US5800544A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tendon and ligament repair system
Assignee: Omeros Corp
•
Filing: 1995-12-04
•
Granted: 1998-09-01
•
Expires: 2015-12-04
Abstract
Abstract The damaged portion of an injured tendon or ligament (C) ("connective cord") is inserted into a thin, hollow sleeve (100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 160, 180, 200, 240, 260, 270, 300, 390, generically designated "S") and is connected to the sleeve (S) such that the cord-sleeve combination can immediately withstand normal tensile forces. the interconnection can be mechanical, such as by pins (22, 22', 148, 150, 164, 188, 190, 206, 206', 210, 226, 230, 238, 239, 266, 286, 308) extending through the sleeve (S) and cord (C). The sleeve (S) can be bioabsorbable over a sufficiently long period of time that the cord (C) is healed by the time the sleeve (S) is absorbed.
Inventors
- 👤 Gregory A. Demopulos
- 👤 Stephen A. Yencho
- 👤 David A. Herrin
- 👤 Neil G. McIlvaine
- 👤 Michael D. Nelson
- 👤 Milton R. Sigelmann
- 👤 Jose T. V. de Castro
- 👤 George Selecman
- 👤 John Collins
- 👤 Imraan Aziz
- 👤 Gorm Bressner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:02
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/08; A61F2/0811; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/11; A61B17/1146; A61F2002/0817; A61F2002/0823; A61F2002/0829; A61F2002/0847; A61F2002/0864; A61F2002/087; A61F2002/0876; A61F2002/0888; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0085; A61F2240/00; A61F2240/001; A61F2240/002; A61F2240/004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 186
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising a hollow sleeve of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material and sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and means for securing the cord to said sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through said sleeve, said sleeve having opposite walls for extending along opposite sides of the cord, said securing means including several rigid pins extending between said walls, at least some of said pins projecting from one of said walls and being integral with said one wall and extending through openings in the opposite wall.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising a hollow sleeve of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material and sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and means for securing the cord to said sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through said sleeve, said sleeve having opposite walls for extending along opposite sides of the cord, said securing means including several rigid pins extending between said walls, at least some of said pins projecting from one of said walls and being integral with said one wall and extending through openings in the opposite wall.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the sleeve is formed of bioabsorbable material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The splice defined in claim 2, in which the sleeve is impregnated or coated with an agent selected from the group consisting of agents for enhancing healing, agents for decreasing adhesion formation, and agents for deterring scar formation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the securing means includes means for mechanically securing the cord to the sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted to the sleeve substantially uniformly throughout the cross section of the cord.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the sleeve has top and bottom sections defining the opposite walls.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 5, in which the top and bottom sections are hinged together.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The splice defined in claim 5, including means for securing the sections together.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
59 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the pins have body portions extending between the opposite walls of the sleeve and opposite end portions received in the opposite walls of the sleeve, said pin end portions being of reduced diameter for forming shoulders for engaging against the inner periphery of each of the opposite walls of the sleeve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the pins are of a diameter no greater than about 0.025".
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the sleeve is elongated, the pins being arranged in transversely extending rows, and the pins of one row being staggered relative to the pins of an adjacent row.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
57 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the pins have body portions for extending through the interior of the sleeve, each pin having a sharpened end portion projecting from such body portion and a peripheral groove between the body portion and the sharpened end portion for separation of the sharpened end portion from the body portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the sleeve is elongated and of substantially uniform cross section throughout its length.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
The splice defined in claim 12, in which the sleeve is of oval cross section, having a major axis dimension and a minor axis dimension, the major axis dimension being at least about twice the length of the minor axis dimension.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The splice defined in claim 13, in which the length of the sleeve is substantially greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the sleeve.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The splice defined in claim 13, in which the sleeve has a peripheral wall of a thickness much less than one-half the minor axis dimension.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
The splice defined in claim 12, in which the sleeve has top and bottom sections moveable relative to each other between an open position for insertion of the cord and a closed position circumferentially restraining the cord.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 16, including means for maintaining the sleeve in the closed position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The splice defined in claim 16, in which the top section and bottom section are hinged together.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the sleeve has a peripheral wall of a thickness of about 0.025" to about 0.029".
