Patents by Inventor John Berkman

John Berkman 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).

  • Patent number: 5382251
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for removing a polymethylmethacrylate or other cement plug from the medullary canal during hip-revision surgery. In accordance with the method, a portion of the PMMA plug is softened and a plug removal tool is advanced through the softened portion to become imbedded in the plug. The plug is permitted to harden around the tool, and the tool is withdrawn thereby pulling the plug with it. Softening may be accomplished by conducting ultrasonic energy through the removal tool tip, or by other means. Hardening is accomplished by removing the heat source and permitting passive cooling of the material, or by accelerating cooling of the material through the use of a heat sink or a circulating media such as a compressed gas. Also disclosed is a self-cooling tool tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Biomet, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Hood, Gregg Hughes, Ted Carlson, John Berkman, James T. Caillouette, Robert C. Klapper, Woodrow W. Watson
  • Patent number: 5324297
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical junction for facilitating the rapid attachment and removal of ultrasonic surgical components for the transfer of ultrasonic energy across the junction from an ultrasonic transducer to an ultrasonically activated tool bit. The junction achieves a high, evenly distributed compressive force to optimize propagation of the ultrasonic energy from the transducer to a tool bit, while maintaining a relatively small outside diameter of the ultrasonic tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Advanced Osseous Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Hood, James T. Caillouette, Robert C. Klapper, Gregg Hughes, Ted Carlson, John Berkman
  • Patent number: 5318570
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical junction for facilitating the rapid attachment and removal of ultrasonic surgical components for the transfer of ultrasonic energy across the junction from an ultrasonic transducer to an ultrasonically activated tool bit. The junction achieves a high, evenly distributed compressive force to optimize propagation of the ultrasonic energy from the transducer to a tool bit, while maintaining a relatively small outside diameter of the ultrasonic tool. Also disclosed are a plurality of ultrasonic energy activated tool tips for introducing and removing an orthopedic prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Advanced Osseous Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Hood, James T. Caillouette, Robert C. Klapper, Gregg Hughes, Ted Carlson, John Berkman