All documents mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
It should be noted that throughout the disclosure, where a definition or use of a term in any incorporated document(s) is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the incorporated document(s) does not apply.
One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to the general field of medicine and bone implants, more specifically dental implants for use in oral and maxillofacial surgery and, more particularly to a fixation system for intraosseous dental implants universally applicable at an implantation site on the mandible or the maxilla.
Conventional support mechanisms for intraosseous dental implants are well known and have been in use for a number of years. Non-limiting examples of support mechanisms for intraosseous dental implants are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014/0248583 to Rostami, the entire disclosure of which application is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
In general, the support mechanisms include connection sections that must be bent commensurate in shape with the curvature of the implant site prior to mounting and securing onto a jawbone, which may result in sharp angled edges (generally near the fixture hole) due to human error rather than a smooth curve that substantially matches the topography of the implant site. This mismatch due to sharp bend generates void space in between the support mechanism and the implant site, impeding osseointegration. Further, the generated sharp angle may sever surrounding soft tissues (e.g., the gingiva), resulting in an open wound that may cause infection or generation of granulated tissues.
Further, known support mechanisms include a fixture hole that is threaded (female threading), corresponding to male threading of a specific type, make, and model of the intraosseous dental implant fixture. That is, the female threading of the fixture hole on known support mechanisms is specifically configured and particularly adapted to correspondingly match and to detachably receive and mate with the correspondingly matched (i.e., complementary) male threading of the specific type, make, and model of the intraosseous dental implant fixture. This enables the use of the known support mechanism with any particular intraosseous dental implant fixture without modifying the intraosseous dental implant fixtures. However, this also requires that the threading of the fixture hole for each support mechanism to be configured and adapted for each type, make, and model of the intraosseous dental implant fixture. In other words, since there are several different types, makes, and models of the intraosseous dental implant fixtures, with each having different types of threading, then several different types of support mechanisms with corresponding female threading of fixture hole must be produced, which adds to the cost of manufacturing the support mechanism.
Additionally, known support mechanisms work well if the gingiva tissue (the gum) at the implant heals properly. That is, osseointegration is achieved with no bone resorption. However, in certain instances where the gingiva tissue at the implant site does not properly heal, osseointegration with the connection sections of the support mechanism is not achieved.
Accordingly, in light of the current state of the art and the drawbacks to current support mechanisms mentioned above, a need exists for a pre-curved fixation system that does not require substantial bending of the connection sections. Further, a need exists for a fixation system that may be universally used with different types, makes, and models of existing intraosseous dental implant fixtures. Additionally, a need exists for a fixation system that would enhance osseointegration of the fixation system and its associated intraosseous dental implant fixture with the implant site.
A non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a fixation system, comprising:
a fixation plate that includes a first side and a second side;
a hole associated with the fixation plate;
a reinforcement member associated with the hole;
an aperture for securing the fixation plate with a bone;
an orifice for integration of the fixation plate with the bone; and
a fixation facilitator associated with the reinforcement member.
Another non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a dental implant fixation system, comprising:
a fixation plate that includes a first side and a second side;
a hole associated with the fixation plate;
a reinforcement member associated with the hole;
an aperture for securing the fixation plate with a bone;
an orifice for integration of the fixation plate with the bone;
a fixation facilitator associated with the reinforcement member; and
an intraosseous dental implant fixture secured to the fixation facilitator.
Still another non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides an intraosseous dental implant fixture assembly, comprising:
an intraosseous dental implant fixture; and
a fixation facilitator mechanically secured onto the intraosseous dental implant fixture.
A further non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a fixation facilitator, comprising:
an inner configuration commensurate with an implantation site of a bone structure, outer configuration commensurate with adjacent sites of the bone structure;
wherein: an intraosseous dental implant fixture secures fixation facilitator onto an implantation site without the use of fasteners.
These and other features and aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments, taken together with the drawings and the claims that follow.
It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purposes of exemplary illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the disclosure, the word “exemplary” may be used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” but the absence of the term “exemplary” does not denote a limiting embodiment. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In the drawings, like reference character(s) present corresponding part(s) throughout.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and or utilized.
It is to be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Stated otherwise, although the invention is described below in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and aspects described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention.
Throughout the disclosure, any references to any human anatomy are meant as an illustrative, convenient example for discussion purposes only. That is, the use and application of the various embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention should not be limited to humans but may also be applicable and used in animals, non-limiting examples of which may include dogs, cats, etc.
