Patents by Inventor Dana C. Mears

Dana C. Mears 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: 9002426
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a surgical device, configured to be manipulated by a user to perform a procedure on a patient, and a computer system. The computer system is programmed to create a representation of an anatomy of a patient; to associate the anatomy and a surgical device with the representation of the anatomy; to manipulate the surgical device to perform a procedure on a patient by moving a portion of the surgical device in a region of the anatomy; to control the surgical device to provide at least one of haptic guidance and a limit on manipulation of the surgical device, based on a relationship between the representation of the anatomy and at least one of a position, an orientation, a velocity, and an acceleration of a portion of the surgical device; and to adjust the representation of the anatomy in response to movement of the anatomy during the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Arthur E. Quaid, Hyosig Kang, Dennis Moses, Rony A. Abovitz, Maurice Ferre, Binyamin Hajaj, Martin Roche, Scott Illsley, Louis K. Arata, Dana C. Mears, Timothy Blackwell, Alon Mozes, Sherif Aly, Amardeep Singh Dugal, Randall Hand, Sandi Glauser, Juan Salcedo, Peter Ebbitt, William Tapia
  • Patent number: 8911499
    Abstract: A surgical planning method is provided. A representation of a bone of a joint is created. The joint is moved to a first position. A first point corresponding to a first location in the joint is identified when the joint is in the first position. The joint is moved to a second position. A second point corresponding to a second location in the joint is identified, when the joint is in the second position. Bone preparation for implanting an implant on the bone is planned based at least in part on the first and second points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Arthur E. Quaid, Hyosig Kang, Dennis Moses, Rony A. Abovitz, Maurice Ferre, Binyamin Hajaj, Martin Roche, Scott Illsley, Louis K. Arata, Dana C. Mears, Timothy Blackwell, Alon Mozes, Sherif Aly, Amardeep Singh Dugal, Randall Hand, Sandi Glauser, Juan Salcedo, Peter Ebbitt, William Tapia
  • Patent number: 7799084
    Abstract: A femoral component (100) for a total knee joint replacement has a modular structure including a number of segments (102, 112), each of the segments (102, 112) having a femoral fixation surface (104, 114) for attachment to the distal end of a femur and at least one assembly surface (108) for joining with an adjacent segment (102, 112) of the modular femoral component (100). The assembly surfaces (108) are generally planar and arranged to be oriented generally in a plane extending in a proximal-distal direction and in an anterior-posterior direction when the femoral fixation surface (104, 114) is positioned on the distal end of the femur. Although the assembly surfaces (108) are generally planar, they may be shaped or provided with complementary structures (120) to assure self-alignment when the segments (102, 112) are assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Mako Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Alastair J. T. Clemow, Dana C. Mears
  • Publication number: 20030100905
    Abstract: A ligamentum teres femoris cutter configured for severing the ligamentum teres femoris prior to dislocating the femoral head from the acetabulum. The ligamentum teres femoris cutter includes a curved head for insertion between the femoral head and the acetabulum. The curved head of the ligamentum teres femoris includes a distal portion having a blade spanning a pair of joint spacers having a thickness whereby the spacing between the femoral head and the acetabulum is extended to tension the ligamentum teres femoris to facilitate severing the tendon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: 5772662
    Abstract: A modular femoral internal implant system for use in the treatment of femoral disorders resulting from injury, disease or congenital defect includes at least three interconnectable components: 1) an elongated epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant, 2) an intramedullary rod and 3) an angled side plate having an elongated plate portion adapted to be secured to the outer cortical wall and a hollow sleeve adapted to extend into the femur. The epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant can be connected to either the angled side plate or the intramedullary rod. The system may also include an elongated bone plate connectable to the angled side plate, one or more additional epiphyseal/metaphyseal implants of variable length, an additional angled side plate, a distal buttress plate connectable to the elongated bone plate, and a plurality of bone screws of a universal design. Preferably, many or all of the components of the system are made of an inert, resilient titanium-base alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Howmedica Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Chapman, Charles C. Edwards, Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: 5409491
    Abstract: Apparatus and method is provided for shaping bone, in which, individually or together, a gaseous fluid such as air is delivered along the shaping member to impinge upon aerosols created by the shaping of the bone and to deliver the aerosols back toward the bone away from an operator, and a cooling liquid is delivered along the shaping member, in order to cool the shaping member where it contacts the bone. Preferably, the gaseous fluid is air and it is delivered through a manifold carried by the shaping member, forming an air curtain. Preferably, the cooling liquid is at least partially water, with or without a curative substance carried therein, with the liquid preferably being delivered through the shaping member and opening in a direction toward the shaped bone. Where the shaping member is a saw, the liquid may be delivered through the interior of the saw, for discharge through at least one narrow side thereof. Alternatively, the cooling liquid may be delivered externally of the saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Boehringer Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Boehringer, John Karpowicz, Sean Kerr, Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: 5364398
