Patents by Inventor Dieter Weisshaupt

Dieter Weisshaupt 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: 20100094362
    Abstract: In a surgical instrument for tensioning two plate-shaped engaging elements with respect to each other at opposite sides of bone portions, a first engaging element carrying next to each other at a spacing from each other two pin-shaped or rod-shaped connecting members which pass through openings in the second engaging element, with a supporting surface for engagement on the side of the second engaging element that faces away from the first engaging element, and with a tensioning device engaging the connecting members for displacement of the connecting members and consequently of the first engaging element in the direction towards the second engaging element, to enable an individual adjustment of the engaging elements to the shape of the bone portions, it is proposed that the surgical instrument comprise next to each other two grip elements, each releasably connectable to a connecting member, and that the tensioning device engage the grip elements through a compensating element which, upon tensioning of the ten
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Theodor Lutze, Manfred Dworschak, Pedro Morales, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Patent number: 7674280
    Abstract: In order to provide an implant for fixing adjacent bone plates, in particular cranial bone plates, which has an inner abutment element by means of which a separation gap between the bone plates can be overlapped at a bone plate inner side and has an outer abutment element for overlapping the separation gap at a bone plate outer side lying opposite the bone plate inner side and which is easy for a surgeon to use and by means of which the bone plates may be securely fixed, it is proposed that at least one tension band is guided displaceably through the outer abutment element, by means of which, when a tensile stress is exerted, the inner abutment element and the outer abutment element are mutually braceable, and that the at least one tension band is fixable on the outer abutment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Markus Nesper, Klaus-Dieter Steinhilper, Dieter Weisshaupt, Karl-Dieter Lerch
  • Patent number: 7670361
    Abstract: An implant is provided for fixing neighboring bone plates of the cranial bone in a simple and reliable manner. The implant comprises an outer bearing element for covering a spacing gap between the bone plates, which sits on outer surfaces of the bone plates. The outer bearing element has a first pair of outer openings and a first pair of inner openings. An inner bearing element is provided for covering the spacing gap between the bone plates, which sits on inner surfaces of the bone plates. The inner bearing element has a second pair of outer openings and a second pair of inner openings. A thread-like tensioning element is provided which is threaded through the openings of the outer and inner bearing elements in a displaceable manner, such that, when tensioned, the tensioning element draws the inner bearing element and the outer bearing element together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Markus Nesper, Klaus-Dieter Steinhilper, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Publication number: 20090292319
    Abstract: An implant is provided for fixing neighboring bone plates of the cranial bone in a simple and reliable manner. The implant comprises an outer bearing element for covering a spacing gap between the bone plates, which sits on outer surfaces of the bone plates. The outer bearing element has a first pair of outer openings and a first pair of inner openings. An inner bearing element is provided for covering the spacing gap between the bone plates, which sits on inner surfaces of the bone plates. The inner bearing element has a second pair of outer openings and a second pair of inner openings. A tensioning element is provided which is threaded through the openings of the outer and inner bearing elements in a displaceable manner, such that, when tensioned, the tensioning element draws the inner bearing element and the outer bearing element together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Markus Nesper, Klause-Dieter Steinhilper, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Publication number: 20090234358
    Abstract: In a sternum closure device for fixing two sternum portions to be connected to one another, comprising an inner contact element for abutment on the inner surface of the sternum, at least one clamping element fixed to this contact element and projecting transversely from it and at least one outer contact element for abutment on the outer side of the sternum which can be clamped against the inner contact element by means of the clamping element guided through the intermediate space between the sternum portions, it is suggested in order to hinder the separation of the sternum as little as possible during any renewed operation that the inner contact element consist of two parts which are separate from one another and each of which is designed to abut on one of the two sternum portions and that connecting means be provided for the releasable connection of the two parts arranged next to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Pedro Morales, Dieter Weisshaupt, Theodor Lutze, Manfred Dworschak
  • Publication number: 20090234357
    Abstract: In a sternum closure device for securing two sternum parts to be connected to one another, comprising an inner contact element to abut the inner face of the sternum, at least one clamping element secured thereto and projecting transversely therefrom, and comprising an outer contact element for abutment on the outer side of the sternum and which can be clamped by means of the clamping element guided through the intermediate space between the sternum parts against the inner contact element, in order to reduce the obstruction by the sternum closure device in the event of a renewed separation of the sternum parts, it is proposed that the inner contact element consists at least partially of a biocompatible plastics material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Pedro Morales, Dieter Weisshaupt, Theodor Lutze, Manfred Dworschak, Leon Eijsman
