Patents Issued in March 11, 1997
  • Patent number: 5609606
    Abstract: An angioplasty balloon catheter particularly adapted for ablation of a stenosis in vivo has a balloon which may be inflated with a conductive contrast fluid injected proximally to the balloon, and is furthermore metalized on the outside of the balloon and catheter shaft. The balloon has piezoelectric properties, and may be excited by application of an ultrasonic signal across the balloon between the metalized surface and the contrast fluid. The catheter is guided by a centrally located guide wire to the site of the stenosis. If the distal tip of the catheter shaft cannot pass through the stenosis, excitation of the piezoelectric balloon in a deflated state at the site of the stenosis causes ultrasonic hammering vibrations at the tip of the catheter shaft which ablate the stenosis. After the tip of the catheter has hammered its way across the stenosis, and while maintaining the ultrasonic excitation signal, the balloon is inflated to keep the vibrating balloon surface in contact with the stenosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Joe W. & Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation
    Inventor: Matthew O'Boyle
  • Patent number: 5609607
    Abstract: Device for modeling or simulating the sense of touch for medical, especially surgical purposes such as operations using medical instruments, characterized in that at least one sensor array which is sensitive to force, pressure, or travel and an actuator array are combined in the instrument to form a "feeling" or "tactile" unit (A, B) in such manner that one controls the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace AG
    Inventors: Kurt-Volker Hechtenberg, Dieter Bosch, Hajo Hermeking
  • Patent number: 5609608
    Abstract: A miniature plastic gripper actuated by inflation of a miniature balloon and method of fabricating same. The gripper is constructed of either heat-shrinkable or heat-expandable plastic tubing and is formed around a mandrel, then cut to form gripper prongs or jaws and the mandrel removed. The gripper is connected at one end with a catheter or tube having an actuating balloon at its tip, whereby the gripper is opened or closed by inflation or deflation of the balloon. The gripper is designed to removably retain a member to which is connected a quantity or medicine, plugs, or micro-components. The miniature plastic gripper is inexpensive to fabricate and can be used for various applications, such as gripping, sorting, or placing of micron-scale particles for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: William J. Benett, Peter A. Krulevitch, Abraham P. Lee, Milton A. Northrup, James A. Folta
  • Patent number: 5609609
    Abstract: The invention provides a surgical suture comprising a suture body and a coating layer comprising ingredients A, B and C:<ingredient A> at least one higher fatty acid salt;<ingredient B> at least one film-forming polymer selected from the group consisting of polycaprolactone, caprolactone-lactic acid copolymer, caprolactone-glycolic acid copolymer, polylactic acid and lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer; and<ingredient C> at least one sucrose fatty acid ester; and method for preparation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Gunze Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ohshima, Satoshi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 5609610
    Abstract: In an implanted pacemaker three basic pacing intervals are established: an A-V delay, a PVARP and an alert interval. These three intervals together define an atrial-to atrial interval which is preferably a function of a metabolic indicated rate. The PVARP and alert interval are adaptively adjusted to optimize the PVARP for the patient without affecting the atrial-to-atrial interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Telectronics Pacing Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Tibor Nappholz
  • Patent number: 5609611
    Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker system is provided which includes a stimulation electrode adapted for being anchored in the heart. An output capacitor is coupled to the stimulation electrode. A first circuit coupled to the output capacitor generates stimulation pulses. A second circuit coupled to the output capacitor generates an autoshort pulse following each stimulation pulse to reduce a residual charge of the output capacitor for eliminating an after potential following a stimulation pulse by the stimulation electrode. A third circuit coupled to the output capacitor acquires an evoked pulse of the heart from an electrical signal picked up by the stimulation electrode. The stimulation electrode includes a porous surface coating made of an inert material and has an active surface that is substantially larger than a surface of the basic geometric form of the stimulation electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Biotronik Mess-und Therapiegeraete GmbH & Co. Ingenieurbuero Berlin
    Inventors: Armin Bolz, Max Schaldach
  • Patent number: 5609612
