Patents by Inventor Donald W. Dye

Donald W. Dye 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: 20250090338
    Abstract: A limb replacement implant optionally including a shaft configured to simulate an anatomical shape of a natural humerus, the shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The limb replacement implant optionally including a patch positioned on a portion of the shaft. The patch is at least one of: positioned, sized or shaped as derived from an anatomical counterpart attachment from the natural humerus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2024
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Inventor: Donald W. Dye, JR.
  • Publication number: 20240180567
    Abstract: An instrument assembly for an orthopedic procedure is disclosed. The instrument assembly can optionally include any one or combination of a reamer and a cut guide assembly. The cut guide assembly can be configured to couple to the reamer. The cut guide assembly can optionally include any one or combination of a clamp, a carriage and a cut block. The clamp can be selectively movable along a shaft of the reamer and lockable thereto. The first arm can project from the reamer. The carriage can be selectively moveable along a longitudinal length of the first arm. The cut block can be coupled to the carriage via one or more magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Donald W. Dye Jr., Michael A. Kay, Michael Francis Kovacs
  • Patent number: 11969353
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to prosthesis systems having trays and liners having an asymmetrical locking mechanism to bias the strength of the liner to resist loading forces and associated methods. The tray has a lateral groove disposed in an inner surface of a lateral circumferential portion of the tray and a medial groove disposed in an inner surface of a medial circumferential portion of the tray. The liner has an upper segment and a lower segment. The liner has a locking portion for lockingly engaging the tray that includes the lower segment. The locking portion has a lateral toe positioned generally diametrically opposite a plurality of resiliently deformable medial fingers defined therein. The liner and the tray are engageable in a lateral-to-medial direction so that the plurality of medial fingers can resiliently deform to engage the medial groove subsequent to engagement of the lateral toe within the lateral groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Humphrey, James D. Wernle, Joanna Surma, Stephen H. Hoag, Donald W. Dye, Kenton A. Walz, Terry W. Wagner, Kathleen Macke, Duane Gillard, Brian D. Byrd, Ken Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20230371988
    Abstract: A deployable bone anchor comprises an implantable body comprising a first end comprising a first attachment member to couple to a prosthetic component and a second attachment member to couple to a deployment device, a second end for insertion into bone that comprises a third attachment member to couple to the deployment device, and a sidewall that comprises a living hinge portion to flex when the second and third attachment members are pulled toward each other by the deployment device. A method of implanting a prosthetic component comprises forming a bore in a surface of a bone, inserting a distal end of a deployable bone anchor into the bore, attaching a deployment device to a proximal end of the deployable bone anchor, radially expanding the deployable bone anchor with the deployment device, detaching the deployment device, and attaching a prosthetic component to the deployable bone anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventor: Donald W. Dye, JR.
  • Publication number: 20230310166
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods such as a trial apparatus for selecting a position of a prosthetic head component on a humerus are disclosed. The trial apparatus can optionally include a body (36) and a thimble (38). The body can have a plurality of indicia (46) and can form a portion of a joint (37). The thimble can be couplable to the body via the joint. The thimble can be rotatable relative to the body via the joint and can include one or more indicia (62) for use with the plurality of indicia of the body. The thimble can be mountable to a prosthetic stem (30) implanted in the humerus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Donald W. Dye, JR., Peter Darrigan
  • Publication number: 20230055628
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are reference feet for inserters and method of use thereof. The reference feet can include a body, a tine, a first arm, and a first base. The body can have a longitudinal axis and define an engagement fixture oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis and sized to receive a complementary fixture of an inserter. The tine can extend from the body along the longitudinal axis and including a protuberance sized to engage a stop of the inserter. The first arm can extend from the body. The first base can be attached to the first arm and have a planar surface arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Donald W. Dye, JR., Kyle A. Bohnenkamper
  • Publication number: 20200289278
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to prosthesis systems having trays and liners having an asymmetrical locking mechanism to bias the strength of the liner to resist loading forces and associated methods. The tray has a lateral groove disposed in an inner surface of a lateral circumferential portion of the tray and a medial groove disposed in an inner surface of a medial circumferential portion of the tray. The liner has an upper segment and a lower segment. The liner has a locking portion for lockingly engaging the tray that includes the lower segment. The locking portion has a lateral toe positioned generally diametrically opposite a plurality of resiliently deformable medial fingers defined therein. The liner and the tray are engageable in a lateral-to-medial direction so that the plurality of medial fingers can resiliently deform to engage the medial groove subsequent to engagement of the lateral toe within the lateral groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Steven Humphrey, James D. Wernle, Joanna Surma, Stephen H. Hoag, Donald W. Dye, Kenton A. Walz, Terry W. Wagner, Kathleen Macke, Duane Gillard, Brian D. Byrd, Ken Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10709565
