Patents by Inventor Hallie E. Brinkerhuff

Hallie E. Brinkerhuff 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: 10966704
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for performing soft tissue repair by delivering a suture through the soft tissue and underlying bone at two or more fixation points that can be spaced apart from each other and connected by the suture on the surface of the soft tissue. The two or more fixation points and the suture connected there between can be a continuous strand of suture, which can form a stitching assembly that can provide sufficient fixation in the bone and minimize disruption to the soft tissue and bone. In an example, the suture can be delivered into the bone using one or more implants that can catch the suture to drive the suture through the tissue and into the bone. The one or more implants can include structural features to aid in securing the suture to the implant. In an example, the suture can include structural features or be formed of a material to aid in fixation of the suture in the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC
    Inventors: Antony J. Lozier, Matthew Prygoski, Daniel P. Murphy, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff, Michael Giordano, J. Craig Fryman, Alex McMullen, Kevin T. Stone
  • Patent number: 10556998
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Werner Schneider, Hallie E Brinkerhuff
  • Publication number: 20180125475
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for performing soft tissue repair by delivering a suture through the soft tissue and underlying bone at two or more fixation points that can be spaced apart from each other and connected by the suture on the surface of the soft tissue. The two or more fixation points and the suture connected there between can be a continuous strand of suture, which can form a stitching assembly that can provide sufficient fixation in the bone and minimize disruption to the soft tissue and bone. In an example, the suture can be delivered into the bone using one or more implants that can catch the suture to drive the suture through the tissue and into the bone. The one or more implants can include structural features to aid in securing the suture to the implant. In an example, the suture can include structural features or be formed of a material to aid in fixation of the suture in the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Antony J. Lozier, Matthew Prygoski, Daniel P. Murphy, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff, Michael Giordano, J. Craig Fryman, Alex McMullen, Kevin T. Stone
  • Patent number: 9926432
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Hallie E Brinkerhuff, Werner Schneider
  • Publication number: 20180051141
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Werner Schneider, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff
  • Patent number: 9822224
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Werner Schneider, Hallie E Brinkerhuff
  • Publication number: 20160145416
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff, Werner Schneider
  • Publication number: 20160108184
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation, In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Werner Schneider, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff
  • Patent number: 9277949
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Werner Schneider, Hallie E Brinkerhuff
  • Patent number: 9265545
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Hallie E Brinkerhuff, Werner Schneider
  • Publication number: 20140194934
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Werner Schneider, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff
  • Publication number: 20140194935
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff, Werner Schneider
  • Patent number: 8669299
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Werner Schneider, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff
  • Patent number: 8664290
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Werner Schneider, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff
  • Patent number: 8309521
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer, such as a polymeric spacer, for use with an implant device, e.g., a bone plate, for splinting a fracture of a bone. The spacer includes a body defining a bone healing surface, wherein at least a portion of the bone healing surface has a coating which includes a therapeutic agent, a polymeric carrier, and a buffer medium to stimulate bone growth and/or promote fracture healing. A kit is also disclosed which includes one or more of the spacers, at least one bone plate, and optionally one or more bone screws for securing the bone plate to bone. A method for promoting fracture healing in bone is further disclosed which includes securely situating a coated portion of the spacer adjacent bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Kai Zhang, Daniel Buehler, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff, Michael E. Hawkins, Ralf Klabunde
  • Publication number: 20120157591
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff, Werner Schneider
  • Patent number: 8178594
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Werner Schneider, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff
  • Patent number: 8129440
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Werner Schneider, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff
  • Patent number: 8110242
    Abstract: The present invention provides hydrogel coated, implantable medical devices and methods of coating hydrogels onto implantable medical devices. In one embodiment, a hydrogel coated medical device is formed by physically treating a surface of the medical device, chemically treating the surface, applying a hydrogel precursor and then crosslinking the hydrogel precursor to form a hydrogel coating on the surface of the medical device. The present invention may be particularly applicable for coating articulating surfaces on implantable medical devices such as artificial joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Hawkins, Dirk L. Pletcher, Brian Thomas, Kai Zhang, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff
  • Publication number: 20110133371
    Abstract: An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Alicia Rufner, John Knight, Toni Rowe, Dirk Pletcher, Ray Gsell, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff, Werner Schneider