Patents by Inventor Robert Sommerich

Robert Sommerich 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: 11944553
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are expanding spinal fusion cage embodiments including an expandable cage assembly configured to expand from a collapsed state to an expanded state in an intervertebral space when inflated with a material. The assembly can include an inflatable section defining an interior volume configured to receive the material and expand the interior volume in response to a pressure from the received material to cause the expandable cage assembly to transition from the collapsed state to the expanded state, and a stabilization section configured to restrain the inflatable section during inflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignees: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc., Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventors: Peyton Hopson, Hassan Serhan, Eric Buehlmann, Robert Sommerich, Thomas Gamache, Cynthia Star, Philip Reeves, Oliver Smith, David Hayden, Loic Le Merlus
  • Patent number: 11607270
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an anatomical implant template has a template body having opposed first and second terminal ends. The template body bends so as to change the body from a first configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a first path, to a second configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a second path, different from the first path, the second path conforming more closely to the curvature of the at least one anatomical body. The body supports at least one device that outputs at least one signal from which a shape of the body in the second configuration can be ascertained. The anatomical implant template can further communicate the at least one signal to a computing device that generates signals for bending an anatomical implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael O'Neil, Roman Lomeli, Robert Sommerich, Mark Hall, Joseph Peterson
  • Publication number: 20220218496
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are expanding spinal fusion cage embodiments including an expandable cage assembly configured to expand from a collapsed state to an expanded state in an intervertebral space when inflated with a material. The assembly can include an inflatable section defining an interior volume configured to receive the material and expand the interior volume in response to a pressure from the received material to cause the expandable cage assembly to transition from the collapsed state to the expanded state, and a stabilization section configured to restrain the inflatable section during inflation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Peyton Hopson, Hassan Serhan, Eric Buehlmann, Robert Sommerich, Thomas Gamache, Cynthia Star, Philip Reeves, Oliver Smith, David Hayden, Loic Le Merlus
  • Publication number: 20190336221
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an anatomical implant template has a template body having opposed first and second terminal ends. The template body bends so as to change the body from a first configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a first path, to a second configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a second path, different from the first path, the second path conforming more closely to the curvature of the at least one anatomical body. The body supports at least one device that outputs at least one signal from which a shape of the body in the second configuration can be ascertained. The anatomical implant template can further communicate the at least one signal to a computing device that generates signals for bending an anatomical implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Michael O'Neil, Roman Lomeli, Robert Sommerich, Mark Hall, Joseph Peterson
  • Patent number: 10398417
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which customized instruments, e.g., surgical instruments, can be manufactured to provide improved ergonomics, comfort, and accuracy. Instruments can be customized based on various parameters, including a quantitative assessment of the user, desired or intended use of the instrument, user preferences, and so forth. Exemplary instrument properties which can be customized include size, geometry, durometer, mechanical assist, texture, color, markings, modulus of elasticity, sensor inclusion, sensor type, sensor feedback type, balance, finish, and weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Neil, Robert Sommerich, Roman Lomeli
  • Patent number: 10390884
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an anatomical implant template has a template body having opposed first and second terminal ends. The template body bends so as to change the body from a first configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a first path, to a second configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a second path, different from the first path, the second path conforming more closely to the curvature of the at least one anatomical body. The body supports at least one device that outputs at least one signal from which a shape of the body in the second configuration can be ascertained. The anatomical implant template can further communicate the at least one signal to a computing device that generates signals for bending an anatomical implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael O'Neil, Roman Lomeli, Robert Sommerich, Mark Hall, Joseph Peterson
  • Publication number: 20180000468
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which customized instruments, e.g., surgical instruments, can be manufactured to provide improved ergonomics, comfort, and accuracy. Instruments can be customized based on various parameters, including a quantitative assessment of the user, desired or intended use of the instrument, user preferences, and so forth. Exemplary instrument properties which can be customized include size, geometry, durometer, mechanical assist, texture, color, markings, modulus of elasticity, sensor inclusion, sensor type, sensor feedback type, balance, finish, and weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Neil, Robert Sommerich, Roman Lomeli
  • Publication number: 20170000568
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an anatomical implant template has a template body having opposed first and second terminal ends. The template body bends so as to change the body from a first configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a first path, to a second configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a second path, different from the first path, the second path conforming more closely to the curvature of the at least one anatomical body. The body supports at least one device that outputs at least one signal from which a shape of the body in the second configuration can be ascertained. The anatomical implant template can further communicate the at least one signal to a computing device that generates signals for bending an anatomical implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Michael O'Neil, Roman Lomeli, Robert Sommerich, Mark Hall, Joseph Peterson
  • Publication number: 20120277878
    Abstract: An intervertebral expandable spacer having a pair of co-axial annuluses locked together by an engagement member having i) a set screw and ii) a pressure plate having an outer face contacting the set screw and an inner face having teeth adapted to mate with the ratchet notches of the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Sommerich, Glen Arthur Presbrey, Martin Meer, Gerhard Franz Pohl
  • Patent number: 8241294
    Abstract: An instrument set for an intervertebral expandable spacer having a pair of co-axial annuluses locked together by an engagement member, the set including an inserter/expander having both a rapid expansion mechanism and a fine tuning expansion mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Sommerich, Glen Arthur Presbrey, Martin Meer, Gerhard Pohl, Katherine Herard
  • Patent number: 8241363
    Abstract: An intervertebral expandable spacer having a pair of co-axial annuluses locked together by an engagement member having i) a set screw and ii) a pressure plate having an outer face contacting the set screw and an inner face having teeth adapted to mate with the ratchet notches of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Sommerich, Glen Arthur Presbrey, Martin Meer, Gerhard Franz Pohl
  • Publication number: 20090164018
    Abstract: An instrument set for an intervertebral expandable spacer having a pair of co-axial annuluses locked together by an engagement member, the set including an inserter/expander having both a rapid expansion mechanism and a fine tuning expansion mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Sommerich, Glen Arthur Presbrey, Martin Meer, Gerhard Pohl, Katherine Herard
  • Publication number: 20090164017
    Abstract: An intervertebral expandable spacer having a pair of co-axial annuluses locked together by an engagement member having i) a set screw and ii) a pressure plate having an outer face contacting the set screw and an inner face having teeth adapted to mate with the ratchet notches of the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Sommerich, Glen Arthur Presbrey, Martin Meer, Gerhard Franz Pohl
  • Publication number: 20070260258
    Abstract: The vertebroplasty needle has two cannulae sharing a common distal end, wherein the cement injection cannula merges into a straight stylet cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Sommerich
  • Publication number: 20070073415
    Abstract: A dural graft is provided having improved stiffness characteristics relative to conventional dural substitutes. The dural graft can be formed from a collagen material having a stiffness between about 0.1 pounds per inch (lb./in.) and 0.25 lb./in. Relative to the collagen material forming conventional dural graft substitutes, the decreased stiffness of the collagen material of the present dural graft can provide the graft with a relatively improved or increased pliability. As a result of the increased pliability, the dural graft can sufficiently conform to a curvature of a tissue surface to which it is applied, such as the curved surface of a meningeal membrane. The reduced stiffness of the collagen material can also provide for a relatively improved or increased flexibility or elasticity of the dural graft. The increased flexibility of the dural graft minimizes tearing of the graft when handled or manipulated during an implantation procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Sommerich
  • Patent number: 7008433
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mixing and delivery device suitable for delivering injectable biomaterials, and to preferred bone cement formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: DePuy Acromed, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Voellmicke, Paul J. Mraz, Robert Sommerich, John Buonanno, Francis Peterson, Todd Bjork, Mark Duffy
  • Publication number: 20050283256
    Abstract: A laminated, bioimplantable dural graft product is configured for use as both an onlay graft and a suturable graft. The dural graft product is sufficiently pliable so as to sufficiently conform to a curvature of a tissue surface to which it is applied, such as the curved surface of a meningeal membrane. The use of the graft product can have improved properties, including suture retention strength and fluid impermeability. To use the dural graft product as an implant to replace, reinforce or strengthen bodily tissue, or to act as an adhesion barrier, the dural graft is placed in contact with bodily tissue and conforms to the curvature of the bodily tissue. Sutures can be used to maintain the contact between the dural graft and the bodily tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Applicant: CODMAN & SHURTLEFF, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Sommerich, Laurel Macomber
  • Publication number: 20050175659
    Abstract: A collagen device is prepared by mixing collagen with purified water for a period of time sufficient to form a mixture. The pH of the mixture is adjusted to a pH level sufficient to substantially solubilize the collagen. A first predetermined amount of the mixture is placed into a container. The mixture is subject to a lyophilizing process and formed into a collagen device. The collagen device is also cross-linked. The collagen device has a plurality of pores wherein a majority of the pores have a diameter of less than 10 ?m. To use the collagen device as an implant to replace, reinforce or strengthen bodily tissue, or to act as an adhesion barrier, the collagen device is placed in contact with bodily tissue and that contact is maintained until the collagen device is substantially resorbed within the bodily tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Inventors: Laurel Macomber, Robert Sommerich, Vivek Shenoy
  • Publication number: 20020156483
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mixing and delivery device suitable for delivering injectable biomaterials, and to preferred bone cement formulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: John C. Voellmicke, Paul J. Mraz, Robert Sommerich, John Buonanno, Nolene Harris, Neil Watkins, Rick Kowalski, Francis Peterson, Todd Bjork, Mark Duffy