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).

  • Patent number: 10105229
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to restore the mobility of an articular end (2) of a bone (3) of a patient by means of a reconstruction implant. This implant (1), which permits reconstruction both of bone and of cartilage, comprises a grated framework (10) and a sheet (20) made of a biological tissue material, this sheet firmly covering one face (11) of the framework, while the opposite face (12) is designed to be pressed rigidly against, and firmly joined to, the end of the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Tornier
    Inventors: Irene Gosset, Robert J. Ball, Yves-Alain Ratron
  • Patent number: 9358119
    Abstract: A glenoid component having an offset center of articulation and associated systems and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Tomier SAS
    Inventors: Yves-Alain Ratron, Robert J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20140214170
    Abstract: A glenoid component having an offset center of articulation and associated systems and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: TORNIER SAS
    Inventors: Yves-Alain RATRON, Robert J. BALL
  • Patent number: 8721727
    Abstract: A glenoid component having an offset center of articulation and associated systems and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Yves-Alain Ratron, Robert J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20140074247
    Abstract: The implant (20) is shaped to generally mimic the form of the trapezium (12), or portions thereof. For example, the implant optionally defines a first metacarpal projection (32) and a second metacarpal projection (34) spaced from the first metacarpal projection to form a C-type, or cuff-type receptacle (36) for receiving the first metacarpal (15) such as the first and second metacarpal projections extend along either side of the first metacarpal. The receptacle optionally acts as a support surface (36A) for the first metacarpal during articulation thereof. In some embodiments, the first metacarpal projection is configured to extend adjacent the end portion of the first metacarpal that is adjacent the CMC joint (10) and the second metacarpal projection is configured to extend into the space (19) between the end portions of the first and second metacarpals (15, 18), thereby helping maintain the intermetacarpal spacing between the first and second metacarpals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ohashi, Donald E. Running, Robert J. Ball, Randip R. Bindra, John J. Fernandez, Dale R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8535319
    Abstract: A surgical system for assisting in the implanting of a glenoid component of a shoulder prosthesis in a patient includes a guide having guide features for guiding application of the bone preparation tool to the glenoid and a series of graphic representations of the glenoid component shown being implanted on the glenoid with different implant positions, each of which is associated with one of the graphic representations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Tornier
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20120209390
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to restore the mobility of an articular end (2) of a bone (3) of a patient by means of a reconstruction implant. This implant (1), which permits reconstruction both of bone and of cartilage, comprises a grated framework (10) and a sheet (20) made of a biological tissue material, this sheet firmly covering one face (11) of the framework, while the opposite face (12) is designed to be pressed rigidly against, and firmly joined to, the end of the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Irene Gosset, Robert J. Ball, Yves-Alain Ratron
  • Publication number: 20120095482
    Abstract: The endoprosthetic textile scaffold (1) according to an embodiment of the invention includes a first weave (10) substantially planar, including a warp (11) oriented in a first direction (D10) and a weft (13) oriented perpendicularly to the first direction, and a second weave (20) substantially planar, including a warp (21) oriented in a second direction (D20) and a weft (23) oriented perpendicularly to the second direction. The second weave is arranged and bound to the first weave so that the first and second weaves are superimposed in a parallel manner, with the first direction being non-parallel to the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Dale Peterson, Ralph Mattern, Peter Popper, Richard Emmitt, Said Rizk, Kevin Ohashi, Robert J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20110130795
    Abstract: A surgical system for assisting in the implanting of a glenoid component of a shoulder prosthesis in a patient includes a guide having guide features for guiding application of the bone preparation tool to the glenoid and a series of graphic representations of the glenoid component shown being implanted on the glenoid with different implant positions, each of which is associated with one of the graphic representations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: TORNIER SAS
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20110125273
    Abstract: A glenoid component having an offset center of articulation and associated systems and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: TORNIER SAS
    Inventors: Yves-Alain Ratron, Robert J. Ball
  • Patent number: 7846190
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for bone fixation are disclosed herein. A fixation apparatus is disclosed having a head portion having outer wall sections at least partially surrounding a central hollow area, and the head portion also having an inner bottom surface. A shank portion can extend from the head portion. An expander hub is provided for positioning at least partially within the central hollow area of the head portion and can be seated at least partially on the inner bottom surface of the head portion. The expander hub is rotatable to force the outer wall sections of the head portion outwardly for engaging and locking the fixation apparatus in place when the fixation apparatus is positioned within a hole of a plate. The fixation apparatus can advantageously be used with a plate whereby the fixation apparatus and plate can compress bone separately from locking the fixation apparatus in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Integra Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball
  • Patent number: 7740661
    Abstract: Radial head implant apparatuses and methods are provided in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein wherein a shaft and a head portion can be axially movable within a stem portion. In one embodiment, a radial head implant can include a head portion for articular engagement with a humerus bone, a stem portion for engagement with a radius bone, and a shaft for engagement with the stem portion. The head portion can include an upper surface for engaging the humerus bone. The stem portion can have an axial opening for receiving at least a portion of the shaft, and a collar can be disposed around the stem portion at a proximal end thereof. An upper portion of the shaft can be configured for engaging the head portion, while a lower portion of the shaft can be elongated and cylindrical for axially fitting into and moving within the axial opening of the stem portion. Other embodiments are also disclosed for axial movement for a radial head implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Integra Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Baratz, Mark Cohen, Robert J. Ball, Vince Van Donck, Eric S. Reindel, Corey Wilson-Wirth
