Patent EP0104771A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6682533B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Surgical cable system and method
Assignee: Zimmer Spine Inc
•
Filing: 1999-07-23
•
Granted: 2004-01-27
•
Expires: 2019-07-23
Abstract
Abstract A surgical cable system and method for securing surgical cable around a portion of a human element (e.g., bone) are described. The surgical cable system may include a connector and a tensioner. The connector may be adapted to hold a pin, positionable within the connector, such that the pin may secure the cable within the connector. The pin may be repositioned, after securing the cable, to allow the cable, to move freely through the connector. The cable may be oriented within the connector such that the ends of the cable are either perpendicular or parallel with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the tensioner is adapted to vary the tension of the cable. The cable may be passed through the connector, around a portion of a human bone, and back through the connector. The cable may be tensioned by use of the tensioner and secured into position within the connector. The connector may include a locking portion for engaging a protrusion formed on the pin. The engagement of the protrusion with the locking portion may inhibit rotation of the pin. The connectors may be incorporated into an elongated rigid member to form a spinal fixation device.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael C. Dinsdale
- 👤 Erik J. Wagner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:00
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/88; A61B17/8869; A61B17/68; A61B17/82; A61B17/8861; A61B17/84; A61B17/842; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S606/00; Y10S606/907; Y10T; Y10T24/00; Y10T24/39; Y10T24/3936; Y10T24/394; Y10T24/3951
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 106
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated member comprising an internal cavity and a fastener cavity; a fastener configured to couple the elongated member to a bone, wherein a head of the fastener is positionable in the fastener cavity during use; a cable adapted to pass through the elongated member to form a loop for engaging a portion of a human bone during use; and a pin positionable within the internal cavity during use in a first position for securing a portion of the cable with respect to the elongated member, thereby fixing the size of the loop during use, and wherein the pin is positionable in a second position to place the cable adjacent to a groove in the pin such that the cable is moveable relative to the elongated member to allow the size of the loop to be altered during use.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated member comprising an internal cavity and a fastener cavity; a fastener configured to couple the elongated member to a bone, wherein a head of the fastener is positionable in the fastener cavity during use; a cable adapted to pass through the elongated member to form a loop for engaging a portion of a human bone during use; and a pin positionable within the internal cavity during use in a first position for securing a portion of the cable with respect to the elongated member, thereby fixing the size of the loop during use, and wherein the pin is positionable in a second position to place the cable adjacent to a groove in the pin such that the cable is moveable relative to the elongated member to allow the size of the loop to be altered during use.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the cable further comprises an elongated and substantially flexible main portion, the main portion comprising a stranded metal wire.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the cable further comprises a leader portion adapted to guide the cable around a portion of the human bone.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the cable further comprises a leader portion, the leader portion comprising a non-stranded wire, and wherein the leader portion is adapted to guide the cable around a portion of the human bone.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the cable further comprises a tip located at an end of the cable, and wherein the tip comprises a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the cable.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the cable further comprises a tip located at an end of the cable, and wherein the tip comprises a diameter that is larger than a portion of the internal cavity.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the elongated member further comprises a first arm and a second arm extending from the elongated member, and wherein the internal cavity passes longitudinally through the entire elongated member between the first arm and the second arm.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 7 , wherein the pin is configured to rotate within the internal cavity, and wherein the first and second arms are positioned such that rotation of the pin within the internal cavity is hindered during use.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
77 words
The system of claim 7 wherein the pin is configured to rotate in a first direction into the first position, and wherein at least one of the first and second arms comprises a first opening, and wherein the pin comprises a protrusion, and wherein the protrusion is configured to engage the first opening when the pin is in the first position such that rotation of the pin in a direction opposite the first direction is substantially inhibited.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
98 words
The system of claim 7 , wherein the pin is configured to rotate in a first direction into the first position, and wherein the first arm comprises a first opening and the second arm comprises a second opening, and wherein the pin comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and wherein the firs t protrusion is configured to engage the first opening and the second protrusion is configured to engage the second opening when the pin is in the first position such that rotation of the pin in a direction opposite the first direction is substantially inhibited.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the pin further comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the upper portion comprises a diameter substantially greater than a diameter of the lower portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
