Patents by Inventor William Casey Fox

William Casey Fox 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: 11944352
    Abstract: An extracorporeal bone compressing link and apparatus and method using same. Active devices that incorporate the extracorporeal bone compressing link can transport and compress bone through external means by acting on conventional bone fasteners including but not limited pins or wires that penetrate through the skin and fixate into bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Publication number: 20230270435
    Abstract: A new shape changing staple and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue and industrial materials. This new staple stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This staple once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the materials structure, including healing bone tissue. The staple is advanced over prior staples due to its: 1) method of operation, 2) high strength, 3) method of insertion, 4) compressive force temperature independence, 5) energy storing staple retention and delivery system, 6) compatibility with reusable or single use product configuration, 7) efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods, and 8) reduction in the steps required to place the device. In addition to the staple's industrial application an embodiment for use in the fixation of the musculoskeletal system is shown with staple, cartridge, and extrusion handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Publication number: 20230078846
    Abstract: An extracorporeal bone compressing link and apparatus and method using same. Active devices that incorporate the extracorporeal bone compressing link can transport and compress bone through external means by acting on conventional bone fasteners including but not limited bone fasteners including but not limited to screws, pins or wires that penetrate through the skin and fixate into bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Publication number: 20220378478
    Abstract: An extracorporeal bone compressing link and apparatus and method using same. Active devices that incorporate the extracorporeal bone compressing link can transport and compress bone through external means by acting on conventional bone fasteners including but not limited pins or wires that penetrate through the skin and fixate into bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Patent number: 11350974
    Abstract: A new shape changing bone implant and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue. This new implant stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This unique implant locks into bone and then simultaneously expands and shortens to lock into bone and then pull the bone segments together. This implant once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the implant's and bone's materials structure. The implant may be fabricated from any biocompatible material that acts elastically when deformed including but not limited to nitinol, stainless steel, titanium, and their alloys as well as polymers such as polyetheretherketone, silicone elastomer and polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Patent number: 10695114
    Abstract: A method for force, displacement, and rate control of shape memory material implant. The rate of implant shape change as well as the force exerted on the surrounding tissue of the implant can be controlled by the surgeon and the extent of movement is controlled in circumstances where the bone element is free to move. The invention allows for the first time the fine control of force when fixating osteoporotic bone and rate of bone transport when working near the spinal cord. This heating profile of the implant provides the surgeon to control the extent of microstructure phase transformation so that the rate, force or extent of tissue movement can be controlled individually or together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Publication number: 20200138433
    Abstract: A new shape changing staple and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue and industrial materials. This new staple stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This staple once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the materials structure, including healing bone tissue. The staple is advanced over prior staples due to its: 1) method of operation, 2) high strength, 3) method of insertion, 4) compressive force temperature independence, 5) energy storing staple retention and delivery system, 6) compatibility with reusable or single use product configuration, 7) efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods, and 8) reduction in the steps required to place the device. In addition to the staple's industrial application an embodiment for use in the fixation of the musculoskeletal system is shown with staple, cartridge, and extrusion handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Publication number: 20200121372
    Abstract: A new shape changing bone implant and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue. This new implant stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This unique implant locks into bone and then simultaneously expands and shortens to lock into bone and then pull the bone segments together. This implant once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the implant's and bone's materials structure. The implant may be fabricated from any biocompatible material that acts elastically when deformed including but not limited to nitinol, stainless steel, titanium, and their alloys as well as polymers such as polyetheretherketone, silicone elastomer and polyethylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Patent number: 10537370
    Abstract: A new shape changing bone implant and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue. This new implant stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This unique implant locks into bone and then simultaneously expands and shortens to lock into bone and then pull the bone segments together. This implant once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the implant's and bone's materials structure. The implant may be fabricated from any biocompatible material that acts elastically when deformed including but not limited to nitinol, stainless steel, titanium, and their alloys as well as polymers such as polyetheretherketone, silicone elastomer and polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Patent number: 10512459
    Abstract: A new shape changing staple and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue and industrial materials. This new staple stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This staple once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the materials structure, including healing bone tissue. The staple is advanced over prior staples due to its: 1) method of operation, 2) high strength, 3) method of insertion, 4) compressive force temperature independence, 5) energy storing staple retention and delivery system, 6) compatibility with reusable or single use product configuration, 7) efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods, and 8) reduction in the steps required to place the device. In addition to the staple's industrial application an embodiment for use in the fixation of the musculoskeletal system is shown with staple, cartridge, and extrusion handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Patent number: 10448979
