Patents by Inventor Vinzenz Burgherr

Vinzenz Burgherr 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: 9011438
    Abstract: An orthopedic fixation plate comprises a plurality of cylindrical holes for attaching connectors of a external fixation system, wherein the fixation plate comprises two supporting elements around each orifice of a cylindrical hole wherein the supporting elements are connected with a sleeve and said supporting elements are also connected with a longitudinally oriented ring element arranged in a radial distance of said sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Christian Steiner, Philippe Lehmann, Beat Knuchel, Vinzenz Burgherr
  • Patent number: 8951252
    Abstract: An orthopedic fixation ring for an external fixator has a ring or a ring-segment extending around a center axis. The ring comprises a first surface running perpendicular to the center axis, a second surface which is parallel to the first surface, and a plurality of spaced apart through openings running parallel to the center axis and extending through the fixation plate. The fixation plate has at least a third surface which is parallel to the first surface spaced outwardly thereof with respect to the center axis. A further set of through openings extends from the first surface to the third surface. A fourth surface may be provided which is axially displaced from the second surface with respect to the center axis. The ring preferably is circular or part-circular and is molded from carbon fiber reinforced PEEK.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Christian Steiner, Vinzenz Burgherr, Meinrad Fiechter
  • Patent number: 8945128
    Abstract: An external fixation frame for correcting a bone deformity includes a first fixation ring and a second fixation ring. A posterior adjustable length strut couples a posterior portion of the first fixation ring to a posterior portion of the second fixation ring and has universal joint. Medial and lateral adjustable length struts couples medial and lateral portions of the first fixation ring to medial and lateral portions of the second fixation ring respectively, each of the medial and lateral adjustable length struts including a constrained hinge joint. The fixation frame also includes a half ring hingedly coupled to the second fixation ring, and an anterior adjustable length strut coupling an anterior portion of the first fixation ring to the half ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Manoj Kumar Singh, Yves Stephane Crozet, Vinzenz Burgherr
  • Patent number: 8840653
    Abstract: A two-piece clamping element comprises two separate, i.e., non-integral, opposing first and second clamping jaws forming a laterally open cavity to receive a pin or rod-shaped element. Each clamping jaw has a bore aligned with one another to receive a screw, wherein a pivot bearing is arranged opposite said cavity allowing the two opposing clamping jaws to come in contact to one another. The pivot bearing comprises at least one set of complementary part-cylindrical bearing surface portions. An anti-rotation pin extends between the two jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Roland Thomke, Christian Lutz, Vinzenz Burgherr, Damian Fankhauser
  • Publication number: 20140278325
    Abstract: A tool for implementing a correction plan in an external fixation frame having a plurality of adjustment elements or screws, for example, generally includes a driver, a motor, a controller, and a processor. The driver is adapted to engage and rotate each of the screws. The motor is coupled the driver and adapted to rotate the driver. The controller is connected to the motor and configured to control operation of the motor. The a processor adapted configured to: receive correction plan data; receive identification data including information for identifying at least one of the plurality of screws; determine movement of at least one of the plurality of the screws based on the correction plan data and the identification data; and send signals indicative of the determined movement to the controller in order to rotate at least one of the plurality of screws according to a predetermined correction plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Stryker Trauma GmbH
    Inventors: Vinzenz Burgherr, Adam John Edelhauser, Yves Stephane Crozet, Marcel Aeschlimann, Christoph Dworzak, Antonino Lanci, Markus Mast
  • Patent number: 8641714
    Abstract: A clamping pin is provided for mounting in an opening of a medical device. The clamping pin comprises an axially extending screw, a first clamping element having a surface inclined to a longitudinal screw axis and provides a first part of a clamping section. A second clamping element has a surface inclined to the longitudinal axis and provides a second part of the clamping section which is complementary to the opening in the medical device. The inclined surfaces of the first and second clamping elements contact. A screw extends at least partly through both the first and second clamping elements. The screw engages one of the clamping elements such that the axial distance between the two clamping elements and the diameter of the clamping section that can come in contact with a surface of the opening in the medical device will be changed upon actuation of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Christian Steiner, Meinrad Fiechter, Beat Knuchel, Vinzenz Burgherr
  • Publication number: 20130331838
    Abstract: A two-piece clamping element comprises two separate, i.e., non-integral, opposing first and second clamping jaws forming a laterally open cavity to receive a pin or rod-shaped element. Each clamping jaw has a bore aligned with one another to receive a screw, wherein a pivot bearing is arranged opposite said cavity allowing the two opposing clamping jaws to come in contact to one another. The pivot bearing comprises at least one set of complementary part-cylindrical bearing surface portions. An anti-rotation pin extends between the two jaw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Roland Thomke, Christian Lutz, Vinzenz Burgherr, Damian Fankhauser