56 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the pin further comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the upper portion comprises a diameter that is substantially greater than a diameter of the internal cavity, and wherein the lower portion comprises a diameter that is substantially less than a diameter of the internal cavity.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the pin is adapted to be secured within the internal cavity.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the pin is adapted to rotate from the first position to the second position to secure a portion of the cable with respect to the elongated member during use.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the pin is adapted to rotate from the second position to the first position to permit movement of a portion of the cable through the elongated member during use.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the elongated member further comprises a duct passing through the elongated member, the duct communicating with the internal cavity.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 16 , wherein the duct passes through the elongated member in a substantially perpendicular orientation to a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 16 , wherein the duct passes through the elongated member in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the cavity.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system of claim 16 , further comprising a connector positioned within the internal cavity, the connector comprising an aperture, and wherein the aperture is positioned such that a portion of the cable extends into the duct and into the aperture of the connector during use.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 19 , wherein the pin is positioned within the connector during use.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 16 , wherein the pin comprises a groove, the groove being positioned to align with the duct when the pin is in the second position during use.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 16 , wherein the pin is configured to compress the cable against the duct such that the cable is secured within the elongated member during use.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 16 , wherein the elongated member further comprises an additional duct, the additional duct communicating with the internal cavity.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the pin further comprises an opening passing through a longitudinal axis of the pin, the opening being configured to allow a portion of the cable to pass through the opening during use.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the pin comprises an opening passing through a longitudinal axis of the pin, the opening comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being shaped to receive a tip of the cable.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the pin comprises an opening passing through a longitudinal axis of the pin, the opening comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being shaped to couple with a torsioning device, the torsioning device being configured to apply a torsional force to the pin.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the elongated member is substantially U-shaped.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the elongated member is substantially linear.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the elongated member further comprises: a plurality of internal cavities formed within the elongated member; and a plurality of additional pins, each of the pins being positionable within one of the plurality of internal cavities during use.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the pin is rotated to move the pin from the first position to the second position.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
164 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated member; and a connector coupled to the elongated member, the connector comprising: a body comprising an internal cavity; a cable adapted to pass through the body to form a loop for engaging a portion of a human bone during use, the cable having a first portion; a pin positionable within the internal cavity during use in a first position for securing a portion of the cable with respect to the elongated member, thereby fixing the size of the loop during use, and wherein the pin is positionable in a second position to place the cable adjacent to a groove in the pin such that the cable is moveable relative to the elongated member to allow the size of the loop to be altered during use; and an opening passing in a substantially longitudinal direction through the pin, wherein the first portion of the cable has a size that allows the first portion to pass through the opening.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
164 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated member; and a connector coupled to the elongated member, the connector comprising: a body comprising an internal cavity; a cable adapted to pass through the body to form a loop for engaging a portion of a human bone during use, the cable having a first portion; a pin positionable within the internal cavity during use in a first position for securing a portion of the cable with respect to the elongated member, thereby fixing the size of the loop during use, and wherein the pin is positionable in a second position to place the cable adjacent to a groove in the pin such that the cable is moveable relative to the elongated member to allow the size of the loop to be altered during use; and an opening passing in a substantially longitudinal direction through the pin, wherein the first portion of the cable has a size that allows the first portion to pass through the opening.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the cable further comprises an elongated and substantially flexible main portion, the main portion comprising a stranded metal wire.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the cable further comprises a leader portion adapted to guide the cable around a portion of the human bone.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the cable further comprises a leader portion, the leader portion comprising a non-stranded wire, and wherein the leader portion is adapted to guide the cable around a portion of the human bone.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the cable further comprises a tip located at an end of the cable, and wherein the tip comprises a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the cable.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the cable further comprises a tip located at an end of the cable, and wherein the tip comprises a diameter that is larger than a portion of the internal cavity.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the connector further comprises a first arm and a second arm extending from the body, and wherein the internal cavity passes longitudinally through the body between the first arm and the second arm.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 37 , wherein the pin is configured to rotate within the internal cavity, and wherein the first and second arms are positioned such that rotation of the pin within the internal cavity is hindered during use.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
77 words
The system of claim 37 wherein the pin is configured to rotate in a first direction into the first position, and wherein at least one of the first and second arms comprises a first opening, and wherein the pin comprises a protrusion, and wherein the protrusion is configured to engage the first opening when the pin is in the first position such that rotation of the pin in a direction opposite the first direction is substantially inhibited.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
