Patents Examined by Guy V. Tucker
  • Patent number: 6106526
    Abstract: A member for stabilizing cervical vertebrae is provided with a body 1 with a plate-shaped portion having a bore 2 extending perpendicular to the plane plate, and a bone screw 3 having a threaded portion 4 and a head 5, whereby the threaded portion 4 extends through the bore. In order to provide a member usable for stabilizing the cervical spinal column the member has, in a second portion 9 which is laterally offset with respect to the bore in the plate plane, an external screw thread 10 and a slit 11 extending in direction of the thread axis for receiving a fastening rod 12 for the support thereof. Moreover, a nut 13 cooperating with the external screw thread 10 for locking the rod 12 to be inserted is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventors: Jurgen Harms, Lutz Biedermann
  • Patent number: 6093188
    Abstract: A bone plate includes a pair of mounting portions with bridges extending between the mounting portions. Each bridge includes at least one spring member and a compression member, arranged in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: William M. Murray
  • Patent number: 6086595
    Abstract: A surgical method and apparatus for implanting a spinal fusion implant includes a rigid centering guide having a distal end sized to be inserted into the disc space with the guide extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal end to a proximal end. The guide includes a first external guide surface which extends at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end. The external guide surface is shaped complimentary to an external guided surface of a drill guide. The external guide surface and the guided surface are nested such that the guided surface slides against the external guide surface along a path of travel parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Sulzer Spine-Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Yonemura, Douglas W. Kohrs
  • Patent number: 6083224
    Abstract: A transverse fixator assembly for spanning between a number of longitudinal members situated adjacent a patient's vertebrae and methods for fixation of the spine which allow variation of the distance between two or more vertebrae. The assembly includes a number of connectors configured to span the distance between and engage the longitudinal members. The connectors define a thru-hole for engaging a bone bolt which is engaged to a vertebra plus a number of spikes projecting from the connector. A locking mechanism is configured to prevent the bolt from rotating relative to the connector when the nut is being tightened. One or more of the connectors may be a dynamic connector which is slidably engaged to the longitudinal members to vary the distance between the vertebrae for compression or distraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Gertzbein, Michael C. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6063088
    Abstract: A system for drilling a bore in adjacent vertebrae to facilitate the insertion of a fusion implant includes a surgical retractor having a sleeve member with proximal and distal end portions and defining a longitudinal opening and a drill instrument positionable within the longitudinal opening of the surgical retractor. The retractor is configured for insertion at least partially into an intervertebral space between adjacent opposed vertebrae to distract the adjacent vertebrae to a desired predetermined distracted position. At least one anchoring member may be associated with the surgical retractor to facilitate mounting thereof to the vertebrae. The drill instrument includes an elongate member having a longitudinal passageway and defining at least one distal cutting surface and a drill member disposed within the elongate member and having a distal drill head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Winslow
  • Patent number: 6036691
    Abstract: The invention serves patients having a fractured bone wherein separate parts of the bone have been immobilized by an external axial fixator, and the invention provides patient-operated mechanical structure to enable him to transiently distract spaced bone-anchored regions of the fixator. In one embodiment, the patient-operated mechanism is in the form of an accessory that is detachably mounted to the fixator; in another embodiment, the patient-operated mechanism is embodied in an external axial fixator, preferably of the so-called dynamic variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: James Bruce Richardson
  • Patent number: 6015409
    Abstract: This device comprises an connection element (4) between a rod (1), or other longitudinal implant, and a bone anchorage screw (3) in the degenerative vertebra. This connection element (4) includes a ring (8) so dimensioned that the rod (1) is capable of extending therethrough. The ring is provided with screws (14) for clamping to the rod (1) and is radially extended by a cylindrical arm (9) adapted to be secured to the bone anchorage screw (3) and to be clamped on the screw. The arm (9) and the ring (8) constitute a unit in one piece. The invention enables the surgeon to avoid having to produce additional deformations of the rod (1) when it is in presence of non-aligned pedicles by leaving to the surgeon complete liberty as to the position of the two axes of the bone anchorage screw (3) and of the rod (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5997537
