Patents Issued in December 7, 2004
  • Patent number: 6827706
    Abstract: A winged catheter securing tape including a base having a non-adhesive upper surface and an adhesive lower surface, spaced areas of adhesive on said upper surface with a first non-adhesive area therebetween, and a second non-adhesive area on said lower surface in opposition to said first non-adhesive area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis R. Tollini
  • Patent number: 6827707
    Abstract: A venipuncture site protector having a slotted securement, which has mounted thereto, a transparent tapered body member defined by a slotted rear wall at its proximal end and a perforated front wall at its distal end. The rear wall and front wall are integrally connected to a flange having a tube receiving slot that is aligned with another tube receiving slot disposed in the rear wall as well as a slot within the slotted securement. The rear wall and the front wall rise up to a dome apex from which an internal wall depends into the interior space of the dome. The internal wall is disposed between the rear wall and the front wall and includes yet another tube receiving slot that is sufficiently wide to receive therein an I.V. tube associated with an I.V. connected catheter but not sufficiently wide to allow the I.V. connected catheter to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Medical Device Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford A. Wright, Kion Guold
  • Patent number: 6827708
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for administering an injectable product in doses, wherein the device has a casing with a reservoir for the product, a piston which forces product out of the reservoir when moved in a feed direction towards an outlet of the reservoir, a driven rod which moves the piston in the feed direction, a drive member which may be moved in and counter to the feed direction and which slaves the driven rod when moved in the feed direction, and at least one blocking means for creating friction between said blocking means and one of the driven rod and the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Disetronic Services AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Kirchhofer
  • Patent number: 6827709
    Abstract: A mixing/charging port for medical treatment in which no air bubble is retained inside thereof even at the time of priming, and which is capable of infusing a drug solution or transfusing blood into a patient safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoji Fujii
  • Patent number: 6827710
    Abstract: A multiple lumen access device for use in providing a single entry port into the human body for selectively introducing medical implements therethrough and for providing simultaneous auxiliary access into the body. The multiple lumen access device includes a multi-lumen sheath which may have an outer tube and structure defining a device lumen located therein. The inner structure may be an inner wall or inner tube. The outer tube and inner structure are located so as to define at least one auxiliary lumen. Some embodiments include flexible inner walls which can be flexed between relaxed and expanded/contracted positions wherein the relative cross-sectional areas of the device lumen and auxiliary lumens are varied. The access device further includes a valve which provides sealing of the device lumen. The valve may be provided in a lumen junction housing or separate from the housing either permanently or removably connected with the device lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Charles R. Mooney, Robert Pecor, Donald E. Bobo, Jr., Michael J. Higgins, Manouchehr A. Miraki, Erik E. Bulman, Gary R. Willoughby
  • Patent number: 6827711
    Abstract: The invention provides a nested tubing cannula which comprises outer and inner elongate tubular members, both having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The inner tubular member is sealed at its distal end and is nested substantially coaxially within the lumen of the outer tubular member, so that the gap between the inner and the outer tubular member defines a second lumen whereas the first lumen is the lumen of the inner tubular member. A tubular sleeve is disposed coaxially between the inner and outer tubular members. A balloon is mounted on a distal region of the outer tubular member and is in communication with the first lumen. The cannula further comprises a port proximal or distal the balloon occluder and is in communication with the second lumen. Methods for making the devices herein are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Sunseri
  • Patent number: 6827712
    Abstract: Disposable loading units (DLUs) configured for mounting to a robotic arm for performing at least one surgical task are presented. Each DLU includes an attachment platform having at least one connector for engaging at least one connector on a distal end of the robotic arm for connecting the DLU to the robotic arm, a head portion connected to the attachment platform at one end and configured for housing an electro-mechanical actuation assembly therein, and at least one surgical tool member extending from the head portion and operatively associated with the electro-mechanical actuation assembly for controlling the operation and movement of the at least one surgical tool member. The at least one surgical tool member may include a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventors: H. Jonathan Tovey, Keith Ratcliff, Kenneth E. Toso, Peter W. J. Hinchliffe
  • Patent number: 6827713