97 words
The system of claim 37 , wherein the pin is configured to rotate in a first direction into the first position, and wherein the first arm comprises a first opening and the second arm comprises a second opening, and wherein the pin comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and wherein the first protrusion is configured to engage the first opening and the second protrusion is configured to engage the second opening when the pin is in the first position such that rotation of the pin in a direction opposite the first direction is substantially inhibited.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the pin further comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the upper portion comprises a diameter substantially greater than a diameter of the lower portion.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
56 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the pin further comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the upper portion comprises a diameter that is substantially greater than a diameter of the internal cavity, and wherein the lower portion comprises a diameter that is substantially less than a diameter of the internal cavity.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the pin is adapted to be secured within the internal cavity.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the pin is adapted to rotate from the first position to the second position to secure a portion of the cable with respect to the elongated member during use.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the pin is adapted to rotate from the second position to the first position to permit movement of a portion of the cable through the elongated member during use.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the connector further comprises a duct passing through the body, the duct communicating with the internal cavity.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 46 , wherein the duct passes through the body in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the longitudinal axis of the body.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 46 , wherein the duct passes through the body in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the cavity.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 46 , wherein the elongated member further comprises an aperture, and wherein the aperture is positioned such that a portion of the cable extends into the aperture, and into the duct during use.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 49 , wherein the pin is positioned within the connector during use.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 46 , wherein the pin comprises a groove, the groove being oriented substantially perpendicular to the duct when the pin is in the first position during use.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 46 , wherein the pin is configured to compress the cable against the duct such that the cable is secured within the connector during use.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 46 , wherein the connector further comprises an additional duct, the additional duct communicating with the internal cavity.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the pin comprises a tool junction, the tool junction being shaped to couple with a torsioning device, the torsioning device being configured to apply a torsional force to the pin.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the elongated member is substantially U-shaped.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the elongated member is substantially linear.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the elongated member further comprises: a plurality of additional connectors coupled to the elongated member, each of the connectors comprising: an internal cavity; and a pin, the pin being positionable within the internal cavity during use.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 57 , wherein the elongated member further comprises a plurality of bone screw cavities coupled to the elongated member, wherein each of the bone screw cavities are configured to receive a head of a bone screw.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the elongated member further comprises a bone screw cavity, and wherein the bone screw cavity is configured to receive a head of a bone screw.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system of claim 59 , wherein the elongated member further comprises a plurality of additional b one screw cavities coupled to the elongated member, wherein each of the plurality of additional bone screw cavities are configured to receive a head of a bone screw.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the pin is rotated to move the pin from the first position to the second position.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 31 , wherein the cable comprises a second portion and wherein a cross sectional area of the second portion inhibits passage of the cable through the opening.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
146 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated member comprising an internal cavity; a cable adapted to pass through the elongated member to form a loop for engaging a portion of a human bone during use; a pin comprising a protrusion positionable within the internal cavity during use in a first position for securing a portion of the cable with respect to the elongated member, thereby fixing the size of the loop during use, and wherein the pin is positionable in a second position such that the cable is moveable relative to the elongated member to allow the size of the loops to be altered during use and a first arm extending from the elongated member adjacent to the internal cavity, the first arm comprising an opening configured to engage the pin protrusion when the pin is in the first position to inhibit movement of the pin.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
146 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated member comprising an internal cavity; a cable adapted to pass through the elongated member to form a loop for engaging a portion of a human bone during use; a pin comprising a protrusion positionable within the internal cavity during use in a first position for securing a portion of the cable with respect to the elongated member, thereby fixing the size of the loop during use, and wherein the pin is positionable in a second position such that the cable is moveable relative to the elongated member to allow the size of the loops to be altered during use and a first arm extending from the elongated member adjacent to the internal cavity, the first arm comprising an opening configured to engage the pin protrusion when the pin is in the first position to inhibit movement of the pin.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 63 , wherein the cable further comprises an elongated and substantially flexible main portion, the main portion comprising a stranded metal wire.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 63 , further comprising a second arm extending from the elongated member such that the internal cavity passes between the first arm and the second arm.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 65 , wherein the pin is configured to rotate within the internal cavity, and wherein the first arm and the second arm are positioned such that rotation of the pin within the internal cavity is hindered during use.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
