Patents by Inventor Stephen Thomas Bush

Stephen Thomas Bush 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).

  • Method for measuring the strength of healing bone and related tissues
    Patent number: 7878988
    Abstract: A method of measuring healing strength of bone includes a bone fixation plate (14) implanted at the healing area between bone segments (12). The bone fixation plate (14) includes high aspect ratio material with electric current conduction properties responsive to strain. This method causes an induced, or directly applied, electric current to pass through the high aspect ratio material. Analysis of the change in this current by a series of increasing loads placed on the healing body part indicates what level of load produces strain on the bone fixation plate (14). As healing strength increases, evidence of strain on the bone fixation plate (14) occurs at a greater load. Physicians determine thereby the strength of bone healing and safe levels of activity for patients while bone healing progresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen Thomas Bush, Stephen Francis Bush
  • Method for measuring the strength of healing bone and related tissues
    Publication number: 20080161729
    Abstract: A method of measuring healing strength of bone includes a bone fixation plate (14) implanted at the healing area between bone segments (12). The bone fixation plate (14) includes high aspect ratio material with electric current conduction properties responsive to strain. This method causes an induced, or directly applied, electric current to pass through the high aspect ratio material. Analysis of the change in this current by a series of increasing loads placed on the healing body part indicates what level of load produces strain on the bone fixation plate (14). As healing strength increases, evidence of strain on the bone fixation plate (14) occurs at a greater load. Physicians determine thereby the strength of bone healing and safe levels of activity for patients while bone healing progresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Thomas Bush