    Abstract: A device for treating a tissue region is supplied with a separate usage key card. The usage key card comprises a storage medium, which is formatted to contain an identification code unique to the usage key card. The usage key card is adapted to be read by a remote reader, to download the identification code for processing by a controller for the device. Processing of the identification code by the controller either enables or disables operation of the device according to prescribed criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Curon Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Bek, John Gaiser, Jay Qin, David S Utley
  • Patent number: 6827714
    Abstract: An internal indifferent electrode device including a flexible shaft, an energy transmission device adapted to be inserted into the body supported on the shaft, and a connector adapted to mate with the power return connector of a power supply apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Swanson
  • Patent number: 6827715
    Abstract: A system and method of making a lesion on living tissue including providing an electrosurgical system, determining a desired lesion depth, selecting a power setting, and applying electrical energy to the living tissue. The system includes an instrument having an electrode at a distal portion thereof, and a power source having multiple available power settings. The power source is electrically connected to the electrode. The step of applying electrical energy includes energizing the electrode at the selected power setting for a recommended energization time period that is determined by reference to predetermined length of time information and based upon the desired lesion depth and the selected power setting. The system preferably further includes a fluid source for irrigating the electrode at an irrigation rate. In this regard, the predetermined length of time information is generated as a function of irrigation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David Francischelli, Rahul Mehra, Alison Lutterman
  • Patent number: 6827716
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating an intervertebral disc comprising locally identifying a pathologic tissue site and therapeutically treating the identified site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Depuy Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Ryan, Martin A. Reynolds, Hassan Serhan
  • Patent number: 6827717
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode that can be subjected to a high frequency, the electrode including an electrode carrier having at least one external, insulated conductive wire. The electrode is used in a urological resectoscope having an axially extending shaft tube, the proximal end thereof being fixed to a main body. A sliding body is proximally positioned in relation to the main body, and can slide in a parallel manner in relation to the axis thereof. The sliding body includes a receiver into which the proximal end region of the electrode carrier can be introduced. The carrier penetrates the main body and is positioned such that it can slide axially in the shaft tube assembly position in order to fix a fixing section of the electrode carrier via a fixing device pertaining to the sliding body, and in order to contact a first contacting section of the electrode carrier via a first contacting device pertaining to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Olympus Winter & Ibe GmbH
    Inventors: Pieter Brommersma, Felix Nussbaum
  • Patent number: 6827718
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for, and a method of, accurate positioning of endoscopic instruments. Accurate positioning of the instruments is accomplished through the inclusion of a steering ability within the device. After the endoscopic instrument is properly positioned the present invention may use rapid exchange technology, soft locks, and mechanical locks to maintain the position of the endoscopic instrument. Rapid exchange technology is used to minimize displacement forces present on the guidewire or catheters. Soft locks and mechanical locks resist movements caused by displacement forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Hutchins, Mark L. Adams, Mark Mallaby, Scott Swafar, Martin Donofrio, Oscar Carrillo, Tracy Gandolfi, Mike Mangano, Bob Reynolds, Russell F. Durgin
  • Patent number: 6827719
    Abstract: A screw and coupling element assembly for use with an orthopedic rod implantation apparatus includes a screw with a head and a shaft extending from the head, a coupling element with a seat within which the head is seatable such that the shaft protrudes from the coupling element, and a locking element mateable with the coupling element and when mated is selectively movable through a plurality of positions including unlocked and locked positions. When in the unlocked position, the locking element presents a rod-receiving channel and the head is movable in the seat such that the shaft is directable in a plurality of angles relative to the coupling element. When in the locked position, a rod disposed within the rod-receiving channel is fixed relative to the coupling element and the head is immovable in the seat such that the shaft is fixed at an angle relative to the coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: K2 Medical, LLC
    Inventors: James D. Ralph, Stephen Tatar
  • Patent number: 6827720
