Patents by Inventor Robert J. Ball

Robert J. Ball 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: 20260123922
    Abstract: A surgical anchoring device may include a first beam and a second beam each extending along a longitudinal direction; and a connecting member bridging a first proximal portion of the first beam to a second proximal portion of the second beam such that the first beam is substantially aligned with the second beam. In addition, the anchoring device may include a first barb protruding from a medial side of the first beam, wherein the first barb extends diagonally in a generally proximal direction; and a second barb protruding from a medial side of the second beam, wherein the second barb extends diagonally in a generally proximal direction. The first barb may include a proximal facing surface that is separated from the first beam by a recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2025
    Publication date: May 7, 2026
    Inventors: Isaac Running, Robert J. Ball, Douglas Snell, R. Sean Churchill, Louis Mclntyre, Nathan Kemper
  • Patent number: 12616578
    Abstract: A reverse shoulder system can include, for example, a glenoid baseplate comprising a longitudinal axis, the glenoid baseplate further including a stem and a central channel within a sidewall of the stem. The stem can include a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the glenoid baseplate can be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem, wherein the longitudinal axis of the glenoid baseplate is not perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem. Other components including a glenosphere, tools, and methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2025
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2026
    Assignee: Shoulder Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Running, Robert J. Ball, Jason Slone
  • Publication number: 20260090893
    Abstract: A reverse shoulder system can include, for example, a glenoid baseplate comprising a longitudinal axis, the glenoid baseplate further including a stem and a central channel within a sidewall of the stem. The stem can include a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the glenoid baseplate can be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem, wherein the longitudinal axis of the glenoid baseplate is not perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem. Other components including a glenosphere, tools, and methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2025
    Publication date: April 2, 2026
    Inventors: Donald E. Running, Robert J. Ball, Jason Slone
  • Patent number: 12558085
    Abstract: A surgical anchoring device may include a first beam and a second beam each extending along a longitudinal direction; and a connecting member bridging a first proximal portion of the first beam to a second proximal portion of the second beam such that the first beam is substantially aligned with the second beam. In addition, the anchoring device may include a first barb protruding from a medial side of the first beam, wherein the first barb extends diagonally in a generally proximal direction; and a second barb protruding from a medial side of the second beam, wherein the second barb extends diagonally in a generally proximal direction. The first barb may include a proximal facing surface that is separated from the first beam by a recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2026
    Assignee: Embody, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac Running, Robert J. Ball, Douglas Snell, R. Sean Churchill, Louis McIntyre, Nathan Kemper
  • Publication number: 20260041561
    Abstract: In some embodiments, disclosed is a glenohumeral implant with improved joint mobility. The implant can include a backing component; a neutral non-inclined bearing component on a concave side of the backing component, the bearing component made from a different material than the backing component and configured to touch a glenosphere having a center of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2025
    Publication date: February 12, 2026
    Inventors: Robert J. Ball, Donald E. Running
  • Patent number: 12544083
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a customized reusable guide for shoulder replacements. In an example embodiment, a method comprises providing an alignment compass base, wherein the alignment compass base is configured to enable rotational orientation of a radial offset insert and a K-wire guide tube with respect to a guide base, inserting the guide base component into the alignment compass base, inserting the radial offset insert into the guide base component, rotating, using a first alignment tool, the radial offset insert to a first orientation angle with respect to the guide base component, inserting the K-wire guide tube into the radial offset insert, rotating, using a second alignment tool, the K-wire guide tube to a second orientation angle with respect to the guide base component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2026
    Assignee: Shoulder Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey Wilson, Robert J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20250281307
    Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for implanting glenoid prostheses are disclosed. In various embodiments, a kit for shoulder surgery can include a partial reaming guide having a patient-matched surface shaped to conform to a scapula of a patient, the partial reaming guide configured to limit glenoid reaming about a reaming axis to only a portion of a glenoid; and an anchor peg channel guide having a patient-matched surface shaped to conform to a portion of the glenoid, the anchor peg channel guide having a channel offset from the reaming axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2025
    Publication date: September 11, 2025
    Applicant: HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Pierric Deransart, William J. Slone, Robert J. Ball, Gilles Walch, Pascal Boileau, George S. Athwal, Jon J.P. Warner, Robert Z. Tashjian, Jay D. Keener
  • Publication number: 20250281301
    Abstract: Disclosed are prosthesis systems and methods that provide ways by which the articulating surfaces of the implant can be exchanged such that the anatomic surfaces can be converted to reverse surfaces, while not exchanging the fixation components. Also disclosed herein are methods by which the surgeon can implant an inset anatomic articulating glenoid implant whereby at a later date, can remove the anatomic articulating surface and replace it with a reverse articulating surface such that the primary means of fixation remains well fixed in the glenoid fossa at the moment of articular exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2025
    Publication date: September 11, 2025
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball
  • Patent number: 12390334
    Abstract: A reverse shoulder system can include, for example, a glenoid baseplate comprising a longitudinal axis, the glenoid baseplate further including a stem and a central channel within a sidewall of the stem. The stem can include a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the glenoid baseplate can be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem, wherein the longitudinal axis of the glenoid baseplate is not perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem. Other components including a glenosphere, tools, and methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2025
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2025
    Assignee: Shoulder Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Running, Robert J. Ball, Jason Slone
  • Publication number: 20250255624
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a customized reusable guide for shoulder replacements. In an example embodiment, a method comprises providing an alignment compass base, wherein the alignment compass base is configured to enable rotational orientation of a radial offset insert and a K-wire guide tube with respect to a guide base, inserting the guide base component into the alignment compass base, inserting the radial offset insert into the guide base component, rotating, using a first alignment tool, the radial offset insert to a first orientation angle with respect to the guide base component, inserting the K-wire guide tube into the radial offset insert, rotating, using a second alignment tool, the K-wire guide tube to a second orientation angle with respect to the guide base component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 14, 2025
    Inventors: Corey Wilson, Robert J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20250213366
    Abstract: A reverse shoulder system can include, for example, a glenoid baseplate comprising a longitudinal axis, the glenoid baseplate further including a stem and a central channel within a sidewall of the stem. The stem can include a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the glenoid baseplate can be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem, wherein the longitudinal axis of the glenoid baseplate is not perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem. Other components including a glenosphere, tools, and methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2025
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: Donald E. Running, Robert J. Ball, Jason Slone
  • Patent number: 12329659
    Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for implanting glenoid prostheses are disclosed. In various embodiments, a kit for shoulder surgery can include a partial reaming guide having a patient-matched surface shaped to conform to a scapula of a patient, the partial reaming guide configured to limit glenoid reaming about a reaming axis to only a portion of a glenoid; and an anchor peg channel guide having a patient-matched surface shaped to conform to a portion of the glenoid, the anchor peg channel guide having a channel offset from the reaming axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Pierric Deransart, William J. Slone, Robert J. Ball, Gilles Walch, Pascal Boileau, George S. Athwal, Jon J. P. Warner, Robert Z. Tashjian, Jay D. Keener
  • Publication number: 20250177155
    Abstract: Disclosed are prosthesis systems and methods that provide porous fixation rings by which the articulating surfaces of the implant can be exchanged such that the anatomic surfaces can be converted to reverse surfaces, while not exchanging the fixation components. Also disclosed herein are methods by which the surgeon can implant an inset anatomic articulating glenoid implant whereby at a later date, can remove the anatomic articulating surface and replace it with a reverse articulating surface such that the primary means of fixation remains well fixed in the glenoid fossa at the moment of articular exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2024
    Publication date: June 5, 2025
    Inventors: Robert J. Ball, Donald E. Running
  • Patent number: 12310857
    Abstract: Disclosed are prosthesis systems and methods that provide ways by which the articulating surfaces of the implant can be exchanged such that the anatomic surfaces can be converted to reverse surfaces, while not exchanging the fixation components. Also disclosed herein are methods by which the surgeon can implant an inset anatomic articulating glenoid implant whereby at a later date, can remove the anatomic articulating surface and replace it with a reverse articulating surface such that the primary means of fixation remains well fixed in the glenoid fossa at the moment of articular exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: Shoulder Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball
  • Patent number: 12268611
    Abstract: A reverse shoulder system can include, for example, a glenoid baseplate comprising a longitudinal axis, the glenoid baseplate further including a stem and a central channel within a sidewall of the stem. The stem can include a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the glenoid baseplate can be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem, wherein the longitudinal axis of the glenoid baseplate is not perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem. Other components including a glenosphere, tools, and methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Shoulder Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Running, Robert J. Ball, Jason Slone
  • Publication number: 20250057659
    Abstract: An instrument to insert a humeral anchor includes a handle including a shaft extending from a first end to a second end; a manual grip at the first end configured to rotate the shaft; and a humeral anchor grip at the second end, wherein the handle is configured to actuate the humeral anchor grip between a first configuration to apply a radially outward force to an interior surface of the humeral anchor and a second configuration to separate the humeral anchor grip from the interior surface of the humeral anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2024
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Applicant: HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Pierric DERANSART, Christopher K. BADE, William J. SLONE, Robert J. BALL, Gilles WALCH, Pascal BOILEAU, George S. ATHWAL, Jon JP WARNER, Robert Z. TASHJIAN, Jay D. KEENER, Shawn M. GARGAC, Austin Wyatt MUTCHLER, David R. STUMP, Alexander Paul WOLFE, Kevin P. KNOX
  • Publication number: 20250000662
    Abstract: In some aspects, a shoulder implant with improved joint mobility, includes a backing component, a neutral non-inclined bearing component, and a peg. The neutral non-inclined bearing component is located on a concave side of the backing component. The bearing component is made from a different material than the backing component and is configured to touch a glenosphere having a center of rotation, wherein the bearing component is substantially radially symmetrical. The peg extends from the backing component and is configured to be connected to a humeral stem. The longitudinal axis of the peg of the backing component is offset from the center of rotation of the glenosphere and the longitudinal axis of the backing component is aligned with the center of rotation of the glenosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Robert J. Ball, Donald E. Running
  • Publication number: 20240423808
    Abstract: Humeral prosthetic implants, systems, kits and methods of forming and using the humeral prosthetic implants, systems and kits are disclosed. The humeral prosthetic implants include proximal cup portions and distal stem portions, wherein the proximal cup portion is joined to the distal stem portion at a desired offset and/or angle configured based on an analysis of the humeral diaphysis and/or metaphysis offset in a patient. The humeral prosthetic implants may also include an adapter configured to join the proximal cup component with the stem component, wherein the adapter is configured to join the stem component to the stemless cup at a desired offset and/or angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Applicant: STRYKER EUROPEAN OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert J. BALL
  • Patent number: 12167966
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to stemmed and stemless humeral anchors for use in shoulder arthroplasty procedures. For example, the humeral anchor can include a first end, a second end, and an interior surface extending between the first end and the second end. The interior surface can be disposed about a recess disposed between the first end and the second end. The recess can be configured to secure a coupling of a shoulder articular body directly to the interior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Pierric Deransart, Christopher K. Bade, William J. Slone, Robert J. Ball, Gilles Walch, Pascal Boileau, George S. Athwal, Jon JP Warner, Robert Z. Tashjian, Jay D. Keener, Shawn M. Gargac, Austin Wyatt Mutchler, David R. Stump, Alexander Paul Wolfe, Kevin P. Knox
  • Patent number: D1123159
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2026
    Assignee: Shoulder Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ball, Donald E. Running