Patents by Inventor Jerome J. Klawitter

Jerome J. Klawitter 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: 9241802
    Abstract: A humeral head resurfacing implant (11) that has a modulus of elasticity close to that of human cortical bone as a result of its design from an integral substrate of isotropic graphite covered completely with a reinforcing layer of dense isotropic pyrolytic carbon. A carefully engineered cruciform stem (15) extends from the axial center of a flat distal circular surface (23) of a spherical cap portion (19) of the implant head located within the confines of a surrounding skirt portion (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Klawitter, Robert B. More, Monti R. Gourley, Joseph P. Ritz, Evgeny G. Podnos
  • Publication number: 20140277553
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may provide a stem and a head and a liner that can be assembled together to form an implant, such as may be used in repair of the distal ulnoradial joint. A given head and liner and stem may be assembled to each other in more than one configuration, providing more than one possible external shape for a given set of stem and head and liner. The head may be non-symmetric about its midplane and may be open at both ends. A kit may contain more than one head assemblable to a given stem with an intermediate liner, with the various heads providing various different external shapes of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Klawitter, Monti R. Gourley
  • Publication number: 20140222154
    Abstract: A humeral head resurfacing implant (11) that has a modulus of elasticity close to that of human cortical bone as a result of its design from an integral substrate of isotropic graphite covered completely with a reinforcing layer of dense isotropic pyrolytic carbon. A carefully engineered cruciform stem (15) extends from the axial center of a flat distal circular surface (23) of a spherical cap portion (19) of the implant head located within the confines of a surrounding skirt portion (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Klawitter, Robert B. More, Monti R. Gourley, Joseph P. Ritz, Evgeny G. Podnos
  • Patent number: 8690958
    Abstract: A humeral head resurfacing implant (11) that has a modulus of elasticity close to that of human cortical bone as a result of its design from an integral substrate of isotropic graphite covered completely with a reinforcing layer of dense isotropic pyrolytic carbon. A carefully engineered cruciform stem (15) extends from the axial center of a flat distal circular surface (23) of a spherical cap portion (19) of the implant head located within the confines of a surrounding skirt portion (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Klawitter, Robert B. More, Monti R. Gourley, Joseph P. Ritz, Evgeny G. Podnos
  • Patent number: 8529632
    Abstract: A hemi-arthroplasty implant (11) joint replacement for the base of the first metacarpal of the CMC joint is created which can effectively restore and reestablish functional joint mechanics. The implant (11) has a unique head section (13) creating a particular interrelation between a spherical head articular surface (19), that is received in a surgically prepared cavity in the trapezium, wherein a supporting neck (21) in a re-entrant region joins the head to a flat, generally oblong collar (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Klawitter, Joseph P. Ritz, Monti R. Gourley, Ashley Degrood
  • Patent number: 8366780
    Abstract: A prosthetic implant comprising a head having a spherical pyrocarbon shell (13,73) that is attached to a metal substructure (17,77) via an intermediate element (15,45,75). A subassembly of the intermediate element and the pyrocarbon shell may be connected to the metal substructure via a metal split ring (19) that resides partially in each of two facing grooves (33,35) or via interengaging elements (85,87,91) that are provided in two juxtaposed cylindrical surfaces. The design is such that compressive forces applied to the implant at its spherical articulating surface are transferred via compression through the pyrocarbon shell to the metal substructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Klawitter, Monti R. Gourley
  • Publication number: 20120296436
    Abstract: A humeral head resurfacing implant (11) that has a modulus of elasticity close to that of human cortical bone as a result of its design from an integral substrate of isotropic graphite covered completely with a reinforcing layer of dense isotropic pyrolytic carbon. A carefully engineered cruciform stem (15) extends from the axial center of a flat distal circular surface (23) of a spherical cap portion (19) of the implant head located within the confines of a surrounding skirt portion (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ASCENSION ORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jerome J. KLAWITTER, Robert B. MORE, Monti R. GOURLEY, Joseph P. RITZ, Evgeny G. PODNOS
  • Publication number: 20120022664
    Abstract: An orthopedic prosthetic implant comprises a metal alloy stem element (13, 63, 113) which has one end portion (19, 69, 119) constructed to reside in the medullary cavity of a bone and an integral connector (23, 73, 123) at the opposite end, to which a crystalline brittle head (17, 67, 117) preferably made of pyrocarbon-coated graphite is joined. The effective joinder of the head to the stem element is achieved through a polymeric insert (15, 65, 115) which has selected elastic properties. The design and material of the polymeric insert allow it to be securely received within an interior cavity (35, 77, 131) of the pyrocarbon-coated graphite head and mated to the stem connector in an either rigidly or bi-polar arrangement. Such joinder allows the composite implants that utilize the most desirable properties of metallic and brittle crystalline materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: ASCENSION ORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve VANDER MEULEN, Jerome J. KLAWITTER
  • Publication number: 20120010724
    Abstract: An orthopedic prosthetic implant comprises a metal alloy stem element (13, 63, 113), which has one end portion (19, 69, 119) constructed to reside in the medullary cavity of a bone and an integral connector (23, 73, 123) at the opposite end to which crystalline brittle head (17, 67, 117), preferably made of pyrocarbon-coated graphite, is joined. The head interfaces with human bone, and its effective joinder to the stem element is achieved through a polymeric insert (15, 65, 115) of proportional shape and design which has selected elastic properties. The design and material of the polymeric insert allow it to be securely received within an interior cavity (35, 77, 131) of the pyrocarbon-coated graphite head and mated to the stem connector in an either rigidly or bi-polar arrangement. The method of joinder allows the construction of composite implants that utilize the most desirable properties of metallic and brittle crystalline materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: ASCENSION ORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve VANDER MEULEN, Jerome J. KLAWITTER
  • Patent number: 8034116
    Abstract: An orthopedic prosthetic implant comprises a metal alloy stem element (13, 63, 113), which has one end portion (19, 69, 119) constructed to reside in the medullary cavity of a bone and an integral connector (23, 73, 123) at the opposite end to which crystalline brittle head (17, 67, 117), preferably made of pyrocarbon-coated graphite, is joined. The head interfaces with human bone, and its effective joinder to the stem element is achieved through a polymeric insert (15, 65, 115) of proportional shape and design which has selected elastic properties. The design and material of the polymeric insert allow it to be securely received within an interior cavity (35, 77, 131) of the pyrocarbon-coated graphite head and mated to the stem connector in an either rigidly or bi-polar arrangement. The method of joinder allows the construction of composite implants that utilize the most desirable properties of metallic and brittle crystalline materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Vander Meulen, Jerome J. Klawitter
  • Publication number: 20110172782
    Abstract: A hemi-arthroplasty implant (11) joint replacement for the base of the first metacarpal of the CMC joint is created which can effectively restore and reestablish functional joint mechanics. The implant (11) has a unique head section (13) creating a particular interrelation between a spherical head articular surface (19), that is received in a surgically prepared cavity in the trapezium, wherein a supporting neck (21) in a re-entrant region joins the head to a flat, generally oblong collar (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Klawitter, Joseph P. Ritz, Monti R. Gourley, Ashley Degrood
  • Publication number: 20100063593
    Abstract: A prosthetic implant comprising a head having a spherical pyrocarbon shell (13,73) that is attached to a metal substructure (17,77) via an intermediate element (15,45,75). A subassembly of the intermediate element and the pyrocarbon shell may be connected to the metal substructure via a metal split ring (19) that resides partially in each of two facing grooves (33,35) or via interengaging elements (85,87,91) that are provided in two juxtaposed cylindrical surfaces. The design is such that compressive forces applied to the implant at its spherical articulating surface are transferred via compression through the pyrocarbon shell to the metal substructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: ASCENSION ORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Klawitter, Monti R. Gourley
  • Publication number: 20090240336
    Abstract: An orthopedic prosthetic implant comprises a metal alloy stem element (13, 63, 113), which has one end portion (19, 69, 119) constructed to reside in the medullary cavity of a bone and an integral connector (23, 73, 123) at the opposite end to which crystalline brittle head (17, 67, 117), preferably made of pyrocarbon-coated graphite, is joined. The head interfaces with human bone, and its effective joinder to the stem element is achieved through a polymeric insert (15, 65, 115) of proportional shape and design which has selected elastic properties. The design and material of the polymeric insert allow it to be securely received within an interior cavity (35, 77, 131) of the pyrocarbon-coated graphite head and mated to the stem connector in an either rigidly or bi-polar arrangement. The method of joinder allows the construction of composite implants that utilize the most desirable properties of metallic and brittle crystalline materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: ASCENSION ORTHOPEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve VANDER MEULEN, Jerome J. KLAWITTER
  • Patent number: 6159247
    Abstract: A joint prosthesis for replacement of the metacarpal-phalangeal (MP) joint (19) of a human finger which includes a metacarpal element (13) with a stem (15) for reception into the medullary cavity of the metacarpal bone (11) and a generally ball-shaped articular head (17) and a phalangeal element (14) with a stem (16) for reception into the medullary cavity of the proximal phalangeal bone (12) and a generally socket-shaped head (18) which conforms to the ball-shaped head (17). The metacarpal element (13)'s articular head (17) has reliefs (51,52) located on each of its two lateral sides so as to provide a generally free path for the collateral ligaments (43,44). The phalangeal element (14)'s articular head (18) has a dorsal protrusion (71) that resists subluxation-dislocation of the phalangeal bone (12) and grooves (31,32) in its concave surface (22) which allow biological fluids access to the inner regions of the articulation contact surfaces (21,22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Klawitter, William F. Ogilvie
  • Patent number: 5782927
    Abstract: A joint prosthesis for replacement of the metacarpal-phalangeal (MP) joint of a human finger which includes a metacarpal element with a stem for reception into the medullary cavity of the metacarpal bone and a generally ball-shaped articular head and a phalangeal element with a stem for reception into the medullary cavity of the proximal phalangeal bone and a generally socket-shaped head which conforms to the ball-shaped head. The metacarpal element's articular head has reliefs located on each of its two lateral sides so as to provide a generally free path for the collateral ligaments. The phalangeal element's articular head has a dorsal protrusion, that resists subluxation-dislocation of the phalangeal bone, and grooves in its concave surface which allow biological fluids access to the inner regions of the articulation contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Klawitter, William F. Ogilvie
  • Patent number: 4535483
    Abstract: Suture rings are provided for heart valves having surrounding stiffening protrusions that are either integral parts of the heart valve bodies or are rigid rings held in interference fit within peripheral grooves of heart valve bodies. Metal retainer rings engage the stiffening protrusions to lock the retainer rings to the valve bodies and carry fabric coverings on their exterior surfaces that are suturable to the heart tissues. Deformable portions of the retainer rings are used to provide engagement between the retainer rings and the protrusions and also to permanently position bands that secure the fabric coverings to the retainer rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: Hemex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Klawitter, Harry W. Cromie
  • Patent number: 4451937
    Abstract: Heart valve prostheses have annular valve bodies with central passageways and valve members supported for pivotal and translational movement between open and closed positions. The occluders, which may be either of a bileaflet or single occluder design, are supported within the bodies by pairs of ears extending from opposite locations to interengage with corresponding arcuate depressions to guide the occluders between their closed positions where they seat against upstream protuberances of the valve bodies and their open position where they are positioned between the upstream protuberances and downstream protuberances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Assignee: Hemex, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome J. Klawitter
  • Patent number: 4443894
    Abstract: A heart valve having a pair of leaflets which are guided between their open and closed positions by guides extending outward and received in dog-leg shaped depressions. The depressions each have a downstream section, which angles outward from a centerline plane of the valve body and a connected vertical upstream section. In the closed position the guides reside in intermediate locations to unload the force between the guides and the depression walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Hemex, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome J. Klawitter
  • Patent number: 4373216
    Abstract: Heart valves having valve members which are guided between their open and closed positions by projections extending inward from the annular body and interengaging with complementary notches in the peripheries of the occluders. Protuberances associated with the projections cooperate to define the pivotal axes, serve as open and closed position stops, and retain the valve members within the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: Hemex, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome J. Klawitter
  • Patent number: D610686
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ascension Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Klawitter, Joseph P. Ritz, Monti R. Gourley, Ashley Degrood