Patents by Inventor Ben K. Graf
Ben K. Graf 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).
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Publication number: 20130158555Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of creating a bone tunnel during ligament reconstruction surgery. The method includes placing a guide wire through the femur, the guide wire having a first end portion including a pointed tip and a second end portion; placing a drill mechanism over the first end portion of the guide wire, the drill mechanism having a first end portion including a drill bit and a second end portion including an attachment portion; coupling an adaptor assembly to the attachment portion, the adaptor assembly including a shaft; coupling a drill to the shaft and operating the drill to create a tunnel in the femur; coupling a drill bit assembly to the second end portion of the guide wire and locating the assembly against the drill bit of the attachment portion; and operating the drill to create a counter bore within the tunnel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2013Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Bernard J. Bourque, Michael C. Ferragamo, Ben K. Graf, William Davis
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Patent number: 8420774Abstract: A modular peptide design strategy wherein the modular peptide has two functional units separated by a spacer portion is disclosed. More particularly, the design strategy combines a hydroxyapatite-binding portion and a biomolecule-derived portion. The modular peptides have improved non-covalent binding to the surface of the HA-based materials, and are capable of initiating osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and/or osteogenic differentiation.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: William L. Murphy, Jae Sung Lee, Mark D. Markel, Ben K. Graf
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Patent number: 8388621Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of creating a bone tunnel during ligament reconstruction surgery. The method includes placing a guide wire through the femur, the guide wire having a first end portion including a pointed tip and a second end portion; placing a drill mechanism over the first end portion of the guide wire, the drill mechanism having a first end portion including a drill bit and a second end portion including an attachment portion; coupling an adaptor assembly to the attachment portion, the adaptor assembly including a shaft; coupling a drill to the shaft and operating the drill to create a tunnel in the femur; coupling a drill bit assembly to the second end portion of the guide wire and locating the assembly against the drill bit of the attachment portion; and operating the drill to create a counter bore within the tunnel.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Bernard J. Bourque, Michael C. Ferragamo, Ben K. Graf, William Davis
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Publication number: 20110305760Abstract: A system for growing tissue based upon layers of an inorganic extracellular matrix, wherein each layer of the inorganic matrix is designed to dissolve at a separate rate and result in sequential growth factor delivery upon its dissolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: William L. Murphy, Mark D. Markel, Ben K. Graf, Yan Lu, Jae Sung Lee
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Patent number: 8075562Abstract: Controlled release of biopharmaceutical growth factors from a hydroxyapatite coating on a bioresorbable interference screw used in cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery on a human. Biologically active scaffolds, such as interference bone screws used for ligament fixation, made by growing calcium phosphate-based hydroxyapatite coatings on bioresorbable poly(?-hydroxy ester) scaffolds that provide controlled mineral dissolution and controlled release of bone morphogenetic protein-2. The biologically active scaffold provides improved bioavailability of BMP-2 growth factor that in turn provides enhanced graft-bone healing in the tibial bone tunnel. The coating method uses surface hydrolysis and modified simulated body fluid incubation which does not require solvent or heat and is conducted at room temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: William L. Murphy, Jae-Sam Lee, Mark D. Markel, Ben K. Graf
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Publication number: 20110129611Abstract: A modular peptide design strategy wherein the modular peptide has two functional units separated by a spacer portion is disclosed. More particularly, the design strategy combines a hydroxyapatite-binding portion and a biomolecule-derived portion. The modular peptides have improved non-covalent binding to the surface of the HA-based materials, and are capable of initiating osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and/or osteogenic differentiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: William L. Murphy, Jae Sung Lee, Mark D. Markel, Ben K. Graf
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Publication number: 20110022085Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to biodegradable and bioresorbable materials having a mineral layer on the surface of the material. More particularly, the disclosure relates to biodegradable and bioresorbable orthopedic devices having a degradable mineral layer on the surface thereof that can be used as a delivery vehicle for biological substances. Also provided are various methods of using the mineralized devices in tissue regeneration, including bone tissue engineering, and methods for producing the mineralized devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: William L. Murphy, Jae Sung Lee, Mark D. Markel, Ben K. Graf, Geoffrey Baer, Yan Lu