  • Patent number: 8523923
    Abstract: A two-piece clamping element comprises two separate, i.e., non-integral, opposing first and second clamping jaws forming a laterally open cavity to receive a pin or rod-shaped element. Each clamping jaw has a bore aligned with one another to receive a screw, wherein a pivot bearing is arranged opposite said cavity allowing the two opposing clamping jaws to come in contact to one another. The pivot bearing comprises at least one set of complementary part-cylindrical bearing surface portions. An anti-rotation pin extends between the two jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Roland Thomke, Christian Lutz, Vinzenz Burgherr, Damian Fankhauser
  • Patent number: 8287548
    Abstract: A wire or pin fixation and tensioning device has a wire post having a head portion with an opening having a predetermined longitudinal axis for reception of a wire or pin. The wire post has a neck portion for engaging an opening of the medical device. A locking element is adapted to be introduced into opening having an opening with inclined sections inclined to the longitudinal axis. A clamping cone abuts an abutment element and has a clamping opening to accommodate a wire and has outer surfaces inclined to the longitudinal axis and encompassed within the conical section of the locking element. Upon an axial displacement of the locking element relative to the cone a radial force is exerted onto the cone leading to a reduction of the diameter of the clamping opening to apply a radial force onto a wire or pin therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Christian Steiner, Meinrad Fiechter, Beat Knuchel, Vinzenz Burgherr
  • Publication number: 20120123414
    Abstract: A clamping pin is provided for mounting in an opening of a medical device. The clamping pin comprises an axially extending screw, a first clamping element having a surface inclined to a longitudinal screw axis and provides a first part of a clamping section. A second clamping element has a surface inclined to the longitudinal axis and provides a second part of the clamping section which is complementary to the opening in the medical device. The inclined surfaces of the first and second clamping elements contact. A screw extends at least partly through both the first and second clamping elements. The screw engages one of the clamping elements such that the axial distance between the two clamping elements and the diameter of the clamping section that can come in contact with a surface of the opening in the medical device will be changed upon actuation of the screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Christian STEINER, Meinrad FIECHTER, Beat KNUCHEL, Vinzenz BURGHERR
  • Patent number: 8114077
    Abstract: A clamping pin is intended to be inserted into and held in an opening of a medical device. The clamping pin comprises a screw having a longitudinal axis, a first clamping element having a surface inclined to the longitudinal axis and provides a first part of a clamping section. A second clamping element has a surface inclined to the longitudinal axis and provides a second part of the clamping section which is complementary to the opening in the medical device. The inclined surfaces of the first and second clamping elements are in contact. A screw extends at least partly through both the first and second clamping elements. The screw engages in one of the clamping elements such that the axial distance between the two clamping elements and the diameter of the clamping section that can come in contact with a surface of the opening in the medical device will be changed upon actuation of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Christian Steiner, Meinrad Fiechter, Beat Knuchel, Vinzenz Burgherr
  • Publication number: 20110288549
    Abstract: An orthopedic fixation ring for an external fixator has a ring or a ring-segment extending around a center axis. The ring comprises a first surface running perpendicular to the center axis, a second surface which is parallel to the first surface, and a plurality of spaced apart through openings running parallel to the center axis and extending through the fixation plate. The fixation plate has at least a third surface which is parallel to the first surface spaced outwardly thereof with respect to the center axis. A further set of through openings extends from the first surface to the third surface. A fourth surface may be provided which is axially displaced from the second surface with respect to the center axis. The ring preferably is circular or part-circular and is molded from carbon fiber reinforced PEEK.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: STRYKER TRAUMA SA
    Inventors: Christian Steiner, Vinzenz Burgherr, Meinrad Fiechter
  • Patent number: 8062293
    Abstract: A ball joint for use with an external fixator has a sleeve in engagement with a rod of a strut for the external fixator. A ring insert and a blocking element are provided, having a combined circumferential surface being able to be introduced into a hole of a ring of an external fixator. The ring insert and blocking element have complementary wedge surfaces allowing a relative radial displacement therebetween to enlarge the diameter of the combined circumferential surface for blocking the ball joint inside the hole. Additionally the sleeve comprises a spherical hollow ball portion with concentrical inner and outer spherical portions, wherein the outer spherical portion engages a complementary spherical socket of the blocking element and wherein the inner spherical portion is engaged by a ball nut. A connection element extends through the sleeve, blocking element and ring insert, wherein a radial displacement and axial displacement of the ring insert and blocking element are activated by the connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Christian Steiner, Beat Knuchel, Meinrad Fiechter, Vinzenz Burgherr