    Abstract: A system and method for treating a necrotic section of bone. At least one channel is drilled into a bone from a common point. Each channel has a distal end that terminates proximate the necrotic section of bone. A volume of bone growth inducing compound is introduced into each channel. The volume of bone growth inducing compound is biased toward the distal end of each channel with a screw. The screw provides immediate structural support while the bone growth inducing compound permeates the necrotic section of bone. Once the bone growth inducing compound has permeated the necrotic section of bone, it promotes rapid bone growth and thus healing of the necrotic section of bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Alejandro Leali
  • Patent number: 6827721
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method for the determination of reduction parameters for the subsequent adjustment of a reduction device to reduce the fragments of a fractured bonee. The method comprises: measuring points on the surfaces of the corresponding bones of interest at the patient's left and right side of the body; establishing a plane of symmetry containing an anterior-posterior axis and a proximal-distal axis; generating a mirror image of the patient's non-fractured bone symmetrically to the plane of symmetry; and determining the reduction parameters by comparison of the coordinates of the points at the fractured bone with the coordinates of the points within the mirror image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Synthes (USA)
    Inventors: Stephan Perren, Milorad Mitkovic, Markus Hehli
  • Patent number: 6827722
    Abstract: Disclosed is a driven surgical driver for wire guide surgical components. The driver has a rotatable drive shaft which is configured to apply driving and rotational forces to a medical device. A wire clamp is provided which is configured to hold the guide wire at a fixed distance from the tissue while the medical device is being driven distally away from the wire clamp. A process provides for grasping a point on the guide wire at a fixed distance from the tissue with the wire clamp. This grasping point on the guide wire is maintained at the fixed distance from the tissue while a force is applied to the driver to affix the medical device relative to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Biomet, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan J. Schoenefeld
  • Patent number: 6827723
    Abstract: Systems and processes for tracking anatomy, instrumentation, trial implants, implants, and references, and rendering images and data related to them in connection with surgical operations, for example unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (“UKA”). These systems and processes are accomplished by using a computer to intraoperatively obtain images of body parts and to register, navigate, and track surgical instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. Carson
  • Patent number: 6827724
    Abstract: An ultrasonic vibrator has a very versatile, simple structure without a rotational structure. In order to infallibly prevent drops of water from entering the inside of the casing of the vibrator even if autoclave sterilization is performed without a drying process, the ultrasonic vibrator has a connecting member and a partition member, each used as a barrier plate member making up the inside of the vibrator body. The ultrasonic vibrator additionally has O-rings disposed in a packing, an electrode, and an airtight cap. By the O-rings, water is prevented from entering a lumen of a transducer. The electrode is insulated by a sealing agent, and a short circuit is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Norikiyo Shibata
  • Patent number: 6827725
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongate hollow probe having first and second apertures (4 and 5) at its distal end portion. An elongate drive shaft disposed within the probe (1) and mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis within the probe. A cutting tool (2, 34) is located at the distal end of the drive shaft, and is positioned adjacent to the first aperture (4). A bipolar electrosurgical device (3) is located at the distal end of the probe (1) in the region of the second aperture (5). The electrosurgical device includes an active electrode (13) and a return electrode (11) separate and insulated therefrom. A motor (6) is provided for rotating the drive shaft; and suction means is provided for selectively providing a source of suction at either the first apertures (4) or the second aperture (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Gyrus Medical Limited
    Inventors: Kester J. Batchelor, Julian M. Ebbutt
  • Patent number: 6827726
    Abstract: An introducer for implanting a prosthesis in a junction of a main lumen and a branch lumen. The prosthesis comprises a trunk to be implanted within the main lumen and at least one arm to be implanted within the branch lumen. The introducer comprises an outer sheath, an axial guide wire and at least one peripheral guide wire slideable within the outer sheath, and a nose cone at a distal end of the sheath. The nose cone has an axial conduit for receiving the axial guide wire and at least one peripheral channel for guiding the peripheral guide wire and guiding it into the branch lumen. A unitary branched prosthesis having at least one radial arm may be deployed using this introducer. Methods for deploying a unitary or modular branched prosthesis at a junction in a lumen use the introducer of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Parodi
  • Patent number: 6827727