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Publication number: 20110009885Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a soft tissue graft anchor. The anchor includes a plurality of prongs, each prong including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the prongs are coupled at their distal ends to form an inner cavity having an opening, at least one of the prongs including a fin, the fin extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the prong and including a pointed end. A tissue graft anchor assembly, a method for tissue repair, and instrumentation for use therewith are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventors: Ben K. Graf, Rod Berube, Gary R. McCarthy
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Publication number: 20100298888Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fixation device. The fixation device includes a base portion including a first leg, a second leg, and a groove located between the first and second legs and a top portion extending from the base portion. A tissue repair device and a method of tissue repair are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Inventors: Ben K. Graf, Paul Alexander Torrie
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Patent number: 7740657Abstract: A sheath for organizing soft tissue includes a first tube having a flexible body sized and shaped to receive a fixation device, and a second tube coupled to the first tube having a flexible body sized and shaped to receive a soft tissue graft. A method for implanting soft tissue in a bone tunnel includes coupling a soft tissue graft to a sheath assembly; and positioning the sheath assembly relative to the soft tissue graft based on a measured depth of a bone tunnel. A set of surgical devices for implanting soft tissue grafts in a bone tunnel includes a sheath assembly, a measurement device for measuring the depth of the bone tunnel, a securing element configured to secure the sheath assembly to the soft tissue graft at a position determined by the measured bone tunnel depth, and a tensioning device configured to organize a plurality of soft tissue grafts.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Inventors: Charles H. Brown, Jr., Bernard J. Bourque, Rebecca A. Blough, Michael C. Ferragamo, Raymond A. Bojarski, Paul Alexander Torrie, Ben K. Graf, Fraser Harvie, Steve Ek
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Publication number: 20100145395Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes an interference device and a fixation device coupled to the interference device, wherein the fixation device includes a coupling portion and a capturing portion. Other assemblies and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: Ben K. Graf, Raymond A. Bojarski, Michael Ferragamo, Daniel B. Ellis
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Publication number: 20090228013Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of creating a bone tunnel during ligament reconstruction surgery. The method includes placing a guide wire through the femur, the guide wire having a first end portion including a pointed tip and a second end portion; placing a drill mechanism over the first end portion of the guide wire, the drill mechanism having a first end portion including a drill bit and a second end portion including an attachment portion; coupling an adaptor assembly to the attachment portion, the adaptor assembly including a shaft; coupling a drill to the shaft and operating the drill to create a tunnel in the femur; coupling a drill bit assembly to the second end portion of the guide wire and locating the assembly against the drill bit of the attachment portion; and operating the drill to create a counter bore within the tunnel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Bernard J. Bourque, Michael C. Ferragamo, Ben K. Graf, William Davis
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Publication number: 20090087472Abstract: Controlled release of biopharmaceutical growth factors from a hydroxyapatite coating on a bioresorbable interference screw used in cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery on a human. Biologically active scaffolds, such as interference bone screws used for ligament fixation, made by growing calcium phosphate-based hydroxyapatite coatings on bioresorbable poly(?-hydroxy ester) scaffolds that provide controlled mineral dissolution and controlled release of bone morphogenetic protein-2. The biologically active scaffold provides improved bioavailability of BMP-2 growth factor that in turn provides enhanced graft-bone healing in the tibial bone tunnel. The coating method uses surface hydrolysis and modified simulated body fluid incubation which does not require solvent or heat and is conducted at room temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventors: William L. Murphy, Jae-Sam Lee, Mark D. Markel, Ben K. Graf
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Patent number: 7279008Abstract: A sheath for organizing soft tissue includes a first tube having a flexible body sized and shaped to receive a fixation device, and a second tube coupled to the first tube having a flexible body sized and shaped to receive a soft tissue graft. A method for implanting soft tissue in a bone tunnel includes coupling a soft tissue graft to a sheath assembly; and positioning the sheath assembly relative to the soft tissue graft based on a measured depth of a bone tunnel. A set of surgical devices for implanting soft tissue grafts in a bone tunnel includes a sheath assembly, a measurement device for measuring the depth of the bone tunnel, a securing element configured to secure the sheath assembly to the soft tissue graft at a position determined by the measured bone tunnel depth, and a tensioning device configured to organize a plurality of soft tissue grafts.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Charles H. Brown, Bernard J. Bourque, Rebecca A. Blough, Michael C. Ferragamo, Raymond A. Bojarski, Paul Alexander Torrie, Ben K. Graf, Fraser Harvie, Steve Ek