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the sleeve is elongated and has an observation port located approximately midway between its ends.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 20, in which the observation port is about 0.050" in diameter.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
48 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the sleeve is formed of separate sections moveable relative to each other between a closed position closely receiving a section of the cord and an open position in which at least one of the sections is spaced from the cord.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The splice defined in claim 22, in which the sections are hinged together.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 22, including means for maintaining the sections in the closed position.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
50 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the sleeve is adapted for receiving severed end portions of a connective cord with the severed cord ends in abutting relationship and for maintaining the severed ends abutting as tension is applied to the cord by transmitting tensional force through the sleeve.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
41 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the sleeve is adapted for connection to a bone for connecting the connective cord to the bone and for transmission of tensional force from the connective cord through the sleeve to the bone.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
The splice defined in claim 1, in which the sleeve is constructed for flexing in a direction transversely of its length without substantially altering the overall length of the sleeve.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
41 words
The splice defined in claim 27, in which the sleeve is of generally elliptical cross section having a major axis longer than the minor axis, and in which the sleeve is constructed for flexing in the direction of the minor axis.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
95 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising an elongated hollow sleeve sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and a plurality of rigid members extending between opposite walls of the sleeve for securing the cord to the sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through the sleeve without substantial deflection of the rigid members, the rigid members being pins arranged in transversely extending rows, and the pins of one row being staggered relative to the pins of an adjacent row.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
95 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising an elongated hollow sleeve sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and a plurality of rigid members extending between opposite walls of the sleeve for securing the cord to the sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through the sleeve without substantial deflection of the rigid members, the rigid members being pins arranged in transversely extending rows, and the pins of one row being staggered relative to the pins of an adjacent row.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The splice defined in claim 29, in which the hollow sleeve is formed of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
The splice defined in claim 29, in which the sleeve is formed of bioabsorbable material.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
38 words
The splice defined in claim 31, in which the sleeve is impregnated or coated with an agent selected from the group consisting of agents for enhancing healing, agents for decreasing adhesion formation, and agents for deterring scar formation.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
The splice defined in claim 29, in which the sleeve has top and bottom sections defining opposite walls.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
27 words
The splice defined in claim 33, in which at least some of the pins project from one of the sections and are integral with said one section.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 33, in which the top and bottom sections are hinged together.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
13 words
The splice defined in claim 35, including means for securing the sections together.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
59 words
The splice defined in claim 33, in which the pins have body portions extending between the opposite walls of the sleeve and opposite end portions received in the opposite walls of the sleeve, said pin end portions being of reduced diameter for forming shoulders for engaging against the inner periphery of each of the opposite walls of the sleeve.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
The splice defined in claim 33, in which the pins are of a diameter no greater than about 0.025".
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
The splice defined in claim 33, in which the pins have opposite ends substantially flush with the outer periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
57 words
The splice defined in claim 33, in which the pins have body portions for extending through the interior of the sleeve, each pin having a sharpened end portion projecting from such body portion and a peripheral groove between the body portion and the sharpened end portion for separation of the sharpened end portion from the body portion.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
The splice defined in claim 29, in which the sleeve is elongated and of substantially uniform cross section throughout its length.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
41 words
The splice defined in claim 41, in which the sleeve is of oval cross section, having a major axis dimension and a minor axis dimension, the major axis dimension being at least about twice the length of the minor axis dimension.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
24 words
The splice defined in claim 42, in which the length of the sleeve is substantially greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the sleeve.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
25 words
The splice defined in claim 42, in which the sleeve has a peripheral wall of a thickness much less than one-half the minor axis dimension.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
37 words
The splice defined in claim 42, in which the sleeve has top and bottom sections moveable relative to each other between an open position for insertion of the cord and a closed position circumferentially restraining the cord.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 45, including means for maintaining the sleeve in the closed position.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
17 words
The splice defined in claim 45, in which the top section and bottom section are hinged together.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 29, in which the sleeve has a peripheral wall of a thickness of about 0.025" to about 0.029".
