Patents Examined by Gary O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7104797
    Abstract: An endosseous dental implant system employs an implant member designed to be embedded into the jawbone of a patient at a location vacated by a missing tooth, and a mating abutment member. Both the abutment member and the implant member have mutually facing gingival ends. A socket of uniform, noncircular cross section throughout is defined into the gingival end of either the implant member or the abutment member while a post of corresponding cross-sectional configuration extends from the gingival end of the other member. At least one, and possibly a plurality, of transversely directed projections are formed on the post. These projections are small enough to allow the post to enter the socket in close fitting, seated engagement therewith, but large enough to create an interference fit between the post and the socket to obstruct twisting of the post within the socket. Apart from the transversely extending projections, the post has a uniform cross sectional shape and dimensions throughout its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Jeff Rassoli
  • Patent number: 6315772
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of removing fluids, gases or other biomolecules, or delivering a pharmaceutical composition, through the skin of a patient without the use of a sharp or needle. The method includes the step of irradiating the stratum corneum, an applied pharmaceutical or an absorbing material, using a laser. By selection of parameters, the laser irradiates the selected material or tissue to create pressure gradients, plasma, cavitation bubbles, or other forms of tissue ablation or alteration. These methods increase the diffusion of pharmaceuticals into, or fluids, gases or other biomolecules out of, the body. For this invention, a pharmaceutical composition can be applied to the skin before or after laser irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Transmedica International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Marchitto, Stephen T. Flock
  • Patent number: 6152886
    Abstract: A suction device is disclosed comprising an elongated tubular metal handle portion having a predetermined uniform diameter suction bore therethrough and a spigot connection portion for connection to a hospital suction source. The device further comprises a selected metal probe having a predetermined uniform diameter suction passage therethrough and terminating in a suction tip. The inner diameter of the probe is less than the inner diameter of the handle portion. The proximal end of the probe has a non-metallic secured sleeve thereabout. The outer diameter of the sleeve is detailed to frictionally engage an inner wall end portion of the handle opposite to the spigot connection portion. The selected probe may be of varying diameters which is fitted with a selected diameter dimensioned sleeve whereby the probe fits within the selected and the probe carrying sleeve fits removably frictionally within the tubular metal handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: James C Phelan