US6592609B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for securing tissue
Assignee: Nokia of America Corp
•
Filing: 2000-05-03
•
Granted: 2003-07-15
•
Expires: 2020-05-03
Abstract
Abstract An anchor has a pointed end portion may be utilized to form an opening in a bone in a patient's body. The anchor is moved into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with a suture connected to the anchor. The suture may then be utilized to retain body tissue in a desired position relative to the bone. The body tissue may be either hard or soft body tissue. If desired the anchor may be utilized in conjunction with layers of soft body tissue. When a suture is used it may be secured by connecting a retainer with the suture. Alternatively, sections of the suture may be interconnected. It is believed that it may be preferred to secure the suture in place after at least a predetermined tension has been established in the suture and/or a predetermined force has been transmitted to the body tissue. The suture may be secured in place by exposing a retainer to ultrasonic vibratory energy or by applying the ultrasonic vibratory energy directly to sections of the suture.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter M. Bonutti
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:52
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/0401; A61B17/0487; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B2017/0409; A61B2017/0414; A61B2017/0446; A61B2017/0454; A61B2017/0458; A61B2017/0464; A61B2017/0488; A61B2017/0496; A61B17/06; A61B17/06166; A61B2017/0619; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/08; A61F2/0805; A61F2/0811
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 189
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, wherein said step of forming an opening in the bone includes enclosing the anchor with a sleeve and applying force against a trailing end portion of the anchor while the anchor is enclosed by the sleeve.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, wherein said step of forming an opening in the bone includes enclosing the anchor with a sleeve and applying force against a trailing end portion of the anchor while the anchor is enclosed by the sleeve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
171 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body includes forming an opening which extends through a compact outer layer of bone which forms a portion of the bone in the patient's body by applying force against the compact outer layer of the bone in the patient's body with the surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor and forming an opening in soft cancellous bone which forms a portion of the bone in the patient's body by applying force against the soft cancellous bone with the surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, said step of moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body includes moving the anchor through the outer layer of compact bone into the soft cancellous bone with the suture extending from the anchor through the outer layer of compact bone when the anchor is disposed in the soft cancellous bone.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as set forth in claim 2 further including the step of changing the orientation of the anchor relative to the outer layer of compact bone while the anchor is disposed in the soft cancellous bone.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
80 words
A method as set forth in claim 3 further including the steps of tensioning the suture while the anchor is disposed in the soft cancellous in a spaced apart relationship with the outer layer of compact bone, and maintaining the anchor in a stationary relationship relative to the outer layer of compact bone with the anchor spaced apart from the outer layer of compact bone while tensioning the suture by transmitting force from the anchor to the soft cancellous bone.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as set forth in claim 3 wherein said step of changing the orientation of the anchor relative to the outer layer of compact bone is performed while the anchor is spaced apart from the outer layer of compact bone and while the anchor is engaged by only the suture and the soft cancellous bone.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as set forth in claim 3 wherein said step of changing the orientation of the anchor relative to the outer layer of compact bone includes pivoting the anchor under the influence of only force transmitted to the anchor through the suture and the soft cancellous bone.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 further including the step of moving the suture anchor through soft body tissue, said step of pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body is initiated with a portion of the anchor disposed in the soft body tissue.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
69 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 further including the step of moving the anchor through soft body tissue, and securing the soft body tissue against movement relative to the bone in the patient's body by transmitting force from the anchor to the soft body tissue through the suture after performing said step of moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
102 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the anchor has first and second openings through which the suture extends and the suture has a first section which extends from the first opening in the anchor and a second section which extends from the second opening in the anchor, said step of moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone includes moving the portion of the anchor in which the first and second openings are disposed into the bone with the first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor to a location outside of the bone.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as set forth in claim 9 further including the step of increasing the length of one of the sections of the suture and decreasing the length of the other section of the suture while the anchor is disposed in the opening formed in the bone by tensioning the one section of the suture.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
88 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the suture has first and second sections which extend from the anchor, said method further includes moving the anchor through soft body tissue with the first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, said step of moving the anchor into the opening in the bone being completed with the anchor spaced from the soft body tissue and with at least one of the first and second sections of the suture extending through the soft body tissue.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as set forth in claim 11 further including the steps of tensioning the first and second sections of the suture and gripping the first and second sections of the suture with a suture retainer while tensioning the first and second sections of the suture.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
253 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone and first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, moving the anchor through soft body tissue with the first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, and tensioning the first and second sections of the suture and gripping the first and second sections of the suture with a suture retainer while tensioning the first and second sections of the suture, wherein said step of moving the anchor into the opening in the bone being completed with the anchor spaced from the soft body tissue and with at least one of the first and second sections of the suture extending through the soft body tissue and wherein said step of gripping the first and second sections of the suture with the suture retainer includes pressing material of the suture retainer against the first and second sections of the suture.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
253 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone and first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, moving the anchor through soft body tissue with the first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, and tensioning the first and second sections of the suture and gripping the first and second sections of the suture with a suture retainer while tensioning the first and second sections of the suture, wherein said step of moving the anchor into the opening in the bone being completed with the anchor spaced from the soft body tissue and with at least one of the first and second sections of the suture extending through the soft body tissue and wherein said step of gripping the first and second sections of the suture with the suture retainer includes pressing material of the suture retainer against the first and second sections of the suture.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
263 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone and first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, moving the anchor through soft body tissue with the first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, and tensioning the first and second sections of the suture and gripping the first and second sections of the suture with a suture retainer while tensioning the first and second sections of the suture, wherein said step of moving the anchor into the opening in the bone being completed with the anchor spaced from the soft body tissue and with at least one of the first and second sections of the suture extending through the soft body tissue and wherein said step of gripping the first and second sections of the suture with the suture retainer includes applying force against the suture retainer and cold flowing material of the suture retainer under the influence of the force applied against the suture retainer.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
263 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone and first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, moving the anchor through soft body tissue with the first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, and tensioning the first and second sections of the suture and gripping the first and second sections of the suture with a suture retainer while tensioning the first and second sections of the suture, wherein said step of moving the anchor into the opening in the bone being completed with the anchor spaced from the soft body tissue and with at least one of the first and second sections of the suture extending through the soft body tissue and wherein said step of gripping the first and second sections of the suture with the suture retainer includes applying force against the suture retainer and cold flowing material of the suture retainer under the influence of the force applied against the suture retainer.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