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 29, in which the sleeve is elongated and has an observation port located approximately midway between its ends.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 49, in which the observation port is about 0.050" in diameter.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
The splice defined in claim 29, in which the sleeve has an inner periphery having a longitudinally extending groove to allow vascular flow to the cord.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
31 words
The splice defined in claim 29, in which the sleeve has opposite wall portions having apertures therethrough, and including means for obstructing the apertures at the inner periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
37 words
The splice defined in claim 29, in which the sleeve is formed of separate sections, each of said sections being hollow and being substantially aligned axially with an adjacent section, and means for joining said sections together.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
The splice defined in claim 53, in which the joining means permits limited swinging movement of the sections relative to each other without permitting a substantial change in the length of the sleeve.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
50 words
The splice defined in claim 29, in which the sleeve is adapted for receiving severed end portions of a connective cord with the severed cord ends in abutting relationship and for maintaining the severed ends abutting as tension is applied to the cord by transmitting tensional force through the sleeve.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
41 words
The splice defined in claim 29, in which the sleeve is adapted for connection to a bone for connecting the connective cord to the bone and for transmission of tensional force from the connective cord through the sleeve to the bone.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
71 words
The splice defined in claim 56, in which the sleeve includes a first component adapted for connection to the bone, a second component adapted for securing to the cord and means connecting the first and second components for relative swinging movement without substantially altering the length of the sleeve for maintaining the cord in substantially the same position relative to the bone during relative movement of the first and second components.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
30 words
The splice defined in claim 29, in which the sleeve is constructed for flexing in a direction transversely of its length without substantially altering the overall length of the sleeve.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
41 words
The splice defined in claim 58, in which the sleeve is of generally elliptical cross section having a major axis longer than the minor axis, and in which the sleeve is constructed for flexing in the direction of the minor axis.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
101 words
The splice defined in claim 29, in which the sleeve is adapted to receive adjacent ends of a severed connective cord, the sleeve including a first component, means for securing the first component to one of the severed end portions, a second component, means for securing the second component to the other severed end portion, and means for interconnecting the first component and second component to form a composite sleeve with the severed cord ends abutting such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through the sleeve without substantially altering the positions of the severed end portions of the cord.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
17 words
The splice defined in claim 29, including a smooth external coating surrounding the periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
94 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising a hollow sleeve of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material and sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and means for securing the cord to said sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through said sleeve, said sleeve being elongated and of substantially uniform and oval cross section throughout its length, having a major axis dimension and a minor axis dimension, the major axis dimension being at least twice the minor axis dimension.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
94 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising a hollow sleeve of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material and sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and means for securing the cord to said sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through said sleeve, said sleeve being elongated and of substantially uniform and oval cross section throughout its length, having a major axis dimension and a minor axis dimension, the major axis dimension being at least twice the minor axis dimension.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
15 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve is formed of bioabsorbable material.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
38 words
The splice defined in claim 63, in which the sleeve is impregnated or coated with an agent selected from the group consisting of agents for enhancing healing, agents for decreasing adhesion formation, and agents for deterring scar formation.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
42 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the securing means includes means for mechanically securing the cord to the sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted to the sleeve substantially uniformly throughout the cross section of the cord.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 65, in which the securing means includes tensioned suture sections extending between opposing surfaces of the hollow sleeve.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
32 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve has opposite walls for extending along opposite sides of the cord, the securing means including several rigid pins extending between said walls.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
27 words
The splice defined in claim 67, in which at least some of the pins project from one of the walls and are integral with said one wall.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
18 words
The splice defined in claim 68, in which the sleeve has top and bottom sections defining opposite walls.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 69, in which the top and bottom sections are hinged together.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
13 words
The splice defined in claim 69, including means for securing the sections together.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
59 words
The splice defined in claim 67, in which the pins have body portions extending between the opposite walls of the sleeve and opposite end portions received in the opposite walls of the sleeve, said pin end portions being of reduced diameter for forming shoulders for engaging against the inner periphery of each of the opposite walls of the sleeve.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
19 words
The splice defined in claim 67, in which the pins are of a diameter no greater than about 0.025".
