Multiple Prong, E.g., Nailing Plate, Staple, Etc. Patents (Class 411/457)
  • Patent number: 11766259
    Abstract: Methods for providing and using a surgical instrument system are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Patent number: 11596398
    Abstract: A system and a method are provided for a surgical bending instrument for bending surgical implants. The surgical bending instrument comprises a body including a center lever comprising a wheel and a cam. A distal force applicator comprises a driver centered between a first grip and a second grip. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to retain a surgical staple, such that the surgical staple may be changed to a distracted configuration suitable for implantation at a bone fixation or fusion site of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to bend a bone fusion plate so as to tailor the plate to specific anatomy of the patient's bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: In2Bones USA, LLC
    Inventor: Rebecca Hawkins Wahl
  • Patent number: 11553945
    Abstract: The present invention is an implant for bone. The current implant is particularly useful in spinal surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: BLUE SKY TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Castro
  • Patent number: 11540825
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applier having a handle and a fastener housing extending from the handle. The housing contains at least one anvil movable within the staple housing, the anvil has a proximal position and a distal position. When in the distal position a distal end of the anvil extends distal to the distal end of the staple housing. The housing contains a plurality of surgical fasteners each of which in the shape of a loop. At least one of the fasteners is placed around a portion of the anvil when in the distal position. The applier has a first mechanism for moving the anvil distally after a fastener has been deployed, and a second mechanism for moving the anvil distally after a fastener has been deployed. The second means is independent of the first means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Lawrence Crainich
  • Patent number: 11439392
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly that includes a staple cartridge having a cartridge body that defines a central knife slot, rows of first staple receiving pockets on one side of the central knife slot, and a row of second staple receiving pockets on a second side of the knife slot. The first staple receiving pockets receive staples having a substantially U-shaped configuration that can be formed into a B-shape. The second staple receiving slots receive substantially Y-shaped staples which minimize damage to tissue and can be removed from the tissue more easily to allow for pathological examination of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Olesea Diaz-Chiosa, Robert H. Knapp
  • Patent number: 11278277
    Abstract: Devices and methods for stabilizing bone. The devices and methods may provide a more balanced proximal and distal compression when stabilizing bone. An exemplary device may comprise a staple member including a bridge connecting a first leg to a second leg. The device also may comprise a resilient arm elongated between a fixed end and a free end, and projecting from the first leg and/or from an end region of the bridge adjoining the first leg. At least a portion of the resilient arm intermediate the fixed and free ends may be inwardly adjacent and spaced from an upper region of the first leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Acumed LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Seykora, Matthew C. Sucec, Brandon Wedam
  • Patent number: 11255087
    Abstract: A mounting clip and a system for mounting a vertical panel from a support member suspended from a ceiling. The mounting clip has a panel mounting section, a support member receiving portion, and a movable mounting section. The support member receiving portion extends from the panel mounting section. The movable mounting section can be rotated relative to the support member receiving portion to secure the mounting clip to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventor: Todd M. Bergman
  • Patent number: 11202666
    Abstract: A surgical staple (714) for inserting into one or more bone parts (10, 12) comprises a plate (718), a first screw (748) and a second screw (748). The plate (718) includes a first end (768F), an opposed second end (768S), a first aperture (742) that is positioned near the first end (768F), and a second aperture (742) that is positioned near the second end (768S). Additionally, the plate (718) is curved along a length of the plate (718) from the first end (768F) to the second end (768S). The first screw (748) extends through the first aperture (742). The second screw (748) extends through the second aperture (742). Further, the first screw (748) and the second screw (748) are angled toward one another when the surgical staple (714) is in a relaxed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan G. Taylor, Rebecca H. Wahl
  • Patent number: 11103248
    Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge is disclosed comprising a plurality of staples removably stored within the surgical staple cartridge. The staples comprise staple legs which extend from a staple base portion in a parallel and offset plane with respect to a plane defined by the staple base portion. Each staple comprises a center of mass aligned with the staple base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Jerome R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10993715
    Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly is disclosed which comprises first staples including a drive portion and a clenching portion offset from the drive portion by a first distance and, in addition, second staples including a drive portion and a clenching portion offset from the drive portion by a second distance which is different than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10987107
    Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge, the anvil assembly is movable in relation to the staple cartridge between spaced and clamped positions. The anvil assembly includes a housing defining a recess and a mesh material positioned within the recess. The staple cartridge includes a body defining a plurality of staple receiving slots. Each of the staple receiving slots supports a staple. The staple receiving slots are aligned with the recess when the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge are in the clamped position such that the plurality of staples are ejected and penetrate into the mesh material when the tool assembly is fired. Each of the plurality of staples includes a backspan and a leg extending from each end of the backspan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Charles R. Kollar, David E. Valentine, Jr., Joseph M. Guerrera
  • Patent number: 10898180
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heart valve repair method, comprising: advancing a distal end of a suture implanting apparatus from an outside of a body through a transapical approach into a left ventricle or a right ventricle of a heart; holding each leaflet of a heart valve with the distal end of the suture implanting apparatus; implanting at least one suture into the leaflet; withdrawing the suture implanting apparatus from the body; advancing a distal end of a suture locking apparatus from the outside of a body through a transapical approach into the corresponding left ventricle or the corresponding right ventricle; using the suture locking apparatus to lock the plurality of sutures; and withdrawing the suture locking apparatus from the body. The heart valve repair method has a simple surgical procedure, a low degree of patient trauma, and a high success rate of surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: HANGZHOU VALGEN MEDTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tingchao Zhang, Weiwei Zhang, Chunyuan Zhou, Xianzhang Zheng
  • Patent number: 10863982
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a surgical bending instrument for bending surgical implants. The surgical bending instrument comprises a body including a longitudinally extending threaded hole. A shaft comprising a threaded portion is rotatably engaged within the threaded hole. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the shaft, and a distal extension of the shaft comprises a driver. A distal force applicator comprises the driver centered between a first grip and a second grip. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to retain a surgical staple, such that the surgical staple may be changed to a distracted configuration suitable for implantation at a bone fixation or fusion site of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to bend a bone fusion plate so as to tailor the plate to specific anatomy of the patient's bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: In2Bones USA, LLC
    Inventor: Rebecca Hawkins Wahl
  • Patent number: 10724239
    Abstract: A mounting clip and a system for mounting a vertical panel from a support member suspended from a ceiling. The mounting clip has a panel mounting section, a support member receiving portion, and a movable mounting section. The support member receiving portion extends from the panel mounting section. The movable mounting section can be rotated relative to the support member receiving portion to secure the mounting clip to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventor: Todd M Bergman
  • Patent number: 10716559
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a plurality of securing devices. For example, the present disclosure includes securing devices comprising sutures, everting anchors, and inverting anchors. The sutures and anchors disclosed herein may be capable of deployment to a depth within a body lumen, such that body tissue external to the body lumen is not damaged by the devices. Moreover, in various embodiments, the securing devices described herein may couple one or more medical devices (e.g., stents, grafts, and/or stent-grafts) to body tissue such as a body lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. O'Hara, Sherif A. Eskaros, Clifford P. Warner
  • Patent number: 10682138
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a stapling assembly is disclosed. The stapling assembly comprises, among other things, an anvil configured to deform staples. The anvil comprises a tissue-engaging surface and a pair of forming pockets defined in the tissue-engaging surface, wherein the pair of forming pockets are configured to deform corresponding legs of a staple. The pair of forming pockets comprises a longitudinal pocket axis, an intermediate axis comprising a center point, a proximal forming pocket, and a distal forming pocket, wherein the pair of forming pockets are bilaterally asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal pocket axis and the intermediate axis, and wherein the pair of forming pockets are rotationally asymmetric with respect to the center point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Gregory J. Bakos, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10660673
    Abstract: Devices and methods useful in surgical processes that require structural attachment to bone such as spinal vertebrae. More specifically, an improved bone implant having a band there through for the purpose of correcting and/or preventing curvature of the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Richard S. Maly
  • Patent number: 10603084
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include systems for the treatment of spinal deformity in children by harnessing growth modulation without requiring vertebral fusion. In some embodiments, the system uses flexible or moveable elements to selectively apply and tune forces and moments to the spine instead of rigid fixation and vertebral segment fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Tether Implant Corporation
    Inventors: Albert E. Sanders, James O. Sanders, Ronald G. Blackman, Robert B. More, Brian Snyder, Grant D. Hogue, Ira Zaltz
  • Patent number: 10494821
    Abstract: A fastener for attaching grooved decking planks to a support member has a body defining an attachment opening spacing apart opposing legs that may extend from a lateral shoulder. The body may include a planar portion The legs may have varying front or rear edge configurations. The front end may have downward extending teeth. A nose may extend from the front end while a tail may extend from the rear end of the body. Adjacent fasteners may be joined by their respective noses and tails to form a collated series of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: OMG, Inc .