    Abstract: An external fixator for adjustably securing first and second portions of a bone includes a ring assembly and a bone screw clamp assembly interconnected by a central body. The ring assembly secures one or more tension wires adapted to pass through the first portion of the bone. The bone screw clamp assembly secures one or more bone screws adapted to engage a second portion of the bone. The ring assembly includes a generally circular frame having a peripheral groove for securing a tension wire carriage anywhere therealong. The tension wire carriages are adjustable so that the tension wire may be positioned above or below the ring. One or more connector rods are used to rigidify the external fixator by interconnecting the ring assembly and the bone screw clamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Electro Biology, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen B. Walulik
  • Patent number: 5993470
    Abstract: A universal handle for medical instruments includes a first member movably disposed within a housing for detachably mounting a first medical instrument, a bias member for moving the first member toward a retracted or extended position near one end of the housing, a locking mechanism for engaging the first member in the retracted or extended position to prevent the bias member from moving the first member into the retracted or extended position, and a releasing mechanism including an operating member movable in response to a reduction in force acting on a component of the handle for triggering release of the locking mechanism to permit the bias member to move the first member to the retracted or extended position. A second member for detachably mounting a second medical instrument can be held stationary relative to the housing or can be movably disposed within the housing between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: InBae Yoon
  • Patent number: 5984924
    Abstract: A bone alignment assembly is disclosed having bone anchor subassemblies for securing to both bones and a bone position retainer, wherein the bone position retainer includes a longitudinal member for maintaining a desired alignment of the bones when the bone anchor assemblies are secured to the bone position retainer. Each of the bone anchor subassemblies includes a shaft and one or more pairs of components (e.g., washers) wherein the components of each pair have mating spherical concave and convex surfaces that can mate together in a plurality of angular positions. When the shaft extends through each of the pairs of mating components, and also through a passageway of the bone position retainer that is sandwiched between the two pairs of mating components, the shaft can be secured at any one of a plurality of orientations relative to the bone position retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Isola Implants, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc A. Asher, Charles F. Heinig, William L. Carson
  • Patent number: 5980521
    Abstract: A new top-loading transverse connector of the present invention for bridging between longitudinal members of a spinal fixation system implant. The transverse connector is loaded and clamped to the longitudinal member from the top permitting easy access and adjustment and may clamp at the same location along the rod as a vertebral fixation element. The transverse connector comprises an elongate body and an engagement portion on each opposing end of the elongate body. The engagement portion includes downward legs each with a surface to engage the longitudinal member. The downward legs are displaced from each other to define a space therebetween. The engagement portion includes an upper surface defining an opening therethrough. The opening intersects the space defined between the downward legs. Together, the space and opening are configured to receive the clamp assembly carried on the longitudinal member. Another object of the invention, is to provide an improved system including the transverse connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings,Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie A. Montague, Michael C. Sherman, Eddie Ray, III
  • Patent number: 5980524
    Abstract: A fastener for use in soft tissue repair includes a resorbable polymer or suture core having one or more collagen bands in surrounding relation to the core. The bands are expandable between a dehydrated state for insertion and a hydrated state for healing, and are dimensioned and positioned to bring two sides of a tear into apposition to promote healing of the tear. The fastener insertion method includes driving an elongated tube across the tear, inserting a fastener down the tube until it breaches the tears and removing the tube, leaving the fastener in position to expand and promote healing of the tear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Innovasive Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Justin, Thomas F. Winters
  • Patent number: 5976140
    Abstract: A foil or membrane for covering bone defect locations and for promoting bone regeneration, comprised of titanium and which is inelastic, stress-free and plastically deformable. The foil has a thickness of less than 0.1 mm. The thickness lies especially in a range of 0.025 mm. It is advantageously roughened at least on one surface or grooved. Cut pieces have a cut burr which projects from one surface and in the use of the foil, turned to the bone with sealing edges. A method of making such a foil with the aforesaid characteristics comprises a removal of the surfaces of the rolled foil by a chemical foil until the desired thickness is reached. A nail for fixing the foil in position has a spherical shaped head and in its concavity merges with a saw-tooth barbed pin with a radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: MKE Metall- und Kunststoffwaren Erzeugungs GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Haas
  • Patent number: 5976139