246 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone and first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, moving the anchor through soft body tissue with the first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, and tensioning the first and second sections of the suture and gripping the first and second sections of the suture with a suture retainer while tensioning the first and second sections of the suture, wherein said step of moving the anchor into the opening in the bone being completed with the anchor spaced from the soft body tissue and with at least one of the first and second sections of the suture extending through the soft body tissue and wherein the step of gripping the first and second sections of the suture with the suture retainer includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the suture retainer.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
246 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone and first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, moving the anchor through soft body tissue with the first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, and tensioning the first and second sections of the suture and gripping the first and second sections of the suture with a suture retainer while tensioning the first and second sections of the suture, wherein said step of moving the anchor into the opening in the bone being completed with the anchor spaced from the soft body tissue and with at least one of the first and second sections of the suture extending through the soft body tissue and wherein the step of gripping the first and second sections of the suture with the suture retainer includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the suture retainer.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone and first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, moving the anchor through soft body tissue with the first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, tensioning the first and second sections of the suture, and bonding the first and second sections of the suture together, wherein said step of moving the anchor into the opening in the bone being completed with the anchor spaced from the soft body tissue and with at least one of the first and second sections of the suture extending through the soft body tissue.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
205 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone and first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, moving the anchor through soft body tissue with the first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, tensioning the first and second sections of the suture, and bonding the first and second sections of the suture together, wherein said step of moving the anchor into the opening in the bone being completed with the anchor spaced from the soft body tissue and with at least one of the first and second sections of the suture extending through the soft body tissue.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as set forth in claim 16 wherein said step of bonding the first and second sections of the suture together includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least one of the first and second sections of the suture and pressing the first and second sections of the suture against each other.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, and moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, wherein the method further includes the steps of securing a portion of body tissue disposed in the patient's body against movement relative to the bone in the patient's body, said step of securing body tissue includes tensioning the suture with the anchor disposed in the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body, positioning a suture retainer relative to the suture, and securing the suture retainer against movement relative to the suture while continuing to tension the suture.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, and moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, wherein the method further includes the steps of securing a portion of body tissue disposed in the patient's body against movement relative to the bone in the patient's body, said step of securing body tissue includes tensioning the suture with the anchor disposed in the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body, positioning a suture retainer relative to the suture, and securing the suture retainer against movement relative to the suture while continuing to tension the suture.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as set forth in claim 18 further including the step of pressing the body tissue against the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force transmitted through the suture between the suture retainer and the anchor while the anchor is disposed in the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as set forth in claim 19 wherein said step of securing the suture retainer against movement relative to the suture includes gripping the suture with the suture retainer.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as set forth in claim 19 wherein said step of securing the suture retainer against movement relative to the suture includes pressing material of the suture retainer against the suture by cold flowing material of the suture retainer.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as set forth in claim 19 wherein said step of securing the suture retainer against movement relative to the suture includes deforming material of the suture retainer without significant deformation of the suture.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as set forth in claim 19 wherein said step of securing the suture retainer against movement relative to the suture includes heating the suture retainer by transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the suture retainer.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, positioning a suture retainer relative to the suture, increasing the tension in the suture to a predetermined tension, and transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the suture retainer in response to an increase in the tension in the suture to a predetermined tension.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, positioning a suture retainer relative to the suture, increasing the tension in the suture to a predetermined tension, and transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the suture retainer in response to an increase in the tension in the suture to a predetermined tension.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an initial opening in the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, wherein said step of forming an opening in the bone includes enlarging the initial opening in the bone in the patient's body.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion formed of bone, pressing a surface on bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an initial opening in the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor, wherein said step of forming an opening in the bone includes enlarging the initial opening in the bone in the patient's body.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
224 words
A method of securing tissue to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion, pressing a surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the tissue, forming an opening in the tissue under the influence of force applied against the tissue by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the tissue, pressing the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body, and securing the tissue against movement relative to the bone, said step of securing tissue includes tensioning a suture connected with the anchor and partially disposed in the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body and with a portion of the suture extending from the bone in the patient's body into engagement with the tissue, positioning a suture retainer relative to the suture, and securing the suture retainer against movement relative to the suture while continuing to tension the suture.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
224 words
A method of securing tissue to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion, pressing a surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the tissue, forming an opening in the tissue under the influence of force applied against the tissue by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the tissue, pressing the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body, and securing the tissue against movement relative to the bone, said step of securing tissue includes tensioning a suture connected with the anchor and partially disposed in the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body and with a portion of the suture extending from the bone in the patient's body into engagement with the tissue, positioning a suture retainer relative to the suture, and securing the suture retainer against movement relative to the suture while continuing to tension the suture.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
143 words
A method as set forth in claim 26 wherein said step of forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body includes forming an opening which extends through a compact outer layer of bone which forms a portion of the bone in the patient's body by applying force against the compact outer layer of the bone in the patient's body with the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor and forming an opening in soft cancellous bone which forms a portion of the bone in the patient's body by applying force against the soft cancellous bone with the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, said step of moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body includes moving the anchor through the outer layer of compact bone into the soft cancellous bone.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as set forth in claim 27 further including the step of changing the orientation of the anchor relative to the outer layer of compact bone while the anchor is disposed in the soft cancellous bone.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
115 words
A method as set forth in claim 28 wherein the suture is tensioned while the suture extends through the tissue and while the anchor is disposed in the soft cancellous bone in a spaced apart relationship with the outer layer of compact bone, and the method further includes the steps of maintaining the anchor in a stationary relationship relative to the outer layer of compact bone while the anchor is spaced apart from the outer layer of compact bone while tensioning the suture by transmitting force from the anchor to the soft cancellous bone and, pressing the tissue against the outer layer of compact bone while suture extends through the tissue and is being tensioned.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
100 words