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
22 words
The splice defined in claim 67, in which the pins have opposite ends substantially flush with the outer periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
57 words
The splice defined in claim 67, in which the pins have body portions for extending through the interior of the sleeve, each pin having a sharpened end portion projecting from such body portion and a peripheral groove between the body portion and the sharpened end portion for separation of the sharpened end portion from the body portion.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the length of the sleeve is substantially greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the sleeve.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
25 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve has a peripheral wall of a thickness much less than one-half the minor axis dimension.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
37 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve has top and bottom sections moveable relative to each other between an open position for insertion of the cord and a closed position circumferentially restraining the cord.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 78, including means for maintaining the sleeve in the closed position.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
17 words
The splice defined in claim 78, in which the top section and bottom section are hinged together.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve has a peripheral wall of a thickness of about 0.025" to about 0.029".
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
20 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve has an observation port located approximately midway between its ends.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 82, in which the observation port is about 0.050" in diameter.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
26 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve has an inner periphery having a longitudinally extending groove to allow vascular flow to the cord.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
31 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve has opposite wall portions having apertures therethrough, and including means for obstructing the apertures at the inner periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
48 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve is formed of separate sections moveable relative to each other between a closed position closely receiving a section of the cord and an open position in which at least one of the sections is spaced from the cord.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
13 words
The splice defined in claim 86, in which the sections are hinged together.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 86, including means for maintaining the sections in the closed position.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
37 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve is formed of separate sections, each of said sections being hollow and being substantially aligned axially with an adjacent section, and means for joining said sections together.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
33 words
The splice defined in claim 89, in which the joining means permits limited swinging movement of the sections relative to each other without permitting a substantial change in the length of the sleeve.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
50 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve is adapted for receiving severed end portions of a connective cord with the severed cord ends in abutting relationship and for maintaining the severed ends abutting as tension is applied to the cord by transmitting tensional force through the sleeve.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
41 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve is adapted for connection to a bone for connecting the connective cord to the bone and for transmission of tensional force from the connective cord through the sleeve to the bone.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
71 words
The splice defined in claim 92, in which the sleeve includes a first component adapted for connection to the bone, a second component adapted for securing to the cord and means connecting the first and second components for relative swinging movement without substantially altering the length of the sleeve for maintaining the cord in substantially the same position relative to the bone during relative movement of the first and second components.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
30 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve is constructed for flexing in a direction transversely of its length without substantially altering the overall length of the sleeve.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
21 words
The splice defined in claim 94, in which the sleeve is constructed for flexing in the direction of the minor axis.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
101 words
The splice defined in claim 62, in which the sleeve is adapted to receive adjacent ends of a severed connective cord, the sleeve including a first component, means for securing the first component to one of the severed end portions, a second component, means for securing the second component to the other severed end portion, and means for interconnecting the first component and second component to form a composite sleeve with the severed cord ends abutting such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through the sleeve without substantially altering the positions of the severed end portions of the cord.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
17 words
The splice defined in claim 62, including a smooth external coating surrounding the periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
86 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising a hollow sleeve of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material and sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and means for securing the cord to said sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through said sleeve, said sleeve having top and bottom sections moveable relative to each other between an open position for insertion of the cord and a closed position circumferentially restraining the cord.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
86 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising a hollow sleeve of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material and sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and means for securing the cord to said sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through said sleeve, said sleeve having top and bottom sections moveable relative to each other between an open position for insertion of the cord and a closed position circumferentially restraining the cord.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
15 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the sleeve is formed of bioabsorbable material.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
38 words
The splice defined in claim 99, in which the sleeve is impregnated or coated with an agent selected from the group consisting of agents for enhancing healing, agents for decreasing adhesion formation, and agents for deterring scar formation.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
42 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the securing means includes means for mechanically securing the cord to the sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted to the sleeve substantially uniformly throughout the cross section of the cord.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 101, in which the securing means includes tensioned suture sections extending between opposing surfaces of the hollow sleeve.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
32 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the sleeve has opposite walls for extending along opposite sides of the cord, the securing means including several rigid pins extending between said walls.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
27 words
The splice defined in claim 103, in which at least some of the pins project from one of the walls and are integral with said one wall.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
59 words
The splice defined in claim 103, in which the pins have body portions extending between the opposite walls of the sleeve and opposite end portions received in the opposite walls of the sleeve, said pin end portions being of reduced diameter for forming shoulders for engaging against the inner periphery of each of the opposite walls of the sleeve.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
19 words
The splice defined in claim 103, in which the pins are of a diameter no greater than about 0.025".