    Abstract: A surgical fastener assembly for coupling first and second bone portions across a fracture therebetween including an elongated anchor or bone screw insertable within the first bone such that one end portion of the anchor is disposed on one side of the fracture while a second end portion of the anchor is disposed on an opposite side of the fracture. A guide having a sleeve-like projection is fixedly secured to the second bone. The sleeve-like projection on the guide moves slidably along and is guided by the second end portion of the anchor. A compression screw assembly serves to operably secure the guide to the anchor such that the bone portions secured to each are maintained in compressive relationship relative to each other. A screw assembly for maintaining the guide in fixed relation relative to the bone portion to which it is secured is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Dale G. Bramlet
  • Patent number: 5976147
    Abstract: The invention provides a modular system of components used as bone preparation tools and trial prosthesis components. The system includes a trial tibial tray bearing element that mounts upon a prepared tibia, a punch bushing that serves the purpose of a trial tibial stem and helps to guide a tibial punch through the tibia. The trial template element, the punch bushing and the tibial punch can remain in position on the patient's tibia while one or more trial tibial bearing inserts or samples are attached thereto to determine the proper fit and orientation of a prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Professional, Inc
    Inventors: David L. LaSalle, Phillip G. Withee, Mark Denney, George B. Cipolletti
  • Patent number: 5968048
    Abstract: Drill head for boring out bone channels, characterized by the following features:a central bore for a guide wire;four spiral teeth arranged at 90% intervals on the periphery and having a small angle of twist, such as 15.degree.,that form an angle of approximately 45% relative to the longitudinal axis of bore at the forward end in the starting cut andthat form the main cutting edges andwhose secondary cutting edges consecutive to the main cutting edges are located approximately on a cylinder whose axis coincides with the axis of the bore,the length of the secondary cutting edges located on the cylindrical surface is smaller than the diameter of the cylinder;the rounded base of the slot-like chip chambers between the teeth is radially close to the bore andthe faces of the teeth bordering the chip chambers in the starting cut area are provided with a ground face such that a relatively sharp edge is formed, extending from the ends of the teeth and the chip chamber surfaces between them to the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Howmedica GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Erich Harder
  • Patent number: 5954722
    Abstract: A locking plate apparatus for engagement with a bone is provided in accordance with the present invention. Locking plate apparatus includes a plate that has a body portion and an internal wall defining a plate hole through body portion and a bushing with a passageway therethrough. Bushing is sized for polyaxial rotation within plate hole. Locking plate apparatus also includes an attachment component that has a leading portion sized for extension through passageway and into bone and an opposite trailing portion. Trailing portion presses bushing against internal wall of plate to forrn a friction lock between bushing and plate in a selected polyaxial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: DePuy Acromed, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank S. Bono
  • Patent number: 5951555
    Abstract: The device consists of at least two segments which are fixed on spinal vertebrae and which are mutually interconnected. Each segment (1) is fixed on at least one vertebra (7) by means of at least one fixing segment (3). Each segment (1) is connected by means of at least one spring (4) by the force coupling with at least one other segment (1') fixed on at least one other vertebra (7'). The connecting line of 8 the spring (4) ends contains with the vertical vertebral axis (7) an angle to 45.degree. in the frontal as well as in the sagittal plane in the ventral and/or dorsal direction. Required stability of the spine is ensured while preserving the necessary flexibility and adaptation to growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Lubos Rehak, Daniel Svrcek, Josef Cech
  • Patent number: 5951559
    Abstract: An arthroscopic method and apparatus for implanting a suture anchor into tissue using a cannulated drill guide having an indented tip. Ligament tissue at a shoulder repair site is penetrated with a cannulated drill guide and removable trochar obturator. The obturator is removed, and the indented tip is positioned to straddle the glenoid rim at the repair site. Suture material is appended to a suture anchor. The pre-threaded suture anchor is attached to a device driver and installed through the cannulated drill guide into the repair site, by turning into bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen S. Burkhart
  • Patent number: 5951564
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an orthopaedic apparatus 24, 80, 380, 480, 580 for positioning an implant 22, 322, 422 relative to an end of a bone. The implant has at least one extractor opening 30, 330, 430 and a shoulder 26, 326, 426 with a slot therein. The positioning apparatus includes a shaft 32, 82, 382, 482 having a fixed impactor tip at an end thereof. The impactor tip is configured to be received within the implant slot. At least one clamping jaw is connected to the shaft, and includes a projection which is configured to be received in the at least one extractor opening. The at least one clamping jaw is preferably detachably connected to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Lisa K. Schroder, David A. Mann, G. Kris Kumar, Steven C. Kitch, Paul F. Hickey, Timothy K. Doolin, Philip H. Cripe, Kim C. Bertin