A method as set forth in claim 28 wherein the suture is tensioned while the suture extends through the tissue into the bone, said step of changing the orientation of the anchor relative to the outer layer of compact bone is performed while the anchor is spaced apart from the outer layer of compact bone and while the anchor is engaged by only the suture and the soft cancellous bone, said step of changing the orientation of the anchor relative to the outer layer of compact bone includes transmitting force from the suture to the anchor while tensioning the suture.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
98 words
A method as set forth in claim 26 wherein the anchor has first and second openings through which the suture extends and the suture has a first section which extends from the first opening in the anchor and a second section which extends from the second opening in the anchor, said step of moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone includes moving the portion of the anchor in which the first and second openings are disposed into the bone with the first and second sections of the suture extending from the anchor through the tissue.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
69 words
A method as set forth in claim 31 further including the step of increasing the length of one of the sections of the suture and decreasing the length of the other section of the suture while the anchor is disposed in the opening formed in the bone and while the first and second sections of the suture extend through the tissue by tensioning the one section of the suture.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
114 words
A method a set forth in claim 26 wherein the suture connected with the anchor has first and second sections which extend from the anchor through the tissue during at least a portion of the movement of the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body, said method further includes moving the first section of the suture out of tissue while the second section of the suture continues to extend through the tissue, and interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture while only the second section of the suture extends through the tissue and while the first and second section of the suture are connected with the anchor.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as set forth in claim 33 further including the step of tensioning the first and second sections of the suture and gripping the first and second sections of the suture with a suture retainer while tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with only the second section of the suture extending through the tissue.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as set forth in claim 34 further including the step of tensioning the first and second sections of the suture and bonding the first and second sections of the suture together with only the second section of the suture extending through the tissue.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as set forth in claim 35 wherein said step of bonding the first and second sections of the suture together includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least one of the first and second sections of the suture and pressing the first and second sections of the suture against each other.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
85 words
A method as set forth in claim 26 wherein said step of positioning the suture retainer relative to the tissue is performed with a portion of the suture extending through the tissue, said method further includes pressing the tissue against the bone under the influence of force transmitted through the suture between the suture retainer and the anchor while the anchor is disposed in the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body and with a portion of the suture extending through the tissue.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of securing the suture retainer against movement relative to the suture includes gripping the suture with the suture retainer.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of securing the suture retainer against movement relative to the suture includes pressing material of the suture retainer against the suture by cold flowing material of the suture retainer.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of securing the suture retainer against movement relative to the suture includes deforming material of the suture retainer without significant deformation of the suture.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as set forth in claim 37 wherein said step of securing the suture retainer against movement relative to the suture includes heating the suture retainer by transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the suture retainer.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
187 words
A method of securing tissue to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion, pressing a surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the tissue, forming an opening in the tissue under the influence of force applied against the tissue by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the tissue, pressing the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body, positioning a suture retainer relative to a suture connected with the anchor, increasing tension in the suture to a predetermined tension, and transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the suture retainer in response to an increase in the tension in the suture to a predetermined tension.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
187 words
A method of securing tissue to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion, pressing a surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the tissue, forming an opening in the tissue under the influence of force applied against the tissue by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the tissue, pressing the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body, positioning a suture retainer relative to a suture connected with the anchor, increasing tension in the suture to a predetermined tension, and transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the suture retainer in response to an increase in the tension in the suture to a predetermined tension.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
204 words
A method of securing tissue to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion, pressing a surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the tissue, forming an initial opening in the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the tissue under the influence of force applied against the tissue by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the tissue, pressing the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, and moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body, wherein said step of forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor includes enlarging the initial opening in the bone in the patient's body.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
204 words
A method of securing tissue to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion, pressing a surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the tissue, forming an initial opening in the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the tissue under the influence of force applied against the tissue by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the tissue, pressing the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, and moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body, wherein said step of forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor includes enlarging the initial opening in the bone in the patient's body.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of securing tissue to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion, pressing a surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the tissue, forming an opening in the tissue under the influence of force applied against the tissue by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the tissue, pressing the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body, wherein the anchor is formed by a single piece of bone, said step of forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body includes enclosing the anchor with a sleeve and applying force against a trailing end portion of the anchor while the anchor is enclosed by the sleeve.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of securing tissue to a bone in a patient's body, said method comprising the steps of providing an anchor having a pointed end portion, pressing a surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the tissue, forming an opening in the tissue under the influence of force applied against the tissue by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the tissue, pressing the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the pointed end portion of the anchor, moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body, wherein the anchor is formed by a single piece of bone, said step of forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body includes enclosing the anchor with a sleeve and applying force against a trailing end portion of the anchor while the anchor is enclosed by the sleeve.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of securing first tissue in a patient's body to second tissue in the patient's body, said method comprising the steps of positioning an anchor relative to the second tissue with a suture connected with the anchor and extending from the second tissue, positioning a retainer relative to the suture, transmitting force from the retainer to the first tissue to urge the first tissue toward the second tissue, tensioning the suture, said step of tensioning the suture includes detecting when at least a predetermined tension is present in the suture, and connecting the retainer with the suture in response to detection of at least the predetermined tension in the suture.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of securing first tissue in a patient's body to second tissue in the patient's body, said method comprising the steps of positioning an anchor relative to the second tissue with a suture connected with the anchor and extending from the second tissue, positioning a retainer relative to the suture, transmitting force from the retainer to the first tissue to urge the first tissue toward the second tissue, tensioning the suture, said step of tensioning the suture includes detecting when at least a predetermined tension is present in the suture, and connecting the retainer with the suture in response to detection of at least the predetermined tension in the suture.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
122 words
