling the plurality of connected segments connected to the harness mount to provide substantially the same movement capability as that lacking in the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher O. Evans, N. Christopher Perry, Dirk Albertus van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, John Matthew Kerwin, Stewart M. Coulter, Stanley B. Smith, III, Keith David Violette, Steven W. Nickson, Thomas S. Schnellinger, Alexander H. Muller, Gerald Michael Guay
  • Patent number: 8435309
    Abstract: Disclosed herein a prosthetic or orthotic device having a joint portion and a compliant transmission assembly in operational communication with the joint portion. The device restores the normal capabilities and natural dynamics of a healthy joint for common activities. The compliant transmission assembly includes a compliant element. The compliant transmission assembly absorbs energy when a torque is applied between a prosthetic or orthotic device portion and another adjacent device portion or the adjacent limb segment of the user. The compliant element of the invention absorbs energy during flexion of a joint for the dampening thereof and releases this energy during extension of the joint for assistance thereof. Also disclosed herein is an actuator assembly, a torque sensor and an actuator locking device as well as a method for determining the torque of such prosthetic and orthotic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Victhom Human Bionics
    Inventors: Benoit Gilbert, David Landry
  • Patent number: 8394150
    Abstract: A prosthesis suspension assembly comprising: a prosthetic socket having an open proximal end and a closed distal end and an interior surface complementally configured to a residual limb of an amputee, an interface or liner for receiving the residual limb and fittingly received in the socket, a distal outer surface of the liner comprises a porous or continuously cavitated, compressible material such as fabric and a proximal outer surface comprising an elastomeric material, a suspension sleeve which seals against the proximal outer surface of the liner and a proximal outer surface of the socket, and a locking pin connected to a distal end of the liner and lockingly retained in a hole in the distal end of the socket and including an air passage therethrough with a one-way valve therein for permitting the exit of air from an interstitial volume occupied buy said compressible material to atmosphere upon ambulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: ALPS Intellectual Property Management, LLC
    Inventor: Aldo A. Laghi
  • Patent number: 8394149
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cap-shaped implant for implanting on a prepared stump of a femoral head. The implant is in the form of a ball section, having a flat base surface and a polar axis which is arranged in a perpendicular in relation to the base surface. According to the invention, a cavity is arranged in ball section which protrudes from the base surface, said cavity is rotationally symmetrical and comprises a hollow spatial axis which is arranged below an angle (a) which is different form zero in relation to the polar axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer, GmbH
    Inventors: Ralph Howald, Peter Heuberger, Daniel Hertig, Job-Jan Greeve
  • Patent number: 8357206
    Abstract: Disclosed is a prosthesis suspension assembly, the assembly comprising: a prosthetic liner comprising a distal outer surface comprising a porous or continuously cavitated, compressible material and a proximal surface comprising an elastomeric material; and a suspension sleeve which seals against the proximal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: ALPS Intellectual Property Management, LLC
    Inventor: Aldo A. Laghi
  • Patent number: 8343227
    Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint assembly includes a femoral component that engages a femur and at least one bearing that supports articulation of the femoral component thereon. Also, the assembly includes a tibial tray that engages a tibia and that supports the bearing. A ligament link coupling component is included on the femoral component or the tibial tray. The ligament link coupling component is operable to couple to a ligament link to couple the ligament link to the femoral component or the tibial tray. Moreover, the assembly includes an opening included on the other of the femoral component or the tibial tray. The ligament link is received in the opening to bypass the other of the femoral component or the tibial tray to operably couple to the respective one of the femur or the tibia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Brian A. Uthgenannt, Kevin T. Stone
  • Patent number: 8343234
    Abstract: A hand prosthesis includes a chassis and a finger prosthesis articulated to the chassis. A first drive is located in the chassis and is coupled via a force transmission unit to the finger prosthesis for moving the finger prosthesis about a first swiveling axis relative to the chassis. A second drive is located within the finger prosthesis and moves the finger prosthesis about a second swiveling axis relative to the chassis and relative to the first swiveling axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Gregor Puchhammer
  • Patent number: 8333806
    Abstract: A wrist replacement prosthesis includes a radial brace member to be secured to the radius bone, an ulna brace member to be secured to the ulna bone, and an articular member to be secured to the carpal bones, the radial brace member and articular member having wide ellipsoidal surfaces, and the ulnar brace member having a ball at one end which is supported by the radial brace member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Aptis Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Luis Roman Scheker