US5972000A — Non-linear anchor inserter device and bone anchors

Claim 1

Independent Claim 130 words

A medical device for installing a bone anchor into a patient, comprising: a handle, said handle being located at the proximal end of said medical device; a rigid body, said body having a first end and a second end, said body being attached to said handle at said first end; an anchor housing, said anchor housing being located at said second end of said body and at the distal end of said medical device, said anchor housing having means for holding a bone anchor having a leading tip; and, a power means in communication with said anchor housing for providing driving power to the bone anchor; wherein said body and said handle together form a non-linear shape such that the center of said anchor housing is aligned with said handle.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 130 words

A medical device for installing a bone anchor into a patient, comprising: a handle, said handle being located at the proximal end of said medical device; a rigid body, said body having a first end and a second end, said body being attached to said handle at said first end; an anchor housing, said anchor housing being located at said second end of said body and at the distal end of said medical device, said anchor housing having means for holding a bone anchor having a leading tip; and, a power means in communication with said anchor housing for providing driving power to the bone anchor; wherein said body and said handle together form a non-linear shape such that the center of said anchor housing is aligned with said handle.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 18 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body and said handle form a C shape.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 18 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body and said handle form a V shape.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 30 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is a medical stapler for forcibly ejecting and implanting a self-tapping bone anchor into the bone of a patient.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 28 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is a screw driving device for screwing a self-tapping bone anchor into the bone of a patient.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 12 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a retractable shield.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 68 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said medical device comprises three segments, a first segment of said three segments comprising said handle, a third segment of said segments comprising said anchor housing, and a second segment of said segments being intermediate between said first segment and said third segment, said second segment being attached to said handle and forming a non-obtuse angle with said handle.

Claim 9

Independent Claim 126 words

A system for pervaginal bone screw insertion, comprising: a bone screw; and, a non-linear screw inserter means for inserting said bone screw into a patient's bone, said inserter means comprising a first end having a handle and a second end having a retractable shield having sharp tips, said bone screw being held at said second end with said retractable shield protecting said bone screw, wherein pulling of said handle when said inserter means is positioned against the patient's anatomy retracts said retractable shield and reveals said sharp tips, said sharp tips being used to hold the soft tissue of a patient surrounding said screw and preventing the soft tissue from rotation during the screwing of said bone screw through the soft tissue and into the bone.

Claim 10

Independent Claim 126 words

A system for pervaginal bone screw insertion, comprising: a bone screw; and, a non-linear screw inserter means for inserting said bone screw into a patient's bone, said inserter means comprising a first end having a handle and a second end having a retractable shield having sharp tips, said bone screw being held at said second end with said retractable shield protecting said bone screw, wherein pulling of said handle when said inserter means is positioned against the patient's anatomy retracts said retractable shield and reveals said sharp tips, said sharp tips being used to hold the soft tissue of a patient surrounding said screw and preventing the soft tissue from rotation during the screwing of said bone screw through the soft tissue and into the bone.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 14 words

A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said non-linear screw inserter is C-shaped.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 34 words

A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said bone screw comprises a shaft further comprising a trailing end, said shaft having screw threads, and said bone screw further having a suture secured thereto.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 42 words

A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said bone screw further comprises leaf springs, said leaf springs expanding outwardly upon insertion of said bone screw into the bone of a patient to more securely fixate said bone screw in the bone.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 17 words

A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said bone screw is made of shape memory material.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 25 words

A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said suture is secured at a point about midway between said leading tip and said trailing end.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 16 words

A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said suture is secured at said trailing end.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 22 words

A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said bone screw is provided with threads comprised of wire wrapped around said shaft.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 13 words

A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said leading tip is conical.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 21 words

A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said leading tip of said bone screw and said shaft form a taper.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 68 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said medical device comprises three segments, a first segment of said three segments comprising said handle, a third segment of said segments comprising said anchor housing, and a second segment of said segments being intermediate between said first segment and said third segment, said second segment being attached to said handle and forming a non-obtuse angle with said handle.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 92 words

A screw-type anchor inserter comprising: a) a handle; b) a rigid body connected to said handle, said body having a first end and a second end, said body being connected to said handle at said first end; c) a screw-holding adapter means secured to said body at said second end, said body and said handle together forming a non-linear shape such that said second end is substantially parallel to said handle; and, d) a power drive means connected to said screw-holding adapter means for providing rotational torque to said screw-holding adapter means.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 92 words

