Patents by Inventor Steven Gowers

Steven Gowers 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: 9693879
    Abstract: An alignment guide is described that includes a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a housing attachable to the shaft and rotatable about a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A guide arm the extends from the housing at a predetermined angle along a second axis. A spirit level is connected to the housing on a plane aligned with the predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Alec Birkbeck, Robert Freeman, Gary Moore, Steven Gowers
  • Patent number: 9603722
    Abstract: A surgical instrument alignment guide comprising a mount (2) arranged to be coupled to a bone of a patient, an alignment rod (4), a guide rod (24) and an indicator (26). The alignment rod (4) has a first end pivotally coupled to the mount (2) such that the inclination of the alignment rod (4) relative to the mount (2) is adjustable. The guide rod (24) is couplable to a second end of the alignment rod (4) at an adjustable angle and orientation such that the guide rod (24) can extend transverse to the alignment rod (4). The indicator (26) is coupled to the guide rod (24) to indicate when the guide rod (24) lies at a desired angle relative to a horizontal axis. Also disclosed is a method of aligning a surgical instrument using the surgical instrument alignment guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: David Beverland, Robert Freeman, Steven Gowers
  • Publication number: 20160158027
    Abstract: An alignment guide is provided having a shaft having a longitudinal axis. The guide includes a housing configured to be attached to the shaft and rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The housing includes a base and a plate. The base is attached to the shaft, and the plate is rotatable about the first axis relative to the base. The guide also includes a guide arm having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being attached to the housing and extending from the housing along a second axis, the second portion extending from the first portion at a first predetermined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Applicants: DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Alec Birkbeck, Robert Freeman, Gary Moore, Steven Gowers
  • Patent number: 9295566
    Abstract: An alignment guide is provided having a shaft with a longitudinal axis and a guide arm having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion is attached to the shaft and configured to be rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second portion extends from the first portion at a first predetermined angle along a second axis. The third portion extends from the second portion at a second predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Alec Birkbeck, Robert Freeman, Gary Moore, Steven Gowers
  • Publication number: 20150313726
    Abstract: A surgical instrument alignment guide comprising a mount (2) arranged to be coupled to a bone of a patient, an alignment rod (4), a guide rod (24) and an indicator (26). The alignment rod (4) has a first end pivotally coupled to the mount (2) such that the inclination of the alignment rod (4) relative to the mount (2) is adjustable. The guide rod (24) is couplable to a second end of the alignment rod (4) at an adjustable angle and orientation such that the guide rod (24) can extend transverse to the alignment rod (4). The indicator (26) is coupled to the guide rod (24) to indicate when the guide rod (24) lies at a desired angle relative to a horizontal axis. Also disclosed is a method of aligning a surgical instrument using the surgical instrument alignment guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: DAVID BEVERLAND, ROBERT FREEMAN, STEVEN GOWERS
  • Patent number: 9114027
    Abstract: A surgical instrument alignment guide comprising a mount (2) arranged to be coupled to a bone of a patient, an alignment rod (4), a guide rod (24) and an indicator (26). The alignment rod (4) has a first end pivotally coupled to the mount (2) such that the inclination of the alignment rod (4) relative to the mount (2) is adjustable. The guide rod (24) is couplable to a second end of the alignment rod (4) at an adjustable angle and orientation such that the guide rod (24) can extend transverse to the alignment rod (4). The indicator (26) is coupled to the guide rod (24) to indicate when the guide rod (24) lies at a desired angle relative to a horizontal axis. Also disclosed is a method of aligning a surgical instrument using the surgical instrument alignment guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: David Beverland, Robert Freeman, Steven Gowers
  • Patent number: 9095448
    Abstract: A method of aligning an alignment guide relative to a reamed acetabulum of a patient is provided. The method includes the step of manipulating an alignment guide comprising a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a guide arm having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the first portion attached to the shaft and configured to be rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second portion extending from the first portion at a first predetermined angle along a second axis, and the third portion extending from the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The guide arm is rotated about the first axis relative to the shaft. A cup or trial is attached to the distal end of the shaft and positioned to contact the reamed acetabulum. The third portion of the guide arm is then oriented with respect to the long axis of the patient and the surface of the table on which the patient is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Alec Birkbeck, Robert Freeman, Gary Moore, Steven Gowers
