Patents by Inventor John L. Zinkel

John L. Zinkel 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).

  • Surgical instrument with near-axial geometry
    Patent number: 7163532
    Abstract: A surgical instrument with near-axial geometry includes a linearly elongated handle portion having a handle axis defined along its length. The handle portion is joined to a linearly elongated working portion by an offset portion. The working portion includes a working axis defined along its length, and the working axis and handle axis intersect at an angle which is no greater than 5 degrees. In a specific embodiment, the base of the working tip of the working portion falls within 4 millimeters of the vertex of the angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: C&J Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: John L. Zinkel
  • Surgical instrument with near-axial geometry
    Patent number: 6962582
    Abstract: A surgical instrument with near-axial geometry includes a linearly elongated handle portion having a handle axis defined along its length. The handle portion is joined to a linearly elongated working portion by an offset portion. The working portion includes a working axis defined along its length, and the working axis and handle axis intersect at an angle which is no greater than 5 degrees. In a specific embodiment, the base of the working tip of the working portion falls within 4 millimeters of the vertex of the angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: C & J Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: John L. Zinkel
  • Surgical instrument with near-axial geometry
    Publication number: 20040127887
    Abstract: A surgical instrument with near-axial geometry includes a linearly elongated handle portion having a handle axis defined along its length. The handle portion is joined to a linearly elongated working portion by an offset portion. The working portion includes a working axis defined along its length, and the working axis and handle axis intersect at an angle which is no greater than 5 degrees. In a specific embodiment, the base of the working tip of the working portion falls within 4 millimeters of the vertex of the angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: John L. Zinkel
  • Method and apparatus for spinal surgery
    Publication number: 20040024291
    Abstract: Spinal surgery is carried out under direct visualization through a relatively small opening formed in a patient's skin. Intervening tissue between the opening and the surgical site is displaced so as to form a keyhole channel therethrough. The channel is characterized in that it increases in width as it progresses from the opening to the surgical field. The use of the keyhole channel maximizes the surgeon's access to the surgical field while minimizing tissue trauma. Also disclosed are surgical retractors used to provide the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: John L. Zinkel