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
22 words
The splice defined in claim 103, in which the pins have opposite ends substantially flush with the outer periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
57 words
The splice defined in claim 103, in which the pins have body portions for extending through the interior of the sleeve, each pin having a sharpened end portion projecting from such body portion and a peripheral groove between the body portion and the sharpened end portion for separation of the sharpened end portion from the body portion.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the top and bottom sections are hinged together.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
13 words
The splice defined in claim 109, including means for securing the sections together.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
21 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the sleeve is elongated and of substantially uniform cross section throughout its length.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 98, including means for maintaining the sleeve in the closed position.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the sleeve has a peripheral wall of a thickness of about 0.025" to about 0.029".
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the sleeve is elongated and has an observation port located approximately midway between its ends.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 114, in which the observation port is about 0.050" in diameter.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
26 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the sleeve has an inner periphery having a longitudinally extending groove to allow vascular flow to the cord.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
31 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the sleeve has opposite wall portions having apertures therethrough, and including means for obstructing the apertures at the inner periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
45 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the sleeve is formed of separate longitudinally disposed sections, each of said longitudinally disposed sections being hollow and being substantially aligned axially with an adjacent longitudinally disposed section, and means for joining said longitudinally disposed sections together.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
50 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the sleeve is adapted for receiving severed end portions of a connective cord with the severed cord ends in abutting relationship and for maintaining the severed ends abutting as tension is applied to the cord by transmitting tensional force through the sleeve.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
41 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the sleeve is adapted for connection to a bone for connecting the connective cord to the bone and for transmission of tensional force from the connective cord through the sleeve to the bone.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
71 words
The splice defined in claim 120, in which the sleeve includes a first component adapted for connection to the bone, a second component adapted for securing to the cord and means connecting the first and second components for relative swinging movement without substantially altering the length of the sleeve for maintaining the cord in substantially the same position relative to the bone during relative movement of the first and second components.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
30 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the sleeve is constructed for flexing in a direction transversely of its length without substantially altering the overall length of the sleeve.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
101 words
The splice defined in claim 98, in which the sleeve is adapted to receive adjacent ends of a severed connective cord, the sleeve including a first component, means for securing the first component to one of the severed end portions, a second component, means for securing the second component to the other severed end portion, and means for interconnecting the first component and second component to form a composite sleeve with the severed cord ends abutting such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through the sleeve without substantially altering the positions of the severed end portions of the cord.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
17 words
The splice defined in claim 98, including a smooth external coating surrounding the periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
94 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising a hollow sleeve of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material and sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and means for securing the cord to said sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through said sleeve, said sleeve being formed of separate sections moveable relative to each other between a closed position closely receiving the cord and an open position in which at least one of the sections is spaced from the cord.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
94 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising a hollow sleeve of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material and sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and means for securing the cord to said sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through said sleeve, said sleeve being formed of separate sections moveable relative to each other between a closed position closely receiving the cord and an open position in which at least one of the sections is spaced from the cord.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
15 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the sleeve is formed of bioabsorbable material.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
38 words
The splice defined in claim 126, in which the sleeve is impregnated or coated with an agent selected from the group consisting of agents for enhancing healing, agents for decreasing adhesion formation, and agents for deterring scar formation.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
42 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the securing means includes means for mechanically securing the cord to the sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted to the sleeve substantially uniformly throughout the cross section of the cord.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 128, in which the securing means includes tensioned suture sections extending between opposing surfaces of the hollow sleeve.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
32 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the sleeve has opposite walls for extending along opposite sides of the cord, the securing means including several rigid pins extending between said walls.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
27 words
The splice defined in claim 130, in which at least some of the pins project from one of the walls and are integral with said one wall.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
59 words
The splice defined in claim 130, in which the pins have body portions extending between the opposite walls of the sleeve and opposite end portions received in the opposite walls of the sleeve, said pin end portions being of reduced diameter for forming shoulders for engaging against the inner periphery of each of the opposite walls of the sleeve.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
19 words
The splice defined in claim 130, in which the pins are of a diameter no greater than about 0.025".