  • Publication number: 20090112246
    Abstract: In order to improve a surgical instrument comprising a clamping device for holding and/or clamping tissue, a severing device for severing tissue and a handling device for actuating the clamping device and/or the severing device, the clamping device comprising at least one clamping member having a clamping surface and a clamping member opening, and the severing device comprising a severing member movable at least partially into the clamping member opening, so that short circuits can be reliably prevented between the at least one clamping member and the severing member, it is proposed that a severing member guide device be provided for guiding the severing member in the clamping member opening and for maintaining a spacing from inner side surfaces of the clamping member opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Dieter Weisshaupt, Anton Keller, Christoph Rothweiler
  • Publication number: 20080230422
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical data carrier for the identification of a medical implant, in particular, a surgical plate for the fixing of bones or bone fragments, wherein the data carrier has a carrier element and a connecting device which comprises a receptacle for the insertion of at least part of the implant. In order to make such a surgical data carrier available which has an improved handling capability, it is suggested in accordance with the invention that the data carrier have an actuating device which can be actuated by a user and with which the connecting device can be transferred from a connecting position, in which the implant is held in the receptacle, into a release position, in which the data carrier can be detached from the implant. The invention relates, in addition, to a surgical implantation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Pleil, Markus Nesper, Dirk Schauer, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Publication number: 20080230421
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical data carrier for the identification of a medical implant, in particular, a surgical plate for the fixing of bones or bone fragments, comprising a carrier element and a connecting device which has a receptacle for the insertion of at least part of the implant. In order to make such a surgical data carrier available which has an improved handling capability, it is suggested according to the invention that the connecting device be designed in such a manner that it can be transferred from a connecting position, in which the implant is held in the receptacle, into a release position, in which the data carrier can be detached from the implant, without any forces acting on the implant. In addition, the invention relates to a surgical implantation system as well as an identification system for identifying and handling a medical implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Pleil, Markus Nesper, Dirk Schauer, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Publication number: 20080221606
    Abstract: In a surgical bone punch having a stationary shaft joined to a handgrip, a slide shaft mounted for longitudinal displacement on this stationary shaft, and a motorized drive in the handgrip for displacement of the slide shaft from a proximal inoperative position to a distal operative position with a preset forward displacement force, in order to control the effective forward displacement force of the slide shaft, it is proposed that the slide shaft carry a stop, which, during displacement of the slide shaft to the operative position, strikes an elastic spring element, which is supported on the stationary shaft, and, during displacement of the slide shaft, counteracts the forward displacement force of the drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Konstantin Faulhaber, Peter Schulz, Markus Nesper, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Patent number: 7422590
    Abstract: In order to improve a surgical instrument having at least one tool comprising a carrier and at least one functional component adhesively bonded to the carrier, in such a way that the carrier can be easily and securely adhesively bonded to the functional component, whilst maintaining the desired function of the instrument, it is proposed that the carrier comprise a first contact surface, that the functional component comprise a second contact surface, and that the first contact surface bear on the second contact surface without any gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Kupferschmid, Rupert Mayenberger, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Publication number: 20080172097
    Abstract: In order to configure, in such a way as to be capable of being employed in a simple and secure manner and produced cost-effectively, a surgical connecting element for fixing adjacently arranged bone plates, comprising a first bearing element, a second bearing element and a coupling element, by means of which the first and second bearing element can be coupled to each other in such a way that bone plates lying between the first and second bearing element can be fixed, it is proposed that the second bearing element and the coupling element be so designed and adapted to each other that, by relative movement between the coupling element and the second bearing element transversely to a clamping direction, the bone plates are fixable between the first and the second bearing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Karl-Dieter Lerch, Manfred Fischer, Klaus-Dieter Steinhilper, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Patent number: 7393348
    Abstract: A two-part medical instrument is proposed, comprising a first part having a peg and a second part having a peg receiver, wherein first part and second part are connected to one another by a peg/peg receiver connection and the first part is made of a plastics material, wherein the peg has a peripheral edge bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Dworschak, Theodor Lutze, Pedro Morales, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Publication number: 20080149511
