Patents Assigned to Minnesota Scientific, Inc.
-
Patent number: 7753844Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical retractor comprises a support handle and a surgical retractor holding element pivotally attached to the support handle. A rod engages the retractor holder element at a position spaced from the pivotal attachment to the support handle with the rod being movable thereby pivoting the holding element to move the position of the retractor blade of the surgical retractor.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Todd W. Sharratt, Todd M. Bjork, Robert J. Ballantine
-
Publication number: 20090254187Abstract: A tightenable joint for use in a surgical retractor system includes a monolithic, unitary joint body which has a top leg and a bottom leg. The top leg provides a top compression surface and the bottom leg provides a bottom compression surface operating on a ball. A handled cam is used between proximal ends of the top leg and the bottom leg. When the handle is thrown to tighten the joint, the proximal ends of the top leg and the bottom leg are driven apart by the cam, and a hinge or fulcrum portion on the joint body flexes between top and bottom leg portion such that the top compression surface and bottom compression surface tighten on the ball. The ball has flats that enable the ball to be positioned into the socket, and then an extension is fixed to the ball to prevent removal of the ball from the socket. The cam is defined with an eccentric surface relative to its pivot pin, which is received in an arcuate recess of a bearing plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: MINNESOTA SCIENTIFIC, INC.Inventor: Todd M. BJORK
-
Publication number: 20090216087Abstract: A joint or clamp for a surgical retraction system uses a pivot linkage tightening mechanism. The pivot link primarily pivots to move one arm of the clamp relative to the other arm of the clamp. The handle contacts the clamp body at a friction interface of small radius to the handle pivot axis so little frictional torque is generated during tightening of the clamp. A handle pivot pin mostly translates above the handle pivot axis. The handle pivot pin has a center section which is offset, and the handle pivot pin can be received in any of numerous circumferential positions to absorb the tolerance stack for the clamp, resulting in a consistent and precise tightening mechanism achieved by a small throw of a short handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Todd M. BJORK
-
Patent number: 7458933Abstract: A method of performing knee-joint surgery includes positioning the tibia and the femur such that the knee-joint is disposed in a bent position. An incision is made to expose the knee-joint. A retractor support is mounted to a surgical table. The skin and flesh layers proximate the knee-joint are retracted utilizing a retractor that is attached to the retractor support which is mounted to a surgical table.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. LeVahn, Robert Ballantine, Todd W. Sharratt
-
Patent number: 7320666Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface for engaging a first surgical rod and an attachment end. A second clamping member is mounted with respect to the first clamping member wherein the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for engaging a second surgical rod. A shaft is disposed through and positioned within the attachment end of the first clamping member and wherein the shaft is in communication with the second clamping member. A force providing mechanism is disposed between the first and second clamping members and disposed about the shaft wherein when the force providing mechanism and the shaft are movable with respect to each other and place the first and second clamping members in either a non-clamping position or a clamping position.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Todd M. Bjork, Todd W. Sharratt, Christopher Lee Berg
-
Patent number: 7309312Abstract: A retractor retaining device retains an otherwise hand-held retractor in a retracting position within a surgical wound. The retractor retaining device includes a clamp that is attachable to a retractor support that is positioned about the wound. A retaining plate is attached to the clamp and engages a flexible loop. The flexible loop is detachably attached to the retaining plate for engaging a handle of the hand held retractor such that the hand held retractor is retained in the retracting position.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Todd M. Bjork, Todd William Sharratt, Christopher L. Berg
-
Patent number: 7297107Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface for engaging a first surgical rod and an attachment end. A second clamping member is mounted with respect to the first clamping member wherein the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for engaging a second surgical rod. A shaft is disposed through and positioned within the attachment end of the first clamping member and wherein the shaft is in communication with the second clamping member. A force providing mechanism is disposed between the first and second clamping members and disposed about the shaft wherein when the force providing mechanism and the shaft are movable with respect to each other and place the first and second clamping members in either a non-clamping position or a clamping position.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Todd M. Bjork, Todd W. Sharratt, Christopher Lee Berg
-
Publication number: 20070260124Abstract: An assembly for exchanging retractor support arms within a retractor support clamp. The assembly includes a main body having a surface defining a cavity extending into the main body from a first end. A support arm having an end portion with a substantially complimentary configuration to the surface defining the cavity is positionable within the cavity. A retaining mechanism is disposed about the main body and in communication with the end portion where the retaining mechanism retains the end portion within the main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2006Publication date: November 8, 2007Applicant: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Walter Dobrovolny
-
Patent number: 7264589Abstract: A method for performing surgery on a shoulder joint utilizes one positionable support arm attached to a retractor support apparatus. The method includes incising a patient to expose the shoulder joint. After exposing the shoulder joint, the humeral ball is dislocated from the glenoid cavity. A retractor is mounted to one of the support arms at a proximal end. A humerus retractor blade at a distal end of the humerus retractor engages the humerus. The humerus retractor blade is positioned about the humerus and a mechanical system within the humerus retractor is manipulated to laterally displace the humeral ball from the glenoid cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Todd W. Sharratt
-
Patent number: 7156806Abstract: A clamping device which secures a retractor support apparatus to an operating table having a side rail. The clamping device has a first clamping member disposed between a side of the operating table and the side rail. The clamping device also includes a second clamping member disposed between the side rail and the first clamping member. A first securing mechanism operably connects the first and second clamping members such that a force provided by the first securing mechanism causes the first and second clamping members to move in opposing directions and frictionally engage the side of the operating table and the side rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Walter J. Dobrovolny