It should be noted that throughout the disclosure of the present invention, the use of terms such as “opening,” “orifice,” “hole,” “aperture” or equivalents thereof refer to the same type of structure: an opening (a “through-opening”). The applicant elected to use various synonyms for the term “opening” for an easier read of the specification and claims. Accordingly, the terms opening, hole, orifice, aperture, etc. may be construed as simply “through-opening” with its plane and ordinary meaning (i.e., opening, hole, aperture, orifice, etc.) as evident from the description and the accompanying drawings of the present invention, which refer to and show the same type of construct for all: a pass through opening (or “through-opening”).
Further, in the description given below and the corresponding set of drawing figures, when it is necessary to distinguish the various members, elements, sections/portions, components, parts, or any other aspects (functional or otherwise) or features of a device(s) or method(s) from each other, the description and the corresponding drawing figures may follow reference numbers with a lowercase alphabet character such as (for example) “fixation plate 100a, 100b, etc.” If the description is common to all of the various members, elements, sections/portions, components, parts, or any other aspects (functional or otherwise) or features of a device(s) or method(s) such as, for example, to all fixation plates 100a, 100b, etc., then they may simply be referred to with reference number only and with no alphabet character such as, for example, “fixation plate 100.”
One or more embodiments of the present invention provide fixation systems that have curved connection sections and hence, do not require substantial bending for mounting onto an implantation site. Further, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide fixation systems that may be universally used with different types, makes, and models of existing intraosseous dental implant fixtures. Additionally, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide fixation systems that enhance osseointegration of the fixation system and its associated intraosseous dental implant fixtures with the implant site.
Embodiments of the fixation systems illustrated in
As illustrated in
As another example,
As best illustrated in
As yet another example,
As illustrated in
In general, all of the disclosed fixation facilitators 124 for all fixation systems 200 are comprised of well known bone growth promoting material that may be resized and are comprised of cancellous 126 and cortical 128 bone portions or, alternatively, cancellous 126 bone portion only. Fixation facilitators 124 use capillary action as a motivating force to move blood from implant site 102 and gingiva and into fixation facilitators 124 for regeneration of bone growth. Non-limiting, non-exhaustive listing of examples of fixation facilitators 124 for all fixation systems 200 are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2007/0270812 to Peckham, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
As illustrated in
Further included is an aperture 204 for securing fixation plate 100 with a bone, and an orifice 206 for integration of fixation plate 100 with the bone. As illustrated, intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 is secured to fixation facilitator 124. That is, intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 engages with an inner wall 130 of fixation facilitator 124, providing a full, mechanical connection between both for ossiointegration.
As further illustrated, fixation facilitator 124a covers over reinforcement member 122. In other words, reinforcement member 122 is embedded within and fully covered by and encompassed within fixation facilitator 124a.
Fixation facilitator 124a is comprised of a first piece 134 and a second piece 136. First piece 134 has a generally annular cylindrical hollow body 138 with a height 164 and has a cavity 132 within body 138 for embedding upper portion 170 of reinforcement member 122.
Annular cylindrical hollow body 138 has an inner diameter 140 that defines an opening 142 for receiving intraosseous dental implant fixture 104. An outer diameter 146 (outer periphery 144) of intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 engages inner wall 130 of cancellous portion 126 of fixation facilitator 124. As illustrated in
It should be noted that intraosseous dental implant fixture (threaded or not) 104 engages with inner walls 130 of bone growth promoting member 124a (reinforced by the reinforcement member 122). This type of engagement between both provides a full, mechanical connection for appropriate ossiointegration. This type of engagement is similar to existing intraosseous dental implant fixtures 104 that are fastened into jawbone 184. In other words, upper portion threading 186 accompanying intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 that would have engaged jawbone 184 (which obviously has no threading) would now be engaging fixation facilitator 124a reinforced by reinforcement member 122.
As indicated above, fixation facilitator 124a is comprised of first piece 134 that is mounted onto a first (or upper) portion 170 of reinforcement member 122 extending from first side 218 of fixation plate 100, and second piece 136 that is mounted onto a second (or lower) portion 172 (
As more clearly visible in
Second piece 136 of fixation facilitator 124a is in direct, mechanical contact with implant site 102, and first piece 134 of fixation facilitator 124a is encased with the gingiva. Both first and second portions 134 and 136 of fixation facilitator 124a facilitate the required capillary action as a motivating force to move blood from gingiva and implant site 102 and into fixation facilitator 124a for regeneration of bone growth.
In general, implantation site 102 may include one of a countersink or counterbore (best shown in
As with reinforcement member 122 (detailed below), total height 166 of fixation facilitator 124a (both first portion 134 or second portion 136) may be adjusted commensurate with need and requirements of implantation sites 102. In other words, a simple cutting tool such as scissors may be used to shorten height 166 of fixation facilitator 124a, including cutting height of embedded reinforcement member 122. For smaller adjustments, any well-known shaving tools may be used to shave-off a smaller portion of height at either end (first portion 134 and or second portion 136).
