Patents by Inventor Thomas Zehnder
Thomas Zehnder 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).
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Patent number: 11429087Abstract: In order to improve the planning and implementation of the manufacture of a product in a manufacturing plant, the manufacturing plant is modeled via a machine network plan modeling the manufacturing plant as a network of manufacturing nodes, and the product to be manufactured being modeled via a product synthesis plan modeling the hierarchical structure of the product in the form of a tree of product synthesis nodes. The machine network plan and the product synthesis plan are linked with each other to form a manufacturing sequence, in which a manufacturing node of the machine network plan is selected for each operation node of the product synthesis plan, which selected manufacturing node carries out the manufacturing process to be carried out at the relevant operation node. The manufacturing sequence is carried out in the manufacturing plant via a system controller in order to produce the product.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: B&R INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION GMBHInventors: Thomas Zehnder, Stefan Huber
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Publication number: 20210124337Abstract: In order to improve the planning and implementation of the manufacture of a product in a manufacturing plant, the manufacturing plant is modeled via a machine network plan modeling the manufacturing plant as a network of manufacturing nodes, and the product to be manufactured being modeled via a product synthesis plan modeling the hierarchical structure of the product in the form of a tree of product synthesis nodes. The machine network plan and the product synthesis plan are linked with each other to form a manufacturing sequence, in which a manufacturing node of the machine network plan is selected for each operation node of the product synthesis plan, which selected manufacturing node carries out the manufacturing process to be carried out at the relevant operation node. The manufacturing sequence is carried out in the manufacturing plant via a system controller in order to produce the product.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2020Publication date: April 29, 2021Applicant: B&R INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION GMBHInventors: Thomas ZEHNDER, Stefan HUBER
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Patent number: 9700722Abstract: A visual prosthesis in the form of a retinal implant, which is distinguished by the least possible space requirement inside the eye, is achieved by a visual prosthesis having an intraocular implant and an extraocular implant, which supplies the intraocular implant with energy and controls it. Virtually all the electronic components, which do not necessarily need to be accommodated with the intraocular implant inside the eye, can be arranged outside the eyeball, for example on the sclera. In this way, the space requirement of the stimulation system inside the eye is reduced and the operative intervention for implanting the stimulation system inside the eye is kept as small as possible. A bidirectional inductive interface between an extracorporeal part of the visual prosthesis and an intracorporeal part, including the intraocular and extraocular implants, via which a current supply and bidirectional data transmission can be carried out is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2016Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Pixium Vision SAInventors: Thomas Zehnder, Hans-Jurgen Tiedtke
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Publication number: 20160199650Abstract: A visual prosthesis in the form of a retinal implant, which is distinguished by the least possible space requirement inside the eye, is achieved by a visual prosthesis having an intraocular implant and an extraocular implant, which supplies the intraocular implant with energy and controls it. Virtually all the electronic components, which do not necessarily need to be accommodated with the intraocular implant inside the eye, can be arranged outside the eyeball, for example on the sclera. In this way, the space requirement of the stimulation system inside the eye is reduced and the operative intervention for implanting the stimulation system inside the eye is kept as small as possible. A bidirectional inductive interface between an extracorporeal part of the visual prosthesis and an intracorporeal part, including the intraocular and extraocular implants, via which a current supply and bidirectional data transmission can be carried out is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2016Publication date: July 14, 2016Inventors: Thomas Zehnder, Hans-Jurgen Tiedtke
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Patent number: 9289325Abstract: A visual prosthesis in the form of a retinal implant, which is distinguished by the least possible space requirement inside the eye, is achieved by a visual prosthesis having an intraocular implant and an extraocular implant, which supplies the intraocular implant with energy and controls it. Virtually all the electronic components, which do not necessarily need to be accommodated with the intraocular implant inside the eye, can be arranged outside the eyeball, for example on the sclera. In this way, the space requirement of the stimulation system inside the eye is reduced and the operative intervention for implanting the stimulation system inside the eye is kept as small as possible. A bidirectional inductive interface between an extracorporeal part of the visual prosthesis and an intracorporeal part, including the intraocular and extraocular implants, via which a current supply and bidirectional data transmission can be carried out is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: PIXIUM VISION SAInventors: Thomas Zehnder, Hans-Jurgen Tiedtke
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Publication number: 20130123855Abstract: A spinal column implant, comprising a connection element (9), and a plurality of pedicle screws (1) which are able to be screwed into the vertebral bodies of the spinal column and which are each provided with a head part (3) for receiving the connection element (9), with which a firm connection is able to be achieved between the pedicle screws (1) and the connection element (9), the connection element (9) being able to be assembled from rigid sections (6) and elastic sections (4), the rigid sections (6) being connectible to the elastic sections (4), wherein the rigid sections (6) and the elastic sections (4) of the connection element (9) are designed with a mutual form fit, and the head part (3) of the pedicle screws (1) is designed in such a way that the connection point of the rigid sections (6) and of the elastic sections (4) of the connection element (9) are firmly connectible, the rigid sections (6) as well as the elastic sections (4) each being able to be securely held by the head part (3) of the pediclType: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: SPINELAB AGInventors: Jonathan Clark, Reto Braunschweiler, Thomas Zehnder
