Patents Examined by Melissa Montano
  • Patent number: 7837738
    Abstract: A joint prosthesis has two prosthesis members (2, 3) and each prosthesis member (2, 3) includes a first and a second screw-like member (4, 5) adapted to be screwed onto a respective bone (39, 41, 42). One prosthesis member (2) includes a member (6) having a socket and the other prosthesis member (3) a member (7) having a head. The socket member (6) has a mounting pin (22) insertable into a first hole (10) in the first screw-like member (4) and the head member (7) has a mounting pin (27) insertable into a first hole (11) in the second screw-like member (5). In the first as well as in the second screw-like member (4, 5) there is provided at least one inner second hole (30 and 33 respectively) designed to permit insertion thereinto of a rod (31) of a screw tool (32) in order to secure by screwing the first and second screw-like member (4, 5) respectively, at the respective bone (39, 41, 42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Swemac Orthopaedics AB
    Inventors: Astor Reigstad, Lars Öster
  • Patent number: 7833285
    Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic knee joint with four pivot pins for connecting four joint members, said joint members each being supported at each of their ends in a pivot pin, wherein two opposite, transversely extending joint members are connectable at one end to a prosthetic stem and at the other end to a prosthetic foot, wherein the other two joint members as longitudinal joint members, in both the standing position and the bending position, are adapted to pivot essentially out of an angled position approximate to the parallel position into a relatively more greatly inclined position with respect to each other. At least one of the pivot pins of the joint member connected to the prosthetic foot is in the form of a rotatable, lockable eccentric, wherein, upon rotation of said eccentric, the distance between the two pivot pins on said joint member changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Bauerfeind AG
    Inventor: Holger Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 7833274
    Abstract: A femoral prosthesis may be formed as a femoral component incorporating a base material and an articulating material. In one exemplary embodiment, the base material is a metal and the articulating material is a polymer. Specifically, the base material provides strength and rigidity to the femoral component, while the articulating material contacts a tibial prosthesis or natural tibia during joint articulation. In one exemplary embodiment, the articulating material forms the articulating surface of one or more condyle portions of the femoral component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Oludele O. Popoola, Joel G. Scrafton
  • Patent number: 7815688
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a prosthetic foot for attachment to a socket worn by an amputee. In an embodiment, the prosthetic foot comprises a body including a forefoot portion and a heel portion. In addition, the prosthetic foot comprises at least one attachment member extending from the body and conformable to the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Michael T. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7758651
    Abstract: Instruments and a method for preparing the articular surface of the patella to receive a patellar implant are utilized without everting the patella. A medial or lateral parapatellar incision and an anterior midline incision are made adjacent the patella. The patella is clamped with a patella clamp, a hole is drilled from the anterior surface of the patella. A reamer is inserted through the medial or lateral parapatellar incision and is then attached to the end of a drive shaft that extends outwardly beyond the articular surface of the patella. The posterior facing cutting surface of the reamer device is then placed in contact with the articular surface. The drive shaft is then rotated and moved anteriorly causing the cutting surface of the reamer device to remove a desired amount of patellar cartilage and bone to accommodate a patellar component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Sandeep K. Chauhan, Carlos E. Collazo, Jerry D'Alessio, II, Philip F. Williams, III
  • Patent number: 7722679
    Abstract: A socket adaptor, for use in creating a laminated stump socket for use with a patient having a stump, in attaching a prosthetic limb to the patient. The socket adaptor has a main body and a plurality of prongs. The prongs are made of sheet titanium so that they are flexible and bendable to closely accommodate the stump. The socket adaptor is subsequently encapsulated with the laminated stump socket. The main body allows a prosthetic connector to be attached thereto to allow the laminated stump socket to secure directly to the prosthetic limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Vladimir Radzinsky
  • Patent number: 7717920
    Abstract: A prosthesis is installed in a cavity that traverses a joint between a talus and a calcaneus. The cavity is established by intramedullary guidance with respect to the major axis of the tibia by access through the calcaneus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Inbone Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A Reiley
  • Patent number: 7695520
    Abstract: A prosthesis for replacing a selected portion of the anatomy is disclosed. Also disclosed is an exemplary method and apparatus for performing a procedure. The procedure can be minimally or less invasive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Duke A Fox
  • Patent number: 7678147
    Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Moximed, Inc.
    Inventors: Anton G. Clifford, Mary O'Connell, Joshua Makower, Richard G. Vecchiotti
  • Patent number: 7662188
    Abstract: An internal sinus manipulation procedure for augmenting bone of a dental patient between the floor of the patient's sinus and a raised portion of the patient's sinus membrane comprising exposing a portion of the patient's sinus membrane immediately adjacent the floor of the patient's sinus followed by (i) a simultaneous and controlled lifting and lateral separation of the exposed portion of the sinus membrane from the sinus floor to form an open pocket between the sinus membrane and the sinus floor, (ii) introduction of a bone grafting material into the pocket and (iii) a compacting of the bone grafting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Jason M. Yamada
  • Patent number: 7655051
    Abstract: An artificial hands having more than one articulated digit wherein the digits are biased in a closed position by springs, and digits are opened by a cord attached to the dorsal side of the digit and a lever, wherein the lever is rotatably mounted to an anchoring plate and pulled by a cable; wherein the cable is pulled manually by means of a shoulder strap, or electronically by a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Stark
  • Patent number: 7655041
    Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Moximed, Inc.
