Patents by Inventor Albert Pothier

Albert Pothier 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).

  • Publication number: 20050113659
    Abstract: A probe for data input for a computer-assisted surgical system, comprising a body; one or more movable fiducials operably associated with the probe; and one or more stationary fiducials operably associated with the probe; wherein the movement of the one or more movable fiducials relative to the one or more of the stationary fiducials triggers data input on a position or an orientation of the probe, or both. The probe is particularly suitable for minimally invasive surgery. Also provided is a method of using the probe to input data during computer-assisted surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Publication date: May 26, 2005
    Inventors: Albert Pothier, Daniel McCombs
  • Patent number: 6123728
    Abstract: A mobile bearing knee prosthesis enables a surgeon to convert a mobile bearing insert having articular surfaces, supported by a tibial base plate or tray from a rotating and translating prosthesis to one that rotates only. This conversion is accomplished with a fastener or locking member that connects through an opening in the insert to the tibial base plate. This prosthesis can be used as part of a total knee surgery when the surgeon chooses to use a prosthesis that incorporates a movable articular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Brosnahan, Albert Pothier
  • Patent number: 5702463
    Abstract: A tibial prosthesis apparatus and its insertion/removal tool includes a tibial tray that receives a polymeric tray liner with an articulating surface. Dovetail connections are provided for interconnecting the liner and the tibial tray. An instrument is provided that can either insert or remove the liner relative to the tray. The surgeon is provided with cam and hook portions that are at the hooking end of the instrument opposite the lever end. The cam engages the anterior surface of the liner while the hook attaches to the tibial tray and the lever end is rotated to cam the insert into a locked position during insertion. The hook engages the distal side of the liner so that the surgeon can rotate the instrument to disengage or remove the liner from the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Pothier, Gregory C. Marik, Derrick Givens