Patents by Inventor James H. Aldridge

James H. Aldridge 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: 9017387
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and kit of components useful as a stabilization or correction system for a spinal column, especially in the field of pediatrics. A threaded rod is used that can be straight, rigid, bent or flexible depending on the body condition to be addressed. The rod may be bent or flexible to achieve varying degrees of lordosis (backward curvature) or kyphosis (forward curvature) before being affixed to the anchoring means and apparatus. The straightness, curvature, bent, or flexibility of rod depends upon the location along the spinal column. Once installed to the vertebrae, the rod provides the proper, desired curvature and stabilization for the spinal column. Sharp edges and corners of the apparatus are eliminated by rounding the edges and corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: James H. Aldridge
  • Publication number: 20140288604
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and kit of components useful as a stabilization or correction system for a spinal column, especially in the field of pediatrics. A smooth unthreaded rod or a threaded rod is used that can be straight, rigid, bent or flexible depending on the body condition to be addressed. The rod may be bent or flexible to achieve varying degrees of lordosis (backward curvature) or kyphosis (forward curvature) before being affixed to the anchoring means and apparatus. The straightness, curvature, bent, or flexibility of rod depends upon the location along the spinal column. Once installed to the vertebrae, the rod provides the proper, desired curvature and stabilization for the spinal column. Sharp edges and corners of the apparatus are eliminated by rounding the edges and corners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: JAMES H. ALDRIDGE
  • Patent number: 8465523
    Abstract: An apparatus and system useful as a stabilization or correction system for a spinal column. A threaded rod is used that can be straight, rigid, bent or flexible depending on the vertebrae condition to be addressed. The rod may be bent or flexible to achieve varying degrees of lordosis (backward curvature) or kyphosis (forward curvature) before being affixed to the anchoring means and apparatus. The straightness, curvature, bent, or flexibility of rod depends upon the location along the spinal column. Once installed to the vertebrae, the rod provides the proper, desired curvature and stabilization for the spinal column. Sharp edges and corners of the apparatus are eliminated by rounding the edges and corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: James H. Aldridge
  • Patent number: 8425566
    Abstract: An apparatus and system useful as a stabilization or correction system for a spinal column. A threaded rod is used that can be straight, rigid, bent or flexible depending on the verterbrae condition to be addressed. The rod may be bent or flexible to achieve varying degrees of lordosis (backward curvature) or kyphosis (forward curvature) before being affixed to the anchoring means and apparatus. The straightness, curvature, bent, or flexibility of rod depends upon the location along the spinal column. Once installed to the vertebrae, the rod provides the proper, desired curvature and stabilization for the spinal column. Sharp edges and corners of the apparatus are eliminated by rounding the edges and corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: James H. Aldridge
  • Publication number: 20120253399
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and kit of components useful as a stabilization or correction system for a spinal column, especially in the field of pediatrics. A threaded rod is used that can be straight, rigid, bent or flexible depending on the body condition to be addressed. The rod may be bent or flexible to achieve varying degrees of lordosis (backward curvature) or kyphosis (forward curvature) before being affixed to the anchoring means and apparatus. The straightness, curvature, bent, or flexibility of rod depends upon the location along the spinal column. Once installed to the vertebrae, the rod provides the proper, desired curvature and stabilization for the spinal column. Sharp edges and corners of the apparatus are eliminated by rounding the edges and corners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: JAMES H. ALDRIDGE
  • Publication number: 20110152938
    Abstract: An apparatus and system useful as a stabilization or correction system for a spinal column. A threaded rod is used that can be straight, rigid, bent or flexible depending on the verterbrae condition to be addressed. The rod may be bent or flexible to achieve varying degrees of lordosis (backward curvature) or kyphosis (forward curvature) before being affixed to the anchoring means and apparatus. The straightness, curvature, bent, or flexibility of rod depends upon the location along the spinal column. Once installed to the vertebrae, the rod provides the proper, desired curvature and stabilization for the spinal column. Sharp edges and corners of the apparatus are eliminated by rounding the edges and corners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: JAMES H. ALDRIDGE
  • Publication number: 20110152939
    Abstract: An apparatus and system useful as a stabilization or correction system for a spinal column. A threaded rod is used that can be straight, rigid, bent or flexible depending on the vertebrae condition to be addressed. The rod may be bent or flexible to achieve varying degrees of lordosis (backward curvature) or kyphosis (forward curvature) before being affixed to the anchoring means and apparatus. The straightness, curvature, bent, or flexibility of rod depends upon the location along the spinal column. Once installed to the vertebrae, the rod provides the proper, desired curvature and stabilization for the spinal column. Sharp edges and corners of the apparatus are eliminated by rounding the edges and corners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: James H. Aldridge
  • Publication number: 20030031531
    Abstract: A lock nut unit formed of first and second generally C-shaped nut members which are joined together to allow limited axial movement and free rotation relative to one another. The nut members each have a slot projecting outwardly from a central bore portion. The slot has its major side walls non-parallel to each other to form an outwardly diverging slot to aid in placing the unit on a threaded rod. The unit may be radially installed on the threaded rod and locked thereon by rotating the nut members relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: James H. Aldridge
  • Patent number: 6102447
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupler has telescoping male and female members which engage along an axial dimension in response to an engaging force. The members are secured in their engaged position by a spring which mechanically couples to the respective members and limits their relative axial displacement. Upon release of the spring, the members readily disconnect by separating in response to a disengaging force. A method for use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: James H. Aldridge
  • Patent number: 5876071
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupler has telescoping male and female members which engage along an axial dimension in response to an engaging force. The members are secured in their engaged position by a a pair of springs which mechanically couple to the respective members and limits their relative axial displacement. Upon release of the springs, the members readily disconnect by separating in response to a disengaging force. A method for use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: James H. Aldridge
  • Patent number: 5098241
    Abstract: A telescopic connector which may be varied in length and a method for installing the connector is disclosed. The connector includes telescoping male and female members which are joined by the action of a spring, which functions as a lockring, positioned in recesses in the two members. The spring possesses at least one release finger at one of its ends, the release fingers extending through an opening in the female member. The recess in the female member includes a shoulder portion and at least one cam surface. The recess on the male member may be either a recess comprising a shoulder portion and cam surface or a recess created between threads on the outer periphery of the male member. The cam surfaces restrict movement between the telescoping members until such time as the release fingers are manipulated to expand the spring, causing the spring to position within the shoulder of the female member, providing clearance between the spring and the male member which allows for two-way movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: XYZYX International Corp.
    Inventors: James H. Aldridge, Melvin L. Witter
  • Patent number: 4826376
    Abstract: A lock nut arrangement formed of a first and second generally C-shaped nut member which are joined together in a manner allowing limited axial movement and free rotation relative to one another about the axis were two members were initially threaded to central openings. The nut assembly may be radially installed on a threaded lock and locked thereon by rotating the nut members relative to one another. A lock nut is manufactured by first forming a first and second nut blanks, axially pressing the nut blanks together, clamping the nut blanks and threading the central bore, rotating the nut blanks relative to one another a predetermined distance and slotting the nut blanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Slip-on Lock Nut Company
    Inventors: James H. Aldridge, Arvin H. Maitland