-
Publication number: 20060264711Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member for engaging a first support member and a second clamping member for engaging a second support member. The first clamping member includes a clamping bore wherein the first support member is positionable within the clamping bore. The second clamping member includes a socket wherein the second support member is positionable within the socket. A shaft is disposed through the first clamping member and is in communication with the second clamping member. An actuating mechanism is coupled to the shaft wherein the actuating mechanism is positionable to force the first clamping member frictionally engages the first support member and the second clamping member frictionally engages the second support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Todd Bjork, Todd Sharratt, Christopher Berg
-
Publication number: 20060259020Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in a surgical site includes a first surface that is positionable within or near the surgical site and has an anti-bacterial coating disposed on the surface. The anti-microbial coating includes anti-microbial particles disposed in a polymer matrix wherein the anti-microbial particles are in sufficient concentration and are positioned to provide an anti-microbial effect at the surgical site. Bacterial growth is also inhibited on the coated surface of the instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2006Publication date: November 16, 2006Applicant: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Todd Sharratt
-
Patent number: 7125379Abstract: An assembly for exchanging retractor support arms within a retractor support clamp. The assembly includes a main body having a surface defining a cavity extending into the main body from a first end. A support arm having an end portion with a substantially complimentary configuration to the surface defining the cavity is positionable within the cavity. A retaining mechanism is disposed about the main body and in communication with the end portion where the retaining mechanism retains the end portion within the main body.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Todd M. Bjork, Todd W. Sharratt, Christopher Lee Berg, Walter J. Dobrovolny
-
Publication number: 20060211920Abstract: The present invention includes a surgical clamp having at least one clamping member and a shaft through the clamping member. A camming member engages a load bearing surface on the shaft where the load bearing surface is constructed from a plastic. As the camming member rotates about an axis of rotation, the camming member engages the load bearing surface to position the clamping member into the clamping position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2005Publication date: September 21, 2006Applicant: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Bethke
-
Patent number: 7097616Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member for engaging a first support member and a second clamping member for engaging a second support member. The first clamping member includes a clamping bore wherein the first support member is positionable within the clamping bore. The second clamping member includes a socket wherein the second support member is positionable within the socket. A shaft is disposed through the first clamping member and is in communication with the second clamping member. An actuating mechanism is coupled to the shaft wherein the actuating mechanism is positionable to force the first clamping member frictionally engages the first support member and the second clamping member frictionally engages the second support member.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Todd M. Bjork, Todd William Sharratt, Christopher Lee Berg
-
Patent number: 6974412Abstract: The present invention is a mechanism for releasing a positioning device from a locked position. The positioning device has a moveable wedge urged against a rotatable cammed member which permits rotatable travel of the cammed member in only one direction. The releasing mechanism comprises a lever attached to the wedge and engageable with the cammed member. Engaging the lever with the cammed member urges the wedge away from the cammed member to permit rotation of the cammed member in either direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Walter J. Dobrovolny
-
Publication number: 20050273109Abstract: An apparatus reams a cavity into a bone. The apparatus includes a cutting tool that is operably attached to a drive. A controller is in communication with the drive wherein the controller manipulates movement of the drive and the cutting tool in three dimensions such that the cutting tool reams a precise cavity into the bone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2004Publication date: December 8, 2005Applicant: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Todd Bjork
-
Publication number: 20050272981Abstract: A surgical clamp includes a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface for engaging a first surgical rod and an attachment end. A second clamping member is mounted with respect to the first clamping member wherein the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for engaging a second surgical rod. A shaft is disposed through and positioned within the attachment end of the first clamping member and wherein the shaft is in communication with the second clamping member. A force providing mechanism is disposed between the first and second clamping members and disposed about the shaft wherein when the force providing mechanism is positionable between a first position with the first and second clamping members being in a nonclamping position and a second position with the first and second clamping members being in a clamping position wherein the first and second sockets constrict to retain the first and second surgical rods in selected positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2005Publication date: December 8, 2005Applicant: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Todd Bjork, Todd Sharratt, Christopher Berg
-
Publication number: 20050272982Abstract: A retractor retaining device retains an otherwise hand-held retractor in a retracting position within a surgical wound. The retractor retaining device includes a clamp that is attachable to a retractor support that is positioned about the wound. A retaining plate is attached to the clamp and engages a flexible loop. The flexible loop is detachably attached to the retaining plate for engaging a handle of the hand held retractor such that the hand held retractor is retained in the retracting position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2005Publication date: December 8, 2005Applicant: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Todd Bjork, Todd Sharratt, Christopher Berg
-
Publication number: 20050215865Abstract: A method of performing surgical retraction of flesh includes positioning a patient on a surgical table and making an incision into the flesh of the patient. A retractor support is mounted to the surgical table and positioned proximate the incision with a blade positioned within the incision and having a flexible member attached to the blade. The retractor blade is positioned manually to retract flesh. The flexible member in tension is attached to the retractor support thereby retracting the flesh and exposing the surgical site.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2005Publication date: September 29, 2005Applicant: Minnesota Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Steven LeVahn, Todd Sharratt