The ability to adjust the height of reinforcement member 122 and fixation facilitator 124a enables the use of fixation system 200a at any desired implant site that is qualified for application and use of existing intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 with different heights. This also results in an even elevation of the final implant with the remaining bone structure regardless of the underlying topography of implant site 102.
Reinforced fixation facilitator 124a (reinforced by reinforcement member 122) provides universality with respect to use of different types, models, and makes of conventional intraosseous dental implant fixture (including those that are not threaded) 104 and universality with respect to the application of fixation system 200a at desired implant site 102. In other words, universality is accomplished in terms of application of fixation system 200a to desired implant site 102 and in terms of usage of desired different types, makes, and models of existing intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 due to resiliency of fixation facilitator 124a and its adjustability. That is, due to its resiliency, fixation facilitator 124a may receive intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 with a variety of different diameters (threaded or not), which is further supported by reinforcement member 122. Further, due to its adjustable height, different lengths of intraosseous dental implant fixtures 104 may be used. Accordingly, universality is accomplished due to the use of different types, makes, and models of existing intraosseous dental implant fixtures 104 (with varying diameters, lengths, etc.). For example, the jawbone's posterior part generally requires larger diameter intraosseous dental implant fixtures 104, whereas the anterior part thereof requires smaller diameter fixtures that may be longer or shorter in height.
As best illustrated in
Fixation plate 100a further includes one or more aperture 204 for securing the fixation plate 100a with jawbone 184 (the mandible or the maxilla), and one or more orifice 206 for integration of fixation plate 100a with the bone (e.g., osseointegration with the implantation site 102 on the mandible or the maxilla). The number, arrangement, and shapes of orifices 206 may vary even within a curved connection section 216 (
As further illustrated in
Curved connection sections 216a and 216b are comprised of ossiointegration sections 224a and 224b (detailed below) and distal sections 220a and 220b. Therefore, curved connection sections 216a and 216b have corresponding apertures 204a and 204b in the distal sections 220a and 220b to receive and securely maintain fasteners 106, e.g. small titanium self-tapping screws (
Additionally, as indicated above, one or more fastener apertures 204 are at approximate distal sections 220a and 220b of curved connection sections 216a and 216b of fixation plate 100a, away from fixture hole 202. Distal sections 220a and 220b provide wider body expanse or area around fastener apertures 204a and 204b for increased anchoring base for added structural integrity for anchoring and support.
In one or more embodiments, fixture hole 202 has a first distance 222a from the one or more fastener apertures 204c/d, and a second distance 222b from the other one of one or more fastener apertures 204e/f, with the first and second distances 222a and 222b preferably being equal. The one or more integration orifices 206a and 206b are positioned between fixture hole 202 and the one or more fastener apertures 204c/d and 204e/f, forming the sections 224a and 224b.
Fixation plate 100a has a plate longitudinal axis 230 and a plate transverse axis 232, with a plate axial length 212 parallel that of plate longitudinal axis 230 and a plate transverse width 208 parallel that of plate transverse axis 232. Axial length 212 of fixation plate 100a is longer than transverse width 208 to enable curved connection sections 216a and 216b to connect with the buccal and lingual sections of implantation site 102.
Lateral extending curved connection sections 216a and 216b of fixation plate 100a also include a sectional longitudinal axis 236a and 236b and a sectional transverse axis 238a and 238b. Sectional axial lengths 226a and 226b of connection sections 216a and 216b are parallel sectional longitudinal axis 236a and 236b of curved connection section 216a and 216b, and sectional transverse widths 228a and 228b of curved connection section 216a and 216b are parallel sectional transverse axis 238a and 238b of curved connection section 216a and 216b.
Sectional transverse widths 228a and 228b of curved connection sections 216a and 216b vary (along sectional longitudinal axis 236a and 236b) from a proximal section of curved connection section 216a and 216b near hole 202 (near central region 214) to respective distal sections 220a and 220b, forming a curved silhouette of laterally extending curved connection sections 216a and 216b as illustrated. This provides more material near central region 214 and distal sections 220a and 220b for added strength and improved structural integrity for accommodating fixture 104 and fasteners 106. At the same time, the narrower sections (generally indicated at 224) reduce the amount of material and reduce cost of manufacturing fixation plates 100.