    Abstract: In order to improve a surgical screw container comprising a receiving part and a closure part mounted thereon so as to be movable, wherein the receiving part has at least two screw receptacles for accommodating at least two bone screws, wherein the closure part can be brought relative to the receiving part into at least one closure position, in which none of the screw receptacles is accessible for the introduction or removal of a bone screw, such that any loss of screws from the screw container can be practically ruled out it is suggested that the closure part can be brought from the at least one closure position into at least two removal positions, in each of which only a single screw receptacle is accessible for the introduction or removal of a single bone screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Pleil, Dieter Weisshaupt, Markus Nesper
  • Patent number: 7326229
    Abstract: In order to produce a medical instrument incorporating a first part and a second part which-are connected together by a connecting device wherein the two parts can be connected together in a simple manner, it is proposed that the first part should comprise a retaining chamber for the second part and that the second part be seated on the first part by means of at least one spigot and spigot-seating connecting arrangement in the retaining chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Dworschak, Theodor Lutze, Pedro Morales, Dieter Weisshaupt
  • Publication number: 20080027448
    Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical instrument for removing bone, cartilage, or similar tissue, comprising a shaft that extends in a longitudinal direction and supports a cutting plate at the distal end thereof, said cutting plate being inclined perpendicular or relative to the longitudinal direction, and a cutting element which is movably mounted on the shaft and supports a blade at the distal end thereof, said blade pointing in the direction of the cutting plate and being advanced to the cutting plate in order to cut tissue. The aim of the invention is to improve said surgical instrument in such a way that an operator can switch quickly, easily, and safely between different instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Laura Raus, Fabrizio Caroli, Peter Schulz, Theodor Lutze, Dieter Weisshaupt, Markus Nesper, Konstantin Faulhaber
  • Publication number: 20070276387
    Abstract: An implant for fixing two bone parts to be connected to each other is provided. The implant includes a first plate-shaped engaging element for engaging inner surfaces of the bone parts, at least two tensioning elements fixed on the engaging element and projecting transversely from it, and a second plate-shaped engaging element for engaging outer surfaces of the bone parts. The second engaging element can be tensioned with respect to the first engaging element by means of the tensioning elements brought through the interspace between the bone parts. To improve the ease of handling of the implant during tensioning, it is proposed that the tensioning elements are connected to each other at their end opposite from the first engaging element by a bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Pedro Morales, Dieter Weisshaupt, Manfred Dworschak, Theodor Lutze
  • Publication number: 20070270856
    Abstract: A surgical fixing device for the fixing of adjacent bone parts is provided. A first engaging element is provided for engaging the underside of the two bone parts and a second engaging element is provided for engaging the upper side of the bone parts. A tensioning device connects the two engaging elements to each other through an interspace between the bone parts and permanently fixes the two engaging elements with respect to each other in a tensioned manner when they engage the underside and the upper side of the bone parts. To make it easier to apply the fixing device, at least one elastic tensioning element is provided which displaces a supporting surface applied to the upper side of the bone parts toward the first engaging element, so that the supporting surface and the first engaging element can be moved away from each other against the force of the elastic tensioning element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Pedro Morales, Dieter Weisshaupt, Manfred Dworschak, Theodor Lutze
  • Publication number: 20070250059
    Abstract: To provide an implant for securing neighbouring bone plates, especially neighbouring cranial bone plates, wherein the bone plates each have an inner face and an outer face, comprising an inner contact element that is adapted to rest on the inner faces of the neighbouring bone plates, an outer contact element that is adapted to rest on the outer faces of the neighbouring bone plates, and an in a linear manner flexible tensioning element for connecting the inner contact element and the outer contact element in such a manner that they can no longer be separated from one another, with improved properties, it is provided that the outer contact element comprises at least one recess for at least partially accommodating a connection region between free strands of the tensioning element or for feeding the connection region through into a separation gap between the neighbouring bone plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Dieter Weisshaupt, Klaus-Dieter Steinhilper, Karl-Dieter Lerch
  • Publication number: 20070213769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument comprising a handling part and a tool part that encompasses at least one movably mounted tool which is actuated via a force-transmitting and/or actuating mechanism. Said force-transmitting and/or actuating mechanism is operated from the handling part and is provided with a fluid-operated drive unit. In order to improve said surgical instrument such that the same can be operated with as much sensitivity as possible, the movably mounted tool can be impinged upon a first actuation force in a first driven position while being impinged upon by at least one second actuation force in a least one second driven position with the aid of the drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Schulz, Dieter Weisshaupt, Markus Nesper, Konstantin Faulhaber, Theodor Lutze