Patents by Inventor Chuck Nichols

Chuck Nichols 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: 5451228
    Abstract: A tibial resector guide having an angularly adjustable head controlled by a thumb actuated slide mechanism. The head may be positioned in a plurality of predetermined angular orientations in the anterior-posterior plane. The cutting head guide includes angled side walls which permit the guide to have a narrow aperture yet allow the saw blade to completely pass through the tibia. Further, the tibial resector of this invention includes a telescoping rod and a length adjustment mechanism adjacent the head for providing small height adjustments for positioning the head. The length adjustment member includes an enlarged thumb wheel to ease operation. A pinning platform is connected to the adjustment member such that it is shiftable with the adjustment member relative to the guide head. The pinning platform permits the surgeon to pin the upper end of the instrument to the patient's leg preventing movement of the instrument during resection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd S. Johnson, Richard A. Lane, Thomas D. Petersen, Chuck Nichols, John R. Howard
  • Patent number: 5445640
    Abstract: A tibial resector guide having an angularly adjustable head controlled by a thumb actuated slide mechanism. The head may be positioned in a plurality of predetermined angular orientations in the anterior-posterior plane. The cutting head guide includes angled side walls which permit the guide to have a narrow aperture yet allow the saw blade to completely pass through the tibia. Further, the tibial resector of this invention includes a telescoping rod and a length adjustment mechanism adjacent the head for providing small height adjustments for positioning the head. The length adjustment member includes an enlarged thumb wheel to ease operation. A pinning platform is connected to the adjustment member such that it is shiftable with the adjustment member relative to the guide head. The pinning platform permits the surgeon to pin the upper end of the instrument to the patient's leg preventing movement of the instrument during resection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd S. Johnson, Richard A. Lane, Thomas D. Petersen, Chuck Nichols, John R. Howard
  • Patent number: 5306276
    Abstract: A tibial resector guide having an angularly adjustable head controlled by a thumb actuated slide mechanism. The head may be positioned in a plurality of predetermined angular orientations in the anterior-posterior plane. The cutting head guide includes angled side walls which permit the guide to have a narrow aperture yet allow the saw blade to completely pass through the tibia. Further, the tibial resector of this invention includes a telescoping rod and a length adjustment mechanism adjacent the head for providing small height adjustments for positioning the head. The length adjustment member includes an enlarged thumb wheel to ease operation. A pinning platform is connected to the adjustment member such that it is shiftable with the adjustment member relative to the guide head. The pinning platform permits the surgeon to pin the upper end of the instrument to the patient's leg preventing movement of the instrument during resection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignees: Zimmer, Inc., Thomas D. Petersen
    Inventors: Todd S. Johnson, Richard A. Lane, Thomas D. Petersen, Chuck Nichols, John R. Howard