Patents by Inventor Robert B. Litchfield

Robert B. Litchfield 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).

  • Axially-complaint driver assembly
    Patent number: 10631850
    Abstract: Driver assemblies are configured to protect a threaded sleeve of an anchor from damage due to over-insertion. An internal spring permits axial retraction of an outer shaft coupled to the sleeve independent of the inner shaft and the handle. Connection members extending along the spring create an axial stop between a drive housing and a center housing of the driver assembly. The drive housing is allowed to travel proximally in response to axial loading against the spring, while travel distally is limited by the engagement between the connection members and receivers on the center housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Mark Edwin Housman, Robert B. Litchfield, Scott W. Trenhaile, Marc Joseph Balboa
  • AXIALLY-COMPLIANT DRIVER ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20190357898
    Abstract: Driver assemblies are configured to protect a threaded sleeve of an anchor from damage due to over-insertion. An internal spring permits axial retraction of an outer shaft coupled to the sleeve independent of the inner shaft and the handle. Connection members extending along the spring create an axial stop between a drive housing and a center housing of the driver assembly. The drive housing is allowed to travel proximally in response to axial loading against the spring, while travel distally is limited by the engagement between the connection members and receivers on the center housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Edwin Housman, Robert B. Litchfield, Scott W. Trenhaile, Marc Joseph Balboa