Patents by Inventor Darin S. Gerlach

Darin S. Gerlach 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: 20220265329
    Abstract: A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Baker, Ryan Stevenson, Darin S. Gerlach
  • Patent number: 11096726
    Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopaedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopaedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Rains, Gene Edward Austin, John Rose, Joseph Michael Ferrante, Darin S. Gerlach, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin, Sied W. Janna, Henry B. Faber, Mark S. Gosney, Darren James Wilson
  • Publication number: 20200000502
    Abstract: A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Charles R. Baker, Ryan Stevenson, Darin S. Gerlach
  • Patent number: 10448980
    Abstract: A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Baker, Ryan Stevenson, Darin S. Gerlach
  • Publication number: 20190282279
    Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopaedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopaedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: James K. Rains, Gene Edward Austin, John Rose, Joseph Michael Ferrante, Darin S. Gerlach, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin, Sied W. Janna, Henry B. Faber, Mark S. Gosney, Darren James Wilson
  • Patent number: 10405901
    Abstract: A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Baker, Ryan Stevenson, Darin S. Gerlach
  • Patent number: 10390866
    Abstract: A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Charles R. Baker, Ryan Stevenson, Darin S. Gerlach
  • Patent number: 10357292
    Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Rains, Gene Edward Austin, John Rose, Joseph Michael Ferrante, Darin S. Gerlach, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin, Sied W. Janna, Henry B. Faber, Mark S. Gosney, Darren James Wilson
  • Publication number: 20180250048
    Abstract: A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Charles R. Baker, Ryan Stevenson, Darin S. Gerlach
  • Publication number: 20180250049
    Abstract: A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Charles R. Baker, Ryan Stevenson, Darin S. Gerlach
  • Publication number: 20180250047
    Abstract: A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Charles R. Baker, Ryan Stevenson, Darin S. Gerlach
  • Publication number: 20170035469
    Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopaedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopaedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Rains, Gene Edward Austin, John Rose, Joseph Michael Ferrante, Darin S. Gerlach, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin, Sied W. Janna, Henry B. Faber, Mark S. Gosney, Darren James Wilson
  • Patent number: 9526441
    Abstract: A method for targeting a landmark of an orthopaedic implant comprises implanting the orthopaedic implant in a body. The orthopaedic implant having at least one landmark defining two or more locations for targeting and a first magnetic sensor located at a known distance from at least one of the two or more locations. The method includes comprises identifying one of the locations using a landmark identifier, the landmark identifier having at least one of a second magnetic sensor and a magnetic field generator, installing a transfixion element in the at least one landmark, and identifying a second location using the landmark identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, James K. Rains, Daniel Hampton, Timothy J. Petteys, Darin S. Gerlach
  • Patent number: 9492210
    Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Rains, Gene Edward Austin, John Nmi Rose, Joseph Michael Ferrante, Darin S. Gerlach, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin, Sied W. Janna, Henry B. Faber, Mark S. Gosney, Darren James Wilson
  • Publication number: 20150196333
    Abstract: A bone plate system for fixation of bone includes a bone plate and a first fastener. The bone plate includes a bone contacting surface, an upper surface, and a first opening extending between the bone contacting surface and the upper surface. The first opening includes a lower portion, a non-threaded upper portion, and a threaded portion. The threaded portion includes threads and converges towards the lower portion. The lower portion includes a smallest diameter of the first opening. The first fastener includes a head at least partially comprising a spherical portion and a first material. When the first fastener is inserted into the first opening, the threads of the first opening form threads in the first material on the head of the first fastener to secure the first fastener in place at one of a plurality of possible angles within the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Gene Edward Austin, Brian L. Black, Sied W. Janna, Timothy J. Petteys, James K. Rains, John B. Schneider, Jon A. Harmon, Darin S. Gerlach, Anthony H. James
  • Patent number: 8992581
    Abstract: A bone plate system for fixation of bone includes a bone plate and a first fastener. The bone plate includes a bone contacting surface, an upper surface, and a first opening extending between the bone contacting surface and the upper surface. The first opening includes a lower portion, a non-threaded upper portion, and a threaded portion. The threaded portion includes threads and converges towards the lower portion. The lower portion includes a smallest diameter of the first opening. The first fastener includes a head at least partially comprising a spherical portion and a first material. When the first fastener is inserted into the first opening, the threads of the first opening form threads in the first material on the head of the first fastener to secure the first fastener in place at one of a plurality of possible angles within the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene E. Austin, Brian L. Black, Sied W. Janna, Timothy J. Petteys, James K. Rains, John B. Schneider, Jon A. Harmon, Darin S. Gerlach, Anthony H. James
  • Publication number: 20140081121
    Abstract: A method for targeting a landmark of an orthopaedic implant comprises implanting the orthopaedic implant in a body. The orthopaedic implant having at least one landmark defining two or more locations for targeting and a first magnetic sensor located at a known distance from at least one of the two or more locations. The method includes comprises identifying one of the locations using a landmark identifier, the landmark identifier having at least one of a second magnetic sensor and a magnetic field generator, installing a transfixion element in the at least one landmark, and identifying a second location using the landmark identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Hoa La Wilhelm, James K. Rains, Daniel Hampton, Timothy J. Petteys, Darin S. Gerlach
  • Publication number: 20120323284
    Abstract: A variable angle locking implant includes a bone plate having a lower surface, an upper surface, and at least one opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface along an axis. The opening has a plurality of fins oriented along a plane. The axis is non-perpendicular to a tangent of a projection of the lower surface across the opening, the tangent defined at the intersection between the axis and the projected lower surface, and/or the plane is non-parallel to the tangent. The implant includes at least one fastener, and the plurality of fins are deflectable relative to a head portion of the fastener such that the fastener can be inserted and retained at any one of a plurality of angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Charles R. Baker, Ryan Stevenson, Darin S. Gerlach
  • Publication number: 20120109216
    Abstract: A bone plate system for fixation of bone includes a bone plate and a first fastener. The bone plate includes a bone contacting surface, an upper surface, and a first opening extending between the bone contacting surface and the upper surface. The first opening includes a lower portion, a non-threaded upper portion, and a threaded portion. The threaded portion includes threads and converges towards the lower portion. The lower portion includes a smallest diameter of the first opening. The first fastener includes a head at least partially comprising a spherical portion and a first material. When the first fastener is inserted into the first opening, the threads of the first opening form threads in the first material on the head of the first fastener to secure the first fastener in place at one of a plurality of possible angles within the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Gene E. Austin, Brian L. Black, Sied W. Janna, Timothy J. Petteys, James K. Rains, John B. Schneider, Jon A. Harmon, Darin S. Gerlach, Anthony H. James
  • Publication number: 20120059376
    Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopaedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopaedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: James K. Rains, Gene Edward Austin, John Nmi Rose, Joseph Michael Ferrante, Darin S. Gerlach, Nathaniel Kelley Grusin, Sied W. Janna, Henry B. Faber, Mark S. Gosney, Darren James Wilson