    Abstract: Following a catheterisation of the artery, the flow of blood through the puncture wound has to be stopped. With the method according to the invention, the time for achieving haemostasis can be reduced by combining the normal clotting mechanism with a chitosan induced clogging mechanism. A compression device (1; 8; 16) for achieving haemostasis in a puncture wound comprises a compressor (2; 9; 17) and a pressure element (3; 10; 18) connected to said compressor (2; 9; 17) so that the bottom side of the pressure element (3; 10; 18) is in contact with the puncture wound, characterized in that the bottom side of the pressure element (3; 10; 18) is provided with chitosan, so that the chitosan and the external compression pressure are applied simultaneously on the puncture wound when the compressor (2; 9; 17) applies an external compression pressure on the puncture wound via the pressure element (3; 10; 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Radi Medical Systems AB
    Inventors: Jan Stålemark, Torbjörn Mathisen
  • Patent number: 6827728
    Abstract: A system and method provide for the interconnection of a medical fluid processing system with at least one patient temperature control pad positionable on a patient. Includable in the system is at least one connector interconnected and/or interconnectable to the medical fluid processing system and at least one connector interconnected and/or interconnectable to the at least one temperature control pad, wherein the connectors include an orientation device which provides for interconnection of the connectors at a predetermined orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Medivance Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce Ellingboe, Michael R. Hoglund, Gary A. Carson
  • Patent number: 6827729
    Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the body of a patient through a plurality of V-shaped slits. The therapy device is an inflatable tube. A heated air supply is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and is forced out of the exhaust ports. The exhaust ports are V-shaped slits. The method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Adroit Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford E. Gammons, Joseph G. Jones
  • Patent number: 6827730
    Abstract: A reduced diameter stent/graft deployment catheter and a method of insertion for said catheter. The delivery sheath portion of the catheter, i.e. the distal portion of the catheter containing the stent/graft, has a larger outer diameter than the remaining proximal portion of the catheter. The reduced outer diameter of the body of the catheter allows for the use of a smaller diameter introducer sheath. The method of inserting said catheter comprises the following steps: First, the delivery sheath portion of the catheter is inserted into the patient. Next, an introducer sheath, with an outer diameter which is no larger than the outer diameter of the delivery sheath, is disposed about the catheter and its distal portion inserted into the patient. The catheter is then advanced into the patient and the stent/graft deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Boris Leschinsky
  • Patent number: 6827731
    Abstract: A constraining sheath for use around an endoprosthesis (e.g., a stent device, with or without a graft covering), which may be a balloon expandable endoprosthesis but more preferably is a self-expanding prosthesis. The endoprosthesis is coaxially enclosed within the constraining sheath, which is an outer, disruptable, preferably implantable tubular sheath, preferably made of ePTFE. The constraining sheath and endoprosthesis are preferably mounted together as an assembly on an angioplasty balloon for delivery. Deployment of the endoprosthesis entails inflating the angioplasty balloon to a pressure sufficient to disrupt or break the constraining sheath in a prescribed fashion, thereby allowing a self-expanding endoprosthesis to spontaneously deploy. The constraining sheath of ePTFE may be attached to the endoprosthesis and implanted along with the device, or alternatively attached to the balloon catheter shaft and removed with the balloon catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Armstrong, Edward H. Cully, Mark J. Ulm, Michael J. Vonesh
  • Patent number: 6827732
    Abstract: A stent for placement in a body lumen is fabricated by forming a tube having an un-deployed diameter sized for the tube to be placed on a deployment balloon and advanced through a body lumen to a deployment site. The tube is expandable upon inflation of the balloon to an enlarged diameter sized for the tube to be retained within the lumen at the site upon deflation and withdrawal of the balloon. The tube has a stent axis extending between first and second axial ends of the tube. The tube has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The tube is polished to polish the exterior surface to a smooth surface finish and with at least a portion of the interior surface having a rough surface finish rougher than the surface finish of the exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: ev3 Peripheral, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6827733
    Abstract: An endovascular support device for treatment of chronic restenosis or other vascular narrowing is disclosed together with a method of manufacture and a method for delivering a plurality of such devices to an affected area of a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the endovascular support device comprises a unitary wire-like structure configured to form a plurality of upper and lower peaks which may be compressed for delivery to an affected area of a coronary or peripheral vessel in a human, and then expanded to maintain a passageway through the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic AVE, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Boneau
  • Patent number: 6827734