55 words
The system of claim 65 wherein the pin is configured to rotate in a first direction into the first position, and wherein the protrusion is configured to engage the first opening when the pin is in the first position such that rotation of the pin in a direction opposite the first direction is substantially inhibited.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 63 , wherein the pin is adapted to be secured within the internal cavity.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 63 , wherein the pin is adapted to rotate from the first position to the second position to allow adjustment of the cable during use.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 63 , wherein the pin is adapted to rotate from the second position to the first position to secure a portion of the cable with respect to the elongated member during use.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 63 , wherein the elongated member further comprises a duct passing through the elongated member, the duct communicating with the internal cavity.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 71 , wherein the duct passes through the elongated member in a substantially perpendicular orientation to a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 71 , wherein the duct passes through the elongated member in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the internal cavity.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system of claim 71 , further comprising a connector positioned within the internal cavity, wherein the connector comprises an aperture, and wherein the aperture is positioned such that a portion of the cable extends into the duct and into the aperture of the connector during use.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 74 , wherein the pin is positioned within the connector during use.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 71 , wherein the pin is configured to press the cable against the duct such that the cable is secured within the elongated member during use.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 63 , wherein the pin further comprises an opening passing through a longitudinal axis of the pin, the opening being configured to allow a portion of the cable to pass through the opening during use.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 63 , wherein the elongated member is substantially U-shaped.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 63 , wherein the elongated member is substantially linear.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 63 , wherein the elongated member further comprises a bone screw cavity configured to receive a bone screw.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 63 , further comprising a second internal cavity, a second pin adapted to fit within the second cavity, the second pin adapted to adjustably secure a loop of a second cable to the elongated member.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
163 words
A bone fixation system comprising: a U shaped elongated member comprising an internal cavity; a cable adapted to pass through the elongated member to form a loop for engaging a portion of a human bone during use; and a pin comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion comprising a diameter that is substantially greater than a diameter of the internal cavity, the lower portion comprising a diameter that is substantially less than a diameter of the internal cavity, wherein the pin is positionable within the internal cavity during use in a first position for securing a portion of the cable with respect to the elongated member, thereby fixing the size of the loop during use, and wherein the pin is positionable in a second position to place the cable adjacent to a groove in the pin such that the cable is moveable relative to the elongated member to allow the size of the loops to be altered during use.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
163 words
A bone fixation system comprising: a U shaped elongated member comprising an internal cavity; a cable adapted to pass through the elongated member to form a loop for engaging a portion of a human bone during use; and a pin comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion comprising a diameter that is substantially greater than a diameter of the internal cavity, the lower portion comprising a diameter that is substantially less than a diameter of the internal cavity, wherein the pin is positionable within the internal cavity during use in a first position for securing a portion of the cable with respect to the elongated member, thereby fixing the size of the loop during use, and wherein the pin is positionable in a second position to place the cable adjacent to a groove in the pin such that the cable is moveable relative to the elongated member to allow the size of the loops to be altered during use.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 82 , wherein the pin is rotated to move the pin from the first position to the second position.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 82 , further comprising a fastener; wherein the elongated member comprises a fastener opening; and wherein the fastener is configured to be driven into a bone during use to couple the elongated member to the bone.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 82 , wherein the pin comprises an opening passing longitudinally through the pin, wherein a portion of the cable is configured to pass through the opening.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 85 , wherein the cable comprises a portion having a cross sectional area that inhibits passage of the portion through the opening during use.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
62 words
The system of claim 82 , wherein the pin comprises at least one protrusion; wherein a wall defining the internal cavity comprises at least one opening; and wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to engage a portion of the wall defining the at least one opening to resist movement of the pin from the first position to the second position.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
86 words
The system of claim 87 , wherein the at least one protrusion has a leading edge that engages a first portion of the wall to resist movement of the pin from the first position to the second position when the pin is rotated in a first direction, and a trailing edge that engages a second portion of the wall to inhibit movement of the pin from the first position to the second position when the pin is rotated in a direction opposite to the first direction.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
139 words
