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:
Mar. 09, 1999
Filed:
Jul. 17, 1997
Herbert A Waggener, Chippewa Falls, WI (US);
Other;
Abstract
A ball and socket joint providing longevity especially suitable for use in implants in human bodies. The ball is designed to incorporate specified strength, hardness, and smoothness characteristics. The socket has a cooperating bearing surface which is less hard than that of the ball. This combination of characteristics lead to maximal mutual bearing contact which minimizes local friction and abrasion. Both components are biologically inert. One component is hydrophilic. The ball is preferably formed from a ceramic, such as a metal or silicon oxide or carbide. The socket preferably has a noble metal alloy liner partially surrounding the ball. The socket further includes an insulator isolating the liner from the socket structural member, should the latter be formed from a different metal. The liner can be formed in complementary segments to avoid fracture or splitting. The liner is either mechanically entrapped by the socket structural member or is adhered thereto. The novel ball and socket joint minimizes wear and chemical, electrochemical, and mechanical deterioration in the environment of the human body.