    Abstract: Described is a new bone healing method and class of bone fixation implants that change shape once implanted so as to minimize non-healing and speed the bone healing process. The bone fixation method involves shape changing implants that continuously hold the bones in apposition so that a gap does not form. Gaps in time allow non-bony tissue to infiltrate and stop healing. Furthermore, the implants actively compress bone to increase bone mass and strength. Bone cell pressure due to compression and electrical current flow due to bone deformation act to stimulate healing. The new implant designs also provide a scaffolding to conduct bone through the implant and across the healing bone interface. The methods and designs are applicable to but not limited to use for bone screws, plates, staples, rods, cylinders and external fixation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Publication number: 20180360507
    Abstract: A method for force, displacement, and rate control of shape memory material implant. The rate of implant shape change as well as the force exerted on the surrounding tissue of the implant can be controlled by the surgeon and the extent of movement is controlled in circumstances where the bone element is free to move. The invention allows for the first time the fine control of force when fixating osteoporotic bone and rate of bone transport when working near the spinal cord. This heating profile of the implant provides the surgeon to control the extent of microstructure phase transformation so that the rate, force or extent of tissue movement can be controlled individually or together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Publication number: 20180193066
    Abstract: A new shape changing bone implant and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue. This new implant stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This unique implant locks into bone and then simultaneously expands and shortens to lock into bone and then pull the bone segments together. This implant once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the implant's and bone's materials structure. The implant may be fabricated from any biocompatible material that acts elastically when deformed including but not limited to nitinol, stainless steel, titanium, and their alloys as well as polymers such as polyetheretherketone, silicone elastomer and polyethylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Patent number: 9907585
    Abstract: A new shape changing bone implant and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue. This new implant stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This unique implant locks into bone and then simultaneously expands and shortens to lock into bone and then pull the bone segments together. This implant once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the implant's and bone's materials structure. The implant may be fabricated from any biocompatible material that acts elastically when deformed including but not limited to nitinol, stainless steel, titanium, and their alloys as well as polymers such as polyetheretherketone, silicone elastomer and polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Patent number: 9743926
    Abstract: A new shape changing staple and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue and industrial materials. This new staple stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This staple once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the materials structure, including healing bone tissue. The staple is advanced over prior staples due to its: 1) method of operation, 2) high strength, 3) method of insertion, 4) compressive force temperature independence, 5) energy storing staple retention and delivery system, 6) compatibility with reusable or single use product configuration, 7) efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods, and 8) reduction in the steps required to place the device. In addition to the staple's industrial application an embodiment for use in the fixation of the musculoskeletal system is shown with staple, cartridge, and extrusion handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Publication number: 20160317198
    Abstract: A new shape changing bone implant and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue. This new implant stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This unique implant locks into bone and then simultaneously expands and shortens to lock into bone and then pull the bone segments together. This implant once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the implant's and bone's materials structure. The implant may be fabricated from any biocompatible material that acts elastically when deformed including but not limited to nitinol, stainless steel, titanium, and their alloys as well as polymers such as polyetheretherketone, silicone elastomer and polyethylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Publication number: 20160278825
    Abstract: A force, displacement, and rate controlled shape memory material implant. The rate of implant shape change as well as the force exerted on the surrounding tissue of the implant can be controlled by the surgeon and the extent of movement is controlled in circumstances where the bone element is free to move. The invention allows for the first time the fine control of force when fixating osteoporotic bone and rate of bone transport when working near the spinal cord. This heating profile of the implant provides the surgeon to control the extent of microstructure phase transformation so that the rate, force or extent of tissue movement can be controlled individually or together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Patent number: 9451955
    Abstract: A staple constructed from shape memory material provides the ability to move from a first shape to any point up to and including a second shape. The staple includes a bridge having a first member and a second member, and allows the second member of the bridge to change elevation with respect to the first member, thereby creating compressive forces, offset forces, or distraction forces. Upon the application of energy, the second member moves upward or downward to deliver forces, dependent upon a desired effect. The staple further includes first and second legs for attaching to first and second bones. The offsetting forces may be utilized to offset the second bone relative to the first bone, or to align offset bones. The bridge may include a transition member or plurality of transition members in communication with the first and second members, whereby the transition member moves about the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Patent number: 9451957
    Abstract: A bone staple extrusion instruments used for fixation of bone and soft tissue of the musculoskeletal system and the methods for their use and manufacture. The bone staple extrusion instruments are used for insertion of staples into bones, which staples change shape through their metallurgic properties and the release from the bone staple extrusion instruments. In some embodiments, the bone staples pull together and compress bone once released from the bone staple extrusion instruments. In other embodiments, the staples push outward to place the bones in tension once released from the bone staple extrusion instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: William Casey Fox
  • Patent number: RE49667
    Abstract: Described is a new bone healing method and class of bone fixation implants that change shape once implanted so as to minimize non-healing and speed the bone healing process. The bone fixation method involves shape changing implants that continuously hold the bones in apposition so that a gap does not form. Gaps in time allow non-bony tissue to infiltrate and stop healing. Furthermore, the implants actively compress bone to increase bone mass and strength. Bone cell pressure due to compression and electrical current flow due to bone deformation act to stimulate healing. The new implant designs also provide a scaffolding to conduct bone through the implant and across the healing bone interface. The methods and designs are applicable to but not limited to use for bone screws, plates, staples, rods, cylinders and external fixation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Inventor: William Casey Fox