    Abstract: A modular femoral internal implant system for use in the treatment of femoral disorders resulting from injury, disease or congenital defect includes at least three interconnectable components: 1) an elongated epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant, 2) an intramedullary rod and 3) an angled side plate having an elongated plate portion adapted to be secured to the outer cortical wall and a hollow sleeve adapted to extend into the femur. The epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant can be connected to either the angled side plate or the intramedullary rod. The system may also include an elongated bone plate connectable to the angled side plate, one or more additional epiphyseal/metaphyseal implants of variable length, an additional angled side plate, a distal buttress plate connectable to the elongated bone plate, and a plurality of bone screws of a universal design. Preferably, many or all of the components of the system are made of an inert, resilient titanium-base alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Chapman, Charles C. Edwards, Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: 5201735
    Abstract: Apparatus for fixing a fracture of a bone including an elongated body member having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone; a tab member having at least one aperture to allow for passage of a screw for fastening of the tab member to the bone; and a bolt for selectively removably coupling the tab member to the proximal end of the body member. Preferably, the tab member is of a hollow cylindrical configuration and removably interlocking the first plate member to a second plate member. In another embodiment, the apparatus include a body member for insertion into a bone cavity, the body member having at least one aperture disposed in close proximity to its first end to allow for passage of a screw for fastening the body member to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Chapman, Dana C. Mears, Charles C. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5190544
    Abstract: A modular femoral internal implant system for use in the treatment of femoral disorders resulting from injury, disease or congenital defect includes at least three interconnectable components: 1) an elongated epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant, 2) an intramedullary rod and 3) an angled side plate having an elongated plate portion adapted to be secured to the outer cortical wall and a hollow sleeve adapted to extend into the femur. The epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant can be connected to either the angled side plate or the intramedullary rod. The system may also include an elongated bone plate connectable to the angled side plate, one or more additional epiphyseal/metaphyseal implants of variable length, an additional angled side plate, a distal buttress plate connectable to the elongated bone plate, and a plurality of bone screws of a universal design. Preferably, many or all of the components of the system are made of an inert, resilient titanium-base alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Chapman, Charles C. Edwards, Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: 5122146
    Abstract: Fracture reduction tool is disclosed for use with a guide wire for reducing a bone fracture. The guide wire is of a uniform diameter and has a beaded end for placement into the medullary canal. The tool includes an elongated hollow shaft which can be passed into the medullary canal of the fractured bone through an entry hole prepared in the bone. The shaft has a bore along its length through which the guide wire can selectively pass. The shaft and/or the guide wire can be manipulated into and within the respective medullary canal portions of the fractured bone by translational and/or rotational movements so as to reduce the fracture. The tool also includes a measurement sleeve which moves over the shaft and provides a determination of the length of a nail to be inserted into the medullary canal of the reduced bone. A handle for the proximal end of the shaft allows for ease in manipulation of the shaft and guide wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Chapman, Dana C. Mears, Charles C. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5066296
    Abstract: Apparatus for fixing a fracture of a bone including an elongated body member having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone; a tab member having at least one aperture to allow for passage of a screw for fastening of the tab member to the bone; and a bolt for selectively removably coupling the tab member to the proximal end of the body member. Preferably, the tab member is of a hollow cylindrical configuration and removably interlocking the first plate member to a second plate member. In another embodiment, the apparatus include a body member for insertion into a bone cavity, the body member having at least one aperture disposed in close proximity to its first end to allow for passage of a screw for fastening the body member to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Pfizer Hopsital Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Chapman, Dana C. Mears, Charles C. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5041114
