Patents Examined by Bruce Snow
  • Patent number: 10219930
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking unintentional high amplitude muscle movements of a user and stabilizing a handheld tool are described. The method may include detecting motion of a housing of the handheld tool when manipulated by a user while the user is performing a task with a user-assistive device attached to an attachment arm of the handheld tool, and storing the detected motion in a memory of the handheld tool as motion data. Furthermore, the method may include controlling a first motion generating mechanism and a second motion generating mechanism by generating a first motion signal and a second motion signal that respectively drive the first motion generating mechanism in a first degree of freedom and the second motion generating mechanism in a second degree of freedom to stabilize motion of the user-assistive device attached to the attachment arm of the handheld tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Anupam J. Pathak, Michael Allen
  • Patent number: 9357985
    Abstract: A minimally invasive method for accessing a facet joint of the spine is provided. Embodiments of the method include creating a small incision directly over the facet joint and to allow direct access and visualization of the joint. A second incision, which may be a puncture wound, is provided at a distance from the first incision. A path between the second incision and the facet joint is then formed which may be curved or substantially straight. The path is preferably configured to intersect both facet surfaces. The path may be formed using an instrument which can be used to drill a hole across the facets, insert a fastener across the facets, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolf Bertagnoli
  • Patent number: 7462196
    Abstract: An method and apparatus is provided for achieving stability of an implant in an intervertebral space of the human body, including an implant having a superior surface and an inferior surface, the surfaces having no significant protrusions extending therefrom and at least one modular projection mateable with one of each superior and inferior surface of the implant to achieve stability within the intervertebral space. The implants can be selected form a group of artificial discs and spinal fusion cages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Fraser, John Riley Hawkins, Christopher Rogers, Andrew Dooris, Mark Lionetto
  • Patent number: 7435263
    Abstract: A modular long bone prosthesis is provided having a proximal component and a retroversion component. The proximal component is configured at a proximal end to receive a head forming a portion of a joint and is formed at a distal end to mate with additional prosthesis components. The proximal component is formed to simulate an angle inherent in the proximal end of the bone to be replaced and includes an indicator adjacent the distal end to facilitate rotational alignment of the proximal component and additional prosthesis components. The retroversion component includes a proximal end configured to mate with the distal end of the proximal component. The proximal end includes alignment indicia for positioning relative to the indicator on the proximal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Barnett, Scott C. Brown, Mark B. Lester
  • Patent number: 7419491
    Abstract: Apparatus and surgical techniques provide alternative cutting fixtures and other features to improve bone resection accuracy and joint stability. According to one embodiment, stabilizers are removably attached to a cutting guide to temporarily lengthen the surface against which a saw or other cutting device rests. Another embodiment provides differently shaped saw blades, having curved distal ends and right-angle bends applicable to box cuts of the type associated with cruciate sacrifice knee-replacement surgery. Methods are also disclosed whereby the box cuts, distal and posterior augment cuts may be approached from a distal perspective, both laterally and medially. A different embodiment provides a trial/cutting guide having flat surfaces as opposed to curved surfaces adapted for articulation within a joint. Yet a further alternative embodiment teaches a device for determining the joint line relative to a tibia using the fibula as reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: MedIdea, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Masini
  • Patent number: 7416564
    Abstract: The present invention provides a porous bioceramics for bone scaffold. The porous bioceramics according to the present invention comprises a biocompatible porous ceramic substrate having the property to thermal-decompose hydroxyapatite in contact with it; a fluorapatite (FA) inner layer formed on said porous ceramic substrate; and a hydroxyapatite (HA) outer layer formed on said fluorapatite inner layer. The insertion of FA intermediate layer can prevent the thermal reaction between ZrO2 and HA. Therefore, the present invention can provide the implant material into human body having excellent mechanical properties of zirconia as well as the biocompatibility, bioaffinity and bioactivity of HA. The present invention can also provide the implant material to promote osteoconduction and osteointegration in human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Seoul National University Industry Foundation
    Inventors: Hyoun-Ee Kim, Hea-Won Kim
  • Patent number: 7416565
