Patents by Inventor Helmut D. Link
Helmut D. Link 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).
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Patent number: 12758389Abstract: A knee joint endoprosthesis set including modular knee joint endoprostheses in different sizes. Each knee joint endoprosthesis includes a tibial component. The femoral component includes a joint element for articulated cooperation with the tibial component and comprises a shaft for anchoring in the femur. The set includes shafts in different sizes. In the femoral component, the shape of the shafts tapers from a distal end, facing toward the joint element, to a proximal free end of the shaft. An oval cross-section is provided at the distal end, and a round cross-section is provided at the proximal free end of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2026Assignee: WALDEMAR LINK GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Harm-Iven Jensen, Helmut D. Link
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Publication number: 20260294631Abstract: Medical implant, preferably for a joint endoprosthesis, being sleeve-shaped comprising a wall (2) surrounding a channel extending through the sleeve (10). The wall (2) is comprised of a plurality of wall segments (20) arranged in a circumferential direction. Neighboring wall segments (20) are connected at their adjacent edges (21, 22) facing each other by a compressible joint (3) which are configured for reducing a separation distance between said neighboring wall segments (20) of the wall (2). They comprise a leaf spring (30) spanning an interspace between said neighboring wall segments (20), thereby form an elastic spring connection. Thereby, the width of the separating interspace can be reduced in an elastic manner determined by the leaf spring. Consequently, circumference of the sleeve is reduced. As a result, the overall diameter (width) is reduced such that the whole sleeve is elastically compressed and will be enabled to fit into a smaller cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2024Publication date: October 1, 2026Applicant: WALDEMAR LINK GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Helmut D. LINK, Eckhard BAUER
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Patent number: 12746127Abstract: An augment device for a joint endoprosthesis, the device including a sleeve surrounding a channel extending through the sleeve. The sleeve is formed of porous material for ingrowth of bony material, the sleeve comprising an inner face and an outer face. The sleeve further comprises a wall surrounding the channel, the wall being made of solid material and forming a sandwich structure with the porous material, wherein the wall forms a bulkhead between the inner face and the outer face. Thereby, the bulkhead wall will stop inflow of any cement across the sleeve from its inner to its outer face. The porous material on the outer face will be kept free from cement and its capability to promote bone ingrowth is reliably preserved. The augment devices are preferably provided as a set having different sizes and straight or stepped bottoms for improved versatility and maximum preservation of natural bone matter.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2023Date of Patent: September 29, 2026Assignee: Waldemar Link GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Eckhard Bauer, Helmut D. Link
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Patent number: 12740866Abstract: A prosthesis or implant device for use in joint or bone repair, or restoration of function. The prosthesis or implant device comprises a stem, in which a portion of the stem comprises non-overlapping lamellas around part or all of the circumference of the stem. Each lamella is connected to the external surface of the stem via a bending joint, which permits the space between the rest of the inner surface of the lamella and the external surface of the stem to decrease upon application of a force to the outer surface of the lamella. In addition, methods of treating a subject in need of joint replacement or bone repair using the prosthesis or implant device.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2021Date of Patent: September 22, 2026Assignee: WALDEMAR LINK GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Helmut D. Link, Eckhard Bauer
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Publication number: 20260273134Abstract: A prosthesis or implant device for use in joint or bone repair, or restoration of function, with improved surface hardness and depth of hardness and a process comprising treating a biocompatible alloy such that hardness and depth of hardness is improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2026Publication date: September 17, 2026Applicant: Waldemar Link GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Helmut D. LINK, Richard CSASZAR
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Publication number: 20260174564Abstract: The present disclosure includes a flexible stem of a medical implant for implantation into a bone. The stem includes a stem shaft having a first stem shaft end and a second stem shaft end; and a plurality of projections, each of the plurality of projections having a first projection end and a second projection end, wherein the first projection end of each of the plurality of projections is connected to the stem shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2025Publication date: June 25, 2026Applicant: WALDEMAR LINK GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Eckhard BAUER, Helmut D. LINK
