Patents by Inventor Christine Herrmann
Christine Herrmann 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).
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Publication number: 20240132115Abstract: A computer-implemented method for switching a control function of a vehicle between a driver and an at least partially automated control method for controlling the vehicle. In the method, a stored driver profile is recorded, wherein a state of the driver and/or a state of the vehicle and/or a state of the control method are recorded, wherein a switch of the control function between the driver and the control method is carried out depending on the driver profile and depending on the state of the driver and/or the state of the vehicle and/or the state of the control method.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Norbert Schneider, Liza Christine Dixon, Sven Frieder Herrmann
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Patent number: 11648131Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: STRYKER EUROPEAN OPERATIONS HOLDINGS LLCInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Publication number: 20210353426Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral spacer includes a body having a front end, a rear end, an anterior side, a posterior side, a top surface, and a bottom surface, and an arcuate interface extending away from the body and being connected to the rear end and the posterior side of the body. A method of inserting and positioning the spacer includes engaging a tool to the interface, inserting the spacer at least partially into the intervertebral disc space by moving the tool along an insertion direction, and allowing the spacer to rotate with respect to the insertion direction within the intervertebral disc space while continuing to move the tool along the insertion direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Lee L. Thibodeau
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Publication number: 20210106434Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Patent number: 10898344Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLCInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Patent number: 10182919Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral spacer is disclosed. The spacer preferably includes a body and an interface extending away from the body for use during implantation of the spacer. Methods of implanting the spacer and tools used during such procedure are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2018Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau
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Publication number: 20180303625Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Patent number: 10080668Abstract: A method for fusing vertebral bodies comprising the steps of: mounting a first engagement member of a fixation member to a pedicle of a first vertebra and a second engagement member of the spinal fixation member to a pedicle of a second vertebra, the first engagement member having a first extension engaged with an expansion ring, the second engagement member having a second extension engaged with the expansion ring; inserting screws through the first and second engagement members and into the pedicles of the respective first and second vertebrae; rotating the expansion ring in a first direction, thereby distracting the first and second vertebrae; implanting an intervertebral implant between the first and second vertebrae after rotating the expansion ring in the first direction; and rotating the expansion ring in a second direction after implanting the intervertebral implant, thereby compressing the first and second vertebrae.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Christine Herrmann, Bryan D. Milz
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Publication number: 20180133021Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral spacer is disclosed. The spacer preferably includes a body and an interface extending away from the body for use during implantation of the spacer. Methods of implanting the spacer and tools used during such procedure are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2018Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau
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Patent number: 9962270Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Patent number: 9867713Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral spacer includes a body having a front end, a rear end, an anterior side, a posterior side, a top surface, and a bottom surface, and an arcuate interface extending away from the body and being connected to the rear end and the posterior side of the body. A method of inserting and positioning the spacer includes engaging a tool to the interface, inserting the spacer at least partially into the intervertebral disc space by moving the tool along an insertion direction, and allowing the spacer to rotate with respect to the insertion direction within the intervertebral disc space while continuing to move the tool along the insertion direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau
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Publication number: 20170143382Abstract: A method for fusing vertebral bodies comprising the steps of: mounting a first engagement member of a fixation member to a pedicle of a first vertebra and a second engagement member of the spinal fixation member to a pedicle of a second vertebra, the first engagement member having a first extension engaged with an expansion ring, the second engagement member having a second extension engaged with the expansion ring; inserting screws through the first and second engagement members and into the pedicles of the respective first and second vertebrae; rotating the expansion ring in a first direction, thereby distracting the first and second vertebrae; implanting an intervertebral implant between the first and second vertebrae after rotating the expansion ring in the first direction; and rotating the expansion ring in a second direction after implanting the intervertebral implant, thereby compressing the first and second vertebrae.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2017Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Christine Herrmann, Bryan D. Milz
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Patent number: 9597126Abstract: A method for fusing vertebral bodies comprising the steps of: mounting a first engagement member of a fixation member to a pedicle of a first vertebra and a second engagement member of the spinal fixation member to a pedicle of a second vertebra, the first engagement member having a first extension engaged with an expansion ring, the second engagement member having a second extension engaged with the expansion ring; inserting screws through the first and second engagement members and into the pedicles of the respective first and second vertebrae; rotating the expansion ring in a first direction, thereby distracting the first and second vertebrae; implanting an intervertebral implant between the first and second vertebrae after rotating the expansion ring in the first direction; and rotating the expansion ring in a second direction after implanting the intervertebral implant, thereby compressing the first and second vertebrae.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Christine Herrmann, Bryan D. Milz
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Publication number: 20170000619Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral spacer is disclosed. The spacer preferably includes a body and an interface extending away from the body for use during implantation of the spacer. Methods of implanting the spacer and tools used during such procedure are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2016Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau
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Patent number: 9445914Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral spacer is disclosed. The spacer preferably includes a body and an interface extending away from the body for use during implantation of the spacer. Methods of implanting the spacer and tools used during such procedure are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau
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Publication number: 20160213482Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2016Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Patent number: 9320610Abstract: An expandable implant (210, 410) includes top and bottom plates (220, 250, 420, 450) having angled inner surfaces (222, 252, 422, 452) that interact with expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502). The expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502) may be situated on an actuator (280, 480), and may include at least one vertical projection (312, 314, 512, 514) for interacting with a recess (230, 430) in the plates (220, 250, 420, 450). In some instances, rotation of the actuator (280, 480) in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502) to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation or collapse of the top and bottom plates (220, 250, 420, 450). Pins (316, 516) may also be associated with the expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502) and received in respective slots (318, 518) in the plates (220, 250, 420, 450).Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventors: Thomas Alheidt, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Julien Doreau, Christine Herrmann
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Publication number: 20160074073Abstract: A method for fusing vertebral bodies comprising the steps of: mounting a first engagement member of a fixation member to a pedicle of a first vertebra and a second engagement member of the spinal fixation member to a pedicle of a second vertebra, the first engagement member having a first extension engaged with an expansion ring, the second engagement member having a second extension engaged with the expansion ring; inserting screws through the first and second engagement members and into the pedicles of the respective first and second vertebrae; rotating the expansion ring in a first direction, thereby distracting the first and second vertebrae; implanting an intervertebral implant between the first and second vertebrae after rotating the expansion ring in the first direction; and rotating the expansion ring in a second direction after implanting the intervertebral implant, thereby compressing the first and second vertebrae.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Christine Herrmann, Bryan D. Milz
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Patent number: 9220605Abstract: A spinal fixation device that includes a first engagement member. The first engagement member includes a first body and at least one extension. The first body includes a first aperture for receipt of a fastener. The at least one extension extends outwardly from the first body. Also included in the device, a second engagement member including a second body and a threaded extension that extends from the second body. The second body includes a second aperture for receipt of a fastener. Further, an expansion ring including a first end and a second end is included. The first end includes a threaded surface in threaded communication with the threaded extension. The second end is in rotatable communication with the at least one extension of the first engagement member. Where a torque is applied to the expansion ring, the second engagement member moves with respect to the first engagement member.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Stryker SpineInventors: Thomas A. Alheidt, Christine Herrmann, Bryan D. Milz
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Publication number: 20140371862Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral spacer is disclosed. The spacer preferably includes a body and an interface extending away from the body for use during implantation of the spacer. Methods of implanting the spacer and tools used during such procedure are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Bryan D. Milz, Christine Herrmann, Thomas A. Alheidt, Lee L. Thibodeau