Patents Represented by Attorney John S. Gipple & Hale Hale
  • Patent number: 6162225
    Abstract: A combination driver and bone screw assembly comprising a screw shank with a uniform diameter threaded portion, an unthreaded portion with a outwardly tapered end and a driving end portion of substantially wedge shaped configuration which can be engagably seated in a wedge shaped notch seat of a driver member. The driver member comprises a body, a drive head defining a wedge shaped notch seat secured to the body forming a shoulder and a drive collar mounted around the drive head and seated on the shoulder.In operation a bore is drilled in the patients bone with the top portion of the bore having a tapered geometry which widens from the diameter of the bore. The bone screw driving end portion is placed in the wedge shaped notch seat of a driver member and a drive collar is mounted around the driver drive head and engages the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation
    Inventors: Arthur A. Gertzman, Timothy G. Haines
  • Patent number: 6155756
    Abstract: A machine for forming threads in a cylindrical bone dowel made of bone material, comprising a planar surfaced base provided with a threaded guide member having an externally threaded portion. A holding and rotating assembly is mounted on the base to rotatably hold the bone dowel so that the central axis of the bone dowel extends in the axial direction of the threaded guide member, An essentially planar support member is mounted on the guide member for movement with respect to base and an angle adjustment assembly is mounted to the support member. A cutting assembly having a cutting member in the form of a burr is also mounted on the support member so that when the threaded guide member is rotated the cutting assembly and associated cutting member is carried by support member to engage the bone dowel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation
    Inventors: Robert W. Mericle, Arthur A. Gertzman
  • Patent number: 6116248
    Abstract: A nail polish remover device adapted for removing fingernail polish from all the fingers and thumb on a hand comprising a cylindrical receptacle defining a chamber with a brush insert assembly mounted within the chamber. The brush insert assembly defines a plurality of finger holes with adjacent semicylindrical support members to receive bristle members which are mounted in the semicylindrical support members allowing the finger and thumb of a user to remove nail polish from the users fingernails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Alvin M. Walker
  • Patent number: 6102204
    Abstract: A transport container for fragile articles having a substantially rigid base member with a bottom planar surface. A plurality of flexible foamed plastic members having the same overall shape as the base member stacked and secured together forming a container body which is secured to the base member. Each of the flexible foamed plastic members defines a plurality of throughgoing substantially circular cutouts with a tooth assembly for each cutout extending inward toward the center point of each substantially circular cutout. The foamed plastic member cutouts axially aligned with cutouts of an adjacent foamed plastic member to form a stepped bore which can hold various sized articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Horticultural Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Castleberry
  • Patent number: 6099529
    Abstract: A bone screw assembly constructed of allograft bone comprising a screw shank with a uniform diameter threaded portion, an unthreaded portion with a outwardly tapered end terminating in a drive head defining a wedge shaped configuration to form an undercut for the drive head.In operation a bore is drilled in the two bone sections, with one bone section being over drilled with the top portion of the over drilled bore having a tapered geometry which widens from the diameter of the bore. The bone screw is driven into the previously cut bore in the bone sections until the tapered surface of the bore engages the tapered undercut surface of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation
    Inventors: Arthur A. Gertzman, Timothy G. Haines
  • Patent number: 6059776
    Abstract: A combined mechanical cutter and laser function surgical instrument, constructed with; a handle housing and a disposable tip assembly removably mounted to the handle housing. The disposable tip assembly has a hollow tube with a proximal and a distal end, a stationary jaw mounted to the distal end of the hollow tube, a movable jaw which pivots relative to the stationary jaw and a actuating mechanism coupled to the movable jaw for moving the movable jaw, the actuating mechanism being driven from linkage in the handle housing mounted to the proximal end of the hollow tube. Quick disconnects are mounted on the proximate end of the hollow tube to engage the handle housing and a laser energy conductive optic fiber extends through the hollow tube and mounted to the stationary jaw. A laser energy dispensing tip member is mounted on and insulated from the stationary jaw and is connected to the optic fiber to transport laser energy from a remote laser energy generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Dom L. Gatto
  • Patent number: 5698214
    Abstract: Monilial Vulvovaginitis is treated by application of a composition containing one or more substances which inhibit glucose transfer into cells and cell metabolism. The composition of the invention is conveniently combined with a suitable carrier such as a non-aqueous gel and other therapeutically useful components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventors: Harry H. Leveen, Eric G. Leveen, Robert F. Leveen
  • Patent number: 5688023
    Abstract: A detachable tray assembly for holding personal items comprising a tray surrounded at the perimeter of its upper surface by a flange. Support arms are pivotally mounted on the tray. Adjustable clamp devices are mounted on the support arms to secure the support arms to the chair frame. Support arms may be telescopically adjustable. Clamping devices can be of a variety of types including opposing arcuate bifuricated tines and/or an adjustable collar. Clamping devices may be tightened by manually adjusting screwtype fasteners. The tray assembly is easily moved between chairs of varying sizes without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Alcea Blocker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5671827
