Patents by Inventor Markku Tamminmaki
Markku Tamminmaki 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).
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Patent number: 6692499Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical fastener or device (implant) formed in the shape of an arrow comprising a shaft with a proximal (first) portion having protrusions and a blunt end and a distal (second) portion having protrusions and a pointed end, the protrusions of the proximal and distal portions configured to lock the implant in a position inside a soft and/or tough tissue according to the use of the implant. The implant may be manufactured of a polymer or a polymeric compound which is substantially (bio)absorbable in tissue conditions and contains oriented reinforcing structure or the like of a polymer or polymeric compound or ceramic bioglass compound. The surgical implant of the invention is particularly but not solely intended to be used in repair surgery of traumas of soft and/or tough tissues containing fibrous structures, such as knee meniscal tissues.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Linvatec Biomaterials OyInventors: Pertti Törmälä, Timo Pohjonen, Markku Tamminmaki
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Patent number: 6551343Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical fastener or device (implant) formed in the shape of an arrow comprising a shaft with a proximal (first) portion having a blunt end and tapered form, such that the proximal portion is broad at its blunt end and tapers in the direction of a distal (second) portion of the shaft, the distal portion having protrusions and a pointed end, wherein the tapered form of the proximal portion and the protrusions of the distal portion are configured to lock the implant in a position inside a soft and/or tough tissue according to the use of the implant. The implant may be manufactured of a polymer or a polymeric compound which is substantially (bio)absorbable (resorable) after implantation in tissue and contains an oriented reinforcing structure or the like of a polymer or polymeric compound or ceramic bioactive glass compound.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Bionx Implants, OyInventors: Pertti Törmälä, Markku Tamminmäki, Timo Pohjonen, Auvo Kaikkonen
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Patent number: 6457625Abstract: The device of the present invention is designed for repairing a tear in soft and/or tough tissue of a patient, such as a tear in the meniscus of the knee. The device has a conduit, such as a cannula, that may be easily inserted into the patient and through which the fastener is delivered to the patient. This conduit is aligned with a seat for holding a fastener and the fastener is pushed, e.g., by a piston, from its seat and through the conduit and into the patient. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shape of the conduit exactly matches the shape of the cross-section of the fastener so that the surgeon may more accurately direct the angle and location at which the fastener enters the patient.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1999Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Bionx Implants, OyInventors: Pertti Törmälä, Olli Karhi, Markku Tamminmaki
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Patent number: 6436124Abstract: A one-piece suture anchor for anchoring a suture into a bone comprising an elongated body having proximal and distal ends, the body comprising at least one channel for receiving a suture, the channel comprising two elongated longitudinal guides continuing from the proximal end of the suture anchor towards the distal end of the anchor suture, wherein the guides are connected to each other by a section of channel that is configured such that it is not bent at any given point at an angle greater than or equal to ninety degrees.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1999Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Bionx Implants OyInventors: David W. Anderson, Pertti Helevirta, Eija Pirhonen, Timo Pohjonen, Markku Tamminmäki, Pertti Törmälä
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Publication number: 20020058966Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical fastener or device (implant) formed in the shape of an arrow comprising a shaft with a proximal (first) portion having protrusions and a blunt end and a distal (second) portion having protrusions and a pointed end, the protrusions of the proximal and distal portions configured to lock the implant in a position inside a soft and/or tough tissue according to the use of the implant. The implant may be manufactured of a polymer or a polymeric compound which is substantially (bio)absorbable in tissue conditions and contains oriented reinforcing structure or the like of a polymer or polymeric compound or ceramic bioglass compound. The surgical implant of the invention is particularly but not solely intended to be used in repair surgery of traumas of soft and/or tough tissues containing fibrous structures, such as knee meniscal tissues.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 1997Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventors: PERTTI TORMALA, TIMO POHJONEN, MARKKU TAMMINMAKI
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Patent number: 6015410Abstract: A bioabsorbable surgical implant for use in supporting soft tissue in a superior position in the body is described. The surgical implant includes a shaft that connects the implant to a bone or hard tissue and a head secured to the shaft. The head of the implant has a concave lower surface so that a suture (or sutures) can easily be wound around the shaft below the head and locked to this position by tightening the head against bone or hard tissue and by pushing or turning the shaft into the bone or hard tissue. The connected shaft and head are formed from a resorbable polymer, copolymer, polymer alloy or composite, which maintains a specified strength for a period of time at least equal to a healing period for the patient. Thereafter, the surgical implant is substantially resorbed by the body over a period of time needed for healing.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Bionx Implants OyInventors: Pertti Tormala, Markku Tamminmaki, Pertti Helevirta, Dennis M. Nigro
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Patent number: 6010513Abstract: The device of the present invention is designed for repairing a tear in soft and/or tough tissue of a patient, such as a tear in the meniscus of the knee.The device has a conduit, such as a cannula, that may be easily inserted into the patient and through which the fastener is delivered to the patient. This conduit is aligned with a seat for holding a fastener and a means for pushing a fastener, such as a piston, so that the pushing means is capable of pushing a fastener from its seat, through the conduit and into the patient. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shape of the conduit exactly matches the shape of the cross-section of the fastener so that the surgeon may more accurately direct the angle and location at which the fastener enters the patient.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Bionx Implants OyInventors: Pertti Tormala, Olli Karhi, Markku Tamminmaki
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Patent number: 5569264Abstract: A surgical instrument for installing an implant in a living tissue. The instrument includes a frame including an installation channel that is adapted for receiving the implant and is adapted to be placed in connection with the tissue. The implant is inserted in the tissue when it exits the installation channel. The frame includes an installation end. Apparatus produces a reciprocating movement that is transmitted to the implant to produce a periodic movement in the implant. An installation member conveys an external installation force to the implant for installing the implant. The installation member is insertable in the installation channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1994Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Assignee: Biocon OyInventors: Markku Tamminmaki, Peter Albrecht-Olsen, Gert Kristensen, Pertti Tormala
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Patent number: 5562704Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical implant made of a polymer or a polymeric compound which is substantially absorbable in tissue and contains reinforcing structures made of a polymer or a polymeric compound. The implant has a body with a first end formed as a stem and a second end formed as a head. The implant also contains arresting members for arresting the implant in a position in a direction opposite to the direction of installation. The stem protrudes from the outer surface of the body and substantially formed of at least one wing extending in the longitudinal direction of the body. The wing is connected to the body at one edge. The body contains a plurality of cuts adjacent the head which define the arresting members and are formed in a direction substantially parallel to the body.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1994Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Biocon OyInventors: Markku Tamminmaki, Gert Kristensen, Peter Albrecht-Olsen, Pertti Tormaala
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Patent number: 4743257Abstract: Surgical osteosynthesis composite material, which is self-reinforced i.e. it is formed about the absorbable polymer or copolymer matrix which is reinforced with the absorbable reinforcement units which have the same chemical element percentage composition as the matrix has.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1986Date of Patent: May 10, 1988Assignee: Materials Consultants OyInventors: Pertti Tormala, Pentti Rokkanen, Juha Laiho, Markku Tamminmaki, Seppo Vainionpaa