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to prosthesis systems having trays and liners having an asymmetrical locking mechanism to bias the strength of the liner to resist loading forces and associated methods. The tray has a lateral groove disposed in an inner surface of a lateral circumferential portion of the tray and a medial groove disposed in an inner surface of a medial circumferential portion of the tray. The liner has an upper segment and a lower segment. The liner has a locking portion for lockingly engaging the tray that includes the lower segment. The locking portion has a lateral toe positioned generally diametrically opposite a plurality of resiliently deformable medial fingers defined therein. The liner and the tray are engageable in a lateral-to-medial direction so that the plurality of medial fingers can resiliently deform to engage the medial groove subsequent to engagement of the lateral toe within the lateral groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Humphrey, James D. Wernle, Joanna Surma, Stephen H. Hoag, Donald W. Dye, Kenton A. Walz, Terry W. Wagner, Kathleen Macke, Duane Gillard, Brian D. Byrd, Ken Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10687831
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides reaming apparatuses. The reaming apparatuses can comprise a base guide, a reamer, and a reamer driver. The base guide can define a base guide through bore and a base guide articulating surface. The base guide articulating surface can be oriented at an angle relative to the base guide through bore. The reamer can define a reamer articulating surface operable to allow rotation of the reamer on the base guide articulating surface. The reamer driver can operate with the reamer to cause rotation of the reamer when the reamer driver rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Francis Kovacs, Nathan A. Winslow, Michael Dziekan, Donald W. Dye, Thomas Michael Vanasse, Robert J. Taylor, Lawrence Gulotta
  • Publication number: 20180008293
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides reaming apparatuses. The reaming apparatuses can comprise a base guide, a reamer, and a reamer driver. The base guide can define a base guide through bore and a base guide articulating surface. The base guide articulating surface can be oriented at an angle relative to the base guide through bore. The reamer can define a reamer articulating surface operable to allow rotation of the reamer on the base guide articulating surface. The reamer driver can operate with the reamer to cause rotation of the reamer when the reamer driver rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Francis Kovacs, Nathan A. Winslow, Michael Dziekan, Donald W. Dye, Thomas Michael Vanasse, Robert J. Taylor, Lawrence Gulotta
  • Patent number: 9820860
    Abstract: In an artificial joint that includes a head assembly attached by taper fit to a proximal portion of a surgically implanted stem, it may become necessary to surgically remove the head assembly. A puller can simultaneously apply a force distally to a non-peripheral portion of a proximal side of the head assembly and proximally to several locations spaced apart around a circumference of the distal side of the head assembly. In some examples, the proximal side of the head assembly includes a plug disposed at the non-peripheral portion. The puller can force the plug into contact with the proximal end of the stem, then apply the distal force through the plug to the stem. In other examples lacking a plug, the non-peripheral portion of the head can deform or break in response to the applied distal force, so that the distal force can apply to the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Donald W. Dye, Steven Humphrey
  • Publication number: 20170056187
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to prosthesis systems having trays and liners having an asymmetrical locking mechanism to bias the strength of the liner to resist loading forces and associated methods. The tray has a lateral groove disposed in an inner surface of a lateral circumferential portion of the tray and a medial groove disposed in an inner surface of a medial circumferential portion of the tray. The liner has an upper segment and a lower segment. The liner has a locking portion for lockingly engaging the tray that includes the lower segment. The locking portion has a lateral toe positioned generally diametrically opposite a plurality of resiliently deformable medial fingers defined therein. The liner and the tray are engageable in a lateral-to-medial direction so that the plurality of medial fingers can resiliently deform to engage the medial groove subsequent to engagement of the lateral toe within the lateral groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Humphrey, James D. Wernle, Joanna Surma, Stephen H. Hoag, Donald W. Dye, Kenton A. Walz, Terry W. Wagner, Kathleen Macke, Duane Gillard, Brian D. Byrd, Ken Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20160166390
    Abstract: In an artificial joint that includes a head assembly attached by taper fit to a proximal portion of a surgically implanted stem, it may become necessary to surgically remove the head assembly. A puller can simultaneously apply a force distally to a non-peripheral portion of a proximal side of the head assembly and proximally to several locations spaced apart around a circumference of the distal side of the head assembly. In some examples, the proximal side of the head assembly includes a plug disposed at the non-peripheral portion. The puller can force the plug into contact with the proximal end of the stem, then apply the distal force through the plug to the stem. In other examples lacking a plug, the non-peripheral portion of the head can deform or break in response to the applied distal force, so that the distal force can apply to the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Donald W. Dye, Steven Humphrey
