Patents by Inventor Christian Knöpfle

Christian Knöpfle 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).

  • Patent number: 11701153
    Abstract: A monolithic rib plate is described. The rib plate comprises multiple first screw orifices located substantially along a first line and connected by first bridges, multiple second screw orifices located laterally on one side of the first line and connected by second bridges, wherein one or more of the second bridges have a smaller cross-section than the first bridges, and third bridges, each connecting one of the second screw orifices with one of the first screw orifices. Also described is a rib plate system comprising the monolithic rib plate and at least one of one or more polyaxial locking screws, a tool for removing the second bridges, a tool for bending the monolithic rib plate, and one or more orifice bridge plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Christian Knoepfle, Viktor Kraft, Jochen Fink
  • Publication number: 20230190319
    Abstract: Plate holding forceps for one-hand use are presented. The forceps are configured to press a bone plate to bone and comprise a clamp portion, including a first jaw and second jaw movable towards and away from each other. At least the first jaw includes a through-bore configured to be aligned with a hole of a bone plate engaged by the plate holding forceps. The forceps also include an adjustment portion configured to adjust a distance between the jaws. The adjustment portion includes a first handle part and a second handle part manually movable with the fingers of one hand relative to each other and configured to thereby adjust the distance between the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Christian Knoepfle, Viktor Kraft, Karl Greiner, Juergen Rettich, Manfred Schmuck, Uwe Koerner
  • Patent number: 11596458
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implant for bone fixation comprising an elongated member configured to be wound around bone parts that are to be fixed, an engagement member coupled to the elongated member and configured to engage a portion of the elongated member so as to secure the implant in a loop around the bone parts, and a fastening member arranged between and coupled to the elongated member and the engagement member. The fastening member comprises at least two separate pieces each comprising one opening for receiving a bone fastener, wherein the separate pieces are coupled to each other by a material having a lower material strength than a material from which the separate pieces are made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Matthias Esser, Gheorghe Marton, Eva Beutel, Christian Knoepfle, Manfred Schmuck, Karl Greiner
  • Patent number: 11576707
    Abstract: A fixation assembly for securing parts of a sternum is provided. The assembly comprises a flexible elongated member and an attachment member. The flexible elongated member includes a locking structure configured to secure the flexible elongated member in a loop around the sternum parts. The attachment member has at least one opening for receiving a bone fastener and is coupled to the flexible elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Christian Knoepfle
  • Patent number: 11534217
    Abstract: A load distributor for a sternum closure device comprises a wire receiving section configured to be attached to a wire of the sternum closure device, and a load distributing section. A tool for cutting the load distributor comprises a pair of jaws movable between a load distributor receiving position and a cutting position, wherein at least one of the jaws has substantially V-shaped cutting edges tapered towards the other jaw in an angle to the longitudinal extension of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Friedhelm Beyersdorf, Christian Knoepfle, Karl Greiner, Manfred Schmuck
  • Publication number: 20220202457
    Abstract: A monolithic rib plate is described. The rib plate comprises multiple first screw orifices located substantially along a first line and connected by first bridges, multiple second screw orifices located laterally on one side of the first line and connected by second bridges, wherein one or more of the second bridges have a smaller cross-section than the first bridges, and third bridges, each connecting one of the second screw orifices with one of the first screw orifices. Also described is a rib plate system comprising the monolithic rib plate and at least one of one or more polyaxial locking screws, a tool for removing the second bridges, a tool for bending the monolithic rib plate, and one or more orifice bridge plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: Christian Knoepfle, Viktor Kraft, Jochen Fink
  • Publication number: 20220142689
    Abstract: An implant for bone fixation is presented. The implant comprises an elongated member configured to be wound around bone parts that are to be fixed. Further, an engagement feature is provided that is coupled to the elongated member and configured to engage a portion of the elongated member so as to secure the implant in a loop around the bone parts. A fastening member is arranged between and coupled to the elongated member and the engagement member. The fastening member comprises at least one opening for receiving a bone fastener. In one variant, at least one visual indicator indicating a region of the fastening member to be severed in order to detach the implant is provided. In another variant, at least one of the engagement member and the elongated member are coupled to the fastening member by injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Christian Knoepfle, Karl Greiner, Manfred Schmuck