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Publication number: 20260157854Abstract: An augment device includes a hollow sleeve surrounding a channel extending through the hollow sleeve from a top to a bottom of the hollow sleeve, the hollow sleeve comprising a wall having an inner face and an outer face. The hollow sleeve includes at least one bending joint, the bending joint being configured for compressing the channel. Thereby the hollow sleeve may be compressed under an external force, leading to a decreased circumference and width of the hollow sleeve. This leads to a gap between the perimeter of the augment device and surrounding bone material, breaking any connections. By virtue of this, a much-facilitated removal of the augment device can be achieved. Further, an extraction tool includes grippers for engaging and compressing the augment device, and further instruments, particularly a jig, for achieving an effective removal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2025Publication date: June 11, 2026Applicant: WALDEMAR LINK GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Eckhard BAUER, Helmut D. LINK
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Patent number: 12629225Abstract: An extracorporeally length-adjustable implant system comprises an implant component to be fastened to a bone to be lengthened and an adjustment device with two fastening parts that are displaceable relative to one another, each of which is intended for arrangement at a part of the bone to be lengthened, wherein the adjustment device is able to distract the two fastening parts and comprises a drive element with a permanent magnet arranged in rotationally fashion and a mechanism which converts a rotational movement of the permanent magnet into a distracting longitudinal movement of the adjustment device; and an extracorporeal drive unit for the drive element of the implant component. The extracorporeal drive unit comprises a rotatably mounted extracorporeal magnetic ring with an interior to receive the bone to be lengthened with the adjustment device, and an actuation device to rotate the extracorporeal magnetic ring in the ring plane thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: May 19, 2026Assignee: WALDEMAR LINK GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hans-Joachim Fischer, Helmut D. Link, Klaus Dmuschewsky
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Patent number: 12629449Abstract: A prosthesis or implant device for use in joint or bone repair, or restoration of function, with improved surface hardness and depth of hardness and a process comprising treating a biocompatible alloy such that hardness and depth of hardness is improved.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2021Date of Patent: May 19, 2026Assignee: WALDEMAR LINK GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Helmut D. Link, Richard Csaszar
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Publication number: 20260130765Abstract: Graft for a bone defect, in particular a tibial head graft for a knee-joint endoprosthesis. It comprises a sleeve-like inner body (2) for implantation at one end of a long bone (99). An outer face of the inner body (2) is designed as a bone contact face (20) for bearing on the surrounding bone margin (97). According to the invention, an outer shell piece (3) is provided which, as a bone replacement piece, is doubled onto the outside of the inner body (2) for filling a defect at the cortical bone margin (97) and is not dimensioned peripherally, such that, in the circumferential direction, it covers only a part of the outer circumference of the inner body (2). The doubled outer shell piece (3) forms a filler piece for a bone defect (bone window 96) at the bone end. Closure of the bone window (96) is achieved, and unwanted contact between the graft and surrounding soft-tissue parts is avoided. Moreover, the graft is thus also supported in the region of the bone window (96).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2025Publication date: May 14, 2026Applicant: WALDEMAR LINK GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Helmut D. LINK, Gunnar ERB
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Publication number: 20260124038Abstract: Modular endoprosthesis for at least partial replacement of a tubular bone, including, as module components, a stem for insertion into a bone cavity of the tubular bone, and an end piece including a support body with a neck part arranged on the medial aspect thereof. The module components being able to be coupled to each other and released from each other along a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The end piece has at least two different surface configurations on its support body, namely a closed surface (6?) on a medial aspect, and a porous configuration of the surface on the opposite, lateral aspect. The latter permits and positions the adhesion of muscle tissue, specifically without suturing. The muscle trauma caused by suturing, and the peak loads that occur at the respective suture points, can thus be avoided by virtue of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2025Publication date: May 7, 2026Applicant: WALDEMAR LINK GMBH & CO.Inventors: Helmut D. LINK, Sebastian SPATH