A screw-type anchor inserter comprising: a) a handle; b) a rigid body connected to said handle, said body having a first end and a second end, said body being connected to said handle at said first end; c) a screw-holding adapter means secured to said body at said second end, said body and said handle together forming a non-linear shape such that said second end is substantially parallel to said handle; and, d) a power drive means connected to said screw-holding adapter means for providing rotational torque to said screw-holding adapter means.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 17 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 19 wherein said power drive means comprises a finger-operated trigger means.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 28 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 19 wherein said power drive means comprises a flexible rotating drive shaft extending between said handle and said screw holding adapter means.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 71 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 19 wherein said power drive means comprises: a) an actuating trigger means; b) a motor electrically connected to said trigger means and having a rotating shaft; c) electric generating means connected to said motor to drive said rotating shaft when said trigger means is activated; and d) a flexible, rotating drive shaft extending between said rotating shaft of said motor and said screw-holding adapter means.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 33 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 22 further comprising torque enhancing means to increase the rotational torque of said flexible shaft in comparison to the torque of said rotating shaft of said motor.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 19 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 19 wherein said screw-holding adapter means is selectively, replaceably secured to said body.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 18 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 19 further comprising a screw protector housing for said screw-holding adapter means.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 12 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 25 wherein said housing is retractable.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 24 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 25 wherein said housing retracts when said housing is in perpendicular contact with the tissue of a patient.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 19 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 27 wherein said housing is spring biased to protect said screw-holding adapter means.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 12 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 19, further comprising a retractable shield.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 68 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said medical device comprises three segments, a first segment of said three segments comprising said handle, a third segment of said segments comprising said anchor housing, and a second segment of said segments being intermediate between said first segment and said third segment, said second segment being attached to said handle and forming a non-obtuse angle with said handle.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 94 words

A medical bone anchor inserter comprising: a) a handle; b) a rigid body having a first end and a second end, said body being connected to said handle at said first end; c) a staple-holding head secured to said body for holding a staple having a leading tip, said stable-holding head being secured at said second end, said handle and body forming a non-linear shape such that said handle is substantially parallel to said second end; and, d) a power drive means in said body for providing driving force to said staple holding head.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 94 words

A medical bone anchor inserter comprising: a) a handle; b) a rigid body having a first end and a second end, said body being connected to said handle at said first end; c) a staple-holding head secured to said body for holding a staple having a leading tip, said stable-holding head being secured at said second end, said handle and body forming a non-linear shape such that said handle is substantially parallel to said second end; and, d) a power drive means in said body for providing driving force to said staple holding head.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 28 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 31 wherein said power drive means is a spring loaded, hammer means and an activating trigger for selectively releasing said hammer means.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 82 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 32 wherein said hammer means comprises a reciprocating hammer rod; a first spring held on one end against a hammer rod guide in said body; an annular first weight slidable over a portion of one end of said hammer rod; said weight being movable over said hammer rod by contact by said second end of said spring; and said hammer rod having a flange which is contacted by said first weight when said trigger is activated.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 60 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 33 wherein said hammer means is controlled by a second spring mechanism comprising: a) a handle rod secured in said handle; b) a second spring mounted on said handle rod and held in position on one of its ends; and c) a slidable, annular second weight connected to said second end of said spring.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 136 words

An inserter as claimed in claim 31 wherein said activating trigger comprises: a) a trigger device; b) a connecting cam rotatable about a pivot point; c) said connecting cam having a first rod extending therefrom and in contact with said first weight; d) said connecting cam having a second rod extending therefrom and in contact with said second weight; such that with said triggering device, when in a first position, causes said first and second rods to maintain said first and second spring mechanisms in their compressed state and when said triggering device is moved to a second position, said first and second rods allow said first and second spring mechanisms to achieve their expanded state, thereby moving said respective first and second weights and in so doing causing said hammer rod to drive a staple.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 12 words

An Inserter as claimed in claim 31, further comprising a retractable shield.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 68 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 31, wherein said medical device comprises three segments, a first segment of said three segments comprising said handle, a third segment of said segments comprising said anchor housing, and a second segment of said segments being intermediate between said first segment and said third segment, said second segment being attached to said handle and forming a non-obtuse angle with said handle.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 98 words