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
22 words
The splice defined in claim 130, in which the pins have opposite ends substantially flush with the outer periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
57 words
The splice defined in claim 130, in which the pins have body portions for extending through the interior of the sleeve, each pin having a sharpened end portion projecting from such body portion and a peripheral groove between the body portion and the sharpened end portion for separation of the sharpened end portion from the body portion.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
14 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the separate sections are hinged together.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
13 words
The splice defined in claim 136, including means for securing the sections together.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
21 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the sleeve is elongated and of substantially uniform cross section throughout its length.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 125, including means for maintaining the sleeve in the closed position.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the sleeve has a peripheral wall of a thickness of about 0.025" to about 0.029".
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the sleeve is elongated and has an observation port located approximately midway between its ends.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 141, in which the observation port is about 0.050" in diameter.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
26 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the sleeve has an inner periphery having a longitudinally extending groove to allow vascular flow to the cord.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
31 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the sleeve has opposite wall portions having apertures therethrough, and including means for obstructing the apertures at the inner periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
45 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the sleeve is formed of separate longitudinally disposed sections, each of said longitudinally disposed sections being hollow and being substantially aligned axially with an adjacent longitudinally disposed section, and means for joining said longitudinally disposed sections together.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
50 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the sleeve is adapted for receiving severed end portions of a connective cord with the severed cord ends in abutting relationship and for maintaining the severed ends abutting as tension is applied to the cord by transmitting tensional force through the sleeve.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
41 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the sleeve is adapted for connection to a bone for connecting the connective cord to the bone and for transmission of tensional force from the connective cord through the sleeve to the bone.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
71 words
The splice defined in claim 147, in which the sleeve includes a first component adapted for connection to the bone, a second component adapted for securing to the cord and means connecting the first and second components for relative swinging movement without substantially altering the length of the sleeve for maintaining the cord in substantially the same position relative to the bone during relative movement of the first and second components.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
30 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the sleeve is constructed for flexing in a direction transversely of its length without substantially altering the overall length of the sleeve.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
101 words
The splice defined in claim 125, in which the sleeve is adapted to receive adjacent ends of a severed connective cord, the sleeve including a first component, means for securing the first component to one of the severed end portions, a second component, means for securing the second component to the other severed end portion, and means for interconnecting the first component and second component to form a composite sleeve with the severed cord ends abutting such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through the sleeve without substantially altering the positions of the severed end portions of the cord.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
17 words
The splice defined in claim 125, including a smooth external coating surrounding the periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
99 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising a hollow sleeve of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material and sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and means for securing the cord to said sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through said sleeve, said sleeve being adapted for receiving severed end portions of a connective cord with the severed cord ends in abutting relationship and for maintaining the severed ends abutting as tension is applied to the cord by transmitting tensional force through the sleeve.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
99 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising a hollow sleeve of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material and sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and means for securing the cord to said sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through said sleeve, said sleeve being adapted for receiving severed end portions of a connective cord with the severed cord ends in abutting relationship and for maintaining the severed ends abutting as tension is applied to the cord by transmitting tensional force through the sleeve.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
15 words
The splice defined in claim 152, in which the sleeve is formed of bioabsorbable material.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
38 words
The splice defined in claim 153, in which the sleeve is impregnated or coated with an agent selected form the group consisting of agents for enhancing healing, agents for decreasing adhesion formation, and agents for deterring scar formation.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
42 words
The splice defined in claim 152, in which the securing means includes means for mechanically securing the cord to the sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted to the sleeve substantially uniformly throughout the cross section of the cord.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 155, in which the securing means includes tensioned suture sections extending between opposing surfaces of the hollow sleeve.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
32 words
The splice defined in claim 152, in which the sleeve has opposite walls for extending along opposite sides of the cord, the securing means including several rigid pins extending between said walls.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
27 words
The splice defined in claim 152, in which at least some of the pins project from one of the walls and are integral with said one wall.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
18 words
The splice defined in claim 152, in which the sleeve has top and bottom sections defining opposite walls.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 159, in which the top and bottom sections are hinged together.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
13 words
The splice defined in claim 160, including means for securing the sections together.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
59 words
The splice defined in claim 157, in which the pins have body portions extending between the opposite walls of the sleeve and opposite end portions received in the opposite walls of the sleeve, said pin end portions being of reduced diameter for forming shoulders for engaging against the inner periphery of each of the opposite walls of the sleeve.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
19 words
The splice defined in claim 157, in which the pins are of a diameter no greater than about 0.025".