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Patent number: 12533237Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting sleeve for anchoring shafts of two oppositely arranged prostheses, preferably on an elongate bone such as a femur or humerus. The reinforcing sleeve comprises two receiving bushes for one prosthesis shaft each and comprises a separable coupling region arranged therebetween for connection in such a manner as to resist shear forces and rotation. According to the invention, each receiving bush has, on the side thereof facing the coupling region, one fork of a pair of forks that interact with each other, and a fitting block is arranged on a base of the fork, the lateral surfaces of which fitting block have a distance that corresponds to an inner width of the fork, and the lateral surfaces are designed to contact flanks of the fork in a planar manner, at least one fastening screw being arranged transversely through the fork. The fork connection is simpler to produce than the known wedge connection and yet is sufficiently robust.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2022Date of Patent: January 27, 2026Assignee: WALDEMAR LINK GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Helmut D. Link, Udo Borchers
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Patent number: 12521245Abstract: Graft for a bone defect, in particular a tibial head graft for a knee-joint endoprosthesis. It comprises a sleeve-like inner body (2) for implantation at one end of a long bone (99). An outer face of the inner body (2) is designed as a bone contact face (20) for bearing on the surrounding bone margin (97). According to the invention, an outer shell piece (3) is provided which, as a bone replacement piece, is doubled onto the outside of the inner body (2) for filling a defect at the cortical bone margin (97) and is not dimensioned peripherally, such that, in the circumferential direction, it covers only a part of the outer circumference of the inner body (2). The doubled outer shell piece (3) forms a filler piece for a bone defect (bone window 96) at the bone end. Closure of the bone window (96) is achieved, and unwanted contact between the graft and surrounding soft-tissue parts is avoided. Moreover, the graft is thus also supported in the region of the bone window (96).Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2020Date of Patent: January 13, 2026Assignee: WALDEMAR LINK GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Helmut D. Link, Gunnar Erb
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Patent number: 12514708Abstract: Modular endoprosthesis for at least partial replacement of a tubular bone, including, as module components, a stem for insertion into a bone cavity of the tubular bone, and an end piece including a support body with a neck part arranged on the medial aspect thereof. The module components being able to be coupled to each other and released from each other along a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The end piece has at least two different surface configurations on its support body, namely a closed surface (6?) on a medial aspect, and a porous configuration of the surface on the opposite, lateral aspect. The latter permits and positions the adhesion of muscle tissue, specifically without suturing. The muscle trauma caused by suturing, and the peak loads that occur at the respective suture points, can thus be avoided by virtue of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: January 6, 2026Assignee: WALDERMAR LINK GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Helmut D. Link, Sebastian Spath
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Patent number: 12472066Abstract: An augment device includes a hollow sleeve surrounding a channel extending through the hollow sleeve from a top to a bottom of the hollow sleeve, the hollow sleeve comprising a wall having an inner face and an outer face. The hollow sleeve includes at least one bending joint, the bending joint being configured for compressing the channel. Thereby the hollow sleeve may be compressed under an external force, leading to a decreased circumference and width of the hollow sleeve. This leads to a gap between the perimeter of the augment device and surrounding bone material, breaking any connections. By virtue of this, a much facilitated removal of the augment device can be achieved. Further, an extraction tool includes grippers for engaging and compressing the augment device, and further instruments, particularly a jig, for achieving an effective removal.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2024Date of Patent: November 18, 2025Assignee: Waldemar Link GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Eckhard Bauer, Helmut D. Link
