Patents Represented by Attorney Charles J. Knuth
  • Patent number: 5876397
    Abstract: A novel method for reducing an arteriosclerotic lesion is disclosed in which the electromagnetic energy directed at the lesion is selectively absorbed by a lesion component, e.g. cholesterol. The resulting decomposition of said lesion component leads to reduction of the lesion with minimal risk of damage to blood constituents and adjacent healthy blood vessel tissue. Preferably, monochromatic electromagnetic energy is generated by a laser and is conducted to the vicinity of the lesion by at least one optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: William Edelman, Robert F. Rosenbluth, Dennis Constantinou
  • Patent number: 5192324
    Abstract: An improved metallic bone prosthesis having a porous coating for bone ingrowth or interlocking with bone cement is disclosed. The porous coating comprises two layers of generally ball-shaped metallic particles bonded together at their points of contact, e.g. by sintering, and defining between them a plurality of connected interstitial pores having an average pore size of from about 350 microns to about 500 microns. A high resistance to failure at the coating-substrate and bone-coating (or cement-coating) interfaces is achieved with the use of the improved prosthesis. Also disclosed are a novel method for affixing the porous coating to a metal susbstrate, and a knee joint prosthesis having bearing portions designed so that the function of said prosthesis closely approximates that of the natural knee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Howmedica Inc.
    Inventor: Robert V. Kenna
  • Patent number: 5041114
    Abstract: A modular femoral internal implant system for use in the treatment of femoral disorders resulting from injury, disease or congenital defect includes at least three interconnectable components: 1) an elongated epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant, 2) an intramedullary rod and 3) an angled side plate having an elongated plate portion adapted to be secured to the outer cortical wall and a hollow sleeve adapted to extend into the femur. The epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant can be connected to either the angled side plate or the intramedullary rod. The system may also include an elongated bone plate connectable to the angled side plate, one or more additional epiphyseal/metaphyseal implants of variable length, an additional angled side plate, a distal buttress plate connectable to the elongated bone plate, and a plurality of bone screws of a universal design. Preferably, many or all of the components of the system are made of an inert, resilient titanium-base alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Chapman, Charles C. Edwards, Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: 4976258
    Abstract: A hollow elongated medullary bone nail capable of being locked in place with at least a pair of transversely-disposed bone screws is disclosed. The radius in transverse cross-section of the outer surface of the nail varies over the circumference of the cross-sectional profile of the nail in such a manner that a steadily rounded contour results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Howmedica International, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl M. Richter, Vilmos Vecsei
  • Patent number: 4944760
    Abstract: A novel method for replacing a previously implanted knee joint prosthesis in a patient is disclosed in which the previously implanted femoral component is replaced with a revision femoral component having thicker distal and posterior bearing portions so as to restore the natural anatomic transverse joint plane and collateral ligamentous balance in extension and flexion of the prosthetic joint. Instrumentation for use in this method includes a novel revision cutting jig which is used in the preparation of the distal end of the femur for the implantation of the revision femoral component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert V. Kenna
  • Patent number: 4850344
    Abstract: An aiming apparatus for making transverse bores in a patient's bone in register with the holes or bores of an osteosynthesis aid in the bone, especially an interlocking nail, comprises an elongated holder for the accommodation of an aiming member adapted to be brought into the beam path of an X-ray apparatus, a reception head for receiving a drill or wire drill rotatably supported in the holder, and a power drive supported by the holder for rotatably driving the reception head. The reception head is made of a material transparent to X-ray radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Howmedica International, Inc.
    Inventors: Sven E. Olerud, Karl M. Richter
  • Patent number: 4834756
    Abstract: An improved metallic bone prosthesis having a porous coating for bone ingrowth or interlocking with bone cement is disclosed. The porous coating comprises two layers of generally ball-shaped metallic particles bonded together at their points of contact, e.g. by sintering, and defining between them a plurality of connected interstitial pores having an average pore size of from about 350 microns to about 500 microns. A high resistance to failure at the coating-substrate and bone-coating (or cement-coating) interfaces is achieved with the use of the improved prosthesis. Also disclosed are a novel method for affixing the porous coating to a metal substrate, and a knee joint prosthesis having bearing portions designed so that the function of said prosthesis closely approximates that of the natural knee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert V. Kenna
  • Patent number: 4793325
    Abstract: A method for treating living tissues and/or cells consisting essentially of electromagnetically inducing in the tissues and/or cells alternating pulsating electrical signals having a wave form which comprises a positive portion with a duration of between 1 and 3 milliseconds, and a negative portion having a peak value less than that of the positive portion, followed by a region of exponential extension tending to the reference value zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Inventors: Ruggero Cadossi, Donata Marazzi
  • Patent number: 4787388
    Abstract: A catheter for opening constricted regions in the cardiovascular system includes an expandable dilatation zone comprising three dilatation elements arranged around a support tube. The dilatation elements are of tubular configuration, and each communicates at one end with a passage in the support tube leading to a pressure-suction pump. Constricted regions in the cardiovascular system may be enlarged or opened by introducing the dilatation zone into the affected site in a folded condition and expanding it peripherally therein. Upon expansion of the dilatation elements flow passages are formed between these elements, through which body fluid (for example blood) can pass with little resistance. The supply of body fluid to organs and tissues downstream of the affected site is thereby maintained. Interruption of the dilatation treatment is not required to insure this supply, thus permitting a substantial reduction in the overall duration of the medical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Schneider - Shiley AG
