Patents by Inventor Richard B. Caspari

Richard B. Caspari 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: 6290711
    Abstract: A connector for joining sections of flexible material includes a locking member that has an engagement portion at a distal end and that can support a flexible member at a proximal end. An outer member is engageable with the locking member's engagement portion and is movable between a disengaged position and a locking position in cooperation with the locking member. When the outer member is in the locking position, the flexible material piece is retainable along the nonlinear path against movement between the locking member and the outer member. The connector is lockable at a desired surgical site in a generally collinear fashion with the flexible material piece. The nonlinear pathway defined by the material enhances the strength of the connection, which is particularly effective in the case of suture material, which is known to slip easily. The piece of material to be secured may include one or more pieces of suture or a loop of suture having two ends, or sections of wire, cable, or tissue pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Innovasive Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Daniel F. Justin
  • Patent number: 5902321
    Abstract: A connector delivery device and method include a rod frangibly affixed to an inner member and a support member slidable around the rod. The support member is adapted to support an outer member for movement relative to the inner member for forming a snap fit therebetween, the snap fit for trapping flexible material such as suture at a surgical site. In an alternate embodiment a pistol-type handle and trigger operate to move a push rod seated within an outer barrel against the outer member to push the outer member over the inner member to form the snap fit. A collet is attached to a collet barrel slidable within the outer barrel, the collet barrel positioned in surrounding relation to the push rod. The collet, which is spring biased into a closed position, supports the outer member prior to activation of the delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Innovasive Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Alan Chervitz, Thomas Wade Fallin, Rickey D. Hart, Daniel F. Justin, Daniel A. Perkins
  • Patent number: 5899921
    Abstract: A connector for joining sections of flexible material includes inner and outer members that snap fit together by passing the bore of the outer member over the inner member to capture and secure ends of flexible material such as sutures. The flexible material is fitted into a bore in the inner member and project out a side portal to pass between the shared or opposing inner and outer member surfaces. This serpentine pathway locks the flexible material in place. The invention further provides a delivery instrument to maintain the outer member in alignment with a receiving end of the inner member loaded with flexible material. The delivery instrument further includes cooperating elements for urging the outer member over the inner member to lock the flexible material in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Innovasive Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Alan Chervitz, Thomas Wade Fallin, Rickey D. Hart, Daniel F. Justin, Daniel A. Perkins
  • Patent number: 5522820
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in suturing tissue using a suture material. The apparatus includes first and second clamping members which are able to draw the suture material through the tissue. The apparatus further includes a handle portion which is used to remotely actuate the first and second clamping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Arthrotech
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Jason Lee, David C. Buboltz
  • Patent number: 5507750
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in positioning a ligament or a graft within a joint during surgery. The apparatus includes a tensioning assembly which is operable to adjustably apply tension to the ligament or graft during surgery. The apparatus further includes support assembly which is operable to secure the tensioning assembly to the extremity associated with the joint. Alternatively, the tensioning assembly may be secured directly to the bone forming the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventors: E. Marlowe Goble, Richard B. Caspari, W. Karl Somers
  • Patent number: 5395376
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for prosthetic knee replacement permit preparation of tibial plateau and femoral condyle surfaces and implant of tibial and femoral protheses components with the use of arthroscopic surgical techniques. The bone surfaces are resected by moving a rotating milling cutter longitudinally across the bone surface and moving the rotating milling cutter substantially laterally across the bone. Cement is supplied between the prostheses and the bone surfaces after positioning of the prostheses on the bone, and cement bonding is enhanced by applying suction to the bone to draw the cement into the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Jeffrey G. Roberts, James T. Treace
  • Patent number: 5336266
    Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes tibial and femoral components and a bearing insert designed for unicompartmental prosthetic total knee replacement and can be implanted using arthroscopic surgical techniques. The tibial and femoral prosthesis components have channels or portals therethrough allowing supply of cement to the prosthesis-bone interface after the prosthesis has been positioned for implant. Recesses communicate with the channels and cooperate with the bone surfaces to form cement receiving chambers, and rims at least partially surround the recesses to penetrate the bone surfaces to stabilize the positions of the prostheses and form seals preventing cement from escaping from the prosthesis-bone interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Jeffrey G. Roberts, James T. Treace