  • Patent number: 9084687
    Abstract: An orientation guide comprising a housing arranged to couple to a surgical instrument. In one embodiment the orientation guide further comprises first and second indicators (22, 26). The first indicator (22) is pivotally coupled to the housing (20) such that the first indicator (22) can rotate relative to the housing (20) about a first axis (24) to maintain its angular position about the first axis (24) relative to a vertical axis irrespective of movement of the housing (20). The second indicator (26) surrounds the first indicator (22) and is pivotally coupled to the housing (20) such that the second indicator (26) can rotate relative to the housing (20) about a second axis (32) orthogonal to the first axis (24) to maintain its angular position about the second axis (32) relative to the vertical axis irrespective of movement of the housing (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Ivan Green, Robert Freeman, Steven Gowers
  • Publication number: 20140378984
    Abstract: An alignment guide is described that includes a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a housing attachable to the shaft and rotatable about a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A guide arm the extends from the housing at a predetermined angle along a second axis. A spirit level is connected to the housing on a plane aligned with the predetermined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: ALEC BIRKBECK, ROBERT FREEMAN, GARY MOORE, STEVEN GOWERS
  • Patent number: 8764845
    Abstract: A kit for use in a procedure for implantation of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis includes a head component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis, which comprises a body part having a convex bearing surface, and a reverse face at which the head component can be connected to a mating component of the joint prosthesis, in which the head component has a chamfer surface extending around at least part of its periphery where the bearing and reverse faces come together, and a plurality of markings on the chamfer surface. The kit includes a trial head component which comprises a body part having a convex trial bearing surface and a reverse face, in which the trial head component has a plurality of markings on the trial bearing surface at or towards the interface between it and the reverse face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy International Limited
    Inventors: James Brooks, Steven Gowers, Jonathan Thompson
  • Patent number: 8734457
    Abstract: An instrument for use in a joint replacement procedure includes a trial head that corresponds to the head of an orthopaedic joint component having an upper surface defined by a curved surface and a bore formed in a lower surface and a trial connector for connecting the trial head to a stem part of the orthopaedic joint component which is intended for location in the intramedullary cavity of a bone. The trial connector can be fitted into the bore in the trial head at a variable angular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Depuy International Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Bailey, Steven Gowers
  • Publication number: 20130184834
    Abstract: A kit for use in a procedure for implantation of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis includes a head component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis, which comprises a body part having a convex bearing surface, and a reverse face at which the head component can be connected to a mating component of the joint prosthesis, in which the head component has a chamfer surface extending around at least part of its periphery where the bearing and reverse faces come together, and a plurality of markings on the chamfer surface. The kit includes a trial head component which comprises a body part having a convex trial bearing surface and a reverse face, in which the trial head component has a plurality of markings on the trial bearing surface at or towards the interface between it and the reverse face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: DuPuy International Limited
    Inventors: James Brooks, Steven Gowers, Jonathan Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120330319
    Abstract: An alignment guide is described that includes a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a housing attachable to the shaft and rotatable about a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A guide arm the extends from the housing at a predetermined angle along a second axis. A spirit level is connected to the housing on a plane aligned with the predetermined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Alec Birkbeck, Robert Freeman, Gary Moore, Steven Gowers
  • Publication number: 20120116468
    Abstract: A surgical instrument alignment guide comprising a mount (2) arranged to be coupled to a bone of a patient, an alignment rod (4), a guide rod (24) and an indicator (26). The alignment rod (4) has a first end pivotally coupled to the mount (2) such that the inclination of the alignment rod (4) relative to the mount (2) is adjustable. The guide rod (24) is couplable to a second end of the alignment rod (4) at an adjustable angle and orientation such that the guide rod (24) can extend transverse to the alignment rod (4). The indicator (26) is coupled to the guide rod (24) to indicate when the guide rod (24) lies at a desired angle relative to a horizontal axis. Also disclosed is a method of aligning a surgical instrument using the surgical instrument alignment guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: DePuy International Limited
    Inventors: David Beverland, Robert Freeman, Steven Gowers
  • Patent number: 8142512
    Abstract: An instrument for use in a joint replacement procedure comprises a head part which corresponds to the head of an orthopaedic joint component, in which the head part has a bore formed in it, and a connector for connecting the head part to a stem part of the orthopaedic joint component, which is intended for location in the intramedullary cavity of a bone. The connector can be fitted into the bore in the head part in one of a plurality of angular orientations. It comprises a body part and a trigger which can be moved relative to the body part between an unlocked position in which the connector can be moved relative to the head part between different ones of the plurality of angular orientations and a locked position in which the connector is restrained against such movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Depuy International Limited
    Inventors: James Brooks, Steven Gowers, Jonathan Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120035612
    Abstract: An orientation guide comprising a housing arranged to couple to a surgical instrument. In one embodiment the orientation guide further comprises first and second indicators (22, 26). The first indicator (22) is pivotally coupled to the housing (20) such that the first indicator (22) can rotate relative to the housing (20) about a first axis (24) to maintain its angular position about the first axis (24) relative to a vertical axis irrespective of movement of the housing (20). The second indicator (26) surrounds the first indicator (22) and is pivotally coupled to the housing (20) such that the second indicator (26) can rotate relative to the housing (20) about a second axis (32) orthogonal to the first axis (24) to maintain its angular position about the second axis (32) relative to the vertical axis irrespective of movement of the housing (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: DePuy International Ltd.
    Inventors: Ivan Green, Robert Freeman, Steven Gowers
  • Publication number: 20110276053
    Abstract: A method of aligning an alignment guide relative to a reamed acetabulum of a patient is provided. The method includes the step of manipulating an alignment guide comprising a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a guide arm having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the first portion attached to the shaft and configured to be rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second portion extending from the first portion at a first predetermined angle along a second axis, and the third portion extending from the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The guide arm is rotated about the first axis relative to the shaft. A cup or trial is attached to the distal end of the shaft and positioned to contact the reamed acetabulum. The third portion of the guide arm is then oriented with respect to the long axis of the patient and the surface of the table on which the patient is positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Alec Birkbeck, Robert Freeman, Gary Moore, Steven Gowers
  • Publication number: 20110276100
    Abstract: An alignment guide is provided having a shaft with a longitudinal axis and a guide arm having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion is attached to the shaft and configured to be rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second portion extends from the first portion at a first predetermined angle along a second axis. The third portion extends from the second portion at a second predetermined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Alec Birkbeck, Robert Freeman, Gary Moore, Steven Gowers
  • Publication number: 20110060418
    Abstract: An instrument for use in a joint replacement procedure includes a trial head that corresponds to the head of an orthopaedic joint component having an upper surface defined by a curved surface and a bore formed in a lower surface and a trial connector for connecting the trial head to a stem part of the orthopaedic joint component which is intended for location in the intramedullary cavity of a bone. The trial connector can be fitted into the bore in the trial head at a variable angular orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: DePuy International Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Bailey, Steven Gowers
  • Publication number: 20100179664
    Abstract: An instrument for use in a joint replacement procedure comprises a head part which corresponds to the head of an orthopaedic joint component, in which the head part has a bore formed in it, and a connector for connecting the head part to a stem part of the orthopaedic joint component, which is intended for location in the intramedullary cavity of a bone. The connector can be fitted into the bore in the head part in one of a plurality of angular orientations. It comprises a body part and a trigger which can be moved relative to the body part between an unlocked position in which the connector can be moved relative to the head part between different ones of the plurality of angular orientations and a locked position in which the connector is restrained against such movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: De Puy International Limited
    Inventors: James Brooks, Steven Gowers, Jonathan Thompson