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
22 words
The splice defined in claim 157, in which the pins have opposite ends substantially flush with the outer periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 171
Dependent Claim
57 words
The splice defined in claim 157, in which the pins have body portions for extending through the interior of the sleeve, each pin having a sharpened end portion projecting from such body portion and a peripheral groove between the body portion and the sharpened end portion for separation of the sharpened end portion from the body portion.
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
21 words
The splice defined in claim 152, in which the sleeve is elongated and of substantially uniform cross section throughout its length.
Claim 173
Dependent Claim
24 words
The splice defined in claim 166, in which the length of the sleeve is substantially greater than the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the sleeve.
Claim 174
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 152, in which the sleeve has a peripheral wall of a thickness of about 0.025" to about 0.029".
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
23 words
The splice defined in claim 152, in which the sleeve is elongated and has an observation port located approximately midway between its ends.
Claim 176
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice defined in claim 169, in which the observation port is about 0.050" in diameter.
Claim 177
Dependent Claim
26 words
The splice defined in claim 152, in which the sleeve has an inner periphery having a longitudinally extending groove to allow vascular flow to the cord.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
31 words
The splice defined in claim 152, in which the sleeve has opposite wall portions having apertures therethrough, and including means for obstructing the apertures at the inner periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 179
Dependent Claim
37 words
The splice defined in claim 152, in which the sleeve is formed of separate sections, each of said sections being hollow and being substantially aligned axially with an adjacent section, and means for joining said sections together.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
33 words
The splice defined in claim 173, in which the joining means permits limited swinging movement of the sections relative to each other without permitting a substantial change in the length of the sleeve.
Claim 181
Dependent Claim
32 words
The splice defined in claim 152, in which the sleeve is elongated and constructed for flexing in a direction transversely of its length without substantially altering the overall length of the sleeve.
Claim 182
Dependent Claim
41 words
The splice defined in claim 175, in which the sleeve is of generally elliptical cross section having a major axis longer than the minor axis, and in which the sleeve is constructed for flexing in the direction of the minor axis.
Claim 183
Dependent Claim
101 words
The splice defined in claim 152, in which the sleeve is adapted to receive adjacent ends of a severed connective cord, the sleeve including a first component, means for securing the first component to one of the severed end portions, a second component, means for securing the second component to the other severed end portion, and means for interconnecting the first component and second component to form a composite sleeve with the severed cord ends abutting such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through the sleeve without substantially altering the positions of the severed end portions of the sleeve.
Claim 184
Dependent Claim
17 words
The splice defined in claim 152, including a smooth external coating surrounding the periphery of the sleeve.
Claim 185
Dependent Claim
88 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising a hollow sleeve of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material and sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and means for securing the cord to said sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through said sleeve, said sleeve being of generally elliptical cross section having a major axis longer than the minor axis, and said sleeve being constructed for flexing in the direction of the minor axis.
Claim 186
Dependent Claim
88 words
A splice for a connective cord normally tensioned in the body during joint movement, said splice comprising a hollow sleeve of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material and sized for closely receiving a section of the cord, and means for securing the cord to said sleeve such that tension applied to the cord is transmitted through said sleeve, said sleeve being of generally elliptical cross section having a major axis longer than the minor axis, and said sleeve being constructed for flexing in the direction of the minor axis.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-08-31 | 2002-03-02 | 2002-09-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-08-31 | 2006-03-02 | 2006-09-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-08-31 | 2010-03-02 | 2010-09-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |