Patents Assigned to David Kopf Instruments
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Patent number: 6716220Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for holding a subject body (or body portion, generally termed “body”) at a desired stereotaxic orientation relative to a known reference point, in three-dimensional space, where a reference X-axis, a reference Y-axis, and a reference Z-axis mutually intersect. The reference point can be co-positioned with a target point on or in the subject body so as to place the body in a reference position used in a corresponding anatomical atlas or other locational index. With the body so positioned, a probe or other tool can be inserted into the body to a desired locus with high accuracy (in hitting the desired locus) and with high precision (from one animal to the next). The methods and apparatus have especial utility in surgical and diagnostic interventions, including such interventions involving the central nervous system encased in surrounding skull or the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: David Kopf InstrumentsInventor: Joseph Saracione
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Patent number: 5601570Abstract: A rotational adaptor is provided for use with a stereotaxic instrument used in brain research to hold and stabilize the head of a small animal, such as a rat, having a cradle with two ear bars and a nose clamp wherein the cradle may be rotated while maintaining support of the animal's head by the ear bars and the nose clamp. The device allows electrodes and micropipettes to be implanted through the side of the skull as well as through the top of the skull, increasing the number of available implant pathways and consequently reducing trauma experienced by the animal.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1995Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Assignee: David Kopf InstrumentsInventors: Bert L. Altmann, J. David Kopf
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Patent number: 5370481Abstract: A drill press is provided for use in conjunction with a three dimensional stereotaxic manipulator. The drill press includes a body carried by a movable member of the manipulator wherein the body has upper and lower segments and at least one guide shaft extending between the segments. A slide which carries a drill for forming skull openings is driven by a dial cord drive. The dial cord extends around a drive shaft so that rotation of the drive shaft by a handle causes the slide to move upwardly and downwardly to safely and quickly accomplish the formation of a skull opening in a small animal typically used in brain research.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1993Date of Patent: December 6, 1994Assignee: David Kopf InstrumentsInventors: Bert L. Altmann, J. David Kopf
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Patent number: 4256112Abstract: A head positioner for radiologic and other medical procedures and a method for forming the head positioner are disclosed. A plastic rear component engages the backside of the patient's head, left and right plastic components engage each auditory meatus of the patient and a front component engages the nasion of the patient. Pressure is applied at the points of engagement and the components are secured to form a unitary headband structure. The headband is capable of repeated and periodic use in positioning the cranium of a human skull in precisely the same position relative to radiologic or other medical equipment. Apparatus for forming the headband structure is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1979Date of Patent: March 17, 1981Assignee: David Kopf InstrumentsInventors: J. David Kopf, William Seiler, Jr., Gerald S. Palecki, Howard H. Kaufman
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Patent number: 4111207Abstract: A notched tubular cutting instrument for use in vitrectomy is provided. An elongated tubular housing is formed with a cutting orifice in its tip. A resilient, inner tubular blade reciprocates within the housing. The housing is bent to bias the blade against the edges of the cutting orifice. The cutting orifice is a notch in the tubular housing having a cutting edge and two side edges. The cutting edge has a rake of more than 10.degree.. The side edges and cutting edge continuously guide the blade across the orifice and provide a shearing action between the blade and the cutting edge.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1976Date of Patent: September 5, 1978Assignee: David Kopf InstrumentsInventor: William Seiler, Jr.
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Patent number: 4011869Abstract: A cutting instrument is provided, particularly applicable to vitreous surgery, having an elongated, tubular housing formed with a cutting orifice near its end. A resilient, inner tubular member is slidably mounted coaxially within the tubular housing. The tubular housing is bent in a manner to displace the cutting orifice in a direction toward the resilient, inner tubular member. As the end of the resilient, inner tubular member passes across the cutting orifice, it is resiliently urged into shearing contact with the cutting orifice.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1975Date of Patent: March 15, 1977Assignee: David Kopf InstrumentsInventor: William Seiler, Jr.