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Patent number: 12453635Abstract: A joint implant component (1, 1?; 101; 201) for administering a pharmaceutical product is disclosed, which comprises an implant shaft (10, 10?; 110; 210), a joint section (20, 20?; 120; 220) arranged at the proximal end of the implant shaft, a flush supply opening (3, 3?; 103; 203) and a backflush opening (4, 4?; 104; 204). At least one shaft flush channel (11, 11?; 111; 211) and one shaft backflush channel (12, 12?; 112; 212) extend along the implant shaft inside the implant shaft. The shaft flush channel is connected to the outside of the implant shaft via shaft flush holes (13, 13?; 112; 113) for discharging the pharmaceutical product, and the shaft backflush channel is connected to the outside of the implant shaft via at least one shaft backflush hole (14, 14?; 114; 214) for receiving the discharged pharmaceutical product.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2020Date of Patent: October 28, 2025Assignee: WALDEMAR LINK GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Helmut D. Link, Hans-Joachim Fischer
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Patent number: 12440342Abstract: The present invention provides an implant for reconstructing an acetabulum and at least part of a pelvic structure. To this end, the implant comprises a frame structure embodied by at least one first profile element for transferring joint forces, a joint section which forms at least part of an artificial acetabulum, at least two attachment sections for attaching the implant to bone tissue, wherein a first attachment section is provided for attachment to a sacral bone or iliac bone and a second attachment section is provided for attachment to a pubic bone, and at least one plate element for supporting internal organs, which is surrounded by the frame structure, at least in sections.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2022Date of Patent: October 14, 2025Assignee: WALDEMAR LINK GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Helmut D. Link
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Publication number: 20250235318Abstract: Hip joint implant for fastening to a pelvic bone, with a support body which has a socket and whose convex outer face is designed to bear on the pelvic bone and which, on its concave inner face, has a receiving seat for a pelvis-side bearing that is designed to receive a joint head of a femoral component of a hip prosthesis, and with outwardly directed flat fastening brackets which are arranged at the edge region of the socket and are each provided with at least one receiving seat for a fastening means. The fastening brackets are made of a reshapeable biocompatible material and are connected to the socket via a non-releasable cohesive bond, wherein the socket is made of another, stiffer biocompatible material. A high degree of robustness of the socket is thus combined with what is, by virtue of the reshapeability, an improved adaptation to the anatomical conditions of the respective pelvic bone. This improves reliability of fastening, stability and long-term behavior.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2025Publication date: July 24, 2025Applicant: Waldemar Link GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Helmut D. LINK, Hans-Joachim Fischer
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Publication number: 20250195228Abstract: Medical implant, in particular an augment for a joint endoprosthesis, comprising a sleeve-shaped hollow body having a wall surrounding a channel in a circumferential direction. The channel extends in a longitudinal direction from a bottom to a top of the hollow body. The wall comprises at least one living hinge oriented in the longitudinal direction. The living hinge is configured for compressing the channel. The living hinge being formed by a bent slit that extends as a slit at least in a vertical and in a horizontal direction. As opposed to an ordinary linear slit, the bent, i.e., non-linear slit extends thus as a slit in two dimensions, horizontal and vertical. Thereby an increased elasticity can be realized, achieving a medical implant which has a better adjustable elasticity.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2023Publication date: June 19, 2025Applicant: Waldemar Link GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Helmut D. LINK
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Publication number: 20250186213Abstract: The invention relates to an endoprosthesis shaft system for elongate bones, comprising an anchoring part and a shaft, which is formed from module elements that can be coupled by means of a plug-in connection, wherein a mutual rotation of the elements along the shaft is adjustable and is blocked by means of an anti-rotation mechanism. In order to adjust the rotation, a rotation piece is provided as a further module element, which has a self-contained rotation adjustment device and a clamping device as a mechanism for blocking the rotation. The rotation piece comprises two end faces for the plug-in connection and a sleeve. The invention provides, with the rotation piece, a particular module element for the shaft, which as a structural unit allows both an adjustment of the rotation and a blocking against undesired rotation in a self-contained unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2025Publication date: June 12, 2025Applicant: Waldemar Link GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Helmut D. LINK, Udo BORCHERS, Gunnar ERB