    Abstract: A modular femoral internal implant system for use in the treatment of femoral disorders resulting from injury, disease or congenital defect includes at least three interconnectable components: 1) an elongated epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant, 2) an intramedullary rod and 3) an angled side plate having an elongated plate portion adapted to be secured to the outer cortical wall and a hollow sleeve adapted to extend into the femur. The epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant can be connected to either the angled side plate or the intramedullary rod. The system may also include an elongated bone plate connectable to the angled side plate, one or more additional epiphyseal/metaphyseal implants of variable length, an additional angled side plate, a distal buttress plate connectable to the elongated bone plate, and a plurality of bone screws of a universal design. Preferably, many or all of the components of the system are made of an inert, resilient titanium-base alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Chapman, Charles C. Edwards, Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: 4896661
    Abstract: A forceps for use in orthopedic surgical procedures having readily interchangeable tip elements and a reversible ratchet mechanism, for controlling the tip elements. A variety of tips for compression and distraction are provided. The ratchet mechanism permits controlled increments of force to be applied to the tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Pfizer, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Bogert, Michael W. Chapman, Charles C. Edwards, Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: 4776330
    Abstract: A modular femoral internal implant system for use in the treatment of femoral disorders resulting from injury, disease or congenital defect includes at least three interconnectable components: (1) an elongated epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant, (2) an intramedullary rod and (3) an angled side plate having an elongated plate portion adapted to be secured to the outer cortical wall and a hollow sleeve adapted to extend into the femur. The epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant can be connected to either the angled side plate or the intramedullary rod. The system may also include an elongated bone plate connectable to the angled side plate, one or more additional epiphyseal/metaphyseal implants of variable length, an additional angled side plate, a distal buttress plate connectable to the elongated bone plate, and a plurality of bone screws of a universal design. Preferably, many or all of the components of the system are made of an inert, resilient titanium-base alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Chapman, Charles C. Edwards, Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: 4620533
    Abstract: An apparatus for the external fixation and stabilization of a bone fracture comprising fixation pins attached to at least one rigid bar through adjustable clamps which are translatable along said rigid bar wherein the attachment of the pins and bar to the clamps is through articulating balls which allow universal rotational adjustment of each pin or bar. A method for the external fixation and stabilization of a bone fracture utilizing said apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group Inc.
    Inventor: Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: 4553272
    Abstract: A method of repair of patient tissues by implant including providing a living cell sample which is introduced into an implant member having a porous open structure. The cell sample may be cultured in the implant. The implant is secured to the patient, as by surgical implantation. In one embodiment, the implant portion which receives the cells preferably has a pore size of about 25 to 75 microns. In addition, a second pore size of about 100 to 400 microns for receipt of blood vessels and osteogenus cells through ingrowth after introduction into the patient, may be provided. The cell sample may advantageously be selected from the group consisting of cartilage cells, tendon cells, ligament cells and musculotendinous cells. The implant member may be advantageously used in bone or joint reconstruction surgery and in other forms such as artificial tooth implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh
    Inventor: Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: 4454876
    Abstract: An implantable pelvic fixation plate having an elongated body provided with a central portion and a pair of iliac supporting portions disposed on opposite sides of said central portion. Said iliac supporting portions having a greater average transverse width than the average transverse width of said central portion and said iliac supporting portions having at least one opening therethrough. The iliac supporting portions and central portion may be generally plate-like with the iliac supporting portions projecting generally downwardly and outwardly with respect to the central portion. In a preferred embodiment, the iliac supporting portions will have an axial extent which is about 65 to 125 percent of the axial extent of the central portion and will form a larger included angle of about 100 to 140 degrees with respect to a plane passing through the central portion. The pelvic fixation plate preferably is of unitary construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh
    Inventor: Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: D622854
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignees: Mako Surgical Corp., University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Otto, Amit Mistry, Martin Roche, Thomas Coon, Thomas L. Wickiewicz, Scott A. Banks, Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: D625415
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignees: Mako Surgical Corp., University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Otto, Amit Mistry, Martin Roche, Thomas Coon, Scott A. Banks, Dana C. Mears, Alastair J. Clemow