    Inventors: Peter J. Shadwell, Michael W. Maziarz
  • Patent number: 10376386
    Abstract: A self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatus is disclosed which includes at least first and second sliding boxes. A first screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body is disposed within the first sliding box, and a second screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body disposed within the second sliding box. An adjuster adjusts the height of the sliding boxes. The screw members are screwed into vertebral bodies in order to fuse the vertebral bodies together. A plurality of the self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatuses may be attached together and/or integrated via a plate or cage. Also disclosed is a cervical facet staple that includes a curved staple base and at least two prongs attached to the bottom surface of the curved staple base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Moskowitz Family LLC
    Inventors: Ahmnon D. Moskowitz, Pablo A. Valdivia Y. Alvarado, Mosheh T. Moskowitz, Nathan C. Moskowitz
  • Patent number: 10309100
    Abstract: A mullion cover hanger and a curtain wall insulation system incorporating the mullion cover hanger are provided. The mullion cover hanger includes an elongated main body having hook members extending therefrom. When the mullion cover hanger is attached to a mullion, a mullion cover can be secured to the mullion cover hanger without using electric tools or additional fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Long, Saul Salgado
  • Patent number: 10299792
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise fastener cavities arranged in longitudinal rows. A first fastener having a first configuration and a second fastener having a second configuration can be stored within a longitudinal row. First fasteners having a first configuration can be stored within a first longitudinal row and second fasteners having a second configuration can be stored within a second longitudinal row. Each first fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a first distal angle and each second fastener can have a proximal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second proximal angle and a distal leg, or leg portion, extending at a second distal angle. The first proximal angle can be different than the second proximal angle and/or the first distal angle can be different than the second distal angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Kevin R. Doll, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Emily A. Schellin, Jason L. Harris, Geoffrey C. Hueil
  • Patent number: 10143473
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member and a tissue anchor. The elongate member defines a lumen. The elongate member has a retention member disposed within the lumen. The tissue anchor has a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a base portion extending between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. The tissue anchor has a first configuration and a second configuration. The first arm portion is substantially linear when the tissue anchor is in its first configuration and the first arm portion is non-linear when the tissue anchor is in its second configuration. The tissue anchor is biased to its second configuration. The tissue anchor is configured to be disposed within the lumen defined by the elongate member such that the retention member engages the tissue anchor to help retain the tissue anchor in its first configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jianmin Li
  • Patent number: 9918714
    Abstract: Medical devices and related methods for closing a perforation in a bodily wall are provided. The medical device generally includes an introducer device having a base defining a plurality of recesses formed therein. Visceral staples are disposed within the recesses in a delivery state and are biased toward a deployed state. A holding mechanism retains the staples in the delivery state, and the holding mechanism is moveable relative to the base to allow the staples to extend out of the recesses. The biased nature of the staples will cause them to transition into the deployed state after the staples have been released, such that the staples will thereby pierce adjacent tissue and remain closed. The holding mechanism can be retractable or pivotable out of engagement with the staples. The introducer device can include upper and lower jaws or a slidable cover relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: William S. Gibbons, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9597073
    Abstract: A surgical device for applying a plurality of surgical staples is provided. The device includes a staple fastening assembly attached to a surgical instrument. The staple fastening assembly includes a pair of cooperating jaws, a jaw operating mechanism, and a gap sensor. A staple magazine having a plurality of staples and an anvil member having a plurality of staple pockets are attached to the jaws. The staple magazine includes a staple crimping cam and a staple dimpling cam that are operatively coupled to the surgical instrument. The jaw operating mechanism is operatively connected to a drive assembly in the surgical instrument for moving the jaws for automatically setting a tissue gap between the cooperating jaws. The gap sensor cooperates with the jaw operating mechanism for controlling staple formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Gregory Sorrentino, Frank J. Viola, Scott Cunningham
  • Patent number: 9474526
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member and a tissue anchor. The elongate member defines a lumen. The elongate member has a retention member disposed within the lumen. The tissue anchor has a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a base portion extending between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. The tissue anchor has a first configuration and a second configuration. The first arm portion is substantially linear when the tissue anchor is in its first configuration and the first arm portion is non-linear when the tissue anchor is in its second configuration. The tissue anchor is biased to its second configuration. The tissue anchor is configured to be disposed within the lumen defined by the elongate member such that the retention member engages the tissue anchor to help retain the tissue anchor in its first configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jianmin Li
  • Patent number: 9394091
