Patents by Inventor Brian D. Earl

Brian D. Earl 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: 20170156872
    Abstract: A set of distal femoral knee prostheses which are designed to be more narrow in medial/lateral dimensions with increasing anterior/posterior size than existing prostheses to more closely correspond to the physical anatomy of female patients. The prostheses are designed to have a substantially trapezoidal shape or profile when viewed distally which features a more pronounced narrowing of the medial/lateral dimensions beginning at the posterior end of the prostheses and progressing anteriorly to the anterior end of the prostheses. Additionally, the prostheses each include a reduced profile patellar sulcus and reduced profile anterior condyles to more closely conform to the anatomy of a resected femur, and also include sulcus tracking optimized to conform to female anatomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Brian D. Earl, Abraham P. Habegger, Aaron Hofmann, Kim Bertin, Lawrence Dorr, Robert E. Booth, JR., Aaron Rosenberg, Sergio Romagnoli
  • Patent number: 9592127
    Abstract: A set of distal femoral knee prostheses which are designed to be more narrow in medial/lateral dimensions with increasing anterior/posterior size than existing prostheses to more closely correspond to the physical anatomy of female patients. The prostheses are designed to have a substantially trapezoidal shape or profile when viewed distally which features a more pronounced narrowing of the medial/lateral dimensions beginning at the posterior end of the prostheses and progressing anteriorly to the anterior end of the prostheses. Additionally, the prostheses each include a reduced profile patellar sulcus and reduced profile anterior condyles to more closely conform to the anatomy of a resected femur, and also include sulcus tracking optimized to conform to female anatomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Earl, Abraham P. Habegger, Aaron A. Hoffman, Kim C. Bertin, Lawrence Dorr, Robert E. Booth, Jr., Aaron Rosenberg, Sergio Romagnoli
  • Publication number: 20170035513
    Abstract: Methods for predetermining a contour of a resected bone surface and assessing a fit of a prosthesis on the resected bone surface, for designing prostheses to fit discrete patient populations, and for designing customized prostheses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Mohamed Mahfouz, Brian D. Earl
  • Publication number: 20170007273
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses including an apparatus for guiding a femoral bone cut during knee replacement surgery are disclosed. The apparatus can comprise a cut guide having a first side, a second side, a third side, and one or more slots. The first side can be configured to interface with a resected surface of a femur. The second side can be spaced from the first side. The one or more slots can be defined by the apparatus and extend from the first side to the second side. The third side can be disposed between the first side and the second side and can have at least one projection extending therefrom. The at least one projection can be configured to guide a cutting tool into the one or more slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew Freiberg, Lindsey R. Rolston, Jeffery A. VanDiepenbos, Anthony Romano, Nolan C. Jones, Jason S. Toler, Brian D. Earl
  • Publication number: 20160367271
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses including apparatuses that can be used in a unicompartmental knee replacement procedure, a bicompartmental knee replacement procedure comprised of two unicompartmental knee replacements, a knee replacement procedure that utilizes a single femoral component and two unicompartmental tibial components, and other types of knee replacement procedures are disclosed. According to one example, an apparatus for guiding a tibial bone cut during knee replacement surgery is disclosed. The apparatus can comprise a mounting portion and a cutting portion. The mounting portion can be configured to couple with an alignment mechanism. The cutting portion can be connected to the mounting portion and can define a capture for a proximal cut. The cutting portion can have an aperture disposed adjacent a first end of the capture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Nolan C. Jones, Lindsey R. Rolston, Jeffery A. VanDiepenbos, Brian D. Earl, Anthony Romano, Andrew Freiberg
  • Patent number: 9504579
    Abstract: Methods for predetermining a contour of a resected bone surface and assessing a fit of a prosthesis on the resected bone surface, for designing prostheses to fit discrete patient populations, and for designing customized prostheses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignees: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Mahfouz, Brian D. Earl
  • Patent number: 9345525
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaping instrument for shaping a bone as well as an impaction/extraction device for use with the shaping instrument is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Yoko, Brian E. Roach, Vijayraj G. Nangli, Brian D. Earl
  • Publication number: 20160030185
    Abstract: A provisional prosthetic system that replicates the characteristics of a corresponding, nonprovisional femoral prosthesis. The provisional prosthetic system may include a frame component and a shell component. The frame component of the provisional prosthetic system may be configured to be attached directly to a resected femur. In one exemplary embodiment, the frame component is impacted onto the resected femur to firmly seat therewith. Once the frame component is secured to the resected femur, a shell component of the provisional prosthetic system may be positioned on and secured to the frame component. In one exemplary embodiment, the frame component is made from a metallic material. This allows for the frame component to maintain the rigidity necessary to facilitate proper trialing. In another exemplary embodiment, the shell component is a plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Brian D. Earl, Marvin Figueroa, Travis H. Campbell
  • Patent number: 9211189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tibial prosthesis having an articulating component and a tray component. The articulating component is configured for attachment to the tray component. Additionally, the articulating component may be attached to the tray component in a first condition in which the articulating component is at least rotatable relative to the tray component. This allows for the tray component to be attached to the tibia in a position that provides for proper rotation of the tray component with respect to the tibia and/or prevents the tray component from overhanging the resected tibia. Then, the articulating component may be rotated and/or translated to a position that provides for proper alignment of the articulating component with a femoral prosthesis. Once in this positioned, a locking mechanism is used to rotationally fix the articulating component to the tray component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Earl, Adam H. Sanford
  • Patent number: 9168155
