Patents by Inventor Gerald J. Cicierega

Gerald J. Cicierega 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: 6005018
    Abstract: An augmentation system for an implantable bone prosthesis, such as a femoral component of a knee joint prosthesis, includes an augmenting block having an aperture disposed therein. A collet having an expandable distal end, extending beyond one surface of the augmenting block, is positioned within the aperture. The proximal end of the collet includes a threaded cavity that receives a set screw which is adapted to communicate with the collet to expand and contract the collet. The distal end of the collet is adapted to fit within a mounting cavity of a joint prosthesis. With the augmenting block placed on the appropriate surface of the joint prosthesis, the distal end of the collet is positioned within the mounting cavity. Tightening of the set screw causes the distal end of the collet to expand, thus frictionally and/or mechanically engaging the interior walls of the mounting cavity to firmly secure the augmenting system to the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Professional, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald J. Cicierega, Robert C. Hurlburt, Michael J. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 5984969
    Abstract: An augmentation system for an implantable bone prosthesis, such as a femoral component of a knee joint prosthesis, includes an augmenting block having an aperture disposed therein. A collet having an expandable distal end, extending beyond one surface of the augmenting block, is positioned within the aperture. The proximal end of the collet includes a cavity that receives an expansion pin that is adapted to communicate with the collet to expand the collet. The distal end of the collet is adapted to fit within a mounting cavity of a joint prosthesis. With the augmenting block placed on the appropriate surface of the joint prosthesis, the distal end of the collet is positioned within the mounting cavity. Advancement of the expansion pin causes the distal end of the collet to expand, thus frictionally and/or mechanically engaging the interior walls of the mounting cavity to firmly secure the augmenting system to the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Professional, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank D. Matthews, Robert S. Brown, Gerald J. Cicierega, Robert Hurlburt, Michael J. O'Neil