Patents Assigned to David Kopf Instruments
  • Patent number: 6716220
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: David Kopf Instruments
    Inventor: Joseph Saracione
  • Patent number: 5601570
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: David Kopf Instruments
    Inventors: Bert L. Altmann, J. David Kopf
  • Patent number: 5370481
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: David Kopf Instruments
    Inventors: Bert L. Altmann, J. David Kopf
  • Patent number: 4256112
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1981
    Assignee: David Kopf Instruments
    Inventors: J. David Kopf, William Seiler, Jr., Gerald S. Palecki, Howard H. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 4111207
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Assignee: David Kopf Instruments
    Inventor: William Seiler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4011869
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1977
    Assignee: David Kopf Instruments
    Inventor: William Seiler, Jr.