A method as set forth in claim 45 wherein the anchor has a pointed end portion formed of bone and the second tissue is bone disposed in a patient's body, said step of positioning the anchor relative to the second tissue includes pressing a surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, and moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as set forth in claim 45 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture in response to detection of the predetermined tension in the suture includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer in response to detection of the predetermined tension in the suture.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 47 wherein said step of transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer includes heating material of the retainer under the influence of the ultrasonic vibratory energy.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as set forth in claim 48 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes pressing heated material of the retainer against the suture and forming a bond between material of the retainer and the suture.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
100 words
A method as set forth in claim 45 wherein said step of tensioning the suture includes holding the suture at a first location offset from the retainer in a direction away from the first tissue, said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes bonding material of the retainer to the suture at a second location which is disposed closer to the first tissue than the first location, said method further includes severing the suture at a third location which is disposed between the first and second locations after performing said step of connecting the retainer with the suture.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as set forth in claim 45 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes plastically deforming material of the retainer and pressing material of the retainer against the suture.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
129 words
A method as set forth in claim 45 further including the step of positioning the suture relative to the first tissue with a portion of the suture extending through the first tissue, said step of positioning the suture relative to the first tissue includes moving the anchor through the first tissue with the suture connected to the anchor, said step of positioning the retainer relative to the suture includes moving the retainer to a desired position relative to the suture, said method further includes transmitting a predetermined force from the retainer to the first tissue, said step of connecting the retainer with the suture being performed while the predetermined force is transmitted from the retainer to the first tissue and while the predetermined tension is maintained in the suture.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as set forth in claim 52 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 52 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes heating material of the retainer and plastically deforming the heated material of the retainer.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as set forth in claim 52 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes applying force against the retainer and cold flowing material of the retainer under the influence of the force applied against the retainer.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
149 words
A method as set forth in claim 45 wherein the suture includes first and second sections which extend from the anchor, said method further includes positioning the first and second sections of the suture relative to the first tissue, said step of positioning the retainer relative to the suture includes moving the retainer to a desired position relative to the first tissue and the suture, said step of tensioning the suture includes tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with a predetermined tension, said method further includes transmitting a predetermined force from the retainer to the first tissue, said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes connecting the retainer with the first and second sections of the suture while tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with the predetermined tension and while transmitting the predetermined force from the retainer to the first tissue.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as set forth in claim 56 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 56 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes heating material of the retainer and plastically deforming the heated material of the retainer.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as set forth in claim 56 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes applying force against the retainer and cold flowing material of the retainer under the influence of the force applied against the retainer.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of securing first tissue in a patient's body to second tissue in the patient's body, said method comprising the steps of positioning an anchor relative to the second tissue with a suture connected with the anchor and extending from the second tissue, positioning a retainer relative to the suture, transmitting force from the retainer to the first tissue to urge the first tissue toward the second tissue, said step of transmitting force from the retainer to the first tissue includes detecting when at least a predetermined force is transmitted to the first tissue, tensioning the suture, and connecting the retainer with the suture in response to detection of transmission of at least the predetermined force to the first tissue.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
121 words
A method of securing first tissue in a patient's body to second tissue in the patient's body, said method comprising the steps of positioning an anchor relative to the second tissue with a suture connected with the anchor and extending from the second tissue, positioning a retainer relative to the suture, transmitting force from the retainer to the first tissue to urge the first tissue toward the second tissue, said step of transmitting force from the retainer to the first tissue includes detecting when at least a predetermined force is transmitted to the first tissue, tensioning the suture, and connecting the retainer with the suture in response to detection of transmission of at least the predetermined force to the first tissue.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
122 words
A method as set forth in claim 60 wherein the anchor has a pointed end portion formed of bone and the second tissue is bone disposed in a patient's body, said step of positioning the anchor relative to the second tissue includes pressing a surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, and moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
54 words
A method as set forth in claim 60 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture in response to detection of transmission of the predetermined force to the first tissue includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer in response to detection of transmission of the predetermined force to the first tissue.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 62 wherein said step of transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer includes heating material of the retainer under the influence of the ultrasonic vibratory energy.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as set forth in claim 63 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes pressing heated material of the retainer against the suture and forming a bond between material of the retainer and the suture.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
100 words
A method as set forth in claim 60 wherein said step of tensioning the suture includes holding the suture at a first location offset from the retainer in a direction away from the first tissue, said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes bonding material of the retainer to the suture at a second location which is disposed closer to the first tissue than the first location, said method further includes severing the suture at a third location which is disposed between the first and second locations after performing said step of connecting the retainer with the suture.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as set forth in claim 60 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes plastically deforming material of the retainer and pressing material of the retainer against the suture.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
125 words
A method as set forth in claim 60 further including the step of positioning the suture relative to the first tissue with a portion of the suture extending through the first tissue, said step of positioning the suture relative to the first tissue includes moving the anchor through the first tissue with the suture connected to the anchor, said step of positioning the retainer relative to the suture includes moving the retainer to a desired position relative to the suture, said method further includes tensioning the suture with a predetermined tension, said step of connecting the retainer with the suture being performed while the predetermined force is transmitted from the retainer to the first tissue and while the predetermined tension is maintained in the suture.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as set forth in claim 67 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 67 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes heating material of the retainer and plastically deforming the heated material of the retainer.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as set forth in claim 60 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes applying force against the retainer and cold flowing material of the retainer under the influence of the force applied against the retainer.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
134 words
A method as set forth in claim 60 wherein the suture includes first and second sections which extend from the anchor, said method further includes positioning the first and second sections of the suture relative to the first tissue, said step of positioning the retainer relative to the suture includes moving the retainer to a desired position relative to the first tissue and the suture, said step of tensioning the suture includes tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with a predetermined tension, said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes connecting the retainer with the first and second sections of the suture while tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with the predetermined tension and while transmitting the predetermined force from the retainer to the first tissue.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as set forth in claim 71 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 71 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes heating material of the retainer and plastically deforming the heated material of the retainer.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as set forth in claim 71 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes applying force against the retainer and cold flowing material of the retainer under the influence of the force applied against the retainer.
