Patents by Inventor Alan John Johnstone

Alan John Johnstone 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: 9216036
    Abstract: A tissue anchor insertion system for inserting a tissue anchor into a body tissue such as bone, comprising a cutting device having a sharp leading end to create an aperture in the bone for insertion of the tissue anchor therein. The cutting device is deployed through a sleeve which is a close fit with the cutting device. The distal end of the sleeve is typically configured to penetrate the tissue in which the tissue anchor is to be inserted. A tissue anchor is also deployed through the sleeve, after the sleeve is in position, on a delivery device configured to support the tissue anchor during its insertion into the tissue. Typically the leading end of the sleeve is embedded within the tissue when the tissue anchor emerges from the distal end during the insertion process, so the tissue anchor is not damaged by insertion through the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: The Robert Gordon University
    Inventor: Alan John Johnstone
  • Patent number: 8568421
    Abstract: Apparatus for handling of at least one implant for a body is provided. The apparatus has a radio translucent portion and a radio-opaque marking. The apparatus can optionally comprise a jig affixable to an intramedullary nail, which can be used to determine the position of holes to be drilled through a bone which align with holes in the nail. The radio-opaque marking will appear on an x-ray and can be used to indicate the relative alignment of the jig and the nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Grampian Health Board
    Inventor: Alan John Johnstone
  • Publication number: 20120041454
    Abstract: A tissue anchor insertion system for inserting a tissue anchor into a body tissue such as bone, comprising a cutting device having a sharp leading end to create an aperture in the bone for insertion of the tissue anchor therein. The cutting device is deployed through a sleeve which is a close fit with the cutting device. The distal end of the sleeve is typically configured to penetrate the tissue in which the tissue anchor is to be inserted. A tissue anchor is also deployed through the sleeve, after the sleeve is in position, on a delivery device configured to support the tissue anchor during its insertion into the tissue. Typically the leading end of the sleeve is embedded within the tissue when the tissue anchor emerges from the distal end during the insertion process, so the tissue anchor is not damaged by insertion through the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Alan John Johnstone
  • Patent number: 7842091
    Abstract: An implantable replacement joint includes first and second components having respective bores, and a flexible member within a cavity formed by the respective bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignees: Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Aberdeen
    Inventors: Alan John Johnstone, Duncan Eoin Thomson Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7813781
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining information concerning ischaemia using a pH sensor. Embodiments of the invention can be used to determine ischaemia caused by a number of factors, including acute compartment syndrome and vascular disorders, e.g. scepticaemia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Grampian Health Board
    Inventor: Alan John Johnstone
  • Publication number: 20090012561
    Abstract: The invention provides a tissue anchor comprising a first portion and a second portion. At least one point is provided on the first portion and a resilient device is provided between the first and second portions. The one or more points on the first portion can be sharpened and capable of penetrating dense tissue. The resilient device biases the first and second portions apart from one another in order to urge them into a second open configuration. The first and second portions are movable to a closed delivery configuration. The first and second portions are urged towards one another against the bias of the resilient device in the closed delivery configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Alan John Johnstone