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an intracorporeal device formed of a high strength Co—Ni—Cr alloy and is particularly suitable for forming a composite product with a pseudoelastic member formed of NiTi alloy. Suitable intracorporeal products include guidewires and stents. The high strength alloy consists essentially of about 28 to about 65% cobalt, about 2 to about 40% nickel, about 5 to about 35% chromium, up to about 12% molybdenum, up to about 20% tungsten, up to about 20% iron and the balance inconsequential amounts of impurities and other alloying constituents, with a preferred alloy composition including about 30 to about 45% cobalt, about 25 to about 37% nickel, about 15 to about 25% chromium and about 5 to about 15% molybdenum. Intravascular devices such as guidewires, stents and the like can be formed of this high strength Co—Ni—Cr alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Sepehr Fariabi
  • Patent number: 6827735
    Abstract: A stent (10,20,30,40,50,58,60,80,90,100,150,254,256,300) having an inflatable member or a plurality of members affixed directly thereto. One type of inflatable member, or pair or plurality of members, may be affixed to the outer stent surface to expand upon inflation to seal against the vessel wall, and optionally to each other as well, and may be annular (14,18,20,42,46,82,94) or spirally (22,24,26,84) or asymmetrically (32,34,36) configured. In another embodiment a member (304), or pair of opposed members (306), can be affixed to the inner stent surface and used to occlude the lumen upon inflation. The device of the present invention can also be utilized with conventional stent grafts (152) to protect branch vessels that are involved in the aneurysm span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Cook Incorporated
    Inventor: Roy K. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 6827736
    Abstract: A tubular endoprosthesis (10) having a flexible tubular skirt (12) designed to channel a body fluid. The endoprosthesis includes a collar (14) for connection of the skirt (12) through a lateral wall (110) of a tubular conduit (108). The connection collar (14) is initially joined to one end of the skirt (12) and has, at its periphery, elements (34) for securing it to the wall (110). The securing elements (34) are deformable between an initial docking position and a final connection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Laboratories Perouse
    Inventor: Eric Paul Perouse
  • Patent number: 6827737
    Abstract: An implantable composite device for regulated delivery of bioactive agents to the site of implantation includes at least two zones of distinct porosities through its cross-section. One zone is of a sufficient porosity to permit regulated transport of bioactive agents associated with the device to an area of the body in need of treatment. The bioactive agent associated with the device can be either a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the device includes a tubular body consisting of a first luminal layer of ePTFE having a porosity sufficient to promote cell endothelization along the luminal surface; and a second polymeric layer disposed on the first layer of a porosity permitting regulated transport of the bioactive agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Peter Hill, David John Sogard, David Tseng
  • Patent number: 6827738
    Abstract: A refractive intraocular lens and method of locating the lens within the eye and attaching the lens to the iris. The refractive intraocular lens may be attached via staples, a fastener or by the tip of the haptics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy R. Willis, Lyle E. Paul, Joseph Collin
  • Patent number: 6827739
    Abstract: An easily assembled provisional orthopaedic implant having first and second components. The first component may include a stem which can be inserted into an intramedullary canal and may be a femoral component of a knee joint prosthesis. The second component has a body and a sliding retention member. The retention member can be manually engaged with a groove on the stem of the first component to lock the two components together. The second component may form of an intercondylar box and have a projecting tab engageable with a recess on the femoral component to properly orient the two components when they are placed in registry with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Griner, Douglas G. Branscome, Marvin Figueroa, John Edward Meyers, Randy G. Smythe, Robert Emil Snizek, Vincent A. Webster
  • Patent number: 6827740
    Abstract: The present invention is a specialized implant having opposed surfaces for engaging each of the vertebral bodies adjacent a disc space into which the implant is implanted. The surface comprises arrayed projections having at least one forward facing facet directed at least in part toward the leading end of the implant and at least one rearward portion directed at least in part toward the opposite trailing end of the implant. Each of the forward facet and rearward portion has a length and a slope. The length of the forward facet is longer than the length of the rearward facet. The slope of the rearward facet is steeper than the slope of the forward facet. The surface projections also have opposed side facets directed generally toward the sides of the implant. The side facets are located between the forward facet and rearward facet and converge toward each other in a direction away from the base of the surface projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Gary K. Michelson
  • Patent number: 6827741
