Patents by Inventor Dale W. Frank

Dale W. Frank 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).

  • Inserter instrument and implant clip
    Patent number: 9072610
    Abstract: A method and apparatus assisting safe one-handed insertion of an implant. An implant implantation device has a frame which includes a trigger mechanism, an outer sleeve mechanically coupled to the frame, an inner shaft having a grabber for mechanically engaging an implant, the inner shaft slidably disposed within the outer sleeve, and a retaining element disposed over the inner shaft for directing the grabber toward a closed position. An implant clip has a first member, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, a first implant holder pivotally coupled to the first member, the coupling causing the implant clip to have a closed position and an open position, and a second implant holder, the second implant holder pivotally coupled to the second member, a surface of the first implant holder and a surface of the second implant holder remaining substantially parallel to each other while the first member and the second member pivot between the closed position and the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward B. Zalenski, Dale W. Frank, Michael D. Sorrenti, Alexander Grinberg
  • Inserter instrument and implant clip
    Patent number: 8123757
    Abstract: A method and apparatus assisting safe one-handed insertion of an implant. An implant implantation device has a frame which includes a trigger mechanism, an outer sleeve mechanically coupled to the frame, an inner shaft having a grabber for mechanically engaging an implant, the inner shaft slidably disposed within the outer sleeve, and a retaining element disposed over the inner shaft for directing the grabber toward a closed position. An implant clip has a first member, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, a first implant holder pivotally coupled to the first member, the coupling causing the implant clip to have a closed position and an open position, and a second implant holder, the second implant holder pivotally coupled to the second member, a surface of the first implant holder and a surface of the second implant holder remaining substantially parallel to each other while the first member and the second member pivot between the closed position and the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward B. Zalenski, Dale W. Frank, Michael D. Sorrenti, Alexander Grinberg