  • Patent number: 5304181
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for prosthetic knee replacement permit preparation of tibial plateau and femoral condyle surfaces and implant of tibial and femoral protheses components with the use of arthroscopic surgical techniques. The bone surfaces are resected by moving a rotating milling cutter longitudinally across the bone surface and moving the rotating milling cutter substantially laterally across the bone. Cement is supplied between the prostheses and the bone surfaces after positioning of the prostheses on the bone, and cement bonding is enhanced by applying suction to the bone to draw the cement into the bone. The apparatus for resecting the bone surfaces includes a rotating milling cutter having a body with cutting edges and holes extending through the body communicating with the interior of the body. Suction is applied to the end of the body to draw out tissue fragments through the holes and out of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Jeffrey G. Roberts, James T. Treace
  • Patent number: 5263498
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for prosthetic knee replacement permit preparation of tibial plateau and femoral condyle surfaces and implant of tibial and femoral protheses components with the use of arthroscopic surgical techniques. The bone surfaces are resected by moving a rotating milling cutter longitudinally across the bone surface and moving the rotating milling cutter substantially laterally across the bone. Cement is supplied between the prostheses and the bone surfaces after positioning of the prostheses on the bone, and cement bonding is enhanced by applying suction to the bone to draw the cement into the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Jeffrey G. Roberts, James T. Treace
  • Patent number: 5228459
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for prosthetic knee replacement permit preparation of tibial plateau and femoral condyle surfaces and implant of tibial and femoral protheses components with the use of arthroscopic surgical techniques. The bone surfaces are resected by moving a rotating milling cutter longitudinally across the bone surface and moving the rotating milling cutter substantially laterally across the bone. Cement is supplied between the prostheses and the bone surfaces after positioning of the prostheses on the bone, and cement bonding is enhanced by applying suction to the bone to draw the cement into the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Jeffrey G. Roberts, James T. Treace
  • Patent number: 5207711
    Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes tibial and femoral components and a bearing insert designed for unicompartmental prosthetic total knee replacement and can be implanted using arthroscopic surgical techniques. The tibial and femoral prosthesis components have channels or portals therethrough allowing supply of cement to the prosthesis-bone interface after the prosthesis has been positioned for implant. Recesses communicate with the channels and cooperate with the bone surfaces to form cement receiving chambers, and rims at least partially surround the recesses to penetrate the bone surfaces to stabilize the positions of the prostheses and form seals preventing cement from escaping from the prosthesis-bone interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Jeffrey G. Roberts, James T. Treace
  • Patent number: 5201768
    Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes tibial and femoral components and a bearing insert designed for unicompartmental prosthetic total knee replacement and can be implanted using arthroscopic surgical techniques. The tibial and femoral prosthesis components have channels or portals therethrough allowing supply of cement to the prosthesis-bone interface after the prosthesis has been positioned for implant. Recesses communicate with the channels and cooperate with the bone surfaces to form cement receiving chambers, and rims at least partially surround the recesses to penetrate the bone surfaces to stabilize the positions of the prostheses and form seals preventing cement from escaping from the prosthesis-bone interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Jeffrey G. Roberts, James T. Treace
  • Patent number: 5171244
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for prosthetic knee replacement permit preparation of tibial plateau and femoral condyle surfaces and implant of tibial and femoral protheses components with the use of arthroscopic surgical techniques. The bone surfaces are resected by moving a rotating milling cutter longitudinally across the bone surface and moving the rotating milling cutter substantially laterally across the bone. Cement is supplied between the prostheses and the bone surfaces after positioning of the prostheses on the bone, and cement bonding is enhanced by applying suction to the bone to draw the cement into the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Jeffrey G. Roberts, James T. Treace
  • Patent number: 5171276
    Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes tibial and femoral components and a bearing insert designed for unicompartmental prosthetic total knee replacement and can be implanted using arthroscopic surgical techiques. The tibial and femoral prosthesis components have channels or portals therethrough allowing supply of cement to the prosthesis-bone interface after the prosthesis has been positioned for implant. Recesses communicate with the channels and cooperate with the bone surfaces to form cement receiving chambers, and rims at least partially surround the recesses to penetrate the bone surfaces to stabilize the positions of the prostheses and form seals preventing cement from escaping from the prosthesis-bone interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Jeffrey G. Roberts, James T. Treace
  • Patent number: 4957498
    Abstract: A suturing instrument for use in arthroscopic surgery includes a hollow needle for penetrating tissue to be sutured within the body while the tissue is clamped between relatively movable jaws, and a suture feed mechanism for feeding suture material through the hollow needle such that the jaws can be opened and the suturing instrument withdrawn from the body pulling the free end segment of the suture material with the instrument. A knot can be tied in the suture material externally of the body and the knot moved back into the body at a position adjacent the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Concept, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Arthur F. Trott, F. Barry Bays
  • Patent number: 4923461
    Abstract: A method of suturing tissue in the body particularly useful in arthroscopic surgery requiring only small incisions or portals for insertion of diagnostic and surgical instruments includes the steps of inserting an instrument in the body having a distal end carrying relatively movable jaws with openings therein, manipulating the jaws to penetrate the tissue to be sutured and to move the jaws to positions adjacent each other with the openings therein aligned, feeding suture material through the openings in the jaws, securing ends of the suture material to form a knot and moving the knot to a position adjacent the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Concept, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Arthur F. Trott, F. Barry Bays
  • Patent number: 4890615
    Abstract: A suturing instrument for use in arthroscopic surgery includes a hollow needle for penetrating tissue to be sutured within the body while the tissue is clamped between relatively movable jaws, and a suture feed mechanism for feeding suture material through the hollow needle such that the jaws can be opened and the suturing instrument withdrawn from the body pulling the free end segment of the suture material with the instrument. A knot can be tied in the suture material externally of the body and the knot moved back into the body at a position adjacent the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Concept, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Caspari, Arthur F. Trott, F. Barry Bays
  • Patent number: 4867157
    Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument comprising an outer tube having a peripheral wall and a longitudinal axis. The outer tube has a plurality of openings arranged generally longitudinally along the outer tube. Each of the openings has first and second cutting edges defining portions of the periphery of such openings. An inner cutting member is rotatable within the outer tube. The inner cutting member has at least one cutting edge cooperable with the first and second cutting edges of the openings of the outer tube for cutting material from within the patient with a shearing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Erin McGurk-Burleson, Elmer Koehler, Victor Packham, James A. Thimsen, Terry L. Whipple, Richard B. Caspari
  • Patent number: 4844064
    Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument comprising:an outer tube sized for insertion through an opening in a patient, the outer tube having a distal end wall, a peripheral wall and a longitudinal axis, the outer tube having a first and second opening, the first opening being located at least primarily in the distal end wall and the second opening being located at least primarily in the peripheral wall, each of the openings having first and second cutting edges defining portions of the periphery of such openings; andan inner cutting member rotatable within the outer tube, the inner cutting member having at least one cutting edge cooperable with the first and second cutting edges of the openings of the outer tube for cutting material from within the patient with a shearing action that progresses along the first and second cutting edges as the inner cutting member rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Thimsen, Terry L. Whipple, Richard B. Caspari
  • Patent number: 4679552
    Abstract: A surgical drape is disclosed which is adapted for protectively covering a limb of a patient during arthroscopic surgery, and while placing the limb in traction. The drape comprises a tubular sleeve, a pair of elongate traction strips mounted on the inside of the sleeve, and strap means overlying the outside of the sleeve and having opposite ends attached through the sleeve to respective ones of the traction strips. Also, a wrap is provided for encircling the sleeve when the sleeve is mounted on the limb of patient to circumferentially bind the tubular sleeve upon the limb. When the tubular sleeve is thus mounted upon the limb, a traction force may be applied to the strap, which results in the force being applied to the limb along the elongate contact area between the traction strips and the limb, and such that the force is distributed over a broad area so as to avoid injury to the limb. A method of fabricating the sleeve is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Chattanooga Corporation
    Inventor: Richard B. Caspari