    Abstract: A method for fastening wrapping sheets made of paper or cellulose in pulp-bale packaging, wherein a pulp bale is wrapped using a single-piece or two-part wrapping sheet made of paper or using a lower sheet and upper sheet made of cellulose. The method is characterized in that, at the location of overlap of the two paper or cellulose sheets, or at the end fold of the wrapping sheets made of cellulose or paper, one or more clip(s), including a decomposable material, not leaving behind any harmful components, as bale processing continues, is introduced into the bale. This makes it possible to avoid a costly binding machine or paper-strapping machine, and does away with the outlay required for disposing of the wire by the end user. A fastening device which includes a decomposable material which does not leave behind any harmful components, as bale processing continues is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: ANDRITZ AG
    Inventor: Walter Writzl
  • Patent number: 9289207
    Abstract: A circular stapler apparatus for stapling tissue includes a staple and pledget assembly and a circular staple head operable to drive staples toward an anvil. A staple of the staple and pledget assembly has a pair of legs disposed substantially perpendicular to a crown of the staple in a first position. The pair of legs is operable to advance against a pocket in the anvil to form a staple with bent legs. The staple and pledget assembly includes the staple and a pledget configured to receive the pair of legs of the staple. The pledget comprises a bioabsorbable material. The pledget is configured to advance distal ends of the pair of legs to a position in which the distal ends are laterally offset from a plane in which the crown of the staple is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventor: Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 9168038
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Chester O. Baxter, III, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Joseph E. Young
  • Patent number: 9017329
    Abstract: A method for applying compression to a joint includes providing an intramedullary fixation assembly having a proximal screw member positioned at a proximal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly and a lag screw member positioned at a distal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly. Medullary canals are drilled in a first and second bone and the medullary canals are reamed. The proximal screw member is inserted into the first bone and a drill is used create a dorsal hole in the first bone. The lag screw member is slideably coupled to the dorsal hole and to the proximal screw member and into the second medullary canal. A torque is applied to the lag screw member to apply compression to the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Extremity Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Tyber, Jamy Gannoe, Lawrence Kiefer, Brian Gerard Donley, Brian Adams
  • Patent number: 9011063
    Abstract: A manufacturing method and device for supporting conductors. Using a non-metallic insulating material extending beyond one or both parallel legs of a staple the thumb and forefinger may grip this extension while the staple is being driven into a supporting structure. This finger grip allows for a small, insulated staple to be held with increased safety to thumb and forefinger during penetration of staple into support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Dale Derrig, Jeffrey S. Roy
  • Patent number: 8974166
    Abstract: A device (H) to be mounted to a friable wall (W) comprises a body (10) and at least one main saber tooth (12) extending rearwardly from an upper portion of the body (10) and adapted to be driven into the wall (W) for securing the device (H) thereto. The main saber tooth (12) is arcuate and has a pointed rear free end (22), and is adapted to be arcuately driven into the wall (W). An arcuate and pointy secondary saber tooth (14) extends rearwardly from a lower portion of the body (10) for insertion into the wall (W) before the main saber tooth (12) is inserted therein. The main saber tooth (12) defines a lower enlarged, and typically flat, load-bearing surface (30) for bearing against material of the wall (W). The main saber tooth (12) includes an upper transversely curved surface (32). A hook member (20) is provided on a front part of the body (10) for suspending items therefrom once the device (H) has been mounted to the wall (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cobra Fixations Cie Ltee-Cobra Anchors Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Pierre McDuff
  • Patent number: 8858146
    Abstract: A manufacturing method and device for supporting conductors. Using a non-metallic insulating material extending beyond the inside of one or both parallel legs of a staple the thumb and forefinger may grip this extension while the staple is being driven into a supporting structure. This finger grip allows for a small, insulated staple to be held with increased safety to thumb and forefinger during penetration of staple into support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Dale Derrig, Jeffrey Roy
  • Patent number: 8777084
    Abstract: A system for performing anastomosis includes a plurality of staples, an annular staple support having structure for holding the staples, and a staple closing device for closing the staples to secure the canal ends together. A method for performing anastomosis and staples for performing anastomosis are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Biorep Technologies, Inc., University of Miami
    Inventors: Ramon E. Poo, Andreas G. Tzakis
  • Patent number: 8728120
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a biomechanical fastener is provided and includes a backspan defining an upper surface, a lower surface and a pair of side surfaces; at least a pair of legs depending from the backspan; and at least one contact pad extending from the lower surface to the upper surface of the backspan. At least one of the pair of legs contacts at least one of the contact pads upon a formation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Blier
  • Patent number: 8728119
    Abstract: A generally U-shaped surgical staple comprises a base 10 and a pair of generally “L”-shaped legs 12 extending substantially perpendicularly from opposite ends of the base respectively. The legs 12 in use of the staple are bent through approximately 90° relative to the base. To effect a greater compression of the stapled tissue the legs include a penetrative portion 16 adjacent the tip and a compressive structure 30 which, due to its increased height relative to that of the penetrative portion, spreads the compressive forces of the staple further along the length of the incision being closed. The compressive portion also provides a depth stop to avoid the tip penetrating too deeply into the tissue in which it is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Vascular Inc.