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Publication number: 20120253401Abstract: A vertebral column implant for stabilizing and stiffening of vertebral bodies of a vertebral column comprises at least one first bone screw, screwable into a vertebral body, and at least one second bone screw. A first rigid connecting element, is insertable into first receiving means of the first bone screw. A second elastic connecting element, is insertable into second receiving means of the second bone screw. The connecting means comprise two arms, which form a U-shaped recess. Insertable into a first region of the U-shaped recess is an end region of a first connecting element. Insertable into a second region of the U-shaped recess is an end region of a second connecting element. Inserted between the two arms is a pressing element. Placed on the arms and are clamping means, with which the pressing element is pressed against two end regions of the first and second connecting elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: Spinelab AGInventors: Jonathan CLARK, Reto Braunschweiler, Thomas Zehnder
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Publication number: 20120253400Abstract: A vertebral column implant for stabilizing and stiffening of vertebral bodies of a vertebral column comprises at least one first and at least one second bone screw, which is screwable into a vertebral body. A first rigid connecting element is insertable into first receiving means of the first bone screw. A second elastic connecting element is insertable into second receiving means of the second bone screw. The connecting means are installed on a further bone screw and comprise a first and second clamping device for respectively holding tightly the first and second connecting element. The first clamping device has a U-shaped receiving part for the end region of the first connecting element, which is designed spherical, a clamping means being placeable on the U-shaped receiving part, with which clamping means the spherical end region is able to be clamped against the bottom surface of the U-shaped receiving part.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: Corporation Spinelab AGInventors: Jonathan CLARK, Reto Braunschweiler, Thomas Zehnder
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Patent number: 8251901Abstract: A surgical retractor comprises an elongate member having a coupling region disposed at one end thereof. The retractor is adapted to engage a base of a head of a pedicle screw. The coupling region of the elongate member has a filament-receiving hole adapted to receive a filament which captures the head of the pedicle screw. During surgery, a physician may retract muscle and soft tissue by simply pressing the elongate member against such tissue.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Greatbatch Medical S.A.Inventors: Patrick Michel White, Thomas Zehnder, Reto Braunschweiler
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Publication number: 20120184994Abstract: A vertebral column implant comprises a connecting element, which is insertable in the vertebral bodies of a vertebral column via several bone screws. The screws are each provided with a head part for receiving the connecting element, by means of which a firm connection is achievable between bone screws and connecting element. The connecting element is composed of rigid sections and elastic sections. Here the rigid sections are connectible to the elastic sections via connecting devices. The connecting devices are designed such that the rigid sections and the elastic sections, in each case connected to to one another, are aligned substantially coaxially, and their connection is form-fitting.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventor: Thomas ZEHNDER
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Publication number: 20120184996Abstract: A vertebral column implant comprises a connecting element, which is insertable in the vertebral bodies of a vertebral column via several bone screws. The screws are each provided with a head part for receiving the connecting element, by means of which a firm connection is achievable between bone screws and connecting element. The connecting element is composed of rigid sections and elastic sections. Here the rigid sections are connectible to the elastic sections via connecting devices. The connecting devices are designed such that the rigid sections and the elastic sections, in each case connected to one another, are aligned substantially coaxially, and their connection is form-fitting.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventor: Thomas ZEHNDER
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Patent number: 8221469Abstract: A pedicle screw with a closure device for securing a rod for stabilization of the vertebral column comprises a screw-in part with a head part, a U-shaped recess in the head part., in which recess the rod is held by the closure device. The closure device comprises a yoke-shaped locking element, which has a collar with a projection on each of the two opposite end regions. One groove is provided on each of the two arms in such a way that the locking element is rotatably placed on the arms. The projections are inserted in the grooves to achieve locking position. A tension screw is screwed into the locking element and rotatably connected to a tension element inserted between the arms, and, in the locked state of the locking element, is able to be tensioned, by means of the tension screw, against the rod inserted in the recess.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Spinelab AGInventors: Thomas Zehnder, Reto Braunschweiler
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Patent number: 8202303Abstract: Pedicle screws with a closure device for receiving and securing a rod made up of a flexible plastic, for stabilization of a vertebral column. The pedicle screws include a screw-in part, a head part with a U-shaped recess formed by two arms and into which the rod to be held is insertable. The U-shaped recess is closable by a locking element. A clamping screw, put into the locking element, presses an insert on the rod and clamps the latter between a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface. The insert is provided with stop faces by which the clamping action against the rod, transmitted to the insert by the clamping screw during the clamping step, is limited. An optimal connection between rod and pedicle screw is thereby obtained.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Spinelab AGInventor: Thomas Zehnder
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Patent number: 8162986Abstract: A vertebral column implant includes a connecting element, which is insertable in the vertebral bodies of a vertebral column via several bone screws. The screws are each provided with a head part for receiving the connecting element, by means of which a firm connection is achievable between bone screws and connecting element. The connecting element is composed of rigid sections and elastic sections. The rigid sections are connectable to the elastic sections via connecting devices. The connecting devices are designed such that the rigid sections and the elastic sections, in each case connected to one another, are aligned substantially coaxially, and their connection is form-fitting.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Spinelab AGInventor: Thomas Zehnder
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Patent number: 8075598Abstract: A pedicle screw with a closure device (16) for securing a rod (10) for stabilization of the vertebral column comprises a screw-in part (2), a head part (3) provided on the screw-in part (2), and a U-shaped recess (4) disposed in the head part (3), which recess is formed by the inner surfaces (5, 6) of two arms (7, 8) and a bottom surface (9) connecting the two inner surfaces. The rod (10) is insertable into this recess, and is held by the closure device (16). The rod (10) is provided with ridges (12) and grooves (13) running transversely with respect to the rod axis (11). Likewise provided with corresponding ridges (14) and grooves (15) is the bottom surface (9). The closure device (16) comprises a support element (17), which is insertable between the two arms (7, 8).Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Spinelab AGInventors: Thomas Zehnder, Reto Braunschweiler, Patrick White, Fabrice Chenaux
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Publication number: 20110152969Abstract: The object of providing a visual prosthesis in the form of a retinal implant, which is distinguished by the least possible space requirement inside the eye, is achieved according to the present invention by a visual prosthesis having an intraocular implant and an extraocular implant, which supplies the intraocular implant with energy and controls it. The visual prosthesis according to the invention therefore offers the advantage that virtually all the electronic components, which do not necessarily need to be accommodated with the intraocular implant inside the eye, can be arranged outside the eyeball, for example on the sclera. In this way, the space requirement of the stimulation system inside the eye is reduced and the operative intervention for implanting the stimulation system inside the eye is kept as small as possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Thomas Zehnder, Hans-Jurgen Tiedtke
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Publication number: 20110029022Abstract: A spinal column implant (1) comprises pedicle screws (2) that each are provided with a head part (5) and a screw-in part (4) that can be screwed into the respective vertebral body. Said pedicle screws (2) are connected by means of a rod-shaped connecting element (3) that includes at least partial regions that are made of an elastic material. The elastic regions can be connected in a form-fitting manner to the head parts (5) of the pedicle screws (2) and/or can be connected in a form-fitting manner to the intermediate pieces. The rod-shaped connecting element (3) is provided with a longitudinal through-hole (7), into which an essentially tensile force- and/or compressive force-resistant longitudinal element (8) is inserted, which is provided in both of its end regions with stop elements (9), (10) which can abut on the frontal end surfaces of the rod-shaped connecting element (3). Said spinal column implant allows a spinal column according to the invention to be optimally supported and stabilized.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: Thomas ZEHNDER, Reto Braunschweiler
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Publication number: 20100083854Abstract: A method for starting up a web-fed printing machine, in which a web to be printed on is guided through at least one printing gap formed by a printing cylinder and a counter printing cylinder of the web-fed printing machine; the printing cylinder accelerates to a print-on speed (Nprint-on) in a position retracted from the web and is applied to the web; and at least during a partial phase of the acceleration of the printing cylinder, the web is stationary or is conveyed at an initial speed (Nin) which is lower than the current speed of the printing cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2007Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: WIFAG Maschinenfabrik AGInventors: Daniel Burri, Thomas Zehnder
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Publication number: 20090287260Abstract: Pedicle screws with a closure device for receiving and securing a rod made up of a flexible plastic, for stabilization of a vertebral column, comprising a screw-in part, a head part with a U-shaped recess formed by two arms and into which the rod to be held is insertable. The U-shaped recess is closable by means of a locking element. A clamping screw, put into the locking element, presses an insert on the rod and clamps the latter between a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface. The insert is provided with stop faces by means of which the clamping action against the rod, transmitted to the insert by the clamping screw during the clamping step, is limited. An optimal connection between rod and pedicle screw is thereby obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventor: Thomas Zehnder
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Publication number: 20090254128Abstract: A pedicle screw with a closure device (16) for securing a rod (10) for stabilization of the vertebral column comprises a screw-in part (2), a head part (3) provided on the screw-in part (2), and a U-shaped recess (4) disposed in the head part (3), which recess is formed by the inner surfaces (5, 6) of two arms (7, 8) and a bottom surface (9) connecting the two inner surfaces. The rod (10) is insertable into this recess, and is held by the closure device (16). The rod (10) is provided with ridges (12) and grooves (13) running transversely with respect to the rod axis (11). Likewise provided with corresponding ridges (14) and grooves (15) is the bottom surface (9). The closure device (16) comprises a support element (17), which is insertable between the two arms (7, 8).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventors: Thomas Zehnder, Reto Braunschweiler, Patrick White, Fabrice Chenaux