As further illustrated in
Bifurcated branches 240 of distal sections 220a and 220b guide fastener 106 insertions away from intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 rather than directly towards it. This is partly due to bifurcated branches 240 having an angle 1 in relation to the center of first hole 202. Further, bifurcated branches 240 add separation distance 242 between apertures 204 to provide a wider span, base, or foundation for improved stability and anchoring of fixation plate 100a.
As further illustrated in
Fixture hole 202 includes reinforcement member 122 that may be configured as a hexagonal mesh selected from a variety of materials including titanium, titanium alloys, or other medically appropriate metallic or rigid members. A total height 192 of reinforcement member 122 (which also extends from a second side 512 of fixation plate 100a) may be adjusted by a physician depending on the requirements of implant site 102.
As detailed below, reinforcement member 122 functions as a “rebar” that provides support for bone growth promoting member 124a and reduces parafunctional stresses that may result in resorption of the bone growth promoting member 124a in addition to bone of the implant site. In other words, reinforcement member 122 absorbs and distributes parafunctional forces to fixation plate 100a, which in turn, distributes those forces to a wider underlying topography of implant site 102.
As best illustrated in
Upper side 218 of fixation plate 100a may include recessed portions (e.g., countersinks and or counter-bores) formed from beveled edges on upper side 218 surrounding the interior surface of one or more fastener apertures 204 to enable coupling of fasteners 106 (e.g., screw's head) flush with upper side 218. The recessed fastener aperture 204 on the surfaces of connection sections 216 allow them to be secured to jawbone 184 by small titanium fasteners 106 so that connection sections 216 and fastener heads are flush.
Optionally, curved connection sections 216 may also be provided with “punched” grooves to ensure proper bending and correct sealing with jawbone 184. Further, the general fixation plate sizes are projected in a way to have standard relation with neighboring teeth or implants.
In general, surface of fixation plates 100 (including reinforcement member 122) and fasteners 106 are modified to enhance and facilitate direct structural and functional connection between the bone and the plate/screws. That is, fixation plate 100 and fastener 106 are processed through well known methods, also used commonly for conventional intraosseous dental implant fixture 104, to significantly improve osseointegration, non-limiting examples of such well known methods may include sandblasting, etching, hydroxylapatite coating, etc. Non-limiting examples of material of the plate/fasteners may include Titanium, Aluminum, Vanadium or combinations of alloys thereof such as Ti-6Al-4V. In other words, the material and processing methods of the plates/screws are similar to those used to manufacture and process existing root-shape intraosseous dental implants, which techniques improve osseointegration.
As specific non-limiting examples, in order to improve Bone-Plate Contact (BPC), the surfaces of plate 100 may be treated with well known and conventional sandblasting and acid-etching techniques. To obtain the best possible results in osseointegration, particles of TiO2, or hydroxylapatite (HA) with non-limiting, exemplary sizes of about 25 μm to about 50 μm in diameter may be used as sandblasting material. After sandblasting, acid-etching with either oxalic, hydrochloric HCl, sulfuric acid H2SO4, or other suitable material may be used to smooth the irregular, full of sharp tips rough surfaces (caused by sandblasting) and to remove any embedded sandblast particles. The embedded particles and possible polluting matters, e.g. sandblast particles, are also thoroughly removed by acid etching, resulting in drastic reduction in the Ti corrosive rate. Acid-etching modification further creates numerous secondary micropores (with a non-limiting, exemplary preferred embodiment of about 2.0 μm diameter) on the basis of sandblasted surface macrotexture. The well-known methodologies of sandblasting and surface treatment using acid etching are feasible, reliable, and do not decrease the biocompatibility of titanium. Thus, owing to surface roughness and numerous micropores and embedded HA particles, the surface area of plate 100 is increased up to 90% or more, which contributes highly to efficient osseointegration and reduces required osseointegration time. It should be noted that other methods of HA coating, such as the use of nano-sized particles is possible.
As illustrated, in this non-limiting, exemplary instance, fixation plate 100b includes only a single connection section 216a. Further, distal end 220a is not bifurcated, making the device simpler to manufacture and use.
As illustrated, in this non-limiting, exemplary instance, distal ends 220a and 220b are not bifurcated, making the device simpler to manufacture and use. It should be noted that in this non-limiting, exemplary instance, at least one sectional longitudinal axis 236a and 236b of at least one laterally extending curved connection section 216a and 216b may be parallel to that of plate longitudinal axis 230 (and hence, the plate axial length 212). Further, in this non-limiting, exemplary instance, at least one sectional transverse axis 238a and 238b of at least one laterally extending curved connection section 216a and 216b may be parallel to that of plate transverse axis 232 (and hence, the plate transverse width 208).