  • Patent number: 8057474
    Abstract: A telescopic strut for use with an external fixator includes a tube and a rod, especially a threaded rod being in threaded engagement with the tube. The tube comprises at least one hole for accommodating a ball, the ball having the spherical shape for engagement with the threaded rod. A sleeve is provided on the portion of the tube comprising the hole. The sleeve comprises a non-spherical inner cross-section. The greater diameter of the sleeve has a dimension which is at least the sum of the outer diameter of the threaded rod plus the diameter of an accommodating ball for allowing direct axial movement of the threaded rod against the tube in such a rotational position of the sleeve. The lesser diameter has a dimension to place the ball within the threaded rod for allowing a rotational movement of the threaded rod against the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Beat Knuchel, Vinzenz Burgherr, Christian Steiner, Meinrad Fiechter
  • Patent number: 7955334
    Abstract: An orthopedic fixation ring for an external fixator has a ring or a ring-segment extending around a center axis. The ring comprises a first surface running perpendicular to the center axis, a second surface which is parallel to the first surface, and a plurality of spaced apart through openings running parallel to the center axis and extending through the fixation plate. The fixation plate has at least a third surface which is parallel to the first surface spaced outwardly thereof with respect to the center axis. A further set of through openings extends from the first surface to the third surface. A fourth surface may be provided which is axially displaced from the second surface with respect to the center axis. The ring preferably is circular or part-circular and is molded from carbon fiber reinforced PEEK.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Christian Steiner, Vinzenz Burgherr, Meinrad Fiechter
  • Patent number: 7806623
    Abstract: An insert for an external fixation has two jaws for clamping a rod-shaped element. The insert includes a locking element and is an angled piece having two free ends, with at least one engagement edge for engagement into the rod-shaped element being provided at its one free end. The insert has a recess or bore for engagement with a locking shaft of the clamp provided at the free end thereof that lies opposite to the free end having the rod engagement edge. The insert is angled so that it may extend through a passageway in one of the jaws and into a cavity formed in the jaw for receiving the rod. The insert rod engaging edges are tapered to bite into the rod to prevent its movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma S.A.
    Inventors: Roland Thomke, Vinzenz Burgherr, Damian Fankhauser
  • Patent number: 7618417
    Abstract: A clamping element for the clamping of multiple rod-shaped elements has two opposing jaws, which have a number of corresponding grooves for the acceptance of a corresponding number of rod-shaped elements such as bone pins. Spring elements are provided, with which in the resting position the closed jaws are tensed, to hold the rod-shaped elements in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Stryker Trauma S.A.
    Inventors: Roland Thomke, Vinzenz Burgherr, Christian Lutz, Damian Fankhauser, Clemens Dransfeld, René Fischer
  • Publication number: 20090264883
    Abstract: An orthopedic fixation plate comprises a plurality of cylindrical holes for attaching connectors of a external fixation system, wherein the fixation plate comprises two supporting elements around each orifice of a cylindrical hole wherein the supporting elements are connected with a sleeve and said supporting elements are also connected with a longitudinally oriented ring element arranged in a radial distance of said sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Christian Steiner, Philippe Lehmann, Beat Knuchel, Vinzenz Burgherr
  • Publication number: 20090264882
    Abstract: An orthopedic fixation ring for an external fixator has a ring or a ring-segment extending around a center axis. The ring comprises a first surface running perpendicular to the center axis, a second surface which is parallel to the first surface, and a plurality of spaced apart through openings running parallel to the center axis and extending through the fixation plate. The fixation plate has at least a third surface which is parallel to the first surface spaced outwardly thereof with respect to the center axis. A further set of through openings extends from the first surface to the third surface. A fourth surface may be provided which is axially displaced from the second surface with respect to the center axis. The ring preferably is circular or part-circular and is molded from carbon fiber reinforced PEEK.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Christian Steiner, Vinzenz Burgherr, Meinrad Fiechter
  • Publication number: 20090198234
    Abstract: A telescopic strut for use with an external fixator includes a tube and a rod, especially a threaded rod being in threaded engagement with the tube. The tube comprises at least one hole for accommodating a ball, the ball having the spherical shape for engagement with the threaded rod. A sleeve is provided on the portion of the tube comprising the hole. The sleeve comprises a non-spherical inner cross-section. The greater diameter of the sleeve has a dimension which is at least the sum of the outer diameter of the threaded rod plus the diameter of an accommodating ball for allowing direct axial movement of the threaded rod against the tube in such a rotational position of the sleeve. The lesser diameter has a dimension to place the ball within the threaded rod for allowing a rotational movement of the threaded rod against the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Stryker Trauma SA
    Inventors: Beat Knuchel, Vinzenz Burgherr, Christian Steiner, Meinrad Fiechter