Patents by Inventor Donald M. Smucker

Donald M. Smucker 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: 9072605
    Abstract: A knee arthroplasty prosthesis includes a femoral component having multiple pieces with engagement means provided for engaging various pieces of the femoral component to one another following their insertion in the incised area of the femur. A tibial component includes multiple pieces designed for assembly following positioning in the incision. The tibial component includes a Morse taper cavity on one piece of the tibial component and a Morse taper extension on another member of the component for receipt therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, Alfred J. Tria, Jr., Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Publication number: 20120116407
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure. An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, E. Marlowe Goble, Alfred J. Tria, JR., Warren Scott Gareiss, Robert A. Hodorek, Toby N. Farling, Daniel F. Justin, Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Publication number: 20120083893
    Abstract: A knee arthroplasty prosthesis includes a femoral component having multiple pieces with engagement means provided for engaging various pieces of the femoral component to one another following their insertion in the incised area of the femur. A tibial component includes multiple pieces designed for assembly following positioning in the incision. The tibial component includes a Morse taper cavity on one piece of the tibial component and a Morse taper extension on another member of the component for receipt therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, Alfred J. Tria, JR., Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Patent number: 8118811
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure. An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, E. Marlowe Goble, Alfred J. Tria, Jr., Warren Scott Gareiss, Robert A. Hodorek, Toby N. Farling, Daniel F. Justin, Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Patent number: 8092545
    Abstract: A knee arthroplasty prosthesis includes a femoral component having multiple pieces with engagement means provided for engaging various pieces of the femoral component to one another following their insertion in the incised area of the femur. A tibial component includes multiple pieces designed for assembly following positioning in the incision. The tibial component includes a Morse taper cavity on one piece of the tibial component and a Morse taper extension on another member of the component for receipt therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, Alfred J. Tria, Jr., Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Patent number: 8092546
    Abstract: A knee arthroplasty prosthesis includes a femoral component having multiple pieces with engagement means provided for engaging various pieces of the femoral component to one another following their insertion in the incised area of the femur. A tibial component includes multiple pieces designed for assembly following positioning in the incision. The tibial component includes a Morse taper cavity on one piece of the tibial component and a Morse taper extension on another member of the component for receipt therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, Alfred J. Tria, Jr., Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Patent number: 8048163
    Abstract: A knee arthroplasty prosthesis includes a femoral component having multiple pieces with engagement means provided for engaging various pieces of the femoral component to one another following their insertion in the incised area of the femur. A tibial component includes multiple pieces designed for assembly following positioning in the incision. The tibial component includes a Morse taper cavity on one piece of the tibial component and a Morse taper extension on another member of the component for receipt therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, Alfred J. Tria, Jr., Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Publication number: 20100094300
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure. An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, E. Marlowe Goble, Alfred J. Tria, JR., Warren Scott Gareiss, Robert A. Hodorek, Toby N. Farling, Daniel F. Justin, Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Publication number: 20080306485
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing minimally invasive knee surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: ZIMMER TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, E. Marlowe Goble, Alfred J. Tria, JR., Warren Scott Gareiss, Robert A. Hodorek, Daniel F. Justin, Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile, Toby N. Farling
  • Publication number: 20080306484
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure. An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, E. Marlowe Goble, Alfred J. Tria, JR., Warren Scott Gareiss, Robert A. Hodorek, Toby N. Farling, Daniel F. Justin, Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Patent number: 7344540
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for resectioning a patella without everting it includes a resection guide which grips the patella with gripping members, one of which can also function as an alignment guide for a surgeon using a saw for the resectioning. A sizing/alignment guide engageable with the resection guide is provided for aligning drills and/or reamers used in resectioning. Under one embodiment, a pair of reamers are provided for reaming the patella in two reaming operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Patent number: 7338497
    Abstract: A femoral impactor-extractor and method includes a body having an elongated passageway extending from a proximal end to a distal end, an elongated post positioned in such passageway for longitudinal movement therein and extending from a threaded proximal end to a distal end having an enlarged flange with a greater length than breadth. The proximal end of the elongated post is threaded and threadedly engaged to a rotatable handle. Rotation of the handle moves the elongated post and its flange in a proximal direction to clamp the femoral knee prosthesis between the ends of the flange and contoured surfaces which engage the articulating surfaces of the respective condylar portions of the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: MIS-TKA Group, LLC
    Inventors: Thoms M. Coon, Alfred J. Tria, Jr., Donald M. Smucker
  • Patent number: 7172596
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing total knee arthroplasty which is minimally invasive includes components with guide surfaces and slots for controlling the path of a cutting saw. The instrumentation permits resection of the proximal end of the tibia and distal end of the femur to be performed either medially or laterally with minimal cutting of soft tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, Alfred J Tria, Jr., Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Publication number: 20040153066
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure. An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, E. Marlowe Goble, Alfred J. Tria, Warren Scott Gareiss, Robert A. Hodorek, Toby N. Farling, Daniel F. Justin, Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Patent number: 6770077
    Abstract: A femoral knee saw guide for use in surgery includes a cutting guide having a slot extending therethrough for guiding a saw and alignment structure attached to the guide and positioned externally of the patient's femur for effecting proper alignment of the cutting guide. The cutting guide may be used for cutting one or both condyles at the distal end of the femur in a medial to lateral direction or lateral to medial direction. An arm having a stylus extending into the plane defined by the path of travel of the saw may be used when it is desired to cut only a single condyle to prevent inadvertently cutting the opposing condyle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: NEMCO Medical, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard R. Van Zile, Donald M. Smucker, Thomas M. Coon
  • Publication number: 20040039395
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing minimally invasive knee surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, E. Marlowe Goble, Alfred J. Tria, Warren Scott Gareiss, Robert A. Hodorek, Daniel F. Justin, Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile, Toby Farling
  • Publication number: 20030171757
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing total knee arthroplasty which is minimally invasive includes components with guide surfaces and slots for controlling the path of a cutting saw. The instrumentation permits resection of the proximal end of the tibia and distal end of the femur to be performed either medially or laterally with minimal cutting of soft tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, Alfred J. Tria, Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Publication number: 20030163137
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for resectioning a patella without everting it includes a resection guide which grips the patella with gripping members, one of which can also function as an alignment guide for a surgeon using a saw for the resectioning. Means engageable with the resection guide are provided for aligning drills and/or reamers used in resectioning. Under one embodiment, a pair of reamers are provided for reaming the patella in two reaming operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Publication number: 20030158606
    Abstract: A knee arthroplasty prosthesis includes a femoral component having multiple pieces with engagement means provided for engaging various pieces of the femoral component to one another following their insertion in the incised area of the femur. A tibial component includes multiple pieces designed for assembly following positioning in the incision. The tibial component includes a Morse taper cavity on one piece of the tibial component and a Morse taper extension on another member of the component for receipt therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas M. Coon, Alfred J. Tria, Donald M. Smucker, Richard R. Van Zile
  • Publication number: 20020173797
    Abstract: A femoral knee saw guide for use in surgery includes a cutting guide having a slot extending therethrough for guiding a saw and alignment structure attached to the guide and positioned externally of the patient's femur for effecting proper alignment of the cutting guide. The cutting guide may be used for cutting one or both condyles at the distal end of the femur in a medial to lateral direction or lateral to medial direction. An arm having a stylus extending into the plane defined by the path of travel of the saw may be used when it is desired to cut only a single condyle to prevent inadvertently cutting the opposing condyle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Richard R. Van Zile, Donald M. Smucker, Thomas M. Coon