Patents by Inventor F. Thomas Watkins

F. Thomas Watkins 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).

  • Apparatus and method for gauging and controlling process steps used to remove prosthetic joints
    Patent number: 5152792
    Abstract: Over tightening of the threaded rods used to engage and remove the cement for prosthetic joints is avoided by measuring the depth of the passages into which the rods are threaded and providing sleeves on the rods which serve as visual indicia of the extent of penetration of the rods into the cement. A depth gauge calibrated in both units of length and screw thread turns is provided for the measuring function. The sleeves are slidably received on the rods and proportioned to engage the edges of the passages into which the rods are threaded. In use, the sleeves slide toward a marker as the rods are threaded into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: F. Thomas Watkins, Albert K. Chin