The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 22, 2025
Filed:
Jun. 12, 2019
Smith & Nephew, Inc., Memphis, TN (US);
Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics Ag, Zug, CH;
Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited, Singapore, SG;
Daniel Zahynacz, Somerville, MA (US);
SMITH & NEPHEW, INC., Memphis, TN (US);
SMITH & NEPHEW ORTHOPAEDICS AG, Zug, CH;
SMITH & NEPHEW ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LIMITED, Singapore, SG;
Abstract
A system for translating a constant traction load to an object such as a medical device or a patient includes a plurality of independently rotatable, coaxially aligned spools, each housing a constant force spring fixed at respective ends to the spool and to a rigid member, a plurality of flexible biasing members each coupled on their respective first ends to a spool and at least partially wound around the spool. A plurality of connectors are connected to the respective other ends of the biasing members, which may comprise wire rope. The connectors are configured to quickly couple to and decouple, directly or indirectly, from the object to which the traction load is being delivered. A guide provides a partial path for one or more of the biasing members to the object. A selected load may be applied by coupling one or more of the reversible couplers tensioned by the constant force springs to the object, without use of gravitational loading.