A bone fixation system, comprising: an elongated member; a first connector and a second connector coupled to the elongated member, each connector comprising: an internal cavity; a pin positionable within the internal cavity during use in a first position for securing a portion of a cable with respect to the elongated member, and wherein the pin is positionable in a second position, such that the cable is moveable relative to the elongated member to allow movement of the cable relative to the elongated member; a first cable configured to pass through the elongated member and the first connector so that the first cable forms a loop around a first bone portion; and a second cable configured to pass through the elongated member and the second connector so that the second cable forms a loop around a second bone portion.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
139 words
A bone fixation system, comprising: an elongated member; a first connector and a second connector coupled to the elongated member, each connector comprising: an internal cavity; a pin positionable within the internal cavity during use in a first position for securing a portion of a cable with respect to the elongated member, and wherein the pin is positionable in a second position, such that the cable is moveable relative to the elongated member to allow movement of the cable relative to the elongated member; a first cable configured to pass through the elongated member and the first connector so that the first cable forms a loop around a first bone portion; and a second cable configured to pass through the elongated member and the second connector so that the second cable forms a loop around a second bone portion.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system of claim 89 , further comprising at least one fastener; wherein the elongated member comprises at least one fastener opening; and wherein the at least one fastener is configured to be driven into a bone during use to couple the elongated member to the bone.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 89 , wherein the pin of the first connector comprises an opening passing in a substantially longitudinal direction through the pin; and wherein a portion of the first cable is configured to pass through the pin during use.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
70 words
The system of claim 89 , wherein the pin of the first connector comprises at least one protrusion, wherein a wall defining the internal cavity of the first connector comprises at least one opening, and wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to engage a portion of the wall defining the at least one opening to resist movement of the pin from the first position to the second position.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
86 words
The system of claim 92 , wherein the at least one protrusion has a leading edge that engages a first portion of the wall to resist movement of the pin from the first position to the second position when the pin is rotated in a first direction, and a trailing edge that engages a second portion of the wall to inhibit movement of the pin from the first position to the second position when the pin is rotated in a direction opposite to the first direction.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
153 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated member comprising an internal cavity and a duct in communication with the internal cavity; a connector positioned within the internal cavity, the connector comprising an aperture, wherein the aperture of the connector aligns with the duct of the elongated member; a cable adapted to form a loop for engaging a portion of a human bone, and wherein the cable passes through the duct and the aperture; and a pin positionable within the internal cavity during use in a first position for securing a portion of the cable with respect to the elongated member, thereby fixing the size of the loop during use, and wherein the pin is positionable in a second position to place the cable adjacent to a groove in the pin such that the cable is moveable relative to the elongated member to allow the size of the loop to be altered during use.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
153 words
A bone fixation system comprising: an elongated member comprising an internal cavity and a duct in communication with the internal cavity; a connector positioned within the internal cavity, the connector comprising an aperture, wherein the aperture of the connector aligns with the duct of the elongated member; a cable adapted to form a loop for engaging a portion of a human bone, and wherein the cable passes through the duct and the aperture; and a pin positionable within the internal cavity during use in a first position for securing a portion of the cable with respect to the elongated member, thereby fixing the size of the loop during use, and wherein the pin is positionable in a second position to place the cable adjacent to a groove in the pin such that the cable is moveable relative to the elongated member to allow the size of the loop to be altered during use.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 94 , wherein the pin is rotated to move the pin from the first position to the second position.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 94 , further comprising a fastener; wherein the elongated member comprises a fastener opening; and wherein the fastener is configured to be driven into a bone during use to couple the elongated member to the bone.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 94 , wherein the pin comprises an opening passing longitudinally through the pin, wherein a portion of the cable is configured to pass through the opening.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 97 , wherein the cable comprises a portion having a cross sectional area that inhibits passage of the portion through the opening during use.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
62 words
The system of claim 94 , wherein the pin comprises at least one protrusion; wherein a wall defining the internal cavity comprises at least one opening; and wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to engage a portion of the wall defining the at least one opening to resist movement of the pin from the first position to the second position.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
86 words
The system of claim 99 , wherein the at least one protrusion has a leading edge that engages a first portion of the wall to resist movement of the pin from the first position to the second position when the pin is rotated in a first direction, and a trailing edge that engages a second portion of the wall to inhibit movement of the pin from the first position to the second position when the pin is rotated in a direction opposite to the first direction.
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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) | 2007-01-26 | 2007-07-28 | 2008-01-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-01-26 | 2011-07-28 | 2012-01-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-01-26 | 2015-07-28 | 2016-01-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |