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. 13, 1999
Filed:
Feb. 10, 1998
John David Ross, Jr, Ovilla, TX (US);
Robert D Welch, Jr, Dallas, TX (US);
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, Dallas, TX (US);
Abstract
An orthopedic fixation device and method are disclosed using circular rod stock and circular positive threaded fixation pins. The fixation pins are held in place relative to the fixation surface and relative to the rod by dual sectioned clamps which can be added to the rod at any time without regard to whether there are other clamps already in place at other locations along the rod. The clamps are held in place by a locking bolt which has a hole in a shank which allows the fixation pin to be inserted through the hole and into the fixation surface. The locking bolt contains a washer having a circular divot positioned in mating relationship with the inserted fixation pin. When the bolt is tightened, the clamp sections are forced together to grip the rod and also the divot portion of the washer is forced into contact with the fixation pin, thereby effectively reducing the circumference of the bolt hole which in turn provides three points of friction contact for maintaining the structure in rigid relationship.