    Inventors: Anton G. Clifford, Mary O'Connell, Joshua Makower, Richard G. Vecchiotti
  • Patent number: 7641697
    Abstract: A method of installing an ankle prosthesis system provides an artificial talar joint surface and a family of talar stem components having different physical characteristics. Each talar stem component in the family is sized and configured to be attached to the artificial talar joint surface. The method selects an ankle region to be treated and analyzes the morphology of the ankle region. The method selects among the family one of the talar stem components having a desired physical characteristic based upon the analysis. The method forms a prosthesis-receiving cavity that traverses the joint between the talus and a calcaneus and installs the selected one of the talar stem components in the prosthesis-receiving cavity to prevent movement of the joint. The method attaches the artificial talar joint surface to the selected one of the talar stem components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Inbone Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A Reiley
  • Patent number: 7640680
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved pedorthic systems for patients having partial foot amputations or foot neuropathies. Custom-molded, custom-made pedorthics with leather linings and molded stiffeners are disclosed, along with methods of manufacture. Custom-molded, custom-made pedorthics and ankle-foot orthoses having solid, molded fillers to replace the volume of missing foot portions are also provided, along with methods of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Ernesto G. Castro
  • Patent number: 7632310
    Abstract: A surgical implantation approach for preparing a patient and precisely and effectively placing an energy absorbing apparatus relative to the patient's anatomy. Various surgical implantation apparatus and methods for achieving proper device-to-anatomy juxtapositional relationships are employed in the implantation approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Moximed, Inc.
    Inventors: Anton G. Clifford, Mary O'Connell, Michael E. Landry
  • Patent number: 7625406
    Abstract: A prosthetic joint kit, particularly well suited for an elbow, transmits load through the prosthetic joint through a pair of spherically shaped bearing surfaces so as to transmit load over a relatively large area rather than at a point or over a line of contact. The prosthetic joint kit may be configured in a modular manner wherein a plurality of interchangeable stem structures, bearing structures and/or bearing inserts of various types are available. Construction in this manner enables a surgeon to configure the prosthetic joint to best suit the needs of the patient. For example, the surgeon may employ a modular flange for compressing a bone graft, a tissue fastener for securing soft tissue to a portion of the prosthetic joint, a cam for limiting the amount by which the prosthetic joint articulates or a bearing insert for tailoring the degree of varus/valgus constraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Brian K. Berelsman, Kevin T. Stone, Thomas J. Graham, Hill Hastins
  • Patent number: 7611540
    Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Moximed, Inc.
    Inventors: Anton G. Clifford, Mary O'Connell, Joshua Makower, Richard G. Vecchiotti
  • Patent number: 7604666
    Abstract: A prosthetic joint kit, particularly well suited for an elbow, transmits load through the prosthetic joint through a pair of spherically shaped bearing surfaces so as to transmit load over a relatively large area rather than at a point or over a line of contact. The prosthetic joint kit may be configured in a modular manner wherein a plurality of interchangeable stem structures, bearing structures and/or bearing inserts of various types are available. Construction in this manner enables a surgeon to configure the prosthetic joint to best suit the needs of the patient. For example, the surgeon may employ a modular flange for compressing a bone graft, a tissue fastener for securing soft tissue to a portion of the prosthetic joint, a cam for limiting the amount by which the prosthetic joint articulates or a bearing insert for tailoring the degree of varus/valgus constraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Brian K. Berelsman, Kevin T. Stone, Thomas J. Graham, Hill Hastins
  • Patent number: 7601175
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mandibular prostheses. More particularly, the invention relates to a condylar-head replacement for reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint after resection of the condyloid process. The present invention provides a condylar-head replacement comprising a condylar-head attachment that may be adjustably positioned on a reconstruction plate to achieve various condylar-head heights. The condylar-head height adjustment allows the condylar-head replacement to be fit to a particular patient. The condylar-head replacement of the present invention obviates the need for custom fabrication of a condylar-head replacement for a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Gregor Feigenwinter, André Furrer
  • Patent number: 7591856
    Abstract: A hip replacement apparatus that normally includes a supporting rod bent into an acute angle at its center with a rounded head on one end. This supporting rod can be received at the pelvis into a pre-assembled housing with a backplate and front plate where the unit can be cemented and/or screwed into the prepared bone at the hip joint. The backplate can have an anchoring protrusion that mates into the trimmed-out bone at the joint. The front plate can have a center hole that receives, and holds the rounded head of the supporting rod from escaping. The head (and hence the supporting rod) freely rotates captively in the housing with the housing firmly attached to the pelvis. The bottom end of the supporting rod can penetrate into the center of the cut-off femur and can be cemented into the bone. The supporting rod can be held to the femur with a bone clamp apparatus including a side plate that can be banded firmly to the femur with one or a more bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Zarija Djurivic