    Inventor: Christy Cummins
  • Patent number: 8720766
    Abstract: A surgical staple including a crown and a deformable member extending from the crown, the deformable member having a notch configured to cause the deformable member to bend at the notch when the staple is deformed from a first shape into a second shape. The crown of the surgical staple, in various embodiments, further includes a forming surface, or anvil, which is configured to deform the deformable member and/or guide a distal end of the deformable member when the distal end contacts the crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Jerome R. Morgan, James W. Voegele, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Joshua Uth
  • Patent number: 8721245
    Abstract: A penetration load reduced staple includes a pair of leg portions configured to penetrate sheets of paper, a crown portion connecting the pair of leg portions. Each of the leg portions includes a protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting with a longitudinal direction of the leg portion, from a portion of a side surface of the leg portion between the crown portion and a distal end portion of the leg portion and near the distal end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Kanai
  • Patent number: 8672600
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clip having a general T-shape. The clip may be mounted to a deck board structure for engagement with a joist. The clip may include a base for mounting to a structure, such as a deck board, and barbs located on the base. The clip may also include a pair of supporting arms having clamping tabs with barbs. The barbs of the base and the clamping tabs may grip onto a joist. The clip may also include an aperture that is capable of connecting the base to the deck board. Once assembled with the deck board and joist, the clip may remain completely hidden from view after deck completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tinnerman Palnut Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Reznar, Robert Dziadula, Robert Taylor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8631992
    Abstract: An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt; at least one staple including a crown fixed to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt, the crown having a first width, and a free end extending from the crown; and at least one pad wider than the first width, wherein each pad is associated with a corresponding crown. An exemplary surgical method using that exemplary apparatus may include placing the feeder belt in proximity to tissue; penetrating the free end of at least one staple into tissue, such that tissue is positioned between the free end and the crown; compressing the free end of at least one staple toward the crown, such that a compressive force is exerted toward the crown; distributing the compressive force across the pad of at least one staple; and shearing at least one staple from the feeder belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard A. Hausen, Bryan D. Knodel, Patrick Flanagan, Bennie Thompson
  • Patent number: 8591545
    Abstract: A suture anchor for anchoring a suture to a bone, including a distal end having a bifurcated tip, in which the bifurcated tip defines a suture-engaging slot, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis between the distal end and the proximal end, and two substantially flat surfaces extending between the distal end and the proximal end, in which the two substantially flat surfaces are substantially parallel, in which the two substantially flat surfaces are separated by a thickness of no more than about 0.1 inches, and in which the two substantially flat surfaces extend along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by a width of no more than about 0.4 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Lunn, David A. Paulk, Paul L. Salvas
  • Patent number: 8523506
    Abstract: Consistent with embodiments described herein, a one-piece staple for affixing electrical or communications wires or staples includes a body portion and at least three leg elements extending from the body portion. The first leg element and the second leg element define a first cable receiving area, and the second leg element and the third leg element define a second cable receiving area. The at least three leg elements are configured for secure insertion into a structural support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Brian MacDonald, Daniel Lalancette, Mike Di Lillo
  • Patent number: 8469645
    Abstract: A pneumatically drivable fastener secures drywall or other construction material to a metal stud. Each fastener comprises a driving head; and a one piece shank component, secured at one end to the driving head. Each shank component has an axial length extending perpendicularly and longitudinally from the driving head and is divided into two or three sections: (a) an optional, solid section closest to the driving head; (b) an intermediate section with grooves that define stud cutting edges; and (c) two or more forked ends opposite the driving head. A method for fastening drywall to a plurality of metal studs is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Dichiera
  • Patent number: 8454289
