IP Library Granted Patent US 9,943,345
Granted Patent B2
US 9,943,345 · App. 15/183,958 · Granted Apr 17, 2018

Mechanotronic implant

Inventors: Eduard Nill (Würzburg, DE); Jan Friedmann (Denklingen, DE)
Assignee: WITTENSTEIN SE
A61B17/7216A61B17/7016A61B2017/00115A61B2017/681
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,943,345
App. No.
15/183,958
Granted
Apr 17, 2018
Kind
B2
Abstract

Mechanotronic implant for use in the human body, with a first element, a second element, a drive unit, which is connected in fixed manner to the first element, wherein the drive unit contains an output unit which is connected to the second element in order to move the second element relative to the first element, an implantable energy receiver connected to the drive unit for wireless powering of the drive unit with energy, and a switch in order to switch the drive unit from a first operating direction to a second operating direction.

Claims (21)

1. A mechanotronic implant for use in the human body, comprising:

a first element;

a second element;

a drive unit, which is connected in a fixed manner to the first element, wherein the drive unit contains an output unit which is connected to the second element in order to move the second element relative to the first element;

an implantable energy receiver connected to the drive unit for wireless powering of the drive unit with energy;

a switch in order to switch the drive unit from a first operating direction to a second operating direction; and

an implantable feedback device for indicating whether the drive unit is being operated in the first direction of operation or in the second direction of operation, wherein the feedback device is designed for a transmission free of radio waves, and wherein the feedback device is an acoustic signal transmitter.

2. The mechanotronic implant according to claim 1 , wherein the feedback device together with the energy receiver is arranged in an implantable housing.

3. The mechanotronic implant according to claim 1 , wherein the feedback device is designed to communicate information regarding the speed of movement, as determined by the drive unit between the second element relative to the first element.

4. The mechanotronic implant according to claim 1 , wherein the switch is chosen from: a reed contact, a photodiode, a capacitor and an electromechanical pressure switch.

5. The mechanotronic implant according to claim 1 , wherein the drive unit comprises an electric machine and/or a gearing.

6. The mechanotronic implant according to claim 1 , which is configured as an intramedullary pin or a scoliosis treatment appliance.

7. The mechanotronic implant according to claim 1 , wherein the energy receiver is connected to the drive unit by a cable at least 20 cm long.

8. The mechanotronic implant according to claim 1 , wherein the feedback device only transmits a signal in case the drive unit is being operated in the first direction of operation and does not transmit a signal in case the drive unit is being operated in the second direction of operation to indicate the direction of operation.

9. A mechanotronic implant for use in the human body, comprising:

a first element;

a second element;

a drive unit, which is connected in a fixed manner to the first element, wherein the drive unit contains an output unit which is connected to the second element in order to move the second element relative to the first element;

an implantable energy receiver connected to the drive unit for wireless powering of the drive unit with energy,

a switch in order to switch the drive unit form a first operating direction to a second operating direction, wherein the switch is chosen from: a reed contact, a photodiode, a capacitor, and an eletromechanical pressure switch; and

an implantable feedback device for indicating whether the drive unit is being operated in the first direction of operation or in the second direction of operation, wherein the feedback device is designed for a transmission free of radio waves.

Assignments (5)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 16, 2023
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: ORTHOFIX S.R.L.
Reel/Frame 065609/0233 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 27, 2023
From: ORTHOFIX S.R.L.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 065381/0804 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 23, 2021
From: WITTENSTEIN SE
To: ORTHOFIX S.R.L.
Reel/Frame 055687/0519 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 18, 2016
From: WITTENSTEIN AG
To: WITTENSTEIN SE
Reel/Frame 040651/0856 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 16, 2016
From: NILL, EDUARD; FRIEDMANN, JAN
To: WITTENSTEIN AG
Reel/Frame 038929/0556 →
Priority Claims (1)
DE 10 2015 109 624 · Jun 16, 2015 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20160367297A1 · Dec 22, 2016