Patents by Inventor Robert G. Metzger

Robert G. Metzger 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).

  • Publication number: 20120150189
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of selecting a femoral prosthetic for implantation relative to a femur using a femoral sizing guide. An extension portion of the femoral sizing guide is placed adjacent to a posterior condyle surface of the femur. A stylus is located proximate to an interior condyle surface of the femur. A first actuator disposed between the extension portion and a base portion is moved to rotatably displace the extension portion with respect to the base portion until the stylus is centrally located on top of the interior condyle. A measurement of the femur is identified with the sizing guide based on a relative location of the stylus, the extension portion and the base portion. A femoral prosthesis is selected based on the measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: BIOMET MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventors: Robert G. Metzger, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 8012215
    Abstract: A nonmodular tibial prosthesis having a retainer for a modular bearing on the superior surface of a tibial base, a nonmodular primary bearing directly molded to the base, and a mechanical release member mounted on the tibial base in contact with the nonmodular primary bearing. The release member includes a wedge portion with a superiorly posteriorly inclined face, and is designed to be driven anteriorly upon actuation so as to force the primary bearing off of the tibial base, after which the primary bearing and release member are removed and replaced with a modular bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Robert G. Metzger, Stanley E. Asnis
  • Publication number: 20090062806
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a tibia for knee surgery. The apparatus includes a tibial base having a center axis, and a handle coupled to the base at an anterior base location that is offset relative to the center axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: James W. Scott, Robert G. Metzger
  • Patent number: 7488324
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modular femoral sizing guide which facilitates the selection and rotational orientation of a femoral prosthetic for a resected femur. The femoral sizing guide has a base which is coupled to the resected femur. An extension portion which is configured to have a pair of feet which are coupled to the posterior surface of the resected femur is rotatably coupled to the base portion. A superstructure having a pair of drilling guides and a stylus is slidably coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G Metzger, Jacy C Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 7445639
    Abstract: A modular component for a knee joint prosthesis is disclosed. The modular component includes a tray, a stem and an adapter assembly. The tray includes a support surface and downwardly extending extension having a generally circular shape. The stem includes a main body portion and an upwardly extending extension. The adapter assembly connects the tray and the stem. The adapter assembly includes a first generally cylindrical cavity receiving the downwardly extending extension of the tray and a second generally cylindrical cavity receiving the upwardly extension of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Robert G Metzger, Jacy C Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 7261719
    Abstract: A sizing apparatus for determining the anterior-posterior size of a distal end of a femur. The apparatus includes a block having a face engageable with the distal end of the femur, and a body mounted on the block and slidable relative to the block in a medial-lateral direction. A stylus is mounted on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: R. Scott Twomey, Robert G Metzger
  • Patent number: 7255715
    Abstract: An integrated prosthetic assembly for implanting a prosthetic joint between two bones and including at least one ligament graft. The assembly includes a plurality of joint components, a plurality of base components, and at least one drill guide keyed to one of the base components at a predetermined angle for forming a predetermined tunnel in one of the bones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Robert G Metzger
  • Patent number: 7025788
    Abstract: A modular tibial component for a knee joint prosthesis. The modular tibial component includes a tray, a stem and an adapter assembly. The tray includes a support surface and downwardly extending extension having a generally circular shape. The stem includes a main body portion and an upwardly extending extension. The adapter assembly connects the tray and the stem. The adapter assembly includes a first generally cylindrical cavity receiving the downwardly extending extension of the tray and a second generally cylindrical cavity receiving the upwardly extension of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Biomet, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Metzger, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20030093156
    Abstract: A nonmodular tibial prosthesis having a retainer for a modular bearing on the superior surface of a tibial base, a nonmodular primary bearing directly molded to the base, and a mechanical release member mounted on the tibial base in contact with the nonmodular primary bearing. The release member includes a wedge portion with a superiorly posteriorly inclined face, and is designed to be driven anteriorly upon actuation so as to force the primary bearing off of the tibial base, after which the primary bearing and release member are removed and replaced with a modular bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Robert G. Metzger, Stanley E. Asnis
  • Publication number: 20030055508
    Abstract: A modular tibial component for a knee joint prosthesis. The modular tibial component includes a tray, a stem and an adapter assembly. The tray includes a support surface and downwardly extending extension having a generally circular shape. The stem includes a main body portion and an upwardly extending extension. The adapter assembly connects the tray and the stem. The adapter assembly includes a first generally cylindrical cavity receiving the downwardly extending extension of the tray and a second generally cylindrical cavity receiving the upwardly extension of the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Robert G. Metzger, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20020120340
    Abstract: A modular tibial component for a knee joint prosthesis. The modular tibial component includes a tray, a stem and an adapter assembly. The tray includes a support surface and downwardly extending extension having a generally circular shape. The stem includes a main body portion and an upwardly extending extension. The adapter assembly connects the tray and the stem. The adapter assembly includes a first generally cylindrical cavity receiving the downwardly extending extension of the tray and a second generally cylindrical cavity receiving the upwardly extension of the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Robert G. Metzger, Jacy C. Hoeppner