  • Patent number: 11304736
    Abstract: A monolithic rib plate is described. The rib plate comprises multiple first screw orifices located substantially along a first line and connected by first bridges, multiple second screw orifices located laterally on one side of the first line and connected by second bridges, wherein one or more of the second bridges have a smaller cross-section than the first bridges, and third bridges, each connecting one of the second screw orifices with one of the first screw orifices. Also described is a rib plate system comprising the monolithic rib plate and at least one of one or more polyaxial locking screws, a tool for removing the second bridges, a tool for bending the monolithic rib plate, and one or more orifice bridge plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Christian Knöpfle, Viktor Kraft, Jochen Fink
  • Patent number: 11259853
    Abstract: An implant for bone fixation is presented. The implant comprises an elongated member configured to be wound around bone parts that are to be fixed. Further, an engagement feature is provided that is coupled to the elongated member and configured to engage a portion of the elongated member so as to secure the implant in a loop around the bone parts. A fastening member is arranged between and coupled to the elongated member and the engagement member. The fastening member comprises at least one opening for receiving a bone fastener. In one variant, at least one visual indicator indicating a region of the fastening member to be severed in order to detach the implant is provided. In another variant, at least one of the engagement member and the elongated member are coupled to the fastening member by injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Christian Knoepfle, Karl Greiner, Manfred Schmuck
  • Publication number: 20210052312
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implant for bone fixation comprising an elongated member configured to be wound around bone parts that are to be fixed, an engagement member coupled to the elongated member and configured to engage a portion of the elongated member so as to secure the implant in a loop around the bone parts, and a fastening member arranged between and coupled to the elongated member and the engagement member. The fastening member comprises at least two separate pieces each comprising one opening for receiving a bone fastener, wherein the separate pieces are coupled to each other by a material having a lower material strength than a material from which the separate pieces are made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Matthias Esser, Gheorghe Marton, Eva Beutel, Christian Knoepfle, Manfred Schmuck, Karl Greiner
  • Patent number: 10856921
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implant for bone fixation comprising an elongated member configured to be wound around bone parts that are to be fixed, an engagement member coupled to the elongated member and configured to engage a portion of the elongated member so as to secure the implant in a loop around the bone parts, and a fastening member arranged between and coupled to the elongated member and the engagement member. The fastening member comprises at least two separate pieces each comprising one opening for receiving a bone fastener, wherein the separate pieces are coupled to each other by a material having a lower material strength than a material from which the separate pieces are made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Matthias Esser, Gheorghe Marton, Eva Beutel, Christian Knoepfle, Manfred Schmuck, Karl Greiner
  • Publication number: 20200375641
    Abstract: A monolithic rib plate is described. The rib plate comprises multiple first screw orifices located substantially along a first line and connected by first bridges, multiple second screw orifices located laterally on one side of the first line and connected by second bridges, wherein one or more of the second bridges have a smaller cross-section than the first bridges, and third bridges, each connecting one of the second screw orifices with one of the first screw orifices. Also described is a rib plate system comprising the monolithic rib plate and at least one of one or more polyaxial locking screws, a tool for removing the second bridges, a tool for bending the monolithic rib plate, and one or more orifice bridge plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Christian Knöpfle, Viktor Kraft, Jochen Fink
  • Publication number: 20200297402
    Abstract: A load distributor for a sternum closure device comprises a wire receiving section configured to be attached to a wire of the sternum closure device, and a load distributing section. A tool for cutting the load distributor comprises a pair of jaws movable between a load distributor receiving position and a cutting position, wherein at least one of the jaws has substantially V-shaped cutting edges tapered towards the other jaw in an angle to the longitudinal extension of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Friedhelm Beyersdorf, Christian Knoepfle, Karl Greiner, Manfred Schmuck
