Patents by Inventor Stephanie Mehl

Stephanie Mehl 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: 11399953
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Patent number: 11259934
    Abstract: A spine stabilization device having an interbody spacer shaped to be inserted between a vertebral body of an upper vertebra and a vertebral body of a lower vertebra. The device further includes a fixation device to be inserted after placement of the interbody spacer, the fixation device having a support portion securing the interbody spacer against escaping from between the vertebral bodies into a ventral direction. The support portion rests against a portion of an anterior surface of the interbody spacer, and includes an anchor. The anchor has an anchoring material portion that is inserted, in a liquid state, into cancellous bone tissue of at least one of the vertebral bodies of the upper and lower vertebra, to thereby infiltrate the cancellous bone tissue, and to harden thereafter so as to fix the support portion to the vertebral body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: SPINEWELDING AG
    Inventors: Andrea Müller, Milica Berra, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Urs Weber, Jörg Mayer, Stephen Hochschuler, Hansen Yuan, Frank M. Phillips, Stephanie Mehl, Elmar Mock, Andreas Wenger, Philipp Seiler, Ulrich Berlemann
  • Patent number: 10722369
    Abstract: The fusion device for fusing a synovial joint of a human or animal patient, in particular a human facet joint, finger joint or toe joint, includes two pin-shaped anchorage portions and arranged therebetween a stabilization portion. The anchorage portions include a thermoplastic material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration. The stabilization portion preferably has a surface which is equipped for enhancing osseointegration. The anchorage portions have a greater thickness and a greater depth than the stabilization portion. Then the fusion device is pushed between the articular surfaces and mechanical vibration, in particular ultrasonic vibration, is applied to the proximal face of the fusion device. Thereby the liquefiable material is liquefied where in contact with the bone tissue and penetrates into the bone tissue, where after re-solidification it constitutes a positive fit connection between the fusion device and the bone tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: WW TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Mario Lehmann, Stephanie Mehl, Elmar Mock, Andrea Müller, Milica Berra, Urs Weber
  • Publication number: 20200030115
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Patent number: 10470893
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Publication number: 20190133777
    Abstract: A spine stabilization device having an interbody spacer shaped to be inserted between a vertebral body of an upper vertebra and a vertebral body of a lower vertebra. The device further includes a fixation device to be inserted after placement of the interbody spacer, the fixation device having a support portion securing the interbody spacer against escaping from between the vertebral bodies into a ventral direction. The support portion rests against a portion of an anterior surface of the interbody spacer, and includes an anchor. The anchor has an anchoring material portion that is inserted, in a liquid state, into cancellous bone tissue of at least one of the vertebral bodies of the upper and lower vertebra, to thereby infiltrate the cancellous bone tissue, and to harden thereafter so as to fix the support portion to the vertebral body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Andrea Müller, Milica Berra, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Urs Weber, Jörg Mayer, Stephen Hochschuler, Hansen Yuan, Frank M. Phillips, Stephanie Mehl, Elmar Mock, Andreas Wenger, Philipp Seiler, Ulrich Berlemann
  • Patent number: 10195045
    Abstract: A spine stabilization device having an interbody spacer shaped to be inserted between a vertebral body of an upper vertebra and a vertebral body of a lower vertebra. The device further includes a fixation device to be inserted after placement of the interbody spacer, the fixation device having a support portion securing the interbody spacer against escaping from between the vertebral bodies into a ventral direction. The support portion rests against a portion of an anterior surface of the interbody spacer, and includes an anchor. The anchor has an anchoring material portion that is inserted, in a liquid state, into cancellous bone tissue of at least one of the vertebral bodies of the upper and lower vertebra, to thereby infiltrate the cancellous bone tissue, and to harden thereafter so as to fix the support portion to the vertebral body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: SPINEWELDING AG
    Inventors: Andrea Müller, Milica Berra, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Urs Weber, Jörg Mayer, Stephen Hochschuler, Hansen Yuan, Frank M. Phillips, Stephanie Mehl, Elmar Mock, Andreas Wenger, Philipp Seiler, Ulrich Berlemann
  • Patent number: 10154858
    Abstract: A device for preparing an opening in tissue for implantation of an implant. The device includes a tool adapted to be coupled to an energy source, an augmentation element of a thermoplastic material, and a counter element. A tool contact surface and a first augmentation element contact surface together form a first interface, and a second augmentation element contact surface and a counter element contact surface together form a second interface. The device is configured to be being inserted into an opening in the tissue and configured for the augmentation element to be compressed between the tool and the counter element while at the same time energy is coupled into the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: SPINEWELDING AG
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Andreas Wenger, Philipp Seiler, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Publication number: 20180000592
    Abstract: The fusion device for fusing a synovial joint of a human or animal patient, in particular a human facet joint, finger joint or toe joint, includes two pin-shaped anchorage portions and arranged therebetween a stabilization portion. The anchorage portions include a thermoplastic material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration. The stabilization portion preferably has a surface which is equipped for enhancing osseointegration. The anchorage portions have a greater thickness and a greater depth than the stabilization portion. Then the fusion device is pushed between the articular surfaces and mechanical vibration, in particular ultrasonic vibration, is applied to the proximal face of the fusion device. Thereby the liquefiable material is liquefied where in contact with the bone tissue and penetrates into the bone tissue, where after re-solidification it constitutes a positive fit connection between the fusion device and the bone tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Mario Lehmann, Stephanie Mehl, Elmar Mock, Andrea Müller, Milica Berra, Urs Weber
  • Patent number: 9782268
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Mueller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Publication number: 20170266018
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Patent number: 9757237
    Abstract: The fusion device for fusing a synovial joint of a human or animal patient, in particular a human facet joint, finger joint or toe joint, includes two pin-shaped anchorage portions and arranged therebetween a stabilization portion. The anchorage portions include a thermoplastic material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration. The stabilization portion preferably has a surface which is equipped for enhancing osseointegration. The anchorage portions have a greater thickness and a greater depth than the stabilization portion. Then the fusion device is pushed between the articular surfaces and mechanical vibration, in particular ultrasonic vibration, is applied to the proximal face of the fusion device. Thereby the liquefiable material is liquefied where in contact with the bone tissue and penetrates into the bone tissue, where after re-solidification it constitutes a positive fit connection between the fusion device and the bone tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: WW TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Mario Lehmann, Stephanie Mehl, Elmar Mock, Andrea Mueller, Milica Berra, Urs Weber
  • Patent number: 9724206
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Muller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jorg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Patent number: 9724044
    Abstract: For fixedly implanting a device for material or signal delivery or acquisition or a part of such a device in a human or animal body, an opening is provided in hard tissue of the body, the opening reaching through a hard tissue layer, e.g. through a cortical bone layer into cancellous bone underneath. The device includes a plug portion and/or a cover portion which includes a ring of a material having thermoplastic properties extending around the plug portion or on a tissue facing surface of the cover portion. The opening provided in the hard tissue has a cross section at least in the area of its mouth that is adapted to the plug or cover portion such that the plug portion can be introduced through the mouth of the opening or the cover portion can be positioned over the mouth of the opening such that the ring extends around the opening, along its wall and/or on the hard tissue surface around its mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Barbara Froesch, Mario Lehmann, Jens Langhoff, Thomas Knecht, Stephanie Mehl, Andrea Mueller
  • Publication number: 20170049478
    Abstract: A device for preparing an opening in tissue for implantation of an implant. The device includes a tool adapted to be coupled to an energy source, an augmentation element of a thermoplastic material, and a counter element. A tool contact surface and a first augmentation element contact surface together form a first interface, and a second augmentation element contact surface and a counter element contact surface together form a second interface. The device is configured to be being inserted into an opening in the tissue and configured for the augmentation element to be compressed between the tool and the counter element while at the same time energy is coupled into the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Andreas Wenger, Philipp Seiler, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Patent number: 9510861
    Abstract: A method of anchoring an implant in hard tissue, and/or hard tissue replacement material, includes the steps of providing an initial opening in the hard tissue, providing a thermoplastic augmentation element, a tool and a counter element, compressing the augmentation element between the tool and the counter element while energy is coupled into the tool and while a periphery of a liquefaction interface of the tool and the augmentation element and/or of a liquefaction interface of the augmentation element and the counter element is in the opening, thereby liquefying material of the augmentation element at the liquefaction interface(s) to yield liquefied material, causing portions of the liquefied material to penetrate into structures of the hard tissue, allowing the liquefied material to harden and to thereby become augmentation material, removing the tool and the counter element, and anchoring the implant in the opening including at least some of the augmentation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SPINEWELDING AG
    Inventors: Jorg Mayer, Andreas Wenger, Philipp Seiler, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Patent number: 9504463
    Abstract: A device for the anchoring of a suture in tissue includes a guide sleeve, a sonotrode, an anchor and the suture. The guide sleeve has a distal part with a smaller cross section and a proximal part with a larger cross section. The sonotrode extends through the lumen of the guide sleeve and has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being designed for coupling the sonotrode to a vibration source (e.g. an ultrasonic device). The anchor is arranged at the distal end of the device and includes an anchor foot and an anchoring sleeve sitting on a shoulder of the anchor foot. The anchoring sleeve consists of a material which is liquefiable through mechanical vibrations. A middle portion of the suture runs through the anchor foot and two end portions of the suture are attached to the guide sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani, Stephanie Mehl, Jörg Mayer
  • Publication number: 20160135961
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Müller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra
  • Publication number: 20160074171
    Abstract: A spine stabilization device having an interbody spacer shaped to be inserted between a vertebral body of an upper vertebra and a vertebral body of a lower vertebra. The device further includes a fixation device to be inserted after placement of the interbody spacer, the fixation device having a support portion securing the interbody spacer against escaping from between the vertebral bodies into a ventral direction. The support portion rests against a portion of an anterior surface of the interbody spacer, and includes an anchor. The anchor has an anchoring material portion that is inserted, in a liquid state, into cancellous bone tissue of at least one of the vertebral bodies of the upper and lower vertebra, to thereby infiltrate the cancellous bone tissue, and to harden thereafter so as to fix the support portion to the vertebral body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Andrea Müller, Milica Berra, Marcel Aeschlimann, Mario Lehmann, Urs Weber, Jorg Mayer, Stephen Hochschuler, Hansen Yuan, Frank M. Phillips, Stephanie Mehl, Elmar Mock, Andreas Wenger, Philipp Seiler, Ulrich Berlemann
  • Publication number: 20160058579
    Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Andrea Mueller, Thomas Knecht, Philipp Seiler, Urs Weber, Christopher Rast, Jörg Mayer, Stephanie Mehl, Milica Berra