    Abstract: A provisional prosthetic system that replicates the characteristics of a corresponding, nonprovisional femoral prosthesis. The provisional prosthetic system may include a frame component and a shell component. The frame component of the provisional prosthetic system may be configured to be attached directly to a resected femur. In one exemplary embodiment, the frame component is impacted onto the resected femur to firmly seat therewith. Once the frame component is secured to the resected femur, a shell component of the provisional prosthetic system may be positioned on and secured to the frame component. In one exemplary embodiment, the frame component is made from a metallic material. This allows for the frame component to maintain the rigidity necessary to facilitate proper trialing. In another exemplary embodiment, the shell component is a plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Earl, Marvin Figueroa, Travis H. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20150080976
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaping instrument for shaping a bone as well as an impaction/extraction device for use with the shaping instrument is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Tim Yoko, Brian E. Roach, Vijayraj G. Nangli, Brian D. Earl
  • Publication number: 20150045900
    Abstract: A knee prosthesis is provided for use in knee arthroplasty. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a tibial prosthesis having a tibial baseplate with a fixed medial bearing component and a mobile lateral bearing component. In one exemplary embodiment, the lateral bearing component is secured to the lateral portion of the tibial baseplate utilizing at least one prosthetic ligament. Additionally, in one exemplary embodiment, a stop is provided to limit anterior or posterior movement of the lateral bearing component relative to the tibial baseplate. For example, the stop may be defined by cooperating shoulders formed on the lateral bearing and the tibial baseplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher M. Byrd, Adam H. Sanford, Brian D. Earl, Jody L. Claypool, Jeffrey D. Brown, John E. Pendleton
  • Patent number: 8906025
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaping instrument for shaping a bone as well as an impaction/extraction device for use with the shaping instrument is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Yoko, Brian E. Roach, Vijayraj G. Nangli, Brian D. Earl
  • Patent number: 8888856
    Abstract: A knee prosthesis is provided for use in knee arthroplasty. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a tibial prosthesis having a tibial baseplate with a fixed medial bearing component and a mobile lateral bearing component. In one exemplary embodiment, the lateral bearing component is secured to the lateral portion of the tibial baseplate utilizing at least one prosthetic ligament. Additionally, in one exemplary embodiment, a stop is provided to limit anterior or posterior movement of the lateral bearing component relative to the tibial baseplate. For example, the stop may be defined by cooperating shoulders formed on the lateral bearing and the tibial baseplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Byrd, Adam H. Sanford, Brian D. Earl, Jody L. Claypool, Jeffrey D. Brown, John E. Pendleton
  • Publication number: 20140331481
    Abstract: A plurality of individual medical devices is created that define a medical device family. Within the family of medical devices, each of the plurality of medical devices has at least one dimension that, within an acceptable tolerance, is substantially equal to the same dimension of another of the plurality of medical devices. Thus, for each medical device in the family, another, corresponding medical device has at least one substantially similar dimension. For example, a first medical device may have a first value for a dimension and a second medical device may have a second value for the same dimension that is equal to one of the sum of the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance or the difference between the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance. Thus, each of the plurality of medical devices varies from another of the plurality of medical devices by the acceptable tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Adam H. Sanford, Dean M. Acker, Jeffrey D. Brown, Brian D. Earl, John E. Pendleton
  • Patent number: 8849439
    Abstract: A plurality of individual medical devices is created that define a medical device family. Within the family of medical devices, each of the plurality of medical devices has at least one dimension that, within an acceptable tolerance, is substantially equal to the same dimension of another of the plurality of medical devices. Thus, for each medical device in the family, another, corresponding medical device has at least one substantially similar dimension. For example, a first medical device may have a first value for a dimension and a second medical device may have a second value for the same dimension that is equal to one of the sum of the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance or the difference between the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance. Thus, each of the plurality of medical devices varies from another of the plurality of medical devices by the acceptable tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam H. Sanford, Dean M. J. Acker, Jeffrey D. Brown, Brian D. Earl, John E. Pendleton
  • Patent number: 8795282
    Abstract: A surgical instrument and method determine the orientation of the mechanical axis of a femur. The instrument may include a rod with a first end of the rod rotatably secured at a first point on the surface of distal femur that corresponds to center of the knee joint so that the first end is coincident with the mechanical axis. The connection between the first end of the rod and the distal end of the femur defines a first point of rotation. The second end of the rod is slideably received within a sleeve that is rotatably connected to a support positioned distally away from the distal end of the femur. The connection between the sleeve and the support defines a second point of rotation. When the distance between the first and second points of rotation is minimized, a line drawn therebetween is coincident with the mechanical axis of the femur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Earl, Anthony P. Romano, Jody L. Claypool
  • Patent number: 8551179
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Nolan C. Jones, Jeffery A. VanDiepenbos, Abraham P. Habegger, Brian D. Earl
  • Publication number: 20130144350
    Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaping instrument for shaping a bone as well as an impaction/extraction device for use with the shaping instrument is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Tim Yoko, Brian E. Roach, Vijayraj G. Nangli, Brian D. Earl
  • Publication number: 20120265499
    Abstract: Methods for predetermining a contour of a resected bone surface and assessing a fit of a prosthesis on the resected bone surface, for designing prostheses to fit discrete patient populations, and for designing customized prostheses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Mohamed Mahfouz, Brian D. Earl