Patents by Inventor James I. Johnson

James I. Johnson 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: 11358259
    Abstract: A driver tool for insertion and removal of a first part configured for threaded engagement in a corresponding threaded bore in a second part has a driving end portion of polygonal shape with multiple flats configured for engagement in a recess in the first part having a corresponding polygonal shape. Some or all of the flats have a respective grabbing feature or edge designed to grab or grip into the opposing surface of the recess to allow a greater amount of torque to be applied to the first part when the tool is rotated in the unthreading direction than when it is rotated in the opposite threading or insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: ZEST IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: James I. Johnson, Evan A. Cook
  • Publication number: 20200262033
    Abstract: A driver tool for insertion and removal of a first part configured for threaded engagement in a corresponding threaded bore in a second part has a driving end portion of polygonal shape with multiple flats configured for engagement in a recess in the first part having a corresponding polygonal shape. Some or all of the flats have a respective grabbing feature or edge designed to grab or grip into the opposing surface of the recess to allow a greater amount of torque to be applied to the first part when the tool is rotated in the unthreading direction than when it is rotated in the opposite threading or insertion direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: James I. JOHNSON, Evan A. COOK
  • Patent number: 10569391
    Abstract: A driver tool for insertion and removal of a first part configured for threaded engagement in a corresponding threaded bore in a second part has a driving end portion of polygonal shape with multiple flats configured for engagement in a recess in the first part having a corresponding polygonal shape. Some or all of the flats have a respective grabbing feature or edge designed to grab or grip into the opposing surface of the recess to allow a greater amount of torque to be applied to the first part when the tool is rotated in the unthreading direction than when it is rotated in the opposite threading or insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: ZEST IP HOLDINGS, LLC.
    Inventors: James I. Johnson, Evan A. Cook
  • Publication number: 20170282337
    Abstract: A driver tool for insertion and removal of a first part configured for threaded engagement in a corresponding threaded bore in a second part has a driving end portion of polygonal shape with multiple flats configured for engagement in a recess in the first part having a corresponding polygonal shape. Some or all of the flats have a respective grabbing feature or edge designed to grab or grip into the opposing surface of the recess to allow a greater amount of torque to be applied to the first part when the tool is rotated in the unthreading direction than when it is rotated in the opposite threading or insertion direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: James I. Johnson, Evan A. Cook
  • Patent number: 8771285
    Abstract: A drive tool for accepting and rotationally locking the head portion of an orthopedic screw, such as a dental implant, to impart driving torque to the screw. In one exemplary embodiment, the drive tool includes an elongate body having an opening at its proximal end which is sized to receive the head portions of at least two different dental implants, the head portions of the dental implants being oriented at different angles with respect to the implant body portions. When the head portion of an implant is received within the opening, the drive tool is rotationally locked with respect to the implant. In this position, the body of the drive tool remains oriented so that same is substantially colinear with the body portion of the implant. Although the invention is described in the context of a drive tool used with a dental implant having a body portion and a head portion or abutment portion, the invention is more broadly applicable to drive tools which may be used with other types of orthopedic screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Dental, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan M. Donahoe, James I. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080097458
    Abstract: A drive tool for accepting and rotationally locking the head portion of an orthopedic screw, such as a dental implant, to impart driving torque to the screw. In one exemplary embodiment, the drive tool includes an elongate body having an opening at its proximal end which is sized to receive the head portions of at least two different dental implants, the head portions of the dental implants being oriented at different angles with respect to the implant body portions. When the head portion of an implant is received within the opening, the drive tool is rotationally locked with respect to the implant. In this position, the body of the drive tool remains oriented so that same is substantially colinear with the body portion of the implant. Although the invention is described in the context of a drive tool used with a dental implant having a body portion and a head portion or abutment portion, the invention is more broadly applicable to drive tools which may be used with other types of orthopedic screws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: ZIMMER DENTAL, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan M. Donahoe, James I. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6086371
    Abstract: A dental implant delivery system comprising a vial housing an implant and driver mount with a removable flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Sulzer Orthopedics Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bassett, James I. Johnson, William R. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5458350
    Abstract: A lightweight compartmentalized collector dolly which readily stores newspapers, glass and metal materials for recycling is disclosed. The newspapers can be neatly stacked and bundled within a dedicated compartment. The collector dolly has a handle and wheels to enable even a child to maneuver the dolly and to collect recyclable materials and sort them during collection. Another container for storing glass materials hangs from a handle support bar and is supported by a half-cup at the bottom. Since the doubled cylindrical compartments have liners and both compartments and liners have draining capabilities at their bottoms, the storing regions in this dolly can be readily cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventors: James I. Johnson, Marcell R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4968976
    Abstract: An alarm kit for notifying a user of a noncommercial water purification system that the level of liquid with the chemical tank of the system is below a predetermined level includes a float, a housing, an alarm, an activation device and a connection member. This alarm kit can be easily installed by a homeowner or other user of the system and will allow the user to avoid complete depletion of the liquid from the chemical tank. The float either floats on top of the liquid or is submerged therein and will cause movement of the connection member when the liquid level drops below the predetermined level. The connection member will then pivot an arm of the activation device to cause the alarm to be activated in order for the user to be alerted that the liquid within the tank needs to be replaced. The predetermined level is determined by the usual rate of withdrawal of liquid from the tank and the usual time required to replenish the fluid, such as the response interval of a vendor to a request for service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: James I. Johnson