    Abstract: A transtibial patellar tendon bearing (PTB) prosthesis for below the knee amputees is disclosed. The prosthesis includes a socket, and a foot prosthesis attached to a modular shank component using a foot rotator device. Using the rotator device, the foot component of the prosthesis may be smoothly and axially rotated internally or externally ±150° with respect to the shank component about the axis of the shank component. The wide range of axial rotation enables a more even load distribution on the whole lower limb of an amputee and enables an amputee to comfortably assume a wide range of biomechanical positions, such as sitting or kneeling. A recoil spring, having a selectable tension, is positioned within the rotatable component and selectively limits and retains the relative rotation of the upper portion and the lower portions. A locking mechanism selectively prevents rotation when the foot component is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Mohmmed H. S. Al-Turaikl
  • Patent number: 7399311
    Abstract: A medical device system includes a catheter, an expandable prosthesis over the catheter, and a holding material between the catheter and the prosthesis. The holding material initially holds the prosthesis over the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: William Bertolino, Andrew J. Campbell, Steven Walak
  • Patent number: 7393364
    Abstract: A prosthetic joint system for users comprising a housing having an interior cavity, a center axis in said interior cavity, and an attachment means for fixedly connecting said housing to said user; an inner cylinder disposed in said housing interior cavity wherein said inner cylinder rotates around said center axis of said housing; an appendage attached to said inner cylinder; a sensor system attached to said appendage; and a dampening system, having a power source, in communication with said sensor system, said inner cylinder, and said housing for controlling dampening of the rotation of said inner cylinder around said center axis of said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: James Jay Martin
  • Patent number: 7387643
    Abstract: An artificial interbody spinal implant adapted for placement across an intervertebral space formed across the height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies is disclosed. The implant has an asymmetrical leading end adapted to sit upon the more peripheral areas, such as the apophyseal rim and the apophyseal rim area, of the vertebral end plate region of the vertebral bodies without protruding therefrom. The asymmetrical leading end allows for the safe use of an implant of maximum length for the implantation space into which it is installed. The implant can also include an asymmetric trailing end adapted to sit upon the more peripheral areas of the vertebral end plate region of the vertebral bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Patent number: 7387640
    Abstract: A medical device delivery system comprises an inner tube, a medical device disposed about a portion of the distal region of the inner tube, a medical device sheath disposed about the medical device, a medical device sheath retraction device extending proximally from the medical device sheath and an outer sheath disposed about a portion of the medical device sheath retraction device. The distal end of the outer sheath terminates at least one medical device length proximal of the medical device. The medical device sheath is movable relative to the outer sheath and relative to the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Cummings
  • Patent number: 7384431
    Abstract: A vertebral replacement device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a vertebral body or vertebral body member having at least one of an upper or lower member adjustably engaged at one end thereof. A spacer can be engaged to the upper or lower member to further increase the height of the vertebral replacement device. The vertebral replacement device can have a chamber extending therethrough for fusion of the supported vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventor: Bret M. Berry
  • Patent number: 7374577
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implant device for osseointegration to endure weight. This implant device includes an insert-type implant inserted into an amputated end of a thighbone or a lower leg bone of a leg of a patient; a load dispersing adaptor having a cap shape, encompassing both the implant and the amputated end of the leg simultaneously at a lower end of the implant; a load support plate having a plate shape, coupled with the lower surface of the adaptor, whose diameter is widened, on which a plurality of muscle fixing holes are dispersedly formed; and a coupling screw, which couples the load dispersing adaptor with the insert-type implant at a bottom of the load dispersing plate through screw-coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Workers Accident Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Shin Ki Kim, Moo Sung Moon, Jae Yong Ahn
  • Patent number: 7374578
    Abstract: A prosthetic foot (70) incorporates a foot keel (71) and a calf shank (72) connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and an upwardly arched midfoot portion extending between the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end in the form of a spiral which is adjustably attached at a portion thereof to the foot keel by way of a coupling element. The calf shank extends upward anteriorly from the spiral to an upstanding upper end thereof. The coupling element includes a stop of a predetermined size to limit dorsiflexion of the calf shank in gait. The calf shank creates an integrated ankle and calf shank with the foot keel which has a variable radii response outcome similar to the disclosed parabola shaped calf shank while being readily covered by a cosmetic covering for the foot, ankle and lower leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Bioquest Prosthetics, LLC
    Inventors: Barry W. Townsend, Byron Kent Claudino
  • Patent number: 7374576
    Abstract: Implants and methods are presented for surgically repairing a hip joint with a proximal femoral prosthesis that comprises femoral head component and a femoral stem component. The femoral stem component comprising a neck portion, a flange portion, a transitional body region and an elongated stem. The femur is prepared for implantation of the femoral hip prosthesis by resecting the proximal femur and reaming a symmetric intramedullary cavity in the femur. The femoral hip prosthesis is then inserted the on the resected femur and in the intramedullary cavity. The femoral hip prosthesis elastically deforms when loaded during use to apply dynamic compressive loads and displacement to the calcar region of the resected proximal femur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: MedicineLodge, Inc
    Inventors: Michael Ries, T. Wade Fallin, Daniel F. Justin, Mark A. Munt
  • Patent number: 7367991
    Abstract: An annuloplasty ring having a three-dimensional discontinuous form generally arranged about an axis with two free ends that are axially offset. The ring is particularly suited for repair of the tricuspid valve, and more closely conforms to the annulus shape. The ring is more flexible in bending about radially extending axes than about the central axis. The ring may have an inner structural support covered by a pliable sleeve and/or a fabric tube. The structural support may have a varying cross-section, such as a C-shaped cross-section in a mid-section between two free ends and a rectangular cross-section at the free ends. A deliver template having a mounting ring with about the same shape as the ring facilitates implant, and may be releasably attached to a delivery handle. The deliver template may include a plurality of cutting guides for releasably attaching the annuloplasty ring thereto while presenting maximum outer surface area of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick M. McCarthy, Richard S. Rhee, Stefan G. Schreck
  • Patent number: 7361137
    Abstract: Methods and devices for passively assisting the cardiac function of the heart are disclosed. A method of increasing the cardiac output of a heart includes providing a site of surgical access to the portion of the heart to be restrained, reducing the cardiac expansion of the portion of the heart to be restrained, and maintaining the reduction of cardiac expansion of the portion of the heart to be restrained for a substantial amount of time. Cardiac assist devices for increasing the cardiac output of the heart are disclosed comprising a reinforcing portion configured to contact a portion of the heart tissue wherein the reinforcing portion restricts the expansion of the portion of the heart tissue. The reinforcing portion can be a number of structures, including pads, frames, straps, and other retaining means for limiting cardiac expansion of the portion of the heart tissue to be restrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, Michael V. Morejohn
  • Patent number: 7361196
    Abstract: A posterior vertebral stabilizer has a resilient member such as a linear spring, which operates in tension and compression. The resilient member may be kept straight by a stabilization rod extending through the spring, or by a telescoping assembly that encases the resilient member. The ends of the stabilizer are attachable to pedicles of adjacent vertebrae so that the stabilizer adds stiffness to control flexion and extension of the vertebrae. Two such stabilizers may be used, and may be connected together by a crosslink designed to limit relative rotation of the stabilizers. Thus, the stabilizers may restrict axial rotation and lateral bending between the vertebrae, while permitting stiffened flexion and extension. Such stabilizers help provide the stiffness of a healthy intervertebral disc. In the event that fusion of the joint becomes necessary, a set screw or other component may be used to further restrict flexion and extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Stryker Spine
    Inventors: T. Wade Fallin, Daniel E. Gerbec, Joel Dever
  • Patent number: 7361197
    Abstract: An anthropomorphic artificial hand having a mechanical system that allows for the digits to be compliant to pressure that tends to flex the digits, and provides for the digits to be self biasing to conform to the shape of the object being grasped. The hand comprises one to four fingers, with the fingers having up to three joints each. The hand may also comprise a thumb that can be rotated into and out of opposition of the fingers. The joints of the thumb are also self biasing to allow conformance to the object being grasped. The hand is of the voluntary closing operation, with all digits being self extending. This allows the hand to use two cables to operate if body powered (one for the fingers, one for the thumb). The hand may also be electronically powered using two channels for operating the fingers and thumb simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Rex Clayton Winfrey
  • Patent number: 7357818
    Abstract: A stent is designed to be placed in a lumen of a patient and extend therethrough. The stent includes a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a distal retention structure and the proximal end includes a plurality of radially extending flexible segments to prevent migration of the stent through the lumen. At least one radially extending flexible segment at the proximal end is able to assume an outwardly everted configuration. The stent of the invention, due to its dimensions, shape, and rigidity, minimizes the force of contact and abrasion to sensitive areas of the patient's body, such as the trigone region of the bladder and the ureteral-vesical junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Travis Deal