Patents by Inventor Aaron T. Hecker

Aaron T. Hecker has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6132442
    Abstract: A graft clamp for securing a tissue graft located within a tunnel in bone includes a first member having a first clamping face, and a second member having a second clamping face. The first and second members are sized for positioning at an opening of the tunnel such that the first and second clamping faces are positioned substantially transversely to a bone surface defining the tunnel opening to secure the tissue graft therebetween. The clamping faces have ridges. The first member includes a spike for insertion into the bone, and a collar for insertion into the opening of the tunnel. An attaching element, for example, a screw, attaches the second member to the first member. The clamping faces are located exterior to the tunnel with the attaching element extending into the tunnel. The position of the first member and the second member at the tunnel opening is maintained at least partially by tension applied to the tissue graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew
    Inventors: Michael C. Ferragamo, Charles H. Brown, Jr., Aaron T. Hecker