    Abstract: A method for preparing and cutting the radial and carpal bones to receive a prosthetic wrist during a total wrist arthroplasty. Cuts on both the radius and carpal bones are made from a single broach. The broach is embedded in the intramedullary canal of the radius and a cutting tool is attached to an end of the broach to resect the radius. With the cutting tool removed, a cut block is attached to the broach and the carpal bones are resected. The cut block has a thickness that equal the thickness of the bearing component of the wrist prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Reeder
  • Patent number: 6827742
    Abstract: A prosthetic acetabular component includes two constructs, one being a metal base construct that engages the bone and the other being a polyethylene bearing construct that attaches to the metal base construct and articulates with a femoral stem prosthetic component. The metal base construct is composed of two different metals, one of which engages the bone surface and the other of which engages the polyethylene bearing construct. Each metal is well suited to its function. The first metal provides a superior bone-engaging face, while the second metal provides a superior polyethylene-engaging face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel E. E. Hayes, Jr., Alfred S. Depres, III
  • Patent number: 6827743
    Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic implants made from a mesh material. The mesh material can be treated in order to promote bone growth, to provide antibiotics, or to provide other beneficial treatment. Specific applications for the implants include, for example, a prosthetic ligament, a tension band, an interbody device, or a fixation device that extends across one or more joints or fractures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Lukas Eisermann, Eddie F. Ray, III
  • Patent number: 6827744
    Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot having multiple load points includes a sole and an upper member that overlies the sole. A heel end of the upper member has a gradual ninety degree bend formed in so that it is normal to the sole. A longitudinally-extending slot divides the heel end of the upper member into a lateral pylon support and a medial pylon support. The lateral pylon support is thicker than the medial pylon support so that forces applied to the lateral and medial pylons are transferred to a greater extent to the medial pylon support. Vertical bounce during heel strike is eliminated, as is the flat spot. The foot further provides medial lateral stiffness, medial lateral stability, torsional flex and anysotropic stiffness. In a second embodiment, an elongate lateral and medial pylon replace the lateral and medial pylon supports, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Aldo A. Laghi
  • Patent number: 6827745
    Abstract: A mixture of THP and a moderator is used to tan leather. The moderator is selected from metaphosphates and polyhydroxy or polypyrolidyl compounds such as glycerol, carboxydrates PVA or PVP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Rhodia Consumer Specialties Limted
    Inventors: Christopher Raymond Jones, Gareth Rhys Collins, Robert Eric Talbot
  • Patent number: 6827746
    Abstract: A process for treating a textile fabric to impart or enhance at least one property of the fabric comprising: introducing the fabric into an aqueous formaldehyde containing solution to provide a wet pickup of an effective amount of the solution by the fabric, applying to the fabric an effective amount of a catalyst for catalyzing a reaction between formaldehyde and the fabric; thereafter exposing the wet fabric to a temperature of at least about 300° F. to react the formaldehyde with the fabric to impart or enhance the property of the fabric before there is a substantial loss of formaldehyde from the exposed fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Strike Investments, LLC
    Inventor: George L. Payet
  • Patent number: 6827747
    Abstract: A composite separator plate for use in a fuel cell stack and method of manufacture is provided. The composite separator plate includes a plurality of elongated support members oriented generally parallel to each other and a polymeric body portion formed around the support members. The body portion includes a first surface with a plurality of flow channels and a second surface opposite the first surface. A plurality of electrically conductive fibers are disposed within the polymeric body portion, each fiber extending continuously from the first surface of the polymeric body portion to the second surface of the polymeric body portion in a through plane configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Lisi, Richard H. Blunk, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Youssef M. Mikhail
  • Patent number: 6827748
    Abstract: A fuel cell that includes a proton conductor film with a catalyst layer having a metal component formed thereon is provided. The metal catalyst layer can be formed directly onto the proton conductor film by one of a sputtering process, a vacuum deposition process, a chemical vapor deposition process of the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yamaura, Minehisa Imazato, Toshiaki Kanemitsu, Nobuaki Sato, Kenji Katori, Katsuya Shirai, Koichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6827749
    Abstract: An aqueous hydrocarbon fuel is produced by a batch or continuous process. The process employs a reactant emulsion as a starting component with a hydrocarbon fuel, emulsifier and water. The resulting aqueous hydrocarbon fuel emulsion has improved stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Westfall, John J. Mullay, Stephen P. Rowan
  • Patent number: 6827750
    Abstract: A container for releasing a chemical additive into a fuel composition comprises a fuel-impermeable casing having a hollow interior and an additive composition comprising at least one fuel soluble additive. The additive is held within the container by at least one fuel-permeable element provided at or near an opening in the casing and is effective to provide for release of additive(s) into the fuel composition. Methods of releasing additives into fuel compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignees: Dober Chemical Corp, Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Drozd, Harold R. Martin, Thomas J. Blakemore, Dennis Kelly, Doug Hudgens
  • Patent number: 6827751
    Abstract: An apparatus which is capable of supporting a process for gasifying a variety of hydrocarbon-containing materials. The resulting hydrogen-containing gas is suitable for use in various combustion processes and for petrochemical processes. A hydrocarbon-containing material is mixed with natural gas (or other suitable hydrocarbon gas) under pressure. The suspended material and gas are then injected under pressure into an acceleration/gasification tube. Intense heat (provided by an external energy source) is applied to the mixture as it travels through this tube, resulting in the cracking of the hydrocarbon chains and the release of additional energy. The released bond energy, along with the addition of the external energy, rapidly expands the gas and causes the velocity of the moving mixture to rise sharply as it proceeds down the tube. The acceleration/gasification tube is connected to a diffuser, which is essentially an expansion nozzle with a series of heat exchangers to cool the rapidly expanding gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas W. Kaufman, Verner Christensen
  • Patent number: 6827752
    Abstract: A problem to be solved is to provide a slurry that is capable of flattening an uneven film on a substrate with good precision, and that has good stability, not separating into two layers, solidifying through flocculated settling or undergoing changes in viscosity. This problem is solved by adding poly ammonium acrylates having different degrees of neutralization to one another as surfactants to a cerium oxide slurry containing cerium oxide particles, and suitably adjusting the total amount of polyacrylates added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: EKC Technology K.K.
    Inventors: Haruki Nojo, Akitoshi Yoshida, Pascal Berar
  • Patent number: 6827753
    Abstract: A gas/liquid separation system includes a cyclone case, a gas outflow pipe including a flange, and a housing that accommodates a valve and is welded to a peripheral edge portion of an upper opening of the cyclone case. An upper opening of a cylindrical portion of the cyclone case is blocked off by the flange of the gas outflow pipe. An annular projection is formed at the flange and at the housing. The annular projections fit together with an annular recess formed in the upper opening edge portion of the cyclone case. The gas outflow pipe and the housing are welded at the upper opening edge portion of the cyclone case. A sealing property can be secured without using seal members, and welding portions are few.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignees: Toyoda Boshoku Corp., Denso Corporation, Honda Girken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuki Matsubara, Teruaki Kitano
  • Patent number: 6827754
    Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb filter comprising a ceramic honeycomb structure having porous partition walls defining a plurality of flow paths for flowing an exhaust gas through the porous partition walls to remove particulates from the exhaust gas, the predetermined flow paths among the flow paths being sealed at their ends, a catalyst being carried by the porous partition walls, the porous partition walls having a porosity of 60-75% and an average pore diameter of 15-25 &mgr;m when measured according to a mercury penetration method, and the maximum of a slope Sn of a cumulative pore volume curve of the porous partition walls relative to a pore diameter obtained at an n-th measurement point being 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi Metals, Ltd., Hino Motors, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirohisa Suwabe, Yasuhiko Otsubo, Shinya Tokumaru, Hiroshi Funabashi, Keiichi Nakagome, Makoto Tsujita, Hisaki Torisaka
  • Patent number: 6827755
    Abstract: A high-strength and high-toughness ferritic steel having a tensile strength of not less than 1,000 MPA and a Charpy impact value of not less than 1 MJ/m2 is provided. A ferritic steel comprising, by weight, not more than 1% Si, not more than 1.25% Mn, 8 to 30% Cr, not more than 0.2% C, not more than 0.2% N, not more than 0.4% O, a total amount of not more than 12% of at least one compound-forming element selected from the group of Ti, Zr, Hf, V and Nb in amounts of not more than 3% Ti, not more than 6% Zr, not more than 10% Hf, not more than 1.0% V and not more than 2.0% Nb, also containing where necessary not more than 0.3% Mo, not more than 4% W and not more than 1.6% Ni, and the balance consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities, and having an average crystal grain size of not more than 1 &mgr;m, can be obtained by a method comprising encapsulating a steel powder produced by mechanical alloying, and subjecting the encapsulated steel powder to plastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Taguchi, Ryo Ishibashi, Yasuhisa Aono, Hidehiko Sumitomo, Hiroki Masumoto, Masakuni Fujikura