Patents by Inventor Dean E. Smeltzer

Dean E. Smeltzer 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).

  • Shoulder implant assembly
    Patent number: 8062376
    Abstract: An implant assembly and associated method for selectively performing reverse and traditional arthroplasty for a shoulder joint that includes a humerus and a glenoid. The implant assembly may include a head, a cup, a humeral stem and an adaptor. The method includes inserting the humeral stem to the humerus and connecting a male taper of the adaptor to a female taper of the head. For reverse arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adaptor to the glenoid and the cup to the stem. For traditional arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adaptor to the humeral stem and the cup to the glenoid. The method also includes articulating the head with the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Jason M. Shultz, Nathan A. Winslow, Dean E. Smeltzer, Kevin T. Stone
  • Apparatus for mixing bone cement
    Patent number: 8029183
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a mixed material. For example, two components of a bone cement may be positioned in the apparatus and mixed under vacuum. An increase in pressure on one side of a movable piston can move the material for ease of access and reducing voids in the mixed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Brian K. Berelsman, John M. McDaniel, Dean E. Smeltzer
  • Method and Apparatus for Mixing Bone Cement
    Publication number: 20080144428
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a mixed material. For example, two components of a bone cement may be positioned in the apparatus and mixed under vacuum. An increase in pressure on one side of a movable piston can move the material for ease of access and reducing voids in the mixed material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: BIOMET MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventors: Brian K. Berelsman, John M. McDaniel, Dean E. Smeltzer