    Inventor: Eugen Hofmann
  • Patent number: 4776330
    Abstract: A modular femoral internal implant system for use in the treatment of femoral disorders resulting from injury, disease or congenital defect includes at least three interconnectable components: (1) an elongated epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant, (2) an intramedullary rod and (3) an angled side plate having an elongated plate portion adapted to be secured to the outer cortical wall and a hollow sleeve adapted to extend into the femur. The epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant can be connected to either the angled side plate or the intramedullary rod. The system may also include an elongated bone plate connectable to the angled side plate, one or more additional epiphyseal/metaphyseal implants of variable length, an additional angled side plate, a distal buttress plate connectable to the elongated bone plate, and a plurality of bone screws of a universal design. Preferably, many or all of the components of the system are made of an inert, resilient titanium-base alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Chapman, Charles C. Edwards, Dana C. Mears
  • Patent number: 4762129
    Abstract: A dilatation catheter, in particular for expanding constrictions in coronary vessels, includes a balloon (2) capable of being enlarged by injecting a fluid through a tube (3). The tube (3) is arranged laterally offset from a segment of flexible tubing (7) by which a passage (8) for a guide wire (1) is formed in the balloon (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Tassilo Bonzel
  • Patent number: 4719916
    Abstract: The intestinal graft is a graft formed of a thin wall latex or silastic tube of various widths and lengths. The upper circular end of the tube and vertical seam are reinforced by fabric which contains a radiopaque filament. When the graft is joined to the submucosal layer of the bowel proximal to the usual anastomosis, it will prevent salivary esophago-gastrointestinal secretions, food, and fecal flow from coming in contact with the anastomotic closure site.The graft will thus prevent leakage from any intestinal anastomosis and will guarantee a healed anastomosis by the time the graft is naturally expelled from rectum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Biagio Ravo
  • Patent number: 4712541
    Abstract: A bone nail for the treatment of fractures in the proximal femur zone is disclosed having a distal end portion adapted to be disposed at the outer surface of the femoral condyle, said end portion being provided with a coupling portion for engagement with a driving tool, a proximal end portion adapted to be seated in the proximal femur, and an arcuately curved portion between the ends, with the proximal end portion being provided with a rounded-off thickened portion at the free end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Howmedica International, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans E. Harder, Hermann Kramer
  • Patent number: 4705727
    Abstract: A composite material comprising a layer of ferritic stainless steel of up to 0.005 inches thickness covered on both sides by a layer of austenitic stainless steel of up to 0.005 inches thickness and suitable for induction heating. A second composite material comprising the material above further bonded to an aluminum layer and another layer of austenitic stainless steel. Cookware made of both types of composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Hunter
  • Patent number: 4698579
    Abstract: A charger for a battery-operated surgical machine includes a charging circuit and a housing. The housing contains the charging circuit and is provided with at least one plug receptacle means for the battery component of the surgical machine. The housing is also fitted with a selector switch connected to the charging circuit. In a first position of the selector switch the charging circuit charges the battery immediately, while in a second position of the switch the charging circuit first discharges the battery down to a predetermined lower potential and then charges it up to a predetermined higher potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Howmedica International, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl M. Richter, Hans E. Harder
  • Patent number: 4686228
    Abstract: A series of novel 2-substituted 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxyquinoline derivatives have been prepared, including their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts. These particular compounds are useful in therapy as highly potent antihypertensive agents. Preferred member compounds include 4-amino-2-[4-(2-furoyl)piperazin-1-yl]-6,7-dimethoxyquinoline, 4-amino-2-[4-(1,4-benzodioxan-2-carbonyl)piperazin-1-yl]-6,7-dimethoxyquin oline and 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)qu inoline, respectively. Methods for preparing these compounds from known starting materials are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventors: Simon F. Campbell, John D. Hardstone
  • Patent number: 4686224
    Abstract: Ketone containing 1-substituted oxindole-3-carboxamides as antiinflammatory agents prepared by reaction of the 1-substituted oxindole with an isocyanate or by aminolysis of the corresponding alkyl oxindole-3-carboxylate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence S. Melvin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4684642
    Abstract: 7.alpha.-Hydroxyamino-7.beta.-[2-substituted-2-(acylamino)acetamido]cephalo sporin antibiotics, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts and in vivo hydrolyzable esters thereof, a method of treating susceptible infections therewith, and intermediates therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventors: Colin W. Greengrass, David W. T. Hoople, Thomas T. Howarth
  • Patent number: 4683873
    Abstract: A method for treating living tissues and/or cells consisting essentially of electromagnetically inducing in the tissue and/or cells alternating pulsating electrical signals having a wave form which comprises a positive portion with a duration of between 1 and 3 milliseconds, and a negative portion having a peak value less than that of the positive portion, followed by a region of exponential extension tending to the reference value zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Inventors: Ruggero Cadossi, Donata Marazzi
  • Patent number: 4684641
    Abstract: 7.alpha.-Hydroxyamino-7.beta.-[2-substituted-2-(acylamino)acetamido]-cephal osporin antibiotics, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts and in vivo hydrolyzable esters thereof, a method of treating susceptible infections therewith, and intermediates therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventors: Colin W. Greengrass, David W. T. Hoople, Thomas T. Howarth