Patents by Inventor Fridolin J. Schlapfer

Fridolin J. Schlapfer 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: 7201753
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bone fixation device which includes a pair of bone plates and a longitudinal carrier. The longitudinal carrier can be used to permit the bone plates to telescope with respect to one another, such as in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vertebral column. A joint also may be used to permit swivelling of the plates with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Fridolin J. Schlåpfer, Martin Hess
  • Patent number: 6869432
    Abstract: A device is provided for the articulated connection of two bodies comprising a first body, a clamping member, at least one tension member, and a second body. The first body comprises a cavity extending coaxially along a central axis. The clamping included a longitudinal axis and a coaxial bore with at least one aperture, the clamping member being complementary to the cavity and resiliently deformable in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The at least one tension member is insertable coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis into the bore. An axial displacement of the at least one tension member within the corresponding aperture may cause the clamping member to be expanded to contact the cavity wall and be releasably locked within the cavity. The second body is releasably connectable to the first body by means of the at least one tension member and the clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Fridolin J. Schlapfer, Martin Hess
  • Patent number: 6699249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bone fixation device which includes a pair of bone plates and a longitudinal carrier. The longitudinal carrier can be used to permit the bone plates to telescope with respect to one another, such as in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vertebral column. A joint also may be used to permit swivelling of the plates with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Fridolin J. Schläpfer, Martin Hess
  • Patent number: 6585740
    Abstract: The central portion of the screw according to the invention has a series of segments varying in diameter, typically having a segment located near the screw head with a large diameter, a segment located near the front portion with a small diameter, and intermediate segments tapering in the direction of the segment with the small diameter. A continuous thread extends along the central portion from the screw head to the screw tip where the thread has a substantially uniform outside diameter along the entire length of the central portion. The screw, which is particularly well-suited as a pedicle screw, has improved resistance to tearing, cutting and bending, and, largely independent of bone quality, good hold in bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Fridolin J. Schlapfer, Martin Hess
  • Publication number: 20030093077
    Abstract: A device permitting a joint-like connection of two bodies, including
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Fridolin J. Schlapfer, Martin Hess
  • Publication number: 20020055741
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bone fixation device which includes a pair of bone plates and a longitudinal carrier. The longitudinal carrier can be used to permit the bone plates to telescope with respect to one another, such as in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vertebral column. A joint also may be used to permit swivelling of the plates with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Fridolin J. Schlapfer, Martin Hess
  • Publication number: 20020016594
    Abstract: The central portion of the screw according to the invention has a series of segments varying in diameter, typically having a segment located near the screw head with a large diameter, a segment located near the front portion with a small diameter, and intermediate segments tapering in the direction of the segment with the small diameter. A continuous thread extends along the central portion from the screw head to the screw tip where the thread has a substantially uniform outside diameter along the entire length of the central portion. The screw, which is particularly well-suited as a pedicle screw, has improved resistance to tearing, cutting and bending, and, largely independent of bone quality, good hold in bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Fridolin J. Schlapfer, Martin Hess