Patents by Inventor Gerald E. Merwin

Gerald E. Merwin 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: 4719913
    Abstract: Surgical apparatus for use in contouring medical implants comprises a transparent enclosure adapted to be located on a metallic work surface in an operating theater, the enclosure being sized to enable manipulation of an implant therein by a surgeon for contouring, a stand connected to the enclosure for adjustably positioning and fixing a surgical drill in a preselected orientation with respect to the work surface such that the drill bit projects throughout an opening into the interior of the enclosure, the stand carrying a magnetic mechanism so as to enable the stand to be immobilized with respect to the work surface, and a movable cutting block having a disposable cutting surface thereon. The stand is connected to the enclosure by a metal tongue, slidably carried by the stand, which is received within a slot on the underside of the enclosure, and the cutting block is formed with a magnetic mechanism so as to enable immobilization of the cutting block with respect to the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventor: Gerald E. Merwin
  • Patent number: 4676796
    Abstract: A middle ear prosthesis is constructed of a bio-active bio-compatible glass. The prosthesis includes a substantially disc-like base member, one base surface of which is adapted to bond to the tympanic membrane, and a substantially cylindrical stem member projecting from the other base surface. The axis of the stem member is offset from the center of the base member and perpendicular to the base surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventors: Gerald E. Merwin, Derek B. Spilman, Larry L. Hench
  • Patent number: 4656995
    Abstract: Surgical apparatus for use in contouring medical implants comprises a transparent enclosure adapted to be located on a metallic work surface in an operating theater, the enclosure being sized to enable manipulation of an implant therein by a surgeon for contouring, a stand connected to the enclosure for adjustably positioning and fixing a surgical drill in a preselected orientation with respect to the work surface such that the drill bit projects throughout an opening into the interior of the enclosure, the stand carrying a magnetic mechanism so as to enable the stand to be immobilized with respect to the work surface, and a movable cutting block having a disposable cutting surface thereon. The stand is connected to the enclosure by a metal tongue, slidably carried by the stand, which is received within a slot on the underside of the enclosure, and the cutting block is formed with a magnetic mechanism so as to enable immobilization of the cutting block with respect to the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventor: Gerald E. Merwin