Accordingly, the present invention provides non-limiting, exemplary preferred embodiments, such as double, triple, and quadruple formations (with or without bifurcated Y-shape or split ends or branches), with the use of each depending on a number of implants, installation position and the type of fixture (the dental implant portion within the bone or the shaft or the shank part of the dental implant) used. It should be noted that the illustrated bifurcated distal ends of the connection sections need not be equal in dimension to one another, and may be varied. Further, fixture hole 202 may or may not be equally distanced from any of one or more fastener apertures 204.
Embodiments of fixation system 200b illustrated in
As illustrated in
As another example,
As yet another example,
As illustrated in
As illustrated, prefabricated intraosseous dental implant fixture assembly (graft integrated implant) 1102 is comprised of conventional intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 and fixation facilitator 124b mechanically secured onto intraosseous dental implant fixture 104.
Intraosseous dental implant fixture assembly 1102 may be used in any location where a fixation plate 100 is used or fixation plate 100 is not required or needed, but enhanced ossiointegration is necessary. For example, implant site 102 may be thin, but still have a long bone structure where most of the length of intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 may be used, but the thin structure necessitates additional bone growth promoting member 124b to accommodate the girth (diameter) 146 of intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 for better ossiointegration.
The benefits of using intraosseous dental implant fixture assembly 1102 are reduced potential side effects (e.g., no formation of granulated tissues), resulting in improved ossiointegration rather than resorption, and reduced learning curve (in terms of clinical practice). With the non-limiting, exemplary embodiments illustrated and described in relation to
As best illustrated in
As with fixation facilitator 124a (illustrated in
In general, cancellous portion 126 of fixation facilitator 124b is friction fit fastened onto intraosseous dental implant fixture 104, with an inner diameter of 1106 of fixation facilitator 124b expanding for a tight friction fit. As illustrated, fixation facilitator 124b is a hollow cylindrical structure with a bore having inner diameter 1106, an outer diameter 1108 (which defines its thickness (or girth)), and adjustable height 1110.
Cylindrical fixation facilitator 124b may be assembled onto implant by fastening “screwing” the material onto upper threaded portion 186 of implant 104, which may be accomplished by automation or manually. This is similar to a nut being threaded onto a bolt, but herein, fixation facilitator 104 is not threaded, but may be friction fit fastened onto intraosseous dental implant fixture 104. That is, inner diameter 1106 of fixation facilitator 104 expands for a tight friction fit with the slightly longer outer diameter 146 of intraosseous dental implant fixture 104. Therefore, outer diameter 146 of upper portion 186 of intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 is equal to or greater than inner diameter 1106 of fixation facilitator 104. Implant fixture 104 may be screwed into fixation facilitator 124b, and then sterilized, with intraosseous dental implant fixture assembly 1102 applied as an end product on an implant site 102 in well-known manner.
With the above described fixation system 200b (
Fixation facilitator 124c assembly may be used to do away with two very complex and time consuming bone grafting procedures—one procedure for obtaining a bone for grafting, and next the actual surgical procedure for grafting the bone, not to mention the time required for healing of the newly grafted bone. With fixation facilitator 124c no procedure is needed for obtaining a bone for grafting, no procedure is need to graft the bone, and further, no extensive wait or healing time is required for implanting intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 by bone growth promoting member 124c.
A critical and advantageous reason for securing fixation facilitator 124c by the intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 onto an implantation site 102 of a jawbone 184 is that intraosseous dental implant fixture 104 provides a complete fixation of the fixation facilitator 124c. This complete fixation prevent micro-movements of fixation facilitator 124c, which enhance osseointegration.
In general, fixation facilitator 124c has an inner configuration (that engages jawbone 184) commensurate with severely reabsorbed bone structure, and an outer configuration commensurate with healthy bone structure. The overall structure of fixation facilitator 124c may comprise of an inner structure 1202 that may comprise of the cancellous bone portion 126, an outer structure 1204 comprised of one of cancellous 126 or cortical 128 bone portions, and an optional embedded reinforcement member 122. Fixation facilitator 124c may be adjusted in terms of its dimensions (by cutting or shaving tools) and implanted at a desired implant site 102 and secured thereon by intraosseous dental implant fixture 104.
Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, the specification is not confined to the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, inside, outside, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction, orientation, or position. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations/positions and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.
In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) is not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead is used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.
Further the terms “a” and “an” throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
In addition, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of,” “act of,” “operation of,” or “operational act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.
This Application claims the benefit of priority of co-pending U.S. Utility Provisional Patent Application 62/321,696, filed Apr. 12, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62321696 | Apr 2016 | US |