  • Publication number: 20080255574
    Abstract: An instrument configured to receive and retain a prosthetic component to facilitate the implantation of the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the instrument includes an actuator and holder secured to the actuator. The holder may include an elongate body and a head portion having a plurality of resiliently deformable arms sized and shaped to receive the prosthetic component therebetween. Additionally, the holder may be placed within a guide in the actuator along which the holder may be translated. By moving the actuator, the holder may be correspondingly translated and the resiliently deformable arms compressed to restrict translation and rotation of the prosthetic component relative to the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: ZIMMER TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Donald W. Dye
  • Patent number: 7172554
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to retractor instrumentation for total hip arthroplasty, and methods of using same. In one illustrative embodiment, the device comprises a body, a first pin coupled to the body, and a second pin coupled to said body, wherein at least a portion of said first and second pins are adapted to penetrate human bone. In a further illustrative embodiment, a retractor instrumentation set comprises a retractor device, a shaft that is adapted to be removably coupled to the retractor device, and an inserter that is adapted to be removably coupled to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Gustke, Richard E. Jones, III, Donald W. Dye, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6551321
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant includes a pair of spaced apart end caps which are interconnected by a plurality of elongated flexible members. Each end cap includes an aperture formed therethrough for the use of a trochanteric guide wire for piloting the implant during trial insertion and final insertion into an intramedullary canal. At least one of the end caps includes a rounded end to enhance insertion. Preferably, the flexible members are bowed outwardly to provide a “birdcage” configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Centerpulse Orthopedics Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Burkinshaw, Donald W. Dye, John L. Walker, Steven Brown
  • Patent number: 6395004
    Abstract: A trial prosthesis and saw guide system for use in orthopedic surgery to implant an orthopedic calcar-replacing femoral hip prosthesis. A trial femoral hip stem includes a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a neck portion for temporarily receiving a trial femoral head. The proximal portion includes an elongate saw guide slot substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. A trial femoral hip flange is provided for temporary insertion within the saw guide slot. An elongate rotary reamer is provided for reaming a socket in the medullary canal to receive the hip prosthesis. An elongate driver adapter has means at a proximal end for connection to a powered rotary driver and has means at a distal end for connection to the elongate rotary reamer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Sulzer Orthopedics Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W. Dye, Stephen W. Haecker, Adriana de la Barcena
  • Patent number: 6290704
    Abstract: Apparatus for distal femur sizing and resection includes a sizer member and a platform pivotably connected to the sizer member. An anterior femoral cut guide is movably engaged with the sizer member and includes a first retainer for retaining a removable reference device for referencing, and a second retainer for retaining a removable distal cut guide subsequent to removal of the reference device to position the distal cut guide on the femur. Retaining guides extend from the femoral cut guide. A slide member is movably mounted on the retaining guides. The slide member includes a carriage member, and a plunger resiliently mounted in the carriage, and movable for retaining the slide member on the retaining guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Sulzer Orthopedics Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Burkinshaw, Donald W. Dye
  • Patent number: 6277121
    Abstract: An instrument for preparing a human patella for implanting a patellar prosthesis. A support member includes a quick-release base member mounted adjacent a first end of the support member. A reamer member is removably mounted on the quick-release base member. An attachment release member is resiliently mounted on the support member for movement into and out of engagement with the quick-release member and the reamer member. A stop member is adjustably mounted for limited movement on the support member to a plurality of calibrated positions for setting a controlled depth for movement of the reamer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Brian D. Burkinshaw, Donald W. Dye, Paul Salyer, Bryan Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 6221035
    Abstract: An automatic ankle clamp for use with an extramedullary alignment device includes a cradle having a triggering device movably mounted thereon. A pair of clamp arms are resiliently mounted for movement on the triggering device between an open position and a closed position. A latch device interconnects the clamp arms and the cradle for retaining the clamp arms in the open position and for simultaneously releasing the clamp arms to the closed position in response to movement of the triggering device relative to the cradle. The clamp is attachable to an extramedullary alignment device such that urging the cradle and triggering device into engagement with a patient's ankle, automatically and simultaneously releases the clamp arms to grip the patient's ankle. A base is mounted on the cradle for calibrated medial/lateral adjustment of the clamp relative to the extramedullary alignment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Richard J. Kana, Donald W. Dye