A medical device for installing a bone anchor into a patient, comprising: a) a handle; b) a body, said body having a first end and a second end, said body being attached to said handle at said first end, said body and said handle together forming a non-linear shape; (c) an anchor housing, said anchor housing being located at said second end of said body, said anchor housing having means for holding a bone anchor having a leading tip; and, d) a retractable shield for protecting the leading tip of the bone anchor held in said anchor housing.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 98 words

A medical device for installing a bone anchor into a patient, comprising: a) a handle; b) a body, said body having a first end and a second end, said body being attached to said handle at said first end, said body and said handle together forming a non-linear shape; (c) an anchor housing, said anchor housing being located at said second end of said body, said anchor housing having means for holding a bone anchor having a leading tip; and, d) a retractable shield for protecting the leading tip of the bone anchor held in said anchor housing.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 18 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38, wherein said retractable shield is further provided with sharp tips.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 20 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38, wherein said retractable shield is further provided with a roughened edge surface.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 22 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38, wherein said retractable shield is further provided with pins for holding tissue in place.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 31 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38, wherein said said body and said handle together form a non-linear shape such that said second end is substantially parallel to said handle.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 20 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38, wherein the center of said anchor housing is aligned with said handle.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 17 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38, wherein said body and said handle form a C-shape.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 13 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38, wherein said body is rigid.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 23 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38, wherein said device is a medical screwdriver for inserting a bone screw into a patient.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 30 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38, wherein said device is a medical stapler for forcibly ejecting and inserting a self-tapping bone anchor into the bone of a patient.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 23 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38, wherein said device further comprises a power drive means in communication with said anchor housing.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 19 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 48 wherein said power drive means further comprises a finger-operated trigger means.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 36 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 48 wherein said power drive means comprises a flexible rotating drive shaft extending between said handle and said anchor housing, said anchor housing comprising a screw holding adapter means.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 80 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 48 wherein said power drive means comprises: a) an actuating trigger means; b) a motor electrically connected to said trigger means and having a rotating shaft; c) electric power generating means connected to said motor to drive said rotating shaft when said trigger means is activated; and d) a flexible, rotating drive shaft extending between said rotating shaft of said motor and said anchor housing, said anchor housing comprising a screw-holding adapter means.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 34 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 51 further comprising torque enhancing means to increase the rotational torque of said flexible shaft in comparison to the torque of said rotating shaft of said motor.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 17 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38 wherein said anchor housing comprises a screw-holding adapter means.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 20 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 53 wherein said screw-holding adapter means is selectively, replaceably secured to said body.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 40 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38 wherein said retractable shield retracts when said shield comes into perpendicular contact with the tissue of a patient and said handle is pulled against the resistant force provided by the patient's anatomy.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 14 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38 wherein said retractable shield is spring-biased.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 31 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 48 wherein said power drive means is a spring loaded, hammer means, and further comprising an activating trigger for selectively releasing said hammer means.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 83 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 57 wherein said hammer means comprises a reciprocating hammer rod; a first spring held on one end against a hammer rod guide in said body; an annular first weight slidable over a portion of one end of said hammer rod; said weight being movable over said hammer rod by contact by said second end of said spring; and said hammer rod having a flange which is contacted by said first weight when said trigger is activated.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 61 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 58 wherein said hammer means is controlled by a second spring mechanism comprising: a) a handle rod secured in said handle; b) a second spring mounted on said handle rod and held in position on one of its ends; and, c) a slidable, annular second weight connected to said second end of said spring.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 138 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 49 wherein said trigger means comprises: a) a trigger device; b) a connecting cam rotatable about a pivot point; c) said connecting cam having a first rod extending therefrom and in contact with said first weight; d) said connecting cam having a second rod extending therefrom and in contact with said second weight; such that with said triggering device, when in a first position, causes said first and second rods to maintain said first and second spring mechanisms in their compressed state and when said triggering device is moved to a second position, said first and second rods allow said first and second spring mechanisms to achieve their expanded state, thereby moving said respective first and second weights and in so doing causing said hammer rod to drive a medical staple.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 68 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 38, wherein said medical device comprises three segments, a first segment of said three segments comprising said handle, a third segment of said segments comprising said anchor housing, and a second segment of said segments being intermediate between said first segment and said third segment, said second segment being attached to said handle and forming a non-obtuse angle with said handle.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 115 words