  • Patent number: 10716608
    Abstract: A load distributor for a sternum closure device comprises a wire receiving section configured to be attached to a wire of the sternum closure device, and a load distributing section. A tool for cutting the load distributor comprises a pair of jaws movable between a load distributor receiving position and a cutting position, wherein at least one of the jaws has substantially V-shaped cutting edges tapered towards the other jaw in an angle to the longitudinal extension of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Friedhelm Beyersdorf, Christian Knoepfle, Karl Greiner, Manfred Schmuck
  • Publication number: 20200008849
    Abstract: A fixation assembly for securing parts of a sternum is provided. The assembly comprises a flexible elongated member and an attachment member. The flexible elongated member includes a locking structure configured to secure the flexible elongated member in a loop around the sternum parts. The attachment member has at least one opening for receiving a bone fastener and is coupled to the flexible elongated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Christian Knoepfle
  • Patent number: 10463411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical retaining instrument for bone plates. The retaining instrument comprises a carrying element and two plate retaining jaws arranged on the carrying element. The mutual distance of the plate retaining jaws can be changed in order to pick up or release a bone plate. Furthermore, an actuating device is provided, which has two arms, which can be moved relative to each other and which are designed to change the mutual distance of the plate retaining jaws. The carrying element is rotatably mounted relative to the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Knoepfle, Karl Greiner, Manfred Schmuck, Uwe Koerner, Markus Kuhn
  • Patent number: 10433889
    Abstract: A fixation assembly for securing parts of a sternum is provided. The assembly comprises a flexible elongated member and an attachment member. The flexible elongated member includes a locking structure configured to secure the flexible elongated member in a loop around the sternum parts. The attachment member has at least one opening for receiving a bone fastener and is coupled to the flexible elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventor: Christian Knoepfle
  • Publication number: 20190223928
    Abstract: An implant for bone fixation is presented. The implant comprises an elongated member configured to be wound around bone parts that are to be fixed. Further, an engagement feature is provided that is coupled to the elongated member and configured to engage a portion of the elongated member so as to secure the implant in a loop around the bone parts. A fastening member is arranged between and coupled to the elongated member and the engagement member. The fastening member comprises at least one opening for receiving a bone fastener. In one variant, at least one visual indicator indicating a region of the fastening member to be severed in order to detach the implant is provided. In another variant, at least one of the engagement member and the elongated member are coupled to the fastening member by injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Christian Knoepfle, Karl Greiner, Manfred Schmuck
  • Patent number: 10292742
    Abstract: An implant for bone fixation is presented. The implant comprises an elongated member configured to be wound around bone parts that are to be fixed. Further, an engagement feature is provided that is coupled to the elongated member and configured to engage a portion of the elongated member so as to secure the implant in a loop around the bone parts. A fastening member is arranged between and coupled to the elongated member and the engagement member. The fastening member comprises at least one opening for receiving a bone fastener. In one variant, at least one visual indicator indicating a region of the fastening member to be severed in order to detach the implant is provided. In another variant, at least one of the engagement member and the elongated member are coupled to the fastening member by injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Knoepfle, Karl Greiner, Manfred Schmuck
  • Patent number: 10123832
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for fixing bone fragments is provided. The surgical instrument comprises a positioning member with two pad holding portions, two pad members each having a bone contacting surface and each configured to be releasably held at one of the pad holding portions of the positioning member so that the bone contacting surfaces of the two pad members face each other, and two guiding channels configured to receive a flexible elongated member, each guiding channel being formed in a region between the bone contacting surface of one of the pad members and the associated pad holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Knoepfle, Karl Greiner, Manfred Schmuck, Friedhelm Beyersdorf, Rainer Günther Leyh