    Abstract: A disc brake apparatus comprising an annular brake disc carried by a wheel hub rotatably mounted on an axle, the brake disc being constructed of circular friction plates spaced by a plurality of vanes extending radially along an inner face of the friction plates for enhancing flow of air past the disc and for enhancing dissipation of heat from the disc. A caliper brake assembly is mounted on a stationary support, the caliper brake assembly including a caliper housing, a pair of pistons mounted in the caliper housing and a diaphragm mechanism mounted adjacent and engaging the pistons. A brake pad assembly including brake pads is mounted adjacent to the pistons on the caliper housing and a source of pressurized air communicating fluid pressure from an outside source to the caliper assembly causes an application of force to the brake pad assembly by the pistons so that the brake pads engage with opposite radial faces of the brake disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventors: Ikaros Demetriou, Kenneth Peer
  • Patent number: 5658310
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and apparatus for performing an internal fixation of fractures of tubular bones using a balloon catheter fixation device which is guided and transported through the medullary canal and fracture site of the bone by a plurality of guide wires mounted in said balloon catheter fixation device. A bone cement is applied to the fracture site and the balloon catheter is inflated inside the bone and tightened by applying pressure on the catheter outside of the bone by tightening the catheter tube and holding the same in place in an inflated condition to apply a compression force across the fracture site enhancing the stability of the fractured bone and promoting osseous healing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: J. Lee Berger
  • Patent number: 5621397
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting illegal tampering with an electricity meter which is adapted to record the amount of electricity supplied to the meter through cables has a first signal generating sensing coil situated externally of, and upstream of, the meter which generates a first signal representative of the current flowing through one of the supply cables and a second signal generating second sensing coil, located within the meter, which generates a second signal representative of the amount of electricity to be recorded by the meter. A Monitoring device monitors the first and second signals and produces a third actuation signal when one of the first and second signals differs from its correct value as a result of tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventors: Alan J. Mutch, Raymond Sheldon
  • Patent number: 5613262
    Abstract: A device for cleaning the surface of the tongue comprising an elongated handle having a brushhead attached to one end thereof which extends from the brush head at an angle of at least 15.degree.. The brush head has a flat surface with a plurality of bristle cells extending therefrom at least 4-6 mm with the opposite side of the brush head being rounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Gina N. Choy-Maldonado
  • Patent number: 5609166
    Abstract: A fingernail removing device adapted to remove artificial fingernails from the fingers of a user comprising a plastic integrally molded rectangular container body with an inner bristle housing secured and supported by a plurality of integral rib members to the rectangular container body. The inner bristle housing has an oblong configuration defining a chamber with an opening of sufficient width to receive a plurality of fingers with one wall of said bristle housing containing a sectioned flexible brush assembly integrally molded to the inner surface of said wall. The flexible brush assembly comprises at least two separated sections of bristles, each section of bristles comprising a plurality of spaced bristle members extending inward from the inner surface of the bristle housing wall into said chamber and defining a curved passageway allowing plurality of fingers to pass therethrough while allowing the fingers to engage said bristle members, and a cover removably mounted to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Alvin M. Walker
  • Patent number: 5554188
    Abstract: A middle ear prosthesis 10 is provided having a first portion 12 including a head 16 for engaging the tympanic membrane and a cannulated shaft 20 extending from head 16. The first portion of 12 is operable alone as a partial ossicular prosthesis. A second portion 14 is provided including a shaft having a distal portion 26 insertable in the cannulated shaft 20 of first portion 12. Second portion 14 when in combination with first portion 12 provides a total ossicular prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: XOMED, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Prescott
  • Patent number: 5522896
    Abstract: A non-percutaneous prosthesis, reconstructive sheeting and composite material which exhibit excellent tissue adhesion, outstanding biocompatibility, moldability, trimability and flexibility are disclosed. The non-percutaneous prosthesis, reconstructive sheeting and composite material can be easily molded into various shapes, trimmed with a scalpel and deformed during prosthetic positioning. The non-percutaneous prothesis comprises a biocompatible composite material which is made of an elastomeric material and bio-active ceramic or glass particles and has a predetermined shape. The bio-active ceramic or glass particles are dispersed throughout a matrix of the elastomeric material having a predetermined shape, or the elastomeric material is formed to the predetermined shape and the bio-active ceramic or glass particles are coated on a surface of the elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Xomed, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Prescott
  • Patent number: 5211672
    Abstract: A protective shoe for use in contact sports of the martial arts comprising a unitary upper member constructed of a foam base defining an opening and side slits into which a foot can be inserted. An elastic strap provided with fasteners is secured to the upper member allowing the upper member to be attached around the ankle of the wearer. A sole is mounted to the bottom of the upper member to provide an enclosed toe area and an arch area with cutouts in the sole defining an open heel area and open ball of foot area. A protective instep pad and achilles tendon pad are secured to said upper member to give additional foot protection to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Edward M. Andujar
  • Patent number: D402483
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Forrest & Stuart, inc.
    Inventors: Ferdinan Alvarez, Raquel Gonzalez