The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 08, 2003
Filed:
Feb. 28, 2002
Paul Silberer, Waghausel, DE;
CeramTec AG, Plochingen, DE;
Abstract
Conventional modular sockets for ball joint prostheses usually consist of a metal socket housing and a skid-type shell inserted in the housing. Ceramic skid-type shells are usually press-fitted in the socket housing. The socket housing may become stiff, thereby causing a migration of the generic sockets. If the skid-type shell is inserted improperly, material may chip off at the edge of the skid-type shell. Due to the various designs of sockets, skid-type shells with different outer diameter have to be made available for every gliding surface diameter. The invention provides for a ceramic skid-type shell ( ) that is rigidly inserted into a biocompatible metal ring ( ). Said ring ( ) is provided with at least three radially outwards extending fixing elements ( ). Said fixing elements ( ) engage with respective recesses ( ) in the socket housing ( ). The ring ( ) is spaced apart from the socket housing ( ) by a gap ( ).