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:
Jun. 27, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 19, 1999
Felmont F Eaves, III, Charlotte, NC (US);
Peter J Capizzi, Charlotte, NC (US);
Other;
Abstract
A fastener for securing an osteosynthesis plate to a plurality of bone segments is provided. The fastener in the form of a fastener blank includes an elongated shank adapted for insertion through an opening in the plate and into a hole formed in the bone. The upper end of the shank forms a head that serves to secure the plate to the bone. The elongated shank is constructed of a material which when heated will deform to form a tight fit within the hole drilled in the bone. The fastener is preferably made of a resorbable material. The invention also provides a method for securing a plate to a bone using the fasteners of the invention. A fastener blank is positioned into the hole so that a portion of the blank extends into the hole provided in the bone and another portion overlies the plate. The blank is heated to raise the temperature of the blank above the transition temperature of the material from which it is made and deform the blank into a tight fit within the hole.