Patents by Inventor Andrew B. Wright

Andrew B. Wright 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).

  • Shape memory alloy internal linear actuator for use in orthopedic correction
    Patent number: 5575790
    Abstract: An implantable linear actuator device for use in orthopedic correction procedures, the device comprising a housing including a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion, the second tubular portion slidably received in telescoping relationship within the first tubular portion; and a drive mechanism secured within the housing and connected between the first and second tubular portions, the drive mechanism including a main screw shaft rotatably journalled at one end in the first tubular portion and threadably connected at an opposite end to the second tubular portion; a one-way rotatable clutch engageable with the main screw shaft such that rotation of the clutch in one direction will effect rotation of the main screw shaft in the one direction but rotation of the clutch in an opposite direction will not rotate the main screw shaft; and a shape memory alloy component fixed between the clutch and the first tubular portion such that, upon application of heat, the component causes the clutch and the screw
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Michael M. Chen, Robert S. Hirsch, James A. Fairweather, Andrew B. Wright, Kevin C. Craig, Allen Carl