Patents by Inventor J. W. Thomas

J. W. Thomas 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).

  • Publication number: 20220192652
    Abstract: Methods for measuring tissue defects include the use of a suture anchor, a drill guide, a needle driver, and a ruler. Using the drill guide, the surgeon extends the suture attached to an implanted anchor between the first and second ends of the defect. The surgeon then attaches a needle driver to the suture extending from the proximal end of the drill guide. Finally, the surgeon retracts the suture back through the drill guide and measures the distance between the needle driver and the proximal end of the drill guide to determine a length of a graft needed to repair the defect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: J.W. Thomas Byrd, Timothy Young, Michael Thyden, Marc J. Balboa
  • Patent number: 4926767
    Abstract: A no-till drill mounts a seed distribution assembly on the upper portion of the back side of a chisel blade that cuts a furrow in the soil being planted. The seed distribution assembly includes a horizontal seed distribution plate having an upturned lip at its rear edge and side walls which extend upwardly from each of its sides. The side walls are joined to the blade at one of their ends and their other ends are separated from the upturned lip of the seed distribution plate. Thus, seed which is deposited onto the seed distribution plate from a seed supply tube falls off of the rear portion of the plate between the ends of the side walls and the upturned lip. The seed distribution assembly is wider than the blade and is positioned to extend partially into the furrow made by the blade and widen the upper portion of the furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventor: J. W. Thomas