    Abstract: The device senses Natural Heart Acceleration (NHA), isolating at least one segment (t) thereof corresponding to an isovolumetric phase, such as isovolumetric contraction (P1, P2) and/or isovolumetric relaxation (P3, P4). Preferentially, the action of isolation of the aforesaid segment is made starting from the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. Among other things, the device may be used to carry out pacing functions (pacemaker, defibrillator, pacer cardioverter defibrillator) and/or to pick up, possibly by telemetry, data on the myocardial function and/or also to control a system of drug administration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Sorin Biomedica Cardio S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianni Plicchi, Giorgio Corbucci, Bruno Garberoglio
  • Patent number: 5609613
    Abstract: A programmable dual-chamber artificial cardiac pacemaker senses atrial activity and normally tracks the sensed atrial activity in pacing the ventricular activity. An accelerometer located in the case of the pulse generator portion senses physical exercise by a patient when the pacemaker is implanted in the patient, and generates a rate control signal indicative of extent of the sensed physical exercise. The pulse generator is programmed for ventricular pacing rate control in multiple rate zones bounded by rate limits including a ventricular tracking limit (VTL) that varies dynamically with sensed physical exercise and a higher mode switch rate. The ventricular pacing rate tracks the sensed atrial activity on a 1:1 basis for atrial rates below the dynamic VTL (DVTL) during a predetermined interval of time for which the DVTL applies, and tracks the sensed atrial activity in Wenckebach behavior for atrial rates above the DVTL up to the mode switch rate with the ventricular pacing rate limited by the DVTL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Intermedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Drury Woodson, Michael Lee, Joseph Vandegriff, Eckhard Alt, Lawrence J. Stotts
  • Patent number: 5609614
    Abstract: A cardiac simulator including a patient warning apparatus, having a sensor for detecting patient reaction to a warning stimulus and means for adjusting the magnitude of said warning stimulus to obtain a preselected level of reaction. The cardiac stimulator is an implantable pacemaker or defibrillator or combination which can be programmed to produce a warning stimulus whenever a condition exists requiring patient notification or warning. A warning pulse stimulus generator directs electrical current to a warning electrode. Alternatively, a controlled switch may re-direct a stimulation pulse to the warning electrode. The sensor for detecting the reaction of the patient to the applied warning stimulus may be an accelerometer or motion/vibration transducer or other sensor capable of detecting a reaction to a warning stimulus. Means for adjusting the level of the stimulus directed to the patient's skeletal muscle regulate the stimulus until a pre-selected magnitude of reaction has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Intermedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Stotts, Patrick J. Paul, David Prutchi
  • Patent number: 5609615
    Abstract: A cardiac simulator including a patient warning apparatus, having an electrically conductive suture point in electrical communication with the patient warning apparatus. An electrically conductive suture passed through the suture point connects said stimulator mechanically and electrically to excitable tissue such as skeletal tissue. Inside the suture point is a connection for assuring a reliable electrical contact between the suture point and the suture. The cardiac stimulator automatically alters the peak voltage of its output stimulus whenever a condition exists requiring patient notification or warning. A specialized shunt circuit mounted within the stimulator or in the header of the stimulator re-directs electrical current from the standard stimulation electrode to the electrically conductive suture point. A controlled switch may be mounted within a hermetically sealed can of the stimulator to re-direct a stimulation pulse to the suture point. The controlled switch could also be mounted in the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Intermedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Sanders, Patrick J. Paul, David Prutchi
  • Patent number: 5609616
    Abstract: A physician's tester provides for physician monitoring and control of an implantable human tissue stimulator system, such as an implantable cochlear stimulator (ICS) system. During normal operation, the tissue stimulator system includes an implantable stimulator and a wearable processor (WP). The physician's tester is designed around a microprocessor, and is basically a modification of the WP. The tester provides control over the selection of voltages and currents to be measured and the presetting of parameters in the implantable stimulator during testing of the implanted stimulator and/or a patient's response to data transmitted by the WP/tester to the implanted stimulator. The physician's testor is portable and utilizes telemetry coupling with the implanted stimulator to provide communication between the tester and stimulator for the monitoring, control and measurement of the stimulator parameters. The tester resides in a portable housing having a control panel and a visual display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Joseph H. Schulman, John C. Gord, Primoz Strojnik, David I. Whitmoyer