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Publication number: 20040024456Abstract: A sheath for organizing soft tissue includes a first tube having a flexible body sized and shaped to receive a fixation device, and a second tube coupled to the first tube having a flexible body sized and shaped to receive a soft tissue graft. A method for implanting soft tissue in a bone tunnel includes coupling a soft tissue graft to a sheath assembly; and positioning the sheath assembly relative to the soft tissue graft based on a measured depth of a bone tunnel. A set of surgical devices for implanting soft tissue grafts in a bone tunnel includes a sheath assembly, a measurement device for measuring the depth of the bone tunnel, a securing element configured to secure the sheath assembly to the soft tissue graft at a position determined by the measured bone tunnel depth, and a tensioning device configured to organize a plurality of soft tissue grafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: Charles H. Brown, Bernard J. Bourque, Rebecca A. Blough, Michael C. Ferragamo, Raymond A. Bojarski, Paul Alexander Torrie, Ben K. Graf, Fraser Harvie, Steven Ek
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Patent number: 6599289Abstract: A device for securing a graft in a bone tunnel includes an anchoring member having a graft supporting surface. The anchoring member is configured to be positioned within the bone tunnel distal of an interference member with the graft retained by the graft supporting surface and extending proximally from the anchoring member. The anchoring member has an engaging surface for engaging a distal end of the interference member to limit movement of the graft relative to the interference member.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Ray Bojarski, Ben K. Graf
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Publication number: 20020042615Abstract: A graft anchor includes an anchor member for placement in bone tissue. The anchor member defines an opening. An inner member is insertably securable into the anchor member opening. A fastener is configured such that insertion and securing of the inner member into the anchor member opening results in a holding force being applied to the graft. The anchor member is of limited length to maintain its distal end within the bone. The anchor member includes a distal drive opening for receiving a drive tool and the inner member includes a proximal drive opening for receiving the drive tool. The fastener includes channels for containing the graft, a fastener body with protrusions extending from the fastener body for penetrating bone tissue, and a reinforcing member contained within the fastener body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc., a Delaware CorporationInventors: Ben K. Graf, Michael c. Ferragamo, Rebecca A. Blough, Charles H. Brown
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Patent number: 6336940Abstract: A graft anchor includes an anchor member for placement in bone tissue. The anchor member defines an opening. An inner member is insertably securable into the anchor member opening. A fastener is configured such that insertion and securing of the inner member into the anchor member opening results in a holding force being applied to the graft. The anchor member is of limited length to maintain its distal end within the bone. The anchor member includes a distal drive opening for receiving a drive tool and the inner member includes a proximal drive opening for receiving the drive tool. The fastener includes channels for containing the graft, a fastener body with protrusions extending from the fastener body for penetrating bone tissue, and a reinforcing member contained within the fastener body.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Ben K. Graf, Michael C. Ferragamo, Rebecca A. Blough, Charles H. Brown, Jr.
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Patent number: 6231606Abstract: A graft anchor includes an anchor member for placement in bone tissue. The anchor member defines an opening. An inner member is insertably securable into the anchor member opening. A fastener is configured such that insertion and securing of the inner member into the anchor member opening results in a holding force being applied to the graft. The anchor member is of limited length to maintain its distal end within the bone. The anchor member includes a distal drive opening for receiving a drive tool and the inner member includes a proximal drive opening for receiving the drive tool. The fastener includes channels for containing the graft, a fastener body with protrusions extending from the fastener body for penetrating bone tissue, and a reinforcing member contained within the fastener body.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.Inventors: Ben K. Graf, Michael C. Ferragamo, Rebecca A. Blough, Charles H. Brown, Jr.
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Patent number: 5645588Abstract: A graft attachment device having an elongated body with a leading end and a trailing end, each defining an element for carrying a filament such as a suture. The body further defines at least one element for attaching to the body either a graft or a graft connection element which is in turn connected to the graft. The element for attaching enables the body to rotate relative to the graft from an initial insertion position, along an axis substantially parallel to the graft, to a final fixation position transverse to the graft to secure the graft relative to a bone.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1995Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Acufex Microsurgical, Inc.Inventors: Ben K. Graf, Thomas D. Rosenberg, Joseph H. Sklar, Michael C. Ferragamo