A medical device for installing a bone anchor into a patient, comprising: a) a handle, said handle being located at the proximal end of said medical device; b) a rigid body, said body having a first end and a second end, said body being attached to said handle at said first end; c) an anchor housing, said anchor housing being located at said second end of said body and at the distal end of said medical device, said anchor housing having means for holding a bone anchor having a leading tip; and, d) wherein said body and said handle together form a non-linear shape such that said handle is substantially parallel to said second end.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 115 words

A medical device for installing a bone anchor into a patient, comprising: a) a handle, said handle being located at the proximal end of said medical device; b) a rigid body, said body having a first end and a second end, said body being attached to said handle at said first end; c) an anchor housing, said anchor housing being located at said second end of said body and at the distal end of said medical device, said anchor housing having means for holding a bone anchor having a leading tip; and, d) wherein said body and said handle together form a non-linear shape such that said handle is substantially parallel to said second end.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 17 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 62, wherein said body and said handle form a C-shape.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 23 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 62, wherein said device is a medical screwdriver for inserting a bone screw into a patient.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 30 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 62, wherein said device is a medical stapler for forcibly ejecting and inserting a self-tapping bone anchor into the bone of a patient.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 22 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 62, wherein said device further comprises a power means in communication with said anchor housing.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 18 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 66, wherein said power means further comprises a finger-operated trigger means.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 35 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 66, wherein said power means comprises a flexible rotating drive shaft extending between said handle and said anchor housing, said anchor housing comprising a screw holding adapter means.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 79 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 66, wherein said power means comprises: a) an actuating trigger means; b) a motor electrically connected to said trigger means and having a rotating shaft; c) electric power generating means connected to said motor to drive said rotating shaft when said trigger means is activated; and d) a flexible, rotating drive shaft extending between said rotating shaft of said motor and said anchor housing, said anchor housing comprising a screw-holding adapter means.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 34 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 69, further comprising torque enhancing means to increase the rotational torque of said flexible shaft in comparison to the torque of said rotating shaft of said motor.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 137 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 62, wherein said trigger means comprises: a) a trigger device; b) a connecting cam rotatable about a pivot point; c) said connecting cam having a first rod extending therefrom and in contact with said first weight; d) said connecting cam having a second rod extending therefrom and in contact with said second weight; such that with said triggering device, when in a first position, causes said first and second rods to maintain said first and second spring mechanisms in their compressed state and when said triggering device is moved to a second position, said first and second rods allow said first and second spring mechanisms to achieve their expanded state, thereby moving said respective first and second weights and in so doing causing said hammer rod to drive a staple.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 28 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 66, wherein said power means is a spring loaded, hammer means and an activating trigger for selectively releasing said hammer means.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 83 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 72, wherein said hammer means comprises a reciprocating hammer rod; a first spring held on one end against a hammer rod guide in said body; an annular first weight slidable over a portion of one end of said hammer rod; said weight being movable over said hammer rod by contact by said second end of said spring; and said hammer rod having a flange which is contacted by said first weight when said trigger is activated.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 61 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 73, wherein said hammer means is controlled by a second spring mechanism comprising: a) a handle rod secured in said handle; b) a second spring mounted on said handle rod and held in position on one of its ends; and c) a slidable, annular second weight connected to said second end of said spring.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 19 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 62, wherein said anchor housing is selectively, replaceably secured to said body.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 17 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 62, further comprising a retractable shield for said anchor housing.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 41 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 76, wherein said retractable shield retracts when said shield is in substantially perpendicular contact with the tissue of a patient and said handle is pulled against the resistant force provided by the patient's anatomy.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 15 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 76, wherein said retractable shield is spring biased.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 68 words

A medical device as claimed in claim 62, wherein said medical device comprises three segments, a first segment of said three segments comprising said handle, a third segment of said segments comprising said anchor housing, and a second segment of said segments being intermediate between said first segment and said third segment, said second segment being attached to said handle and forming a non-obtuse angle with said handle.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2002-10-25	2003-04-26	2003-10-26	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2006-10-25	2007-04-26	2007-10-26	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2010-10-25	2011-04-26	2011-10-26	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Non-linear anchor inserter device and bone anchors

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