  • Patent number: 5609617
    Abstract: A method for enhancing serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels in human beings resulting in improved host response to infection and resistance to pathogenic and opportunistic infectious organisms. The serum concentration of DHEA is elevated through the use of topically applied preparations containing the steroid, progesterone, through two different types of electronic stimulators applied to specific acupuncture points on an individual's body, or by combination of the two methods. One or more of the methods may be applicable to the whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: C. Norman Shealy
    Inventors: C. Norman Shealy, Saul Liss, Caroline M. Myss, Roger K. Cady
  • Patent number: 5609618
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inducing fibrillation in a patient's heart by delivering an alternating current stimulus to the heart from a DC-to DC converter. The hardware of a conventional implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) is utilized with a modification to the control algorithms. Particularly, when it is desired to induce fibrillation in a patient's heart, typically during ICD implant defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing, a command is delivered from an external instrument to the ICD to deliver the fibrillation shock. The DC-to-DC converter which is normally used to charge the ICD high voltage capacitors is activated and immediately thereafter a first pair the high voltage output switches of the output stage are closed for about 4 milliseconds. This delivers an initial pulse of one polarity. Following an interval of about 4 milliseconds, a second pair of the high voltage output switches are closed for 4 milliseconds delivering an opposite polarity pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Ventritex, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen T. Archer
  • Patent number: 5609619
    Abstract: A patient's body temperature is regulated by using an enclosure to enclose a portion of the patient's body in an isolated environment. In accordance with one embodiment, the patient's entire body below his head is enclosed. Once enclosed, the patient is surrounded by heated vapor that is injected into the enclosure. The heated vapor condenses on the patient's skin to warm the patient quickly, efficiently and safely. This embodiment is well suited for the treatment of hypothermia patients. In accordance with alternative embodiments, only a portion of the patient's head is enclosed. In these embodiments, an enclosure is placed on the patient's head, and heated vapor is fed into the enclosure. Excess air and vapor are preferably dissipated by vents in the cap, whereas excess condensate is preferably absorbed by an absorbent layer provided in the cap. These embodiments are well suited for regulating a patient's body temperature in a surgical setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Exergen Corporation
    Inventor: Francesco Pompei
  • Patent number: 5609620
    Abstract: A flexible thermal jacket of a generally thin flat arcuate configuration having a thermal transfer face and a thermal insulating face comprises, a first thin flat sheet of impervious material having an arcuate inner and outer edge, a second sheet substantially identical to said first sheet bonded to the first sheet along the arcuate edges and along lines defining an elongated serpertine passages throughout the jacket, and a generally circular insulating tab formed of inner and outer impervious sheets and an inner thermal sheet secured to the inner edge and operative to close and or cover an opening formed by forming the jacket into a frusto-conical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Pat O. Daily
    Inventor: Pat O. Daily
  • Patent number: 5609621
    Abstract: A cardioversion/defibrillation lead and method of implantation thereof for location in a human heart of the type comprising an elongated lead body having proximal and distal end sections and having a looped intermediate section. The proximal and distal end sections of the lead have generally straight configurations, and the intermediate section is constructed such that when the distal section is located at the apex of the right ventricle of the heart, the loop of the intermediate section is located in the outflow tract of the heart. One or more elongated defibrillation electrode(s) extends along the intermediate section of the lead body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew D. Bonner
  • Patent number: 5609622
    Abstract: An implantable electrode in the form a helically wound conductor having an electrically conductive polymeric layer coaxially surrounding and contacting the helically wound conductor, wherein the electrically conductive polymeric layer is electrically conductive in a dry state prior to implantation. Preferably, the electrode has two conductive portions, the additional second conductive portion being preferably located at the distal tip. The implantable electrode preferably incorporates an insulating portion wherein an additional length of the helically wound conductor is continuous with the remaining length of helically wound conductor coaxially covered by the electrically conductive polymeric layer. The insulating portion has a coaxial covering of impermeable polymeric electrically insulating material which is preferably silicone tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Soukup, Richard A. Staley
  • Patent number: 5609623
    Abstract: An electrode device, for intracardiac stimulation of heart tissue and/or sensing heart signals in a patient, has an electrode cable containing at least two elongate, flexible conductors, insulated from each other, and with an electrode head, arranged at the distal end of the electrode cable and at least two conductive surfaces, each connected to a separate conductor. In order to permit the distance between the conductive surfaces to be varied over a continuous range, simply and easily, the electrode head has at least two parts, moveable in relation to each other, each part being provided with at least one conductive surface, and the a control element is movably arranged at the distal end of the electrode cable immediately behind the electrode head, so any change in the position of the control element causes the control element to act on the parts of the electrode head such that the distance between the conductive surfaces is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Pacesetter AB
    Inventor: Ulf Lindegren
  • Patent number: 5609624
    Abstract: A microporous reinforced expanded PTFE vascular graft in which the reinforcing structure is substantially identical in porosity to the body of the graft. The graft is characterized by a microporous expanded PTFE tubular graft wall and integral and monolithic expanded PTFE rib structures with a porosity or density substantially identical to that of the tubular graft wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Impra, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Kalis
  • Patent number: 5609625
    Abstract: Graft having a bifurcation for repairing an aneurysm in the vicinity of an aortic bifurcation in a patient comprising a main tubular body and first and second tubular legs joined to said main body in a bifurcation. The main body and the legs are formed of a flexible surgically implantable material. The main body and each of the first and second legs having an opening therein in communication with the other openings. Expandable spring attachments are secured to the main body adjacent the opening in the main body. An additional expandable spring attachment is secured to one of said legs adjacent the opening in said one leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alec A. Piplani, Dinah B. Quiachon, Wesley D. Sterman
  • Patent number: 5609626
    Abstract: Exovascular and endovascular stent devices and associated support/restrictor assemblies for use in conjunction with prosthetic vascular grafts, including venous valve grafts made from preserved bioprosthetic venous valves. Also disclosed are methods for preparing vascular grafts such as venous valve grafts using the devices and assemblies of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: R. C. Quijano, Aws Nashef
  • Patent number: 5609627
    Abstract: The invention comprises:An introducer for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method of treating and angeological disease using a bifurcated stent; an endoluminal stent having perpendicular hoop members, each hoop member formed of wire in a sinuous configuration, at least some of juxtaposed apices in neighboring hoops being secured to one another, such stents also forming axially aligned segments in straight stents, and segments of bifurcated stents in particular embodiments. Certain embodiments of such stents also include barbs, fabric covering and radiopaque markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: George Goicoechea, John Hudson, Claude Mialhe
  • Patent number: 5609628
    Abstract: An intravascular graft for restoring normal blood flow in vessels, or for defining new blood flow pathway in arteries includes a proximal collar to aid in anchoring the graft in place. The graft may contain defects in the graft wall to allow blood flow therethrough. Struts encircling the graft provide structural stability. Additional elements which aid in anchoring the graft in place include barbed collars and graft walls which contain ridges. Additional elements to aid in placement include a drawstring associated with the graft collar. A graft designed for use with vessels configured similarly to the basilar artery contains a cap at the distal end of the graft. A catheter to facilitate placement of intravascular grafts is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Victor J. Keranen
  • Patent number: 5609629
    Abstract: A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material positioned over the structure 12; and at least one porous layer 20 positioned over the bioactive material layer 18. Preferably, the structure 12 is a coronary stent, and the bioactive material is at least one of heparin, dexamethasone or a dexamethasone derivative. The device 10 includes layers 18 and 22 of heparin and dexamethasone, the layer 22 of dexamethasone being positioned above the layer 18 of heparin. The layers of bioactive material also can be individual materials or a combination of different materials. Unexpectedly, the more soluble heparin markedly promotes the release of the less soluble dexamethasone above it. The porous layer 20 is composed of a polymer applied by vapor or plasma deposition and provides a controlled release of the bioactive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: MED Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal E. Fearnot, Thomas G. Kozma, Anthony O. Ragheb, William D. Voorhees
  • Patent number: 5609630
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an intraocular implant (1) which includes a central lens (2) and at least two elastically deformable securing arms (3), each of which is connected via one of its ends (4) to the central lens (2). Each of the securing arms (3) exhibits a general direction which is radial with respect to the central lens (2), and each of the securing arms includes, at its free end (6) opposite to the central lens (2), an arched bead (7) which is convex towards tho outside. The curvilinear length (L1) of the arched bead (7) is at least equal to a third of the diameter (D) of the central lens (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Philippe Crozafon
  • Patent number: 5609631
    Abstract: Methods for coating a prosthetic surface with anti-thrombogenic, or anti-coagulant, proteins are disclosed. The methods involve contacting a surface of a prosthetic material with a composition containing multimers of fibrin degradation products. These multimers, preferably D-dimers, have cross-linked D-domains. The methods of the invention are useful for providing an anti-thrombogenic coating on prosthetic implants which are exposed to a patient's blood after implantation, for example vascular grafts and artificial heart valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventors: Fraser D. Rubens, Paul D. Bishop
  • Patent number: 5609632
    Abstract: An artificial lung is created by taking an animal lung, filling either its circulatory system or its respiratory system with a hardenable liquid, hardening the liquid, then dissolving the natural lung tissue, coating the hardened liquid with a material forming a gas permeable membrane, removing the hardenable fluid, and enclosing the resulting artificial lung structure in a fluid-tight pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger J. Elgas
  • Patent number: 5609633
    Abstract: A bone substitute, which provides both the fracture toughness of titanium or titanium alloys and the bioactivity of apatite, wherein titanium or titanium alloys and apatite are tightly adhered, is produced by soaking a substrate of titanium or titanium alloy in an alkaline solution to form a layer comprising amorphous alkali titanate, followed by the heating of the said substrate up to at most the titanium or titanium alloy transition temperature so as to form a stabilized amorphous alkali titanate layer and a sufficient concentration gradient of alkali and titanium ions to permit the growth of apatite thereon from solutions containing apatite-containing ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: The Foundation for Promotion of Ion Engineering
    Inventor: Tadashi Kokubo
  • Patent number: 5609634
    Abstract: A prosthesis including (a) a flexible ligament (1) with a first narrowed thinner portion (2) and a second wider portion (3) forming an extension of, and having a greater width and thickness (e2) than, the first portion, which portion may be passed around the spinous processes (12) of two adjacent vertebrae (L5, L4) in a figure eight pattern, whereas the second portion circles around the processes; (b) a semi-flexible interprocess block (6) with two pairs of through-channels (7, 8) having differing cross-sections and receiving the respective portions of the ligament; and (c) members (4, 5) for joining the ends of the ligament. The prosthesis prevents sagittal and frontal lumbar vertebral rotational instability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Gilles Voydeville
  • Patent number: 5609635
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to interbody spinal fusion implants having a structural configuration that provides for the maintaining and creating of the normal anatomic angular relationship of two adjacent vertebrae of the spine to maintain and create spinal lordosis. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention are sized to fit within the disc space created by the removal of disc material between two adjacent vertebrae and conform wholly or in part to the disc space created. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention have upper and lower surfaces that form a support structure for bearing against the end plates of the adjacent vertebrae. The upper and lower surfaces are disposed in a converging angular relationship to each other such that the implants of the present invention have an overall "wedged-shape" in an elevational side view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Patent number: 5609636
    Abstract: An implant for use in spinal stabilization includes four generally linear thread segments. The thread segments are maintained and spaced apart alignment by rigid supports. The thread segments include a plurality of individual threads with the individual threads of the segments defining a thread pattern. The supports and the thread segments define a hollow implant interior exposed to an exterior of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Spine-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Kohrs, Hansen A. Yuan, David W. Stassen
  • Patent number: 5609637
    Abstract: A space keeper, in particular for substituting an intervertebral disk, is provided which comprises a cage-shaped wall (1) having a plurality of holes (4, 5) therein and a plurality of points (6) at both edges of the wall. In order to avoid the need for the operating person to keep different types on stock for corresponding different sections, the points (6) have severable portions (7) for adjusting the sectional form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventors: Lutz Biedermann, J urgen Harms
  • Patent number: 5609638
    Abstract: An articular component has a fibrous structure wherein the fibers are oriented normal to the articular surface. Wear debris reduction is attributed to the increased strength of fibers over bulk material and to the abrasion resistance associated with abrading a fiber bundle on the fiber tips. This is similar to the abrasion resistance seen in a household broom which is subjected to abrasion across the tips of the broom bristles. Reduced cold flow is attributed to the increased strength and stiffness of fibers over bulk material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard C. Price, Steve T. Lin, Michael E. Hawkins, Jack E. Parr
  • Patent number: 5609639
    Abstract: A knee prosthesis includes a femoral component in which the condyles have a continuous contact surface for the tibial bearing surface and in which the sagittal radius is constant from posterior to a point more anterior than the distalmost point, The tibial bearing surface is shaped to have a curvature which corresponds closely with that of the femoral condylar surfaces. The tibial component includes a plastics meniscus component supported on a metal platform for sliding movement in the anterior-posterior direction and the mating surface between the meniscus and platform has a sagittal curvature which is larger than the sagittal radius of the femoral condyles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Peter S. Walker
  • Patent number: 5609640
    Abstract: A patella prosthesis is a mushroom shaped member whose head (1) is symmetrical or contoured to correspond to a human patella. The stem (2) is for insertion in a drilling in the resectioned surface which is shaped to receive the inferior surface (4) of the head (1). The preferred material is polyethylene or high purity alumina ceramic and there may be a metal backing (5) with a porous surface over the inferior side (4). Hydroxyapatite coating may also be applied here.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: David P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5609641
    Abstract: A tibial prosthesis includes a tibial tray and a post extending therefrom for receiving one or more modular stems of differing sizes. The stem provides a closed socket that registers with the post. A wedge lock fit tightens the stem to the post upon assembly. The stem has a cylindrical section and a tapering section. Fins extend longitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end of the stem, tracking both the cylindrical and tapering portion thereof so that each of the fins tracks a uniform diameter section of the stem for a majority of its length. The tapering section of the stem is equal to about one third of its over all length, and defines the distal end of the stem. The fins are longitudinally placed about the stem exterior surface, and are generally parallel. Between the fins are U-shaped channels that are similarly longitudinally extending and generally parallel. The stem provides a central longitudinal axis. The fins and channels are parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew Richards Inc.
    Inventors: Chris E. Johnson, Thomas A. Carls, David L. Evans
  • Patent number: 5609642
    Abstract: The method of implanting a femoral and a tibial knee prosthesis and instruments for surgically implanting the femoral and tibial prosthesis component as disclosed. The method includes the formation of a plurality of surgical cuts on the patient's distal femur. A trial tibial prosthesis is then fitted to the surgically prepared distal femur. The trial prosthesis has a femoral articulating surface and a non-articulating surface that fits the patient's distal femur at the surgical cuts. A surgeon then forms a transverse cut on the patient's proximal tibia. The surgeon places a tibial trial prosthesis on the patient's proximal tibia, the trial prosthesis including a tibial trial stem that fits the patient's intramedullary canal, a tibial trial metallic tray or plate, and a plastic trial insert that fits the tibial tray or plate. The plastic insert includes a tibial articulating surface that can articulate with the femoral articulating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew Richards Inc.
    Inventors: Chris E. Johnson, Tim Vendrely, Leo A. Whiteside, Thomas A. Carls, John Steele, Khosrow Naraghian
  • Patent number: 5609643
    Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial plateau and a tibial bearing member. The design and geometry of the articulation surfaces of the condylar elements of the femoral component and tibial bearing member is such that contact area between the articulation surfaces is maximized both in perfect alignment and in malalignment conditions. Moreover, contact stresses placed upon the articulation surfaces in perfect alignment and in malalignment are reduced. High contact area and low contact stress on the articulation surfaces can be maintained even while matching knee prosthesis components of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Professional, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis P. Colleran, Robert E. Sommerich, Jorge A. Ochoa
  • Patent number: 5609644
    Abstract: A prosthetic patello femoral joint assembly comprises a patella mounting component on which is located a movable mobile bearing component. A first side of the bearing component is shaped to engage the patella groove of a natural or an artificial femur. A second side of the mounting component has a substantially spherical convex bearing surface which engages and can articulate against a substantially spherical posterior concave bearing surface on the mounting component. A control means acts between the components to restrict substantially vertical movement of the bearing component about a medio lateral axis of the knee with which it is to be used, but allows substantially horizontal movement and relative rotation between said mounting component and said bearing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Howmedica International
    Inventors: Alan M. Ashby, Lindsay Laird
  • Patent number: 5609645
    Abstract: A femoral knee prosthesis having a box internal geometry adjacent the femur which has four intersecting planes which extend from the medial side of the prosthesis to the lateral side. Shims of varying thickness can be added which retain the same internal box geometry. The internal geometry of the shims comprises three intersecting planes. Medial and lateral shims are provided. The internal geometry of the shims is translated slightly anteriorly as they increase in thickness. The shims may be added to either condyle independently, with different thickness on each side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Intermedics, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Vinciguerra
  • Patent number: 5609646
    Abstract: An acetabular cup for a total hip prosthesis has an outer shell and an inner bearing component. The shell is molded around the inner bearing component and has an elastic modulus similar to subchondral bone of between 5 GPa and 18 GPa. The shell has a part-spherical main portion and two independent arms projecting from the part-spherical main portion. The arms are separated from each other by an opening of predetermined shape and size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Howmedica International
    Inventors: Richard E. Field, Peter Nuijten, Neil Rushton
  • Patent number: 5609647
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hip joint socket for insertion into bone tissue, with an outer metal shell and an inner ceramic shell, the ceramic shell being anchored in the metal shell. To reduce its size while simultaneously reducing the wall thickness of the ceramic shell the inside of the metal shell and the outside of the ceramic shell have a spherical shape accurately fitted to one another and means are disposed for equalizing the transmission of force between the ceramic shell and the metal shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Cerasiv GmbH, Innovatives Keramik-Engineering
    Inventors: Hartmut K alberer, Hans-Georg Pfaff
  • Patent number: 5609648
    Abstract: A joint socket (2) for a hip joint prosthesis comprises an outer shell (5) adapted for being anchored into a bone seat and an inner shell (6) adapted for receiving a ball of a joint. A threaded plug (10) is threadably coupled within a threaded bore (8) of the outer shell and a projection (22) extends from the polar region of the inner shell into an axial recess (20) of the threaded plug for centering the inner shell relative to the outer shell. The threaded plug seals off the inner volume of the outer shell, thereby preventing contact between rubbed off particles of the interacting inner and outer shells and the bone tissue. In addition, it allows the surgeon to directly observe the bone tissue lying behind the threaded bore of the implanted outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Sulzer Medizinaltechnik AG
    Inventors: J urg Oehy, Kurt Bider, Martin Schoch
  • Patent number: 5609649
    Abstract: Tinctorial composition for keratinous fibers, in particular for human hair, characterized in that it contains, in a medium appropriate for dyeing these fibers, at least one para oxidation dye precursor or at least one ortho oxidation dye precursor in combination with at least one heterocyclic coupler, corresponding to the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 denotes a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl radical; R.sub.2 denotes a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 lower alkyl radical, a carboxyl radical or an alkoxycarbonyl radical; R.sub.3 denotes a hydrogen or halogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 lower alkyl radical, a carboxyl radical, an alkoxycarbonyl radical or a formyl radical; X denotes a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl radical, a halogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy radical, an acetylamino group or a dialkyl(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)aminomethyl group; at least one of the groups X, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 differing from hydrogen; as well as their salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Alex Junino, Jean J. Vandenbossche, Herve Richard, Jean Cotteret
  • Patent number: 5609650
    Abstract: An oxidation dye composition for keratin fibers containing component A and component B wherein component A is an oxidation dye precursor indoline derivative of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; each of R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms or together with the oxygen atom to which they are attached represent an alkylenedioxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms; or a salt thereof; and wherein component B is a metal salt having a non-oxidizing anion selected from the group consisting of a lithium, magnesium, calcium, aluminum and a zinc salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Georg Knuebel, Horst Hoeffkes, Winifried Neuhaus, Edgar Lieske, deceased
  • Patent number: 5609651
    Abstract: The oxidation hair dye composition is made by mixing a viscous creamy hair dye-containing carrier and a fluid preparation in a weight ratio of dye-containing carrier to fluid preparation of 2:1 to 1:3. The viscous creamy hair dye-containing carrier has a viscosity of at least 10,000 mPa.s and contains 0.01 to 12 percent by weight of a combination of developer substance and coupler substance and 15 to 60 percent by weight of a thickener mixture containing fatty alcohols having from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, fatty acid esters, petrolatum, thickened polyacrylic acid derivatives, nonylphenol ethoxylated with 2 to 8 moles of ethylene oxide, fatty acids, starch and/or spermaceti. The fluid preparation contains 0.1 to 20 percent by weight of an oxidizing agent and 0.01 to 6 percent by weight of a nonionic polymer of formula (I),R--(O--CH(CH.sub.3)--CH.sub.2).sub.x --(O--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Wella Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Mager, Johann Aeby
  • Patent number: 5609652
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method of manufacturing a synthetic resin part integrally formed with metal members, including the steps of: integrally forming a plurality of metal member sets through coupling portions, each of the metal member sets including a plurality of coupled together metal members; inserting the metal member sets into the molding dies of a forming machine; injecting synthetic resin for molding into the molding die, and forming a synthetic resin part integrally formed with metal members in sequence to form a synthetic resin part continuum where a plurality of synthetic resin parts are connected; and cutting off the coupling portions to manufacture the plurality of synthetic resin parts, and a synthetic resin part manufactured according to the above-mentioned manufacturing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yamada, Tadayuki Okuda, Masaki Hagiwara, Yoshihide Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5609653
    Abstract: Fuel compositions containing a major proportion of at least one fuel base and a minor proportion of at least one fulvene derivative, characterized in that the said fulvene derivative is a 5-(alkylalkylidene)-1,3-cyclopentadiene of formula (I) below: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is the hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing from one to three carbon atoms and R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom or a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic group containing from one to four carbon atoms. Use of the fuel compositions in reciprocating engines with spark ignition and turbine and jet engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Elf Antar France
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Roman, Alain Chaffardon
  • Patent number: 5609654
    Abstract: A process for production of alkyl tertiary alkyl ethers in C.sub.4 + hydrocarbon streams rich in isoolefins, typically containing catalyst deactivating amounts of dienes and/or compounds containing heteroatoms. The process is especially advantageous in extending the cycle length for the zeolite catalyzed etherification of isoolefins in C.sub.4 + FCC gasoline by reducing catalyst aging. It has been discovered that if hydrogen is cofed with the alkanol and C.sub.4 + isoolefin rich feedstreams to an etherification reaction catalyzed by acidic zeolite wherein the zeolite has been impregnated with a noble metal the rate of catalyst aging or deactivation is substantially lowered. The process is especially effective, i.e., catalyst aging is particularly reduced, when hydrogen is cofed to an etherification reaction using acidic zeolite Beta catalyst containing palladium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Quang N. Le, Robert T. Thomson
  • Patent number: 5609655
    Abstract: A fuel and air mixing apparatus for a combustor and gas turbine generator. A primary portion of the fuel is injected into the mixing air at long distances from the combustor prechamber. The primary portion of the fuel is almost completely mixed with the mixing air. A secondary portion of fuel is injected into the mixing air in the boundary layer at a short distance form the combustor prechamber. This minimally mixed second portion provides some rich portions of fuel-air in the prechamber to improve stability and reduce the chances of blowout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Northern Research & Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: James B. Kesseli, Eric R. Norster