  • Patent number: 7691133
    Abstract: Systems and methods for bone fixation are disclosed. A fixation system can have a planar fixation device and a laterally-fixed fixation apparatus. The planar fixation device can have a planar surface and at least one opening having side walls defining an at least generally cylindrical shape. The laterally-fixed fixation apparatus can have an at least generally cylindrical shaped head portion having outer wall sections at least partially surrounding a central hollow area. The head portion can have an inner bottom surface. An expander hub is provided in the fixation apparatus for positioning at least partially within the central hollow area of the head portion and can be seated at least partially on the inner bottom surface of the head portion. The expander hub is rotatable to force the outer wall sections of the head portion outwardly for engaging and locking the fixation apparatus in place in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Integra Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Ian Partin, Robert J. Ball, Ian A. Trail
  • Patent number: 7534270
    Abstract: Ankle implant systems and methods are provided that can allow a surgeon to select the type of prosthesis desired during an ankle surgical operation. The surgeon can implant a set of standardized fixation components into the tibia and/or fibula bones and the talus bone. Once implanted, the surgeon can select a bearing component from a number of bearing components that allow for different size patients, but also modify the manner in which the prosthesis functions (either semiconstrained or unconstrained). In one embodiment, an ankle implant can include a talar component having a lower surface with a bone fixation portion for fixation to a talus bone. A tibial component has an upper surface with a bone fixation portion for fixation of the tibial component to a tibia bone and/or a fibula bone, and the tibial component also has a lower surface with at least one protrusion extending from the lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Integra LifeSciences Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20090024221
    Abstract: An ulnar assembly for use with a humeral component to form an elbow prosthesis is provided. The ulnar assembly includes a first component including a portion thereof defining a stem for implantation in a cavity formed in the ulna. The first component defines a longitudinal axis thereof generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the ulna. The ulnar assembly also includes a second component attached to the first component. The second component is attachable and removable from the first component along the longitudinal axis of the first component. One of the first component and the second component include an external taper. The other of the first component and the second component defines an internal taper therein adapted to receive the external taper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball
  • Patent number: 7449028
    Abstract: An ulnar assembly for use with a humeral component to form an elbow prosthesis is provided. The ulnar assembly includes a first component including a portion thereof defining a stem for implantation in a cavity formed in the ulna. The first component defines a longitudinal axis thereof generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the ulna. The ulnar assembly also includes a second component attached to the first component. The second component is attachable and removable from the first component along the longitudinal axis of the first component. One of the first component and the second component include an external taper. The other of the first component and the second component defines an internal taper therein adapted to receive the external taper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20080188936
    Abstract: An implant and method for the repair of a tendon or a ligament along at least one load direction. The implant includes at least one first anchor portion and at least one tension member oriented along a load direction. The first anchor portion preferably has a larger surface area of engagement with the tendon or ligament to spread loads across more tissue. The tension member is preferably secured to the first anchor portion with an overlapping attachment. Tension on the tension member is preferably adjustable by the surgeon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Tornier, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ball, Thomas D. Egan, Paul V. Fenton, Kevin L. Ohashi, Dale R. Peterson, Peter Sorenson, Douglas Snell, John Yannone, Patrick Fenton
  • Patent number: 7172598
    Abstract: An impacting device includes a hollow body and a movable member. The hollow body includes an inner chamber having an interior surface, the interior surface including at least one interference member extending radially inward therefrom. The hollow body also includes an impact surface at one end thereof. The movable member has a proximal impacting surface and is at least partly disposed within the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ball, Jared Shoup
  • Patent number: 7011686
    Abstract: A humeral component of a shoulder prosthesis includes a stem configured for implantation within the humerus. A reverse articulating component is mounted to the stem by a connection mechanism. The reverse component defines a substantially concave bearing surface. The bearing surface is part of a bearing member that is engaged to a support member that is associated with the connection mechanism. A kit is provided which includes differently configured bearing members and support members to allow intraoperative selection and assembly of an optimum articulating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ball, Jeffrey M. Ondrla, Anne-CĂ©line Godest
  • Patent number: 6986790
    Abstract: A humeral prosthesis allows a surgeon to adjust humeral head position thereof in three-dimensional space with respect to a humeral component of the humeral prosthesis that has been either previously implanted into a humerus of a patient or not. The humeral prosthesis includes a conjoining component that is configured to releasably mate with the humeral component and to releasably mate with a humeral head. The conjoining component allows the humeral head to be selectively positionable from continuously infinite positions about two orthographic axes with respect to the conjoining component. The selected spatial position of the head is locked by a locking member of the conjoining component. The conjoining component allows the use of various sized heads, allow in vivo head trialing and/or exchange, and retrofit of heads for previously implanted shoulder prosthesis in need of revision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ball, Jeffrey M. Ondrla