Patents Examined by Paul J Spatafore
  • Patent number: 8114079
    Abstract: A nail assembly for use in trauma surgery is provided. The nail assembly includes an intramedullary shaft including a first transverse passage and a second transverse passage in the shaft. The first transverse passage and the second transverse passage do not contact each other on the shaft. The nail assembly also includes a first shaft extending through the first transverse passage in the intramedullary shaft and a second shaft extending through the second transverse passage in the intramedullary shaft. The second shaft includes an engagement feature configured to bring the second shaft into contact with the first shaft. The engagement feature may be in the form of a lateral mechanical feature that provides simultaneous unilateral coupled motion of the first shaft with the second shaft through the transverse passages in the intramedullary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George J. Haidukewych, Anthony J. Metzinger
  • Patent number: 8083777
    Abstract: An implantable bone anchor assembly for fixing an elongated member such as a spinal rod may include a bone anchor, a coupling head configured to receive the bone anchor and the elongated member, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may provide compressive force to simultaneously fix the position of the elongated member and lock out polyaxial rotation of the bone anchor relative to the coupling head. The locking mechanism may include an engagement member with an oblique surface configured to slide along an oblique surface of the coupling head into engagement with the elongated member. The bone anchor may comprise a head portion and a threaded portion which may be coupled with the coupling head and joined together during manufacture. The assembly may further include a pin and/or a collar to retain the bone anchor. The bone anchor may be side-loaded into the coupling head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Reid, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua A. Butters, Joseph Q Marietta
  • Patent number: 8079989
    Abstract: A surgical fastening system for implantable devices such as injection port systems. The implantable device may contain a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, may have a housing fitted over or around it which contains a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, or may be a part of a two-part system into which it fits. Accordingly, the present invention also encompasses a deployment system or tool that optionally positions the implantable device, and which causes the fasteners to move into post-deployment position. The fasteners may be staples, metal loops, coils, springs or hooks formed of biocompatible materials, including shape memory alloys such as NiTi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Janel A. Birk, Frederick L. Coe, Robert E. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 8066706
    Abstract: A surgical nail (1), in particular, an intramedullary nail, has a central axis (2) and is formed of a material (M) having a modulus of elasticity (E). A plurality of transversal openings (5) run transversally to the central axis (2) and have a cross-sectional profile (F) and a transversal axis (6), the cross-sectional profile (F) having a maximum length (a) that runs in the direction of the central axis and a maximum width (b) that runs perpendicular to the length. A longitudinal bore (3) runs coaxially with the central axis (2) and defines a wall (4). A longitudinal insert (7) can be introduced into the region of the transversal opening (5) via the longitudinal bore (3). Said insert has a longitudinal axis (13) and consists of a material (m). The insert (7) comprises at least one longitudinal slot (25) so that said insert can be elastically compressed in a radial manner and includes a plurality of radial elevations (14) fitting inside the transversal openings (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Andrè Schlienger, Markus Buettler, Peter Senn
  • Patent number: 8012087
    Abstract: A laryngoscope blade for use in viewing the vocal cords of a patient in performance of an endotracheal intubation includes a laryngoscope blade portion connectable to a laryngoscope handle to lift the patient's tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube; and a black light source carried by the blade portion to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient's vocal cords for viewing the vocal cords and passing of the endotracheal tube there between during endotracheal intubation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Intubrite, LLC
    Inventors: James P. Tenger, Leslie A. Tenger, John R. Hicks