Patents by Inventor Paul Smirthwaite

Paul Smirthwaite 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: 10398424
    Abstract: An alignment tool (2) for a joint is provided comprising a reference member 4 that defines a reference plane R and a distraction member (6). The distraction member (6) comprises first and second distraction arms (70, 72), each of which is independently moveable with respect to the reference member (4) along a movement axis M. The movement axes M, M of the first and second distraction arms (70, 72) are substantially parallel. A kit of parts is also provided comprising an alignment tool (2), a drill guide (200) and a cutting guide (300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet UK Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Nick Harris, Paul James Kistle, Paul Smirthwaite
  • Patent number: 10188523
    Abstract: A first prosthetic ankle component (10) comprising: a first bearing surface (12) configured to engage a second bearing surface (22) of a second prosthetic ankle component (20); and a protrusion (16) or slot (26) on the first bearing surface, the protrusion or slot being configured to engage a respective slot (26) or protrusion (16) in the second bearing surface of the second prosthetic ankle component, wherein the protrusion or slot is further configured such that the interaction with the respective slot or protrusion permits the first and second prosthetic ankle components to slide with respect to one another in an interface plane defined by the interface between the first and second bearing surfaces, and wherein the protrusion or slot is further configured to restrict the first and second prosthetic ankle components moving away from one another in a direction with a component perpendicular to the interface plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet UK Healthcare Limited
    Inventor: Paul Smirthwaite
  • Publication number: 20170216041
    Abstract: A first prosthetic ankle component (10) comprising: a first bearing surface (12) configured to engage a second bearing surface (22) of a second prosthetic ankle component (20); and a protrusion (16) or slot (26) on the first bearing surface, the protrusion or slot being configured to engage a respective slot (26) or protrusion (16) in the second bearing surface of the second prosthetic ankle component, wherein the protrusion or slot is further configured such that the interaction with the respective slot or protrusion permits the first and second prosthetic ankle components to slide with respect to one another in an interface plane defined by the interface between the first and second bearing surfaces, and wherein the protrusion or slot is further configured to restrict the first and second prosthetic ankle components moving away from one another in a direction with a component perpendicular to the interface plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Smirthwaite
  • Patent number: 9655734
    Abstract: A first prosthetic ankle component (10) comprising: a first bearing surface (12) configured to engage a second bearing surface (22) of a second prosthetic ankle component (20); and a protrusion (16) or slot (26) on the first bearing surface, the protrusion or slot being configured to engage a respective slot (26) or protrusion (16) in the second bearing surface of the second prosthetic ankle component, wherein the protrusion or slot is further configured such that the interaction with the respective slot or protrusion permits the first and second prosthetic ankle components to slide with respect to one another in an interface plane defined by the interface between the first and second bearing surfaces, and wherein the protrusion or slot is further configured to restrict the first and second prosthetic ankle components moving away from one another in a direction with a component perpendicular to the interface plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Biomet UK Healthcare Limited
    Inventor: Paul Smirthwaite
  • Patent number: 9445823
    Abstract: A guiding tool (2) is disclosed comprising a tool body (4) that defines a reference plane of the tool (2); an alignment member (10) that carries a guide surface (74); and an adjustment means acting between the tool body (4) and the alignment member (10) to direct rotational adjustment of the alignment member (10) with respect to the tool body (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Biomet UK Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Nick Harris, Paul James Kistle, Paul Smirthwaite
  • Publication number: 20160074087
    Abstract: An alignment tool (2) for a joint is provided comprising a reference member 4 that defines a reference plane R and a distraction member (6). The distraction member (6) comprises first and second distraction arms (70, 72), each of which is independently moveable with respect to the reference member (4) along a movement axis M. The movement axes M, M of the first and second distraction arms (70, 72) are substantially parallel. A kit of parts is also provided comprising an alignment tool (2), a drill guide (200) and a cutting guide (300).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Nick Harris, Paul James Kistle, Paul Smirthwaite
  • Patent number: 9138332
    Abstract: An alignment tool (2) for a joint is provided comprising a reference member 4 that defines a reference plane R and a distraction member (6). The distraction member (6) comprises first and second distraction arms (70, 72), each of which is independently moveable with respect to the reference member (4) along a movement axis M. The movement axes M, M of the first and second distraction arms (70, 72) are substantially parallel. A kit of parts is also provided comprising an alignment tool (2), a drill guide (200) and a cutting guide (300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Biomet UK Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Nick Harris, Paul James Kistle, Paul Smirthwaite
  • Publication number: 20150057761
    Abstract: A first prosthetic ankle component (10) comprising: a first bearing surface (12) configured to engage a second bearing surface (22) of a second prosthetic ankle component (20); and a protrusion (16) or slot (26) on the first bearing surface, the protrusion or slot being configured to engage a respective slot (26) or protrusion (16) in the second bearing surface of the second prosthetic ankle component, wherein the protrusion or slot is further configured such that the interaction with the respective slot or protrusion permits the first and second prosthetic ankle components to slide with respect to one another in an interface plane defined by the interface between the first and second bearing surfaces, and wherein the protrusion or slot is further configured to restrict the first and second prosthetic ankle components moving away from one another in a direction with a component perpendicular to the interface plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Biomet UK Healthcare Limited
    Inventor: Paul Smirthwaite
  • Publication number: 20130190765
    Abstract: An alignment tool (2) for a joint is provided comprising a reference member 4 that defines a reference plane R and a distraction member (6). The distraction member (6) comprises first and second distraction arms (70, 72), each of which is independently moveable with respect to the reference member (4) along a movement axis M. The movement axes M, M of the first and second distraction arms (70, 72) are substantially parallel. A kit of parts is also provided comprising an alignment tool (2), a drill guide (200) and a cutting guide (300).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: BIOMET UK HEALTHCARE LIMITED
    Inventors: Nick Harris, Paul James Kistle, Paul Smirthwaite
  • Publication number: 20130190766
    Abstract: A guiding tool (2) is disclosed comprising a tool body (4) that defines a reference plane of the tool (2); an alignment member (10) that carries a guide surface (74); and an adjustment means acting between the tool body (4) and the alignment member (10) to direct rotational adjustment of the alignment member (10) with respect to the tool body (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: BIOMET UK HEALTHCARE LIMITED
    Inventors: Nick Harris, Paul James Kistle, Paul Smirthwaite