    Abstract: A staple with a breakaway staple holding prong enables a person to more easily observe, hold, position, prepare and/or steady the staple for driving and embedding into a structure. The person can hold the breakaway staple holding prong with two or more fingers of one hand and drive and embed the staple into the structure with the other hand, while minimizing or eliminating the possibility that the incoming blows of the other hand will come into contact with and harm the fingers of the hand holding the staple. The staple includes a first nail prong and a second nail prong connected by a member, creating a substantially U-shaped body, the staple further including a breakaway staple holding prong coupled to the substantially U-shaped body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Walter Frantin
  • Patent number: 8448832
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a cartridge body having plurality of surgical fasteners disposed therein. The plurality of surgical fasteners include a plurality of first surgical fasteners having a first backspan with a first configuration, and a plurality of second surgical fasteners having a second backspan with a second, different configuration such that the plurality of first surgical fasteners apply a first compressive force to tissue upon formation and the plurality of second surgical fasteners apply a second, different compressive force to tissue upon formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Keith L. Milliman
  • Patent number: 8424735
    Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a cartridge body having plurality of surgical fasteners disposed therein. The plurality of surgical fasteners include a plurality of first surgical fasteners having a first backspan with a first configuration, and a plurality of second surgical fasteners having a second backspan with a second, different configuration such that the plurality of first surgical fasteners apply a first compressive force to tissue upon formation and the plurality of second surgical fasteners apply a second, different compressive force to tissue upon formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Keith L. Milliman
  • Patent number: 8414239
    Abstract: A device (H) to be mounted to a friable wall (W) comprises a body (10) and at least one main saber tooth (12) extending rearwardly from an upper portion of the body (10) and adapted to be driven into the wall (W) for securing the device (H) thereto. The main saber tooth (12) is arcuate and has a pointed rear free end (22), and is adapted to be arcuately driven into the wall (W). An arcuate and pointy secondary saber tooth (14) extends rearwardly from a lower portion of the body (10) for insertion into the wall (W) before the main saber tooth (12) is inserted therein. The main saber tooth (12) defines a lower enlarged, and typically flat, load-bearing surface (30) for bearing against material of the wall (W). The main saber tooth (12) includes an upper transversely curved surface (32). A hook member (20) is provided on a front part of the body (10) for suspending items therefrom once the device (H) has been mounted to the wall (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Cobra Anchors Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Pierre McDuff
  • Patent number: 8393842
    Abstract: A strip of metallic fasteners in which a plurality of metallic fastener materials are aligned and adhered to each other, wherein a coating agent for adhering adjacent metallic fastener materials to each other includes 100 parts by weight of an acid group-containing styrene-butadiene base rubber and 10 to 100 parts by weight of a resin having a softening point of 120° C. or more, both being dissolved by an organic solvent. The strip of metallic fasteners are adhered to each other by a coating that does not contain a halogen compound. The strip of metallic fasteners has improved blocking resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignees: Konishi Co., Ltd., Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Asano, Kunihiro Onishi, Ryo Koike, Ichinari Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8387848
    Abstract: A surgical staple comprising a first deformable leg, a second deformable leg and a backspan having first and second transverse portions spaced apart to create a gap therebetween. The backspan further includes a third transverse portion spaced distally from the first and second transverse portions and distally of the gap. A first non-linear backspan portion extends between the first transverse portion and the first end portion of the third transverse portion and a second non-linear backspan portion extends between the second transverse portion and the second end portion of the third transverse portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Paul Anthony Johnson, Daniel Robert Morgan Edwards
  • Patent number: 8381961
    Abstract: A fastener system includes an open loop member and a receiving plate. The open loop member has first and second legs and a base. Each leg defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The receiving plate has a body including a pair of spaced apart channels. The body defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. Each channel is positioned to receive a portion of one of the first or second legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Henry E. Holsten, Kenneth Blier