Claim 89
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of securing first tissue in a patient's body to second tissue in the patient's body, said method comprising the steps of positioning an anchor relative to the second tissue with a suture connected with the anchor and extending from the second tissue, positioning a retainer relative to the suture, transmitting force from the retainer to the first tissue to urge the first tissue toward the second tissue, said step of transmitting force from the retainer to the first tissue includes detecting when at least a predetermined force is transmitted to the first tissue, tensioning the suture, said step of tensioning the suture includes detecting when at least a predetermined tension is present in the suture, and connecting the retainer with the suture in response to detection of both the predetermined tension in the suture and the transmission of the predetermined force to the first tissue.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of securing first tissue in a patient's body to second tissue in the patient's body, said method comprising the steps of positioning an anchor relative to the second tissue with a suture connected with the anchor and extending from the second tissue, positioning a retainer relative to the suture, transmitting force from the retainer to the first tissue to urge the first tissue toward the second tissue, said step of transmitting force from the retainer to the first tissue includes detecting when at least a predetermined force is transmitted to the first tissue, tensioning the suture, said step of tensioning the suture includes detecting when at least a predetermined tension is present in the suture, and connecting the retainer with the suture in response to detection of both the predetermined tension in the suture and the transmission of the predetermined force to the first tissue.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
122 words
A method as set forth in claim 75 wherein the anchor has a pointed end portion formed of bone and the second tissue is bone disposed in a patient's body, said step of positioning the anchor relative to the second tissue includes pressing a surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, and moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
70 words
A method as set forth in claim 75 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture in response to detection of the predetermined tension in the suture and the transmission of the predetermined force to the first tissue includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer in response to detection of the predetermined tension in the suture and the transmission of the predetermined force to the first tissue.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 77 wherein said step of transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer includes heating material of the retainer under the influence of the ultrasonic vibratory energy.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as set forth in claim 78 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes pressing heated material of the retainer against the suture and forming a bond between material of the retainer and the suture.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
100 words
A method as set forth in claim 79 wherein said step of tensioning the suture includes holding the suture at a first location offset from the retainer in a direction away from the first tissue, said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes bonding material of the retainer to the suture at a second location which is disposed closer to the first tissue than the first location, said method further includes severing the suture at a third location which is disposed between the first and second locations after performing said step of connecting the retainer with the suture.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as set forth in claim 75 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes plastically deforming material of the retainer and pressing material of the retainer against the suture.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as set forth in claim 75 further including the step of positioning the suture relative to the first tissue with a portion of the suture extending through the first tissue, said step of positioning the suture relative to the first tissue includes moving the anchor through the first tissue with the suture connected to the anchor.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as set forth in claim 82 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 82 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes heating material of the retainer and plastically deforming the heated material of the retainer.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as set forth in claim 82 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes applying force against the retainer and cold flowing material of the retainer under the influence of the force applied against the retainer.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
134 words
A method as set forth in claim 75 wherein the suture includes first and second sections which extend from the anchor, said method further includes positioning the first and second sections of the suture relative to the first tissue, said step of positioning the retainer relative to the suture includes moving the retainer to a desired position relative to the first tissue and the suture, said step of tensioning the suture includes tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with a predetermined tension, said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes connecting the retainer with the first and second sections of the suture while tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with the predetermined tension and while transmitting the predetermined force from the retainer to the first tissue.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as set forth in claim 86 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 86 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes heating material of the retainer and plastically deforming the heated material of the retainer.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as set forth in claim 86 wherein said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes applying force against the retainer and cold flowing material of the retainer under the influence of the force applied against the retainer.
Claim 105
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of securing first tissue in a patient's body to second tissue in the patient's body, said method comprising the steps of positioning an anchor relative to the second tissue with first and second sections of a suture connected with the anchor and extending from the second tissue, positioning the first and second sections of the suture relative to the first tissue, tensioning the first and second sections of the suture, and connecting the first and second sections of the suture together, said step of connecting the first and second sections of the suture together includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least one of the first and second sections of the suture and pressing the first section of the suture against the second section of the suture.
Claim 106
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of securing first tissue in a patient's body to second tissue in the patient's body, said method comprising the steps of positioning an anchor relative to the second tissue with first and second sections of a suture connected with the anchor and extending from the second tissue, positioning the first and second sections of the suture relative to the first tissue, tensioning the first and second sections of the suture, and connecting the first and second sections of the suture together, said step of connecting the first and second sections of the suture together includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least one of the first and second sections of the suture and pressing the first section of the suture against the second section of the suture.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
122 words
A method as set forth in claim 90 wherein the anchor has a pointed end portion formed of bone and the second tissue is bone disposed in a patient's body, said step of positioning the anchor relative to the second tissue includes pressing a surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor against the bone in the patient's body, forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the surface on the bone forming the pointed end portion of the anchor, and moving the anchor into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with the suture connected with the anchor.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method as set forth in claim 90 wherein said step of tensioning the suture includes detecting when a predetermined tension is present in the suture, said step of connecting the first and second sections of the suture together being performed in response to detection of the predetermined tension in the suture.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as set forth in claim 90 wherein said step of transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least one of the first and second sections of the suture includes heating at least the one section of the suture under the influence of the ultrasonic vibratory energy.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method as set forth in claim 93 wherein said step of pressing the first section of the suture against the second section of the suture includes pressing the heated material of the one section of the suture and the other section of the suture together and forming a bond between the first and second sections of the suture.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
118 words
A method as set forth in claim 90 wherein said step of tensioning the suture includes holding the suture at a first location offset from the retainer in a direction away from the first tissue, said step of connecting the first and second sections of the suture together includes bonding material of the first and second sections of the suture together at a second location which is disposed closer to the first tissue than the first location, said method further includes severing the first and second sections of the suture at a third location which is disposed between the first and second locations after performing said step of connecting the first and second sections of the suture together.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as set forth in claim 90 wherein said step of connecting the first and second sections of the suture together includes plastically deforming at least the material of the one section of the suture.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as set forth in claim 90 wherein said step of positioning the suture relative to the first tissue includes moving the anchor through the first tissue with the suture connected to the anchor.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
69 words
A method as set forth in claim 90 further including the step of transmitting a predetermined force from the first and second sections of the suture to the first tissue, said step of connecting the first and second sections of the suture together being performed in response to detection of transmission of the predetermined force from the first and second sections of the suture to the first body tissue.
Claim 115
Independent Claim
136 words
A method of securing a suture relative to body tissue, said method comprises the steps of positioning the suture relative to the body tissue, connecting the suture to a first member, establishing at least a predetermined tension in the suture by urging the first member in a direction away from the body tissue, positioning a retainer relative to the suture, establishing the transmission of at least a predetermined force from the retainer to the body tissue by urging the retainer toward the body tissue, and connecting the retainer with the suture while at least the predetermined tension is present in the suture and while at least the predetermined force is being transmitted from the retainer to the body tissue, said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer.
Claim 116
Independent Claim
136 words
A method of securing a suture relative to body tissue, said method comprises the steps of positioning the suture relative to the body tissue, connecting the suture to a first member, establishing at least a predetermined tension in the suture by urging the first member in a direction away from the body tissue, positioning a retainer relative to the suture, establishing the transmission of at least a predetermined force from the retainer to the body tissue by urging the retainer toward the body tissue, and connecting the retainer with the suture while at least the predetermined tension is present in the suture and while at least the predetermined force is being transmitted from the retainer to the body tissue, said step of connecting the retainer with the suture includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as set forth in claim 99 wherein said step of positioning the suture relative to the body tissue includes moving an anchor connected with the suture into a bone in the patient's body.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as set forth in claim 100 wherein said step of establishing at least a predetermined tension in the suture by urging the first member in a direction away from the body tissue includes transmitting force from the first member to the anchor through the suture.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
60 words
A method as set forth in claim 100 wherein said step of establishing the transmission of at least a predetermined force from the retainer to the body tissue by urging the retainer toward the body tissue includes pressing body tissue against the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force transmitted from the retainer to the body tissue.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
65 words
A method as set forth in claim 100 wherein the anchor has a pointed end portion, said step of moving the anchor connected with the suture into the bone in the patient's body includes forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the pointed end portion of the anchor.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as set forth in claim 100 wherein said step of positioning the suture relative to body tissue further includes moving the anchor connected with the suture through body tissue contemporaneously with performance of said step of moving the anchor into the bone in the patient's body.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as set forth in claim 100 further including the step of severing the suture at a location disposed between the first member and the retainer while the suture is tensioned by urging the first member in a direction away from the body tissue and after performance of said step of connecting the retainer with the suture.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
79 words
A method as set forth in claim 99 further including the steps of detecting when the predetermined tension is established in the suture and detecting when the predetermined force is transmitted from the retainer to the body tissue, said step of connecting the retainer with the suture being performed in response to detection that the predetermined tension has been established in the suture and detection that the predetermined force is being transmitted from the retainer to the body tissue.
Claim 124
Independent Claim
175 words
A method of securing a suture relative to body tissue, said method comprises the steps of positioning the suture relative to body tissue, connecting first and second sections of the suture to a first member, establishing at least a predetermined tension in the first and second sections of the suture by urging the first member in a direction away from the body tissue, establishing the transmission of at least a predetermined force from a second member to the body tissue by urging the second member in a direction toward the body tissue, and connecting the first and second sections of the suture together while at least the predetermined tension is present in the suture and while at least the predetermined force is being transmitted from the second member to the body tissue, said step of connecting the first and second sections of the suture together includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least one of the sections of the suture and pressing the first section of the suture against the second section of the suture.
Claim 125
Independent Claim
175 words
A method of securing a suture relative to body tissue, said method comprises the steps of positioning the suture relative to body tissue, connecting first and second sections of the suture to a first member, establishing at least a predetermined tension in the first and second sections of the suture by urging the first member in a direction away from the body tissue, establishing the transmission of at least a predetermined force from a second member to the body tissue by urging the second member in a direction toward the body tissue, and connecting the first and second sections of the suture together while at least the predetermined tension is present in the suture and while at least the predetermined force is being transmitted from the second member to the body tissue, said step of connecting the first and second sections of the suture together includes transmitting ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least one of the sections of the suture and pressing the first section of the suture against the second section of the suture.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as set forth in claim 107 wherein said step of positioning the suture relative to the body tissue includes moving an anchor connected with the suture into a bone in the patient's body.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as set forth in claim 108 wherein said step of establishing at least a predetermined tension in the suture by urging the first member in a direction away from the body tissue includes transmitting force from the first member to the anchor through the suture.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method as set forth in claim 108 wherein said step of establishing the transmission of at least a predetermined force from the second member to the body tissue by urging the second member toward the body tissue includes pressing body tissue against the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force transmitted from the second member to the body tissue.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
65 words
A method as set forth in claim 108 wherein the anchor has a pointed end portion, said step of moving the anchor connected with the suture into the bone in the patient's body includes forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against the bone in the patient's body by the pointed end portion of the anchor.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as set forth in claim 108 wherein said step of positioning the suture relative to body tissue further includes moving the anchor connected with the suture through body tissue contemporaneously with performance of said step of moving the anchor into the bone in the patient's body.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method as set forth in claim 107 further including the step of severing the suture at a location disposed between the first member and the second member while the suture is tensioned by urging the first member in a direction away from the body tissue and after performance of said step of connecting the first and second sections of the suture together.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
85 words
A method as set forth in claim 107 further including the steps of detecting when the predetermined tension is established in the suture and detecting when the predetermined force is transmitted from the second member to the body tissue, said step of connecting the first and second sections of the suture together being performed in response to detection that the predetermined tension has been established in the suture and detection that the predetermined force is being transmitted from the second member to the body tissue.
Claim 133
Independent Claim
101 words
An apparatus for use in securing a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising means for tensioning the suture with at least a predetermined tension, means for applying at least a predetermined force to a retainer to urge the retainer toward the body tissue, means for detecting when at least the predetermined tension is present in the suture, and means for connecting the retainer with the suture, said means for connecting the retainer with the suture being operable to connect the retainer with the suture in response to detection that at least the predetermined tension is present in the suture.
Claim 134
Independent Claim
101 words
An apparatus for use in securing a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising means for tensioning the suture with at least a predetermined tension, means for applying at least a predetermined force to a retainer to urge the retainer toward the body tissue, means for detecting when at least the predetermined tension is present in the suture, and means for connecting the retainer with the suture, said means for connecting the retainer with the suture being operable to connect the retainer with the suture in response to detection that at least the predetermined tension is present in the suture.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
66 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 115 further including means for detecting when at least the predetermined force is applied to the retainer, said means for connecting the retainer with the suture being operable to connect the retainer with the suture in response to detection that the predetermined tension is present in the suture and that the predetermined force is being applied to the retainer.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 115 wherein said means for connecting the retainer with the suture is operable to apply ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 115 further including means for severing the suture.
Claim 138
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for use in securing a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising means for tensioning the suture with at least a predetermined tension, means for applying a predetermined force to a retainer to urge the retainer toward the body tissue, means for detecting when at least a predetermined force is applied to the retainer, and means for connecting the retainer with the suture, said means for connecting the retainer with the suture being operable to connect the retainer with the suture in response to detection that at least the predetermined force is being applied to the retainer.
Claim 139
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for use in securing a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising means for tensioning the suture with at least a predetermined tension, means for applying a predetermined force to a retainer to urge the retainer toward the body tissue, means for detecting when at least a predetermined force is applied to the retainer, and means for connecting the retainer with the suture, said means for connecting the retainer with the suture being operable to connect the retainer with the suture in response to detection that at least the predetermined force is being applied to the retainer.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 119 further including means for detecting when at least a predetermined tension is present in the suture.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 119 wherein said means for connecting the retainer with the suture is operable to apply ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 119 further including means for severing the suture.
Claim 143
Independent Claim
160 words
An apparatus for use in securing first and second sections of a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising means for tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with at least a predetermined tension, means for applying at least a predetermined force which is transmitted to the body tissue and is effective to urge the body tissue in a direction away from said means for tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with at least the predetermined tension, means for detecting when at least the predetermined tension is present in the first and second sections of the suture, and means for interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture, said means for interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture being operable to interconnect the first and second sections of the suture in response to detection that at least the predetermined tension is present in the first and second sections of the suture.
Claim 144
Independent Claim
160 words
An apparatus for use in securing first and second sections of a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising means for tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with at least a predetermined tension, means for applying at least a predetermined force which is transmitted to the body tissue and is effective to urge the body tissue in a direction away from said means for tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with at least the predetermined tension, means for detecting when at least the predetermined tension is present in the first and second sections of the suture, and means for interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture, said means for interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture being operable to interconnect the first and second sections of the suture in response to detection that at least the predetermined tension is present in the first and second sections of the suture.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
82 words
A method as set forth in claim 123 further including means for detecting when at least the predetermined force is transmitted to the body tissue, said means for interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture being operable to interconnect the first and second sections of the suture in response to detection that the predetermined tension is present in the first and second sections of the suture and that at least the predetermined force is being transmitted to the body tissue.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 123 wherein said means for interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture includes means for pressing the first and second sections of the suture against each other and for bonding the first and second sections of the suture together.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
50 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 123 wherein said means for interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture includes means for applying ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least one of the sections of the suture and for pressing the first and second sections of the suture together.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 123 further including means for severing the first and second sections of the suture.
Claim 149
Independent Claim
151 words
An apparatus for use in securing first and second sections of a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising means for tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with at least a predetermined tension, means for applying at least a predetermined force which is transmitted to the body tissue and is effective to urge the body tissue in a direction away from said means for tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with at least a predetermined tension, means for detecting when at least the predetermined force is transmitted to the body tissue, and means for interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture, said means for interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture being operable to interconnect the first and second sections of the suture in response to detection that at least the predetermined force is being transmitted to the body tissue.
Claim 150
Independent Claim
151 words
An apparatus for use in securing first and second sections of a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising means for tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with at least a predetermined tension, means for applying at least a predetermined force which is transmitted to the body tissue and is effective to urge the body tissue in a direction away from said means for tensioning the first and second sections of the suture with at least a predetermined tension, means for detecting when at least the predetermined force is transmitted to the body tissue, and means for interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture, said means for interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture being operable to interconnect the first and second sections of the suture in response to detection that at least the predetermined force is being transmitted to the body tissue.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 128 further including means for detecting when at least a predetermined tension is present in the first and second sections of the suture.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 128 wherein said means for interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture includes means for pressing the first and second sections of the suture against each other and for bonding the first and second sections of the suture together.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
50 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 128 wherein said means for interconnecting the first and second sections of the suture includes means for applying ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least one of the sections of the suture and for pressing the first and second sections of the suture together.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 128 further including means for severing the first and second sections of the suture.
Claim 155
Independent Claim
129 words
An apparatus for use in securing a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising a base, a first member connected with said base and connectable with the suture, said first member being urged in a direction toward the body tissue under the influence of tension force transmitted to said first member through the suture, a second member connected with said base and engageable with a retainer which is disposed adjacent to the suture, said second member being effective to transmit force to the retainer to urge the retainer toward the body tissue, and a connector assembly which is connected with said base and is operable to connect the retainer with the suture upon application of a predetermined force to at least one of said first and second members.
Claim 156
Independent Claim
129 words
An apparatus for use in securing a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising a base, a first member connected with said base and connectable with the suture, said first member being urged in a direction toward the body tissue under the influence of tension force transmitted to said first member through the suture, a second member connected with said base and engageable with a retainer which is disposed adjacent to the suture, said second member being effective to transmit force to the retainer to urge the retainer toward the body tissue, and a connector assembly which is connected with said base and is operable to connect the retainer with the suture upon application of a predetermined force to at least one of said first and second members.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 133 wherein said connector assembly includes a vibration applicator member which transmits ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer to heat material of the retainer in response to application of the predetermined force to at least one of said first and second members.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 133 wherein said connector assembly includes clamp members and an actuator which presses said clamp members against opposite sides of the retainer to deform material of the retainer.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
92 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 133 further including a solid state device to which force is transmitted from one of said first and second members, said solid state device being effective to provide an output signal which is indicative of transmission of a predetermined force to the one of said first and second members, said connector assembly being operable to connect the retainer with the suture when the output signal from said solid state device indicates transmission of the predetermined force to the one of said first and second members.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 133 further including a cutter assembly connected with said base and operable to cut the suture at a location disposed between said first and second members.
Claim 161
Independent Claim
130 words
An apparatus for use in securing a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising a base, a first member connected with said base and connectable with the suture, said first member being urged in a direction toward the body tissue under the influence of tension force transmitted to the first member through first and second sections of the suture, a second member connected with said base, said second member being urged toward said first member under the influence of force transmitted between said second member and the body tissue, and a connector assembly which is connected with said base and is operable to connect the first and second sections of the suture together upon application of a predetermined force to at least one of said first and second members.
Claim 162
Independent Claim
130 words
An apparatus for use in securing a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising a base, a first member connected with said base and connectable with the suture, said first member being urged in a direction toward the body tissue under the influence of tension force transmitted to the first member through first and second sections of the suture, a second member connected with said base, said second member being urged toward said first member under the influence of force transmitted between said second member and the body tissue, and a connector assembly which is connected with said base and is operable to connect the first and second sections of the suture together upon application of a predetermined force to at least one of said first and second members.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
81 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 138 wherein said connector assembly includes a vibration applicator member which transmits ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least one of the first and second sections of the suture to heat at least the one section of the suture, said connector assembly being operable to press the first section of the suture against the second section of the suture during the application of ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least the one section of the suture.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 138 wherein said connector assembly is operable to bond said first and second sections of the suture together.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
51 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 138 wherein said actuator assembly includes a plurality of clamp members and an actuator which presses said clamp members against the first and second sections of the suture to deform material of the suture and interconnect the first and second sections of the suture.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 138 wherein at least one of said clamp members is effective to apply ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least one of the sections of the suture.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
95 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 138 further including a solid state device to which force is transmitted from one of said first and second members, said solid state device being effective to provide an output signal which is indicative of transmission of a predetermined force to the one of the first and second members, said connector assembly being operable to connect the first and second sections of the suture together when the output from said solid state device indicates transmission of the predetermined force to the one of said first and second members.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 138 further including a cutter assembly connected with said base and operable to cut the suture at a location disposed between the first and second members.
Claim 169
Independent Claim
145 words
An apparatus for use in securing a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising a base, a first member connected with said base and connectable with the suture, said first member being urged in a direction toward the body tissue under the influence of tension force transmitted to the first member through the suture, a second member connected with said base and engageable with a retainer which is disposed adjacent to the suture, said second member being effective to transmit force to the retainer urging the retainer toward the body tissue, and a connector assembly which is connected with said base and is operable to connect the retainer to the suture when there is both the transmission of a first predetermined force from the suture to the first member and the transmission of a second predetermined force from the second member to the retainer.
Claim 170
Independent Claim
145 words
An apparatus for use in securing a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising a base, a first member connected with said base and connectable with the suture, said first member being urged in a direction toward the body tissue under the influence of tension force transmitted to the first member through the suture, a second member connected with said base and engageable with a retainer which is disposed adjacent to the suture, said second member being effective to transmit force to the retainer urging the retainer toward the body tissue, and a connector assembly which is connected with said base and is operable to connect the retainer to the suture when there is both the transmission of a first predetermined force from the suture to the first member and the transmission of a second predetermined force from the second member to the retainer.
Claim 171
Dependent Claim
64 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 145 wherein said connector assembly includes a vibration applicator member which transmits ultrasonic vibratory energy to the retainer to heat material of the retainer when there is both the transmission of the first predetermined force from the suture to the first member and the transmission of the second predetermined force from the second member to the retainer.
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 145 wherein said connector assembly includes clamp members and an actuator which presses said clamp members against opposite sides of the retainer to deform material of the retainer.
Claim 173
Dependent Claim
99 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 145 further including a first solid state device to which force is transmitted from said first member and a second solid state device to which force is transmitted from said second member, said first solid state device being effective to provide an output signal which is indicative of the transmission of the first predetermined force from the suture to the first member, said second solid state device being effective to provide an output signal which is indicative of the transmission of the second predetermined force from said second member to the retainer.
Claim 174
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 145 further including a cutter assembly connected with said base and operable to cut the suture at a location disposed between said first and second members.
Claim 175
Independent Claim
147 words
An apparatus for use in securing first and second sections of a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising a base, a first member connected with said base and connectable with the first and second sections of the suture, said first member being urged in a direction toward the body tissue under the influence of tension force transmitted through the suture, a second member connected with said base, said second member being urged toward said first member under the influence of force transmitted between said second member and the body tissue, and a connector assembly which is connected with said base and is operable to connect the first and second sections of the suture together when there is both the transmission of a first predetermined force to the first member and the transmission of a second predetermined force between said second member and the body tissue.
Claim 176
Independent Claim
147 words
An apparatus for use in securing first and second sections of a suture relative to body tissue, said apparatus comprising a base, a first member connected with said base and connectable with the first and second sections of the suture, said first member being urged in a direction toward the body tissue under the influence of tension force transmitted through the suture, a second member connected with said base, said second member being urged toward said first member under the influence of force transmitted between said second member and the body tissue, and a connector assembly which is connected with said base and is operable to connect the first and second sections of the suture together when there is both the transmission of a first predetermined force to the first member and the transmission of a second predetermined force between said second member and the body tissue.
Claim 177
Dependent Claim
84 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 150 wherein said connector assembly includes a vibration applicator member which transmits ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least one of the first and second sections of the suture to heat material of the one of the first and second sections of the suture when there is both the transmission of the first predetermined force from the suture to the first member and the transmission of the second predetermined force between the second member and the body tissue.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 150 wherein said connector assembly includes clamp members and an actuator which presses said clamp members against the first and second sections of the suture to press the first and second sections of the suture against each other.
Claim 179
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 152 wherein at least one of said clamp members is effective to apply ultrasonic vibratory energy to at least one of the sections of the suture.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
106 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 150 further including a first solid state device to which force is transmitted from said first member and a second solid state device to which force is transmitted from said second member, said first solid state device being effective to provide an output signal which is indicative of the transmission of the first predetermined force from the first and second sections of the suture to the first member, said second solid state device being effective to provide an output signal which is indicative of the transmission of the second predetermined force between said second member and the body tissue.
Claim 181
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 150 further including a cutter assembly connected with said base and operable to cut the first and second sections of the suture at a location between said first and second members.
Claim 182
Independent Claim
157 words
An apparatus for use in securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said apparatus comprising an anchor formed of a single piece of bone, said anchor including a cylindrical body portion having a longitudinal central axis and a pointed end portion having a central axis which is coincident with the longitudinal central axis of said body portion, said body portion including first and second openings which extend through said body portion in a direction transverse to the longitudinal central axis of said body portion and which receive the suture, said second opening having a central axis which extends parallel to a central axis of said first opening and said pointed end portion having surface means for forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against a trailing end of said body portion in a direction extending along the longitudinal central axis of said body portion.
Claim 183
Independent Claim
157 words
An apparatus for use in securing a suture relative to a bone in a patient's body, said apparatus comprising an anchor formed of a single piece of bone, said anchor including a cylindrical body portion having a longitudinal central axis and a pointed end portion having a central axis which is coincident with the longitudinal central axis of said body portion, said body portion including first and second openings which extend through said body portion in a direction transverse to the longitudinal central axis of said body portion and which receive the suture, said second opening having a central axis which extends parallel to a central axis of said first opening and said pointed end portion having surface means for forming an opening in the bone in the patient's body under the influence of force applied against a trailing end of said body portion in a direction extending along the longitudinal central axis of said body portion.
Claim 184
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 156 wherein a first portion of said second opening is formed in said body portion of said anchor and a second portion of said second opening is formed in said pointed end portion of said anchor.
Claim 185
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 156 wherein said anchor is formed of a single piece of freeze dried bone.
Claim 186
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 156 wherein the bone is allogenic bone.
Claim 187
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 156 wherein the bone is autogenic bone.
Claim 188
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 156 wherein the bone is xenogenic bone.
Claim 189
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 156 wherein the bone is cortical bone.
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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) | 2006-07-14 | 2007-01-13 | 2007-07-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-07-14 | 2011-01-13 | 2011-07-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-07-14 | 2015-01-13 | 2015-07-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |