TREA

Pivoting screw for use with a pair of jaw members of a surgical instrument

Follow

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 10561432
  • Patent Number
    10,561,432
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, March 5, 2013
    11 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, February 18, 2020
    4 years ago
Information
Abstract
A loading unit assembly includes a tool assembly having first and second jaw members and a pivot pin configured to pivotably couple the first and second jaw members. The first jaw member is movable with respect to the second jaw member between spaced and approximated positions, wherein the pivot pin includes a base portion and first and second stepped portions extending radially outward from the base portion. The first and second stepped portions are configured to pivotably engage the first and second jaw members, respectively.
Description
BACKGROUND
Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to instruments for surgically joining tissue and, more specifically, to a pivot pin pivotably joining a pair of jaw members of a surgical instrument.


Background of Related Art

Various types of surgical instruments used to surgically join tissue are known in the art, and are commonly used, for example, for closure of tissue or organs in transection, resection, and anastomoses; and for occlusion of organs in thoracic and abdominal procedures.


One example of such a surgical instrument is a surgical stapling instrument, which typically includes an anvil assembly, a cartridge assembly for supporting an array of surgical staples, an approximation mechanism for approximating the cartridge and anvil assemblies, and a firing mechanism for ejecting the surgical staples from the cartridge assembly.


To achieve proper results, e.g., consistent staple formation, proper anvil to cartridge alignment is needed. Accordingly, a need exists for an approximation mechanism that properly aligns the cartridge and anvil assemblies for proper staple formation.


SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a loading unit assembly adapted to releasably engage a surgical instrument. The loading unit assembly includes a tool assembly including first and second jaw members and a pivot pin configured to pivotably couple the first and second jaw members. The first jaw member is movable with respect to the second jaw member between spaced and approximated positions, wherein the pivot pin includes a base portion and first and second stepped portions extending radially outward from the base portion. The first and second stepped portions are configured to pivotably engage the first and second jaw members, respectively.


In an embodiment, the pair of stepped portions may be concentrically arranged. In addition, the pair of stepped portions may have different diameters. A diameter of the first stepped portion may be smaller than a diameter of the second stepped portion.


In another embodiment, at least a portion of the base portion may include threads. In still another embodiment, the first jaw member may include a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples, and the second jaw member may include an anvil assembly. The loading unit assembly may further include an elongate member including a mounting portion defining a bore configured and dimensioned to receive the pivot pin therein. The first jaw member may include a pair of walls each defining a hole. At least a portion of the mounting portion may be disposed between the pair of walls of the first jaw member such that the bore and the holes are aligned to receive the pivot pin. Moreover, the second jaw member may include a pair of walls each defining a hole. In particular, at least a portion of the pair of walls of the first jaw member may be received between the pair of walls of the second jaw member such that the holes of the first and second jaw members and the bore are aligned to receive the pivot pin.


In still yet another embodiment, the body portion of the pivot pin may be threadably received into the bore of the mounting portion. The second stepped portion may include a recess configured to receive a tool for tightening of the pivot pin. The first and second jaw members may be curved with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongate member.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical instrument are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:



FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument including a loading unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;



FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 1 with the loading unit removed therefrom;



FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the loading unit of FIG. 1;



FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the area of detail indicated in FIG. 1;



FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the loading unit of FIG. 3;



FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the loading unit of FIG. 3;



FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the loading unit of FIG. 3 with parts separated;



FIG. 8 is a side view of a pivot screw for use with the loading unit of FIG. 1;



FIG. 9 is a end view of a the pivot screw of FIG. 8;



FIG. 10 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the loading unit of FIG. 3 illustrating alignment of bores configured to receive the pivot screw of FIG. 8; and



FIGS. 11-13 are perspective views of the loading unit of FIG. 3 interacting with a layer of tissue at various stages of operation of the loading unit.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical instrument, and loading unit for use therewith, are described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding elements in each of the several views. As is common in the art, the term “proximal” refers to that part or component closer to the user or operator, e.g., surgeon or physician, while the term “distal” refers to that part or component farther away from the user.


With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a surgical stapling instrument of the present disclosure is indicated as reference numeral 10. Surgical stapling instrument 10 includes a handle assembly 12 including an actuation trigger 22, an endoscopic portion 18 extending distally from handle assembly 12, and a loading unit (or “DLU”) 500 removably attached to endoscopic portion 18. Further details of an endoscopic surgical stapling instrument are described in a commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,139 to Milliman et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.


With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, DLU 500 includes a proximal body portion 502 and a tool assembly 504. Proximal body portion 502 defines a longitudinal axis “A-A,” and is releasably attachable to a distal end of endoscopic portion 18 of surgical instrument 10. Tool assembly 504 includes a pair of jaw members including an anvil assembly 506 and a cartridge assembly 508. At least one jaw member is pivotable in relation to the other about a pivot 555. In particular, cartridge assembly 508 is pivotable in relation to anvil assembly 506 and is movable between an open or unclamped position and a closed or approximated position. Cartridge assembly 508 is urged in the open position via a biasing member 533, e.g., a pair of compression springs, disposed between anvil cover 510 and cartridge 518 (FIG. 7).


With reference now to FIG. 4, anvil assembly 506 and cartridge assembly 508 are curved with respect to the longitudinal axis “A-A” defined by proximal body portion 502. The curved jaw members, as compared to straight jaw members, may help facilitate access to lower pelvis regions, e.g., during lower anterior resection (“LAR”). Additionally, the inclusion of curved jaw members may allow increased visualization to a surgical site and may also allow more room for a surgeon to manipulate target tissue or the jaw members themselves with his or her hand.


The term “distal” typically refers to that part or component of the instrument that is farther away from the user. As used herein, the terms “distal” and “proximal” will take into account the curvature of curved parts of the surgical instrument 10 of the present disclosure. For example, “distal” will refer to the portion of the curved part that is farthest from the user, along a trajectory defined by the curved part, such as trajectory C-C shown in FIG. 4. That is, while an intermediate portion of a curved part may be farther from the user during use, the portion of the curved part that is farthest along its longitudinal axis is considered “distal.” Anvil assembly 506 has a proximal end 506a and a distal end 506b and cartridge assembly 508 has a proximal end 508a and a distal end 508b.


With reference to FIGS. 5-7, anvil assembly 506 includes an anvil cover 510 and an anvil plate 512 which includes a plurality of staple forming depressions 514 (FIG. 6). Anvil plate 512 is secured to an underside of anvil cover 510 to define a channel 511 (FIG. 5) between plate 512 and cover 510. When tool assembly 504 is in the approximated position, staple forming depressions 514 are positioned in juxtaposed alignment with cartridge assembly 508.


Cartridge assembly 508 includes a curved carrier 516, which receives a curved cartridge 518 via a snap-fit connection. Cartridge 518 includes a pair of support struts 524 which rest on sidewalls 517 of carrier 516 to stabilize cartridge 518 on carrier 516. Support struts 524 also set the height or location of cartridge 518 with respect to anvil plate 512. An external surface of carrier 516 includes an angled cam surface 516a.


With continued reference to FIGS. 5-7, staple cartridge 518 includes a central slot 526 that is curved with respect to the longitudinal axis A-A and three curved rows of staple retention slots 528 positioned on each side of curved longitudinal slot 526. Each slot 528 is configured to receive a staple 530 therein. Cartridge 518 also defines a plurality of cam wedge slots 529 (FIG. 6) which accommodate staple pushers 532 and which are open on the bottom (i.e., away from tissue contacting surface 540) to allow a longitudinally curved actuation sled 536 to pass therethrough. Actuation sled 536 passes through cam wedge slots 529 and forces staple pushers 532 towards respective staples 530. Staples 530 are then urged from their respective staple retention slots 528.


With reference to FIG. 7, proximal body portion 502 of DLU 500 includes an inner body 503 formed from molded half-sections 503a and 503b and a drive assembly 560. Proximal body portion 502 is coupled to tool assembly 504 by a mounting assembly 570. Mounting assembly 570 has a pair of extensions 576. Each extension 576 has a transverse bore 578. The pair of extensions 576 at least partially extends into a proximal end of carrier 516. In particular, a portion of the pair of extensions 576 is disposed between a pair of proximal side walls 591 of carrier 516. The pair of proximal side walls 591 is disposed within a pair of proximal side walls 515 of anvil cover 510, whereby holes 580 defined in proximal side walls 591 of carrier 516 and holes 577 defined in proximal sidewalls 515 of anvil cover 510 are aligned with bores 578 of mounting assembly 570 (FIG. 10). Holes 577, 580 and bores 578 are configured and dimensioned to receive screw 900 to pivotally secure cartridge assembly 508 with mounting assembly 570, which, in turn, enables pivoting of cartridge assembly 508 with respect to anvil assembly 506.


With reference now to FIGS. 7-10, each screw 900 includes first and second stepped portions 902, 904 and a base portion 906 having threads 906a. In particular, first stepped portion 902 is configured and dimensioned to be received in hole 580 defined in carrier 516. First stepped portion 902 provides an alignment and a first bearing surface 901 for carrier 516 to pivotally engage therewith. First stepped portion 902 includes first diameter D1 and a first length L1. First length L1 of first stepped portion 902 is tailored to define a controlled gap L4 (FIG. 10) between proximal side wall 591 of anvil cover 510 and mounting assembly 570. Moreover, first stepped portion 902 includes a transition portion 902a having a concave profile to reduce stress concentration therealong.


Second stepped portion 904 is configured and dimensioned to be received in hole 577 defined in anvil cover 510. Second stepped portion 904 includes a second diameter D2 and a second length L2. Second stepped portion 904 provides a second bearing surface 903. First stepped portion 902 is concentrically arranged with second stepped portion 904 and base portion 906. Second diameter D2 is configured and dimensioned to align depressions 514 in anvil plate 512 with retention slots 528 of cartridge 518. Moreover, second length L2 of second stepped portion 904 is toleranced to allow the static anvil assembly 506 to float while being securely coupled with cartridge assembly 508. At least a portion of base portion 906 of screw 900 includes threads 906a configured to threadably engage bores 578 defined in mounting assembly 570. Base portion 906 further includes a neck portion 907. Screw 900 includes a lateral surface 915 defining a recess 905 configured to receive a tool (not shown) to tighten screw 900 into bore 578 of mounting assembly 570.


In contrast to conventional pivot assemblies, screw 900 allows for a higher torque setting and better screw security with a controlled channel width. As a result, more consistent staple formation, as well as improved anvil to cartridge alignment is achieved.


With reference back to FIG. 7, mounting assembly 570 is fixedly secured to half-section 503a by a pair of vertical protrusions 584. Vertical protrusions 584 extend upwardly from mounting assembly 570 and frictionally fit into corresponding recesses (not shown) in half-section 503a.


With reference to FIG. 7, when drive assembly 560 is advanced distally within tool assembly 504, an upper beam portion 606b of clamping member 606 moves within channel 511 (FIG. 5) defined between anvil plate 512 and anvil cover 510, and lower beam portion 606c moves over an exterior surface of carrier 516. When lower beam 606c engages and moves over cam surface 516a, cartridge assembly 508 pivots from the open position to the closed position.


In use, tissue is placed between the jaw members (FIGS. 11 and 12) and the jaws are approximated (FIG. 13) with respect to each other. Actuation of trigger 22 through successive strokes causes distal advancement of drive bar 30 (FIG. 2), such that drive bar 30 pushes a drive assembly 560 (FIG. 7) through cartridge 518. Further details of distal advancement of drive bar 30 through actuation of trigger 22 are explained in U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,139 to Milliman et al., which has been incorporated by reference hereinabove.


The movement of drive assembly 560, and in particular, a clamping member 606 affixed thereto, moves a longitudinally curved actuation sled 536 through cartridge 518. As sled 536 moves through cartridge 518, longitudinally curved cam wedges 534 (FIG. 7) of actuation sled 536 sequentially engage pushers 532 to move pushers 532 vertically within staple retention slots 528 and eject staples 530 into staple forming depressions 514 of anvil plate 512. Subsequent to the ejection of staples 530 from retention slots 528 (and into tissue), a cutting edge 606d of clamping member 606 severs the stapled tissue as cutting edge 606d travels through curved slot 526 of cartridge 518.


While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but merely as illustrations of various embodiments thereof. For example, while tissue stop 700 (FIGS. 7 and 11) is shown to be disposed at a distal portion of DLU 500, it is also envisioned that screw 900 may be used with a DLU having a tissue stop at a proximal portion thereof. Under such a configuration, stepped portions extend past the tissue stop, such that the stepped portions serve as a bearing surface for the tissue stop. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims
  • 1. A loading unit assembly adapted to releasably engage a surgical instrument, the loading unit assembly comprising: a tool assembly including first and second jaw members and a pivot pin configured to pivotably couple the first and second jaw members, the second jaw member including a second side wall, the first jaw member being movable with respect to the second jaw member between spaced and approximated positions, wherein the pivot pin includes a base portion including a threaded portion and a neck portion, and first and second stepped portions extending radially outward from the base portion, the neck portion interposed between the threaded portion and the first stepped portion, the neck portion having a length, the first stepped portion including a non-threaded first bearing surface configured to pivotably engage the first jaw member, the second stepped portion including a second side bearing surface parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the pivot pin, the second side bearing surface configured to pivotably engage the second side wall of the second jaw member, the second side wall of the second jaw member dimensioned for transverse movement on the second side bearing surface of the second stepped portion to enable relative lateral movement between the first and second jaw members, the second side bearing surface having a uniform diameter, the second side bearing surface in surface contact with the second jaw member, wherein the first stepped portion includes a transition portion having a concave profile, the transition portion being coterminous with the non-threaded first bearing surface and the second stepped portion.
  • 2. The loading unit assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second stepped portions are concentrically arranged.
  • 3. The loading unit assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second stepped portions have different diameters.
  • 4. The loading unit assembly according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of the first stepped portion is smaller than a diameter of the second stepped portion.
  • 5. The loading unit assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first jaw member includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and the second jaw member includes an anvil assembly.
  • 6. The loading unit assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an elongate member including a mounting portion defining a bore configured and dimensioned to receive the pivot pin therein.
  • 7. The loading unit assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first jaw member includes a first side wall defining a hole.
  • 8. The loading unit assembly according to claim 7, wherein the bore of the mounting portion and the hole of the first side wall are aligned to receive the pivot pin.
  • 9. The loading unit assembly according to claim 8, wherein the second jaw member includes a pair of second side walls, each second side wall defining a hole.
  • 10. The loading unit assembly according to claim 9, wherein the holes of the first and second jaw members and the bore of the mounting portion of the elongate member are aligned to receive the pivot pin.
  • 11. The loading unit assembly according to claim 10, wherein the base portion of the pivot pin is threadably received into the bore of the mounting portion.
  • 12. The loading unit assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first and second jaw members are curved with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongate member.
  • 13. The loading unit assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second stepped portion includes a recess configured to receive a tool for tightening of the pivot pin.
  • 14. The loading unit assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second side bearing surface of the second stepped portion includes an outer-most portion of the pivot pin.
  • 15. The loading unit assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second stepped portion extends outwardly from the first stepped portion.
US Referenced Citations (980)
Number Name Date Kind
3079606 Bobrov et al. Mar 1963 A
3490675 Green et al. Jan 1970 A
3499591 Green Mar 1970 A
3777538 Weatherly et al. Dec 1973 A
3882854 Hulka et al. May 1975 A
4027510 Hiltebrandt Jun 1977 A
4086926 Green et al. May 1978 A
4244372 Kapitanov et al. Jan 1981 A
4256339 Ingram Mar 1981 A
4294462 Svoboda Oct 1981 A
4429695 Green Feb 1984 A
4505414 Filipi Mar 1985 A
4520817 Green Jun 1985 A
4576167 Noiles Mar 1986 A
4589413 Malyshev et al. May 1986 A
4596351 Fedotov et al. Jun 1986 A
4602634 Barkley Jul 1986 A
4605001 Rothfuss et al. Aug 1986 A
4608981 Rothfuss et al. Sep 1986 A
4610383 Rothfuss et al. Sep 1986 A
4633861 Chow et al. Jan 1987 A
4633874 Chow et al. Jan 1987 A
4664305 Blake, III et al. May 1987 A
4671445 Barker et al. Jun 1987 A
4700703 Resnick et al. Oct 1987 A
4703887 Clanton et al. Nov 1987 A
4715520 Roehr, Jr. et al. Dec 1987 A
4728020 Green et al. Mar 1988 A
4752024 Green et al. Jun 1988 A
4784137 Kulik et al. Nov 1988 A
4819853 Green Apr 1989 A
4863088 Redmond et al. Sep 1989 A
4869415 Fox Sep 1989 A
4892244 Fox et al. Jan 1990 A
4924864 Danzig May 1990 A
4955959 Tompkins et al. Sep 1990 A
4978049 Green Dec 1990 A
4991764 Mericle Feb 1991 A
5014899 Presty et al. May 1991 A
5031814 Tompkins et al. Jul 1991 A
5040715 Green et al. Aug 1991 A
5065929 Schulze et al. Nov 1991 A
5071430 de Salis Dec 1991 A
5074454 Peters Dec 1991 A
5083695 Foslien et al. Jan 1992 A
5084057 Green et al. Jan 1992 A
5104025 Main et al. Apr 1992 A
5106008 Tompkins et al. Apr 1992 A
5111987 Moeinzadeh et al. May 1992 A
5129570 Schulze et al. Jul 1992 A
5141144 Foslien et al. Aug 1992 A
5156315 Green et al. Oct 1992 A
5156614 Green et al. Oct 1992 A
5163943 Mohiuddin et al. Nov 1992 A
5170925 Madden et al. Dec 1992 A
5171247 Hughetti et al. Dec 1992 A
5173133 Morin et al. Dec 1992 A
5180092 Crainich Jan 1993 A
5188274 Moeinzadeh et al. Feb 1993 A
5220928 Oddsen et al. Jun 1993 A
5221036 Takase Jun 1993 A
5242457 Akopov et al. Sep 1993 A
5246156 Rothfuss et al. Sep 1993 A
5253793 Green et al. Oct 1993 A
5263629 Trumbull et al. Nov 1993 A
RE34519 Fox et al. Jan 1994 E
5275323 Schulze et al. Jan 1994 A
5282807 Knoepfler Feb 1994 A
5289963 McGarry et al. Mar 1994 A
5307976 Olson et al. May 1994 A
5308576 Green et al. May 1994 A
5312023 Green et al. May 1994 A
5318221 Green et al. Jun 1994 A
5326013 Green et al. Jul 1994 A
5328077 Lou Jul 1994 A
5330486 Wilk Jul 1994 A
5332142 Robinson et al. Jul 1994 A
5336232 Green et al. Aug 1994 A
5344061 Crainich Sep 1994 A
5352238 Green et al. Oct 1994 A
5356064 Green et al. Oct 1994 A
5358506 Green et al. Oct 1994 A
5364001 Bryan Nov 1994 A
5364002 Green et al. Nov 1994 A
5364003 Williamson, IV Nov 1994 A
5366133 Geiste Nov 1994 A
5366477 LeMarie, III et al. Nov 1994 A
5376095 Ortiz Dec 1994 A
5379933 Green et al. Jan 1995 A
5381943 Allen et al. Jan 1995 A
5382255 Castro et al. Jan 1995 A
5383880 Hooven Jan 1995 A
5389098 Tsuruta et al. Feb 1995 A
5395033 Byrne et al. Mar 1995 A
5395034 Allen et al. Mar 1995 A
5397046 Savage et al. Mar 1995 A
5397324 Carroll et al. Mar 1995 A
5403312 Yates et al. Apr 1995 A
5405072 Zlock et al. Apr 1995 A
5407293 Crainich Apr 1995 A
5413268 Green et al. May 1995 A
5415334 Williamson, IV et al. May 1995 A
5415335 Knodell, Jr. May 1995 A
5417361 Williamson, IV May 1995 A
5423471 Mastri et al. Jun 1995 A
5425745 Green et al. Jun 1995 A
5431322 Green et al. Jul 1995 A
5431323 Smith et al. Jul 1995 A
5433721 Hooven et al. Jul 1995 A
5441193 Gravener Aug 1995 A
5445304 Plyley et al. Aug 1995 A
5447265 Vidal et al. Sep 1995 A
5452837 Williamson, IV et al. Sep 1995 A
5456401 Green et al. Oct 1995 A
5464300 Crainich Nov 1995 A
5465895 Knodel et al. Nov 1995 A
5467911 Tsuruta et al. Nov 1995 A
5470007 Plyley et al. Nov 1995 A
5470010 Rothfuss et al. Nov 1995 A
5472132 Savage et al. Dec 1995 A
5474566 Alesi et al. Dec 1995 A
5476206 Green et al. Dec 1995 A
5478003 Green et al. Dec 1995 A
5480089 Blewett Jan 1996 A
5482197 Green et al. Jan 1996 A
5484095 Green et al. Jan 1996 A
5484451 Akopov et al. Jan 1996 A
5485947 Olson et al. Jan 1996 A
5485952 Fontayne Jan 1996 A
5486185 Freitas et al. Jan 1996 A
5487499 Sorrentino et al. Jan 1996 A
5487500 Knodel et al. Jan 1996 A
5489058 Plyley et al. Feb 1996 A
5490856 Person et al. Feb 1996 A
5497933 DeFonzo et al. Mar 1996 A
5501689 Green et al. Mar 1996 A
5505363 Green et al. Apr 1996 A
5507426 Young et al. Apr 1996 A
5518163 Hooven May 1996 A
5518164 Hooven May 1996 A
5529235 Boiarski et al. Jun 1996 A
5531744 Nardella et al. Jul 1996 A
5535934 Boiarski et al. Jul 1996 A
5535935 Vidal et al. Jul 1996 A
5535937 Boiarski et al. Jul 1996 A
5540375 Bolanos et al. Jul 1996 A
5542594 McKean et al. Aug 1996 A
5549628 Cooper et al. Aug 1996 A
5551622 Yoon Sep 1996 A
5553765 Knodel et al. Sep 1996 A
5554164 Wilson et al. Sep 1996 A
5554169 Green et al. Sep 1996 A
5560530 Bolanos et al. Oct 1996 A
5560532 DeFonzo et al. Oct 1996 A
5562239 Boiarski et al. Oct 1996 A
5562241 Knodel et al. Oct 1996 A
5562682 Oberlin et al. Oct 1996 A
5562701 Huitema et al. Oct 1996 A
5564615 Bishop et al. Oct 1996 A
5571116 Bolanos et al. Nov 1996 A
5573169 Green et al. Nov 1996 A
5573543 Akopov et al. Nov 1996 A
5575799 Bolanos et al. Nov 1996 A
5575803 Cooper et al. Nov 1996 A
5577654 Bishop Nov 1996 A
5579107 Wright et al. Nov 1996 A
5584425 Savage et al. Dec 1996 A
5586711 Plyley et al. Dec 1996 A
5588580 Paul et al. Dec 1996 A
5588581 Conlon et al. Dec 1996 A
5597107 Knodel et al. Jan 1997 A
5601224 Bishop et al. Feb 1997 A
5601573 Fogelberg et al. Feb 1997 A
5607095 Smith et al. Mar 1997 A
5615820 Viola Apr 1997 A
5618291 Thompson et al. Apr 1997 A
5624452 Yates Apr 1997 A
5626587 Bishop et al. May 1997 A
5628446 Geiste et al. May 1997 A
5630539 Plyley et al. May 1997 A
5630540 Blewett May 1997 A
5630541 Williamson, IV et al. May 1997 A
5632432 Schulze et al. May 1997 A
5634584 Okorocha et al. Jun 1997 A
5636780 Green et al. Jun 1997 A
5645209 Green et al. Jul 1997 A
5647526 Green et al. Jul 1997 A
5651491 Heaton et al. Jul 1997 A
5653373 Green et al. Aug 1997 A
5653374 Young et al. Aug 1997 A
5653721 Knodel et al. Aug 1997 A
5655698 Yoon Aug 1997 A
5657519 Smith Aug 1997 A
5657921 Young et al. Aug 1997 A
5658300 Bito et al. Aug 1997 A
5662258 Knodel et al. Sep 1997 A
5662259 Yoon Sep 1997 A
5662260 Yoon Sep 1997 A
5662662 Bishop et al. Sep 1997 A
5662666 Onuki et al. Sep 1997 A
5665085 Nardella Sep 1997 A
5667517 Hooven Sep 1997 A
5669544 Schulze et al. Sep 1997 A
5673840 Schulze et al. Oct 1997 A
5673841 Schulze et al. Oct 1997 A
5673842 Bittner et al. Oct 1997 A
5676674 Bolanos et al. Oct 1997 A
5680981 Mililli et al. Oct 1997 A
5680982 Schulze et al. Oct 1997 A
5680983 Plyley et al. Oct 1997 A
5681330 Hughett et al. Oct 1997 A
5690269 Bolanos et al. Nov 1997 A
5692668 Schulze et al. Dec 1997 A
5697642 Knodel et al. Dec 1997 A
5702409 Rayburn et al. Dec 1997 A
5704534 Huitema et al. Jan 1998 A
5706997 Green et al. Jan 1998 A
5709334 Sorrentino et al. Jan 1998 A
5711472 Bryan Jan 1998 A
5713505 Huitema Feb 1998 A
5715988 Palmer Feb 1998 A
5716366 Yates Feb 1998 A
5718359 Palmer Feb 1998 A
5725536 Oberlin et al. Mar 1998 A
5725554 Simon et al. Mar 1998 A
5728110 Vidal et al. Mar 1998 A
5732806 Foshee et al. Mar 1998 A
5735848 Yates et al. Apr 1998 A
5743456 Jones et al. Apr 1998 A
5749893 Vidal et al. May 1998 A
5752644 Bolanos et al. May 1998 A
5762255 Chrisman et al. Jun 1998 A
5762256 Mastri et al. Jun 1998 A
5769303 Knodel et al. Jun 1998 A
5769892 Kingwell Jun 1998 A
5772099 Gravener Jun 1998 A
5772673 Cuny et al. Jun 1998 A
5779130 Alesi et al. Jul 1998 A
5779131 Knodel et al. Jul 1998 A
5779132 Knodel et al. Jul 1998 A
5782396 Mastri et al. Jul 1998 A
5782397 Koukline Jul 1998 A
5782834 Lucey et al. Jul 1998 A
5785232 Vidal et al. Jul 1998 A
5794834 Hamblin et al. Aug 1998 A
5797536 Smith et al. Aug 1998 A
5797537 Oberlin et al. Aug 1998 A
5797538 Heaton et al. Aug 1998 A
5800449 Wales Sep 1998 A
5810811 Yates et al. Sep 1998 A
5810855 Raybum et al. Sep 1998 A
5814055 Knodel et al. Sep 1998 A
5814057 Oi et al. Sep 1998 A
5816471 Plyley et al. Oct 1998 A
5817109 McGarry et al. Oct 1998 A
5820009 Melling et al. Oct 1998 A
5823066 Huitema et al. Oct 1998 A
5826776 Schulze et al. Oct 1998 A
5829662 Allen et al. Nov 1998 A
5833695 Yoon Nov 1998 A
5836147 Schnipke Nov 1998 A
5862972 Green et al. Jan 1999 A
5865361 Milliman et al. Feb 1999 A
5871135 Williamson, IV et al. Feb 1999 A
5873873 Smith et al. Feb 1999 A
5878938 Bittner et al. Mar 1999 A
5893506 Powell Apr 1999 A
5894979 Powell Apr 1999 A
5897562 Bolanos et al. Apr 1999 A
5901895 Heaton et al. May 1999 A
5911352 Racenet et al. Jun 1999 A
5911353 Bolanos et al. Jun 1999 A
5918791 Sorrentino et al. Jul 1999 A
5919198 Graves, Jr. et al. Jul 1999 A
5922001 Yoon Jul 1999 A
5931847 Bittner et al. Aug 1999 A
5941442 Geiste et al. Aug 1999 A
5954259 Viola et al. Sep 1999 A
5964774 McKean et al. Oct 1999 A
5980510 Tsonton et al. Nov 1999 A
5984938 Yoon Nov 1999 A
5988479 Palmer Nov 1999 A
5993465 Shipp et al. Nov 1999 A
6004335 Vaitekunas et al. Dec 1999 A
6010054 Johnson et al. Jan 2000 A
6032849 Mastri et al. Mar 2000 A
6045560 McKean et al. Apr 2000 A
6050472 Shibata Apr 2000 A
6063097 Oi et al. May 2000 A
6079606 Milliman et al. Jun 2000 A
6099551 Gabbay Aug 2000 A
6109500 Alli et al. Aug 2000 A
6119913 Adams et al. Sep 2000 A
6131789 Schulze et al. Oct 2000 A
6131790 Piraka Oct 2000 A
6155473 Tompkins et al. Dec 2000 A
6174309 Wrublewski et al. Jan 2001 B1
6197017 Brock et al. Mar 2001 B1
6202914 Geiste et al. Mar 2001 B1
6241139 Milliman et al. Jun 2001 B1
6241140 Adams et al. Jun 2001 B1
6250532 Green et al. Jun 2001 B1
6264086 McGuckin, Jr. Jul 2001 B1
6264087 Whitman Jul 2001 B1
6269977 Moore Aug 2001 B1
6279809 Nicolo Aug 2001 B1
6315183 Piraka Nov 2001 B1
6315184 Whitman Nov 2001 B1
6325810 Hamilton et al. Dec 2001 B1
6330965 Milliman et al. Dec 2001 B1
6391038 Vargas et al. May 2002 B2
6398797 Bombard et al. Jun 2002 B2
6436097 Nardella Aug 2002 B1
6439446 Perry et al. Aug 2002 B1
6443973 Whitman Sep 2002 B1
6463623 Ahn et al. Oct 2002 B2
6478804 Vargas et al. Nov 2002 B2
6488196 Fenton, Jr. Dec 2002 B1
6503257 Grant et al. Jan 2003 B2
6505768 Whitman Jan 2003 B2
6544274 Danitz et al. Apr 2003 B2
6554844 Lee et al. Apr 2003 B2
6565554 Niemeyer May 2003 B1
6587750 Gerbi et al. Jul 2003 B2
6592597 Grant et al. Jul 2003 B2
6594552 Nowlin et al. Jul 2003 B1
6601749 Sullivan et al. Aug 2003 B2
6602252 Mollenauer Aug 2003 B2
6607540 Shipp Aug 2003 B1
6612053 Liao Sep 2003 B2
6619529 Green et al. Sep 2003 B2
D480808 Wells et al. Oct 2003 S
6644532 Green et al. Nov 2003 B2
6656193 Grant et al. Dec 2003 B2
6669073 Milliman et al. Dec 2003 B2
6681978 Geiste et al. Jan 2004 B2
6698643 Whitman Mar 2004 B2
6716232 Vidal et al. Apr 2004 B1
6722552 Fenton, Jr. Apr 2004 B2
6731473 Li et al. May 2004 B2
6755338 Hahnen et al. Jun 2004 B2
6783524 Anderson et al. Aug 2004 B2
6786382 Hoffman Sep 2004 B1
6805273 Bilotti et al. Oct 2004 B2
6808262 Chapoy et al. Oct 2004 B2
6817509 Geiste et al. Nov 2004 B2
6830174 Hillstead et al. Dec 2004 B2
6835199 McGuckin, Jr. et al. Dec 2004 B2
6843403 Whitman Jan 2005 B2
RE38708 Bolanos et al. Mar 2005 E
6877647 Green et al. Apr 2005 B2
6879880 Nowlin et al. Apr 2005 B2
6889116 Jinno May 2005 B2
6905057 Swayze et al. Jun 2005 B2
6945444 Gresham Sep 2005 B2
6953138 Dworak et al. Oct 2005 B1
6953139 Milliman et al. Oct 2005 B2
6959852 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2005 B2
6962594 Thevenet Nov 2005 B1
6964363 Wales et al. Nov 2005 B2
6978921 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2005 B2
6981628 Wales Jan 2006 B2
6986451 Mastri et al. Jan 2006 B1
6988649 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2006 B2
6988650 Schwemberger et al. Jan 2006 B2
6991627 Madhani et al. Jan 2006 B2
6994714 Vargas et al. Feb 2006 B2
7000818 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2006 B2
7000819 Swayze et al. Feb 2006 B2
7032799 Viola et al. Apr 2006 B2
7044352 Shelton, IV et al. May 2006 B2
7044353 Mastri et al. May 2006 B2
7055730 Ehrenfels et al. Jun 2006 B2
7055731 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2006 B2
7059508 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2006 B2
7070083 Jankowski Jul 2006 B2
7083075 Swayze et al. Aug 2006 B2
7097089 Marczyk Aug 2006 B2
7111769 Wales et al. Sep 2006 B2
7114642 Whitman Oct 2006 B2
7121446 Arad et al. Oct 2006 B2
7128253 Mastri et al. Oct 2006 B2
7128254 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2006 B2
7134587 Schwemberger et al. Nov 2006 B2
7140527 Ehrenfels et al. Nov 2006 B2
7140528 Shelton, IV Nov 2006 B2
7143923 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2006 B2
7143924 Scirica et al. Dec 2006 B2
7143925 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2006 B2
7143926 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2006 B2
7147138 Shelton, IV Dec 2006 B2
7147139 Schwemberger et al. Dec 2006 B2
7147140 Wukusick et al. Dec 2006 B2
7159750 Racenet et al. Jan 2007 B2
7168604 Milliman Jan 2007 B2
7172104 Scirica et al. Feb 2007 B2
7188758 Viola et al. Mar 2007 B2
7204404 Nguyen et al. Apr 2007 B2
7207471 Heinrich et al. Apr 2007 B2
7207472 Wukusick et al. Apr 2007 B2
7210609 Leiboff et al. May 2007 B2
7213736 Wales et al. May 2007 B2
7225963 Scirica Jun 2007 B2
7225964 Mastri et al. Jun 2007 B2
7238195 Viola Jul 2007 B2
7246734 Shelton, IV Jul 2007 B2
7258262 Mastri et al. Aug 2007 B2
7278562 Mastri et al. Oct 2007 B2
7278563 Green Oct 2007 B1
7287682 Ezzat et al. Oct 2007 B1
7293685 Ehrenfels et al. Nov 2007 B2
7296722 Ivanko Nov 2007 B2
7296724 Green et al. Nov 2007 B2
7296772 Wang Nov 2007 B2
7300444 Nielson et al. Nov 2007 B1
7303107 Milliman et al. Dec 2007 B2
7303108 Shelton, IV Dec 2007 B2
7308998 Mastri et al. Dec 2007 B2
7326232 Viola et al. Feb 2008 B2
7328828 Ortiz et al. Feb 2008 B2
7328829 Arad et al. Feb 2008 B2
7334717 Rethy et al. Feb 2008 B2
RE40237 Bilotti Apr 2008 E
7354447 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2008 B2
7357287 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2008 B2
7364061 Swayze et al. Apr 2008 B2
7367485 Shelton, IV et al. May 2008 B2
7377928 Zubik et al. May 2008 B2
7380695 Doll et al. Jun 2008 B2
7380696 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2008 B2
7396356 Mollenauer Jul 2008 B2
7398907 Racenet et al. Jul 2008 B2
7399310 Edoga et al. Jul 2008 B2
7401720 Durrani Jul 2008 B1
7401721 Holsten et al. Jul 2008 B2
7404508 Smith et al. Jul 2008 B2
7404509 Ortiz et al. Jul 2008 B2
7407074 Ortiz et al. Aug 2008 B2
7407075 Holsten et al. Aug 2008 B2
7407077 Ortiz et al. Aug 2008 B2
7407078 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2008 B2
7416101 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2008 B2
7419080 Smith et al. Sep 2008 B2
7419081 Ehrenfels et al. Sep 2008 B2
7419495 Menn et al. Sep 2008 B2
7422139 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2008 B2
7424965 Racenet et al. Sep 2008 B2
7431189 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2008 B2
7431730 Viola Oct 2008 B2
7434715 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2008 B2
7434717 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2008 B2
7438208 Larson Oct 2008 B2
7438209 Hess et al. Oct 2008 B1
7441684 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2008 B2
7441685 Boudreaux Oct 2008 B1
7448525 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2008 B2
7451904 Shelton, IV Nov 2008 B2
7455208 Wales et al. Nov 2008 B2
7455676 Holsten et al. Nov 2008 B2
7458494 Matsutani et al. Dec 2008 B2
7461767 Viola et al. Dec 2008 B2
7462185 Knodel Dec 2008 B1
7464846 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 B2
7464847 Viola et al. Dec 2008 B2
7464848 Green et al. Dec 2008 B2
7464849 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 B2
7467740 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 B2
7472814 Mastri et al. Jan 2009 B2
7472815 Shelton, IV et al. Jan 2009 B2
7472816 Holsten et al. Jan 2009 B2
7473258 Clauson et al. Jan 2009 B2
7481347 Roy Jan 2009 B2
7481348 Marczyk Jan 2009 B2
7481349 Holsten Jan 2009 B2
7481824 Gillum et al. Jan 2009 B2
7487899 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2009 B2
7490749 Schall et al. Feb 2009 B2
7494039 Racenet et al. Feb 2009 B2
7500979 Hueil et al. Mar 2009 B2
7503474 Hillstead et al. Mar 2009 B2
7506790 Shelton, IV Mar 2009 B2
7506791 Omaits et al. Mar 2009 B2
7510107 Timm et al. Mar 2009 B2
7513408 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2009 B2
7517356 Heinrich Apr 2009 B2
7537602 Whitman May 2009 B2
7543729 Ivanko Jun 2009 B2
7543730 Marczyk Jun 2009 B1
7543731 Green et al. Jun 2009 B2
7552854 Wixey et al. Jun 2009 B2
7556185 Viola Jul 2009 B2
7556186 Milliman Jul 2009 B2
7559450 Wales et al. Jul 2009 B2
7559452 Wales et al. Jul 2009 B2
7559453 Heinrich et al. Jul 2009 B2
7559937 de la Torre et al. Jul 2009 B2
7565993 Milliman et al. Jul 2009 B2
7568603 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2009 B2
7568604 Ehrenfels et al. Aug 2009 B2
7571845 Viola Aug 2009 B2
7575144 Ortiz et al. Aug 2009 B2
7584880 Racenet et al. Sep 2009 B2
7588174 Holsten et al. Sep 2009 B2
7588175 Timm et al. Sep 2009 B2
7588176 Timm et al. Sep 2009 B2
7588177 Racenet Sep 2009 B2
7597229 Boudreaux et al. Oct 2009 B2
7597230 Racenet et al. Oct 2009 B2
7600663 Green Oct 2009 B2
7604150 Boudreaux Oct 2009 B2
7604151 Hess et al. Oct 2009 B2
7607557 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2009 B2
7611038 Racenet et al. Nov 2009 B2
7617961 Viola Nov 2009 B2
7624902 Marczyk et al. Dec 2009 B2
7624903 Green et al. Dec 2009 B2
7631793 Rethy et al. Dec 2009 B2
7631794 Rethy et al. Dec 2009 B2
7635073 Heinrich Dec 2009 B2
7635074 Olson et al. Dec 2009 B2
7635373 Ortiz Dec 2009 B2
7637409 Marczyk Dec 2009 B2
7637410 Marczyk Dec 2009 B2
7641091 Olson et al. Jan 2010 B2
7641093 Doll et al. Jan 2010 B2
7641095 Viola Jan 2010 B2
7644848 Swayze et al. Jan 2010 B2
7648055 Marczyk Jan 2010 B2
7651017 Oritz et al. Jan 2010 B2
7654431 Hueil et al. Feb 2010 B2
7658311 Boudreaux Feb 2010 B2
7658312 Vidal et al. Feb 2010 B2
7665646 Prommersberger Feb 2010 B2
7665647 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2010 B2
7669746 Shelton, IV Mar 2010 B2
7670334 Hueil et al. Mar 2010 B2
7673780 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2010 B2
7673781 Swayze et al. Mar 2010 B2
7673782 Hess et al. Mar 2010 B2
7673783 Morgan et al. Mar 2010 B2
7678121 Knodel Mar 2010 B1
7681772 Green et al. Mar 2010 B2
7682367 Shah et al. Mar 2010 B2
7682368 Bombard et al. Mar 2010 B1
7690547 Racenet et al. Apr 2010 B2
7694865 Scirica Apr 2010 B2
7699205 Ivanko Apr 2010 B2
7703653 Shah et al. Apr 2010 B2
7721930 McKenna et al. May 2010 B2
7721931 Shelton et al. May 2010 B2
7721935 Racenet et al. May 2010 B2
7721933 Ehrenfels et al. Jun 2010 B2
7726537 Olson et al. Jun 2010 B2
7726538 Holsten et al. Jun 2010 B2
7726539 Holsten et al. Jun 2010 B2
7731072 Timm et al. Jun 2010 B2
7735703 Morgan et al. Jun 2010 B2
7740159 Shelton et al. Jun 2010 B2
7740160 Viola Jun 2010 B2
7743960 Whitman Jun 2010 B2
7744628 Viola Jun 2010 B2
7753245 Boudreaux et al. Jul 2010 B2
7753248 Viola Jul 2010 B2
7757924 Gerbi et al. Jul 2010 B2
7757925 Viola et al. Jul 2010 B2
7762445 Heinrich et al. Jul 2010 B2
7766209 Baxter, III et al. Aug 2010 B2
7766210 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2010 B2
7766924 Bombard et al. Aug 2010 B1
7766928 Ezzat et al. Aug 2010 B2
7770774 Mastri et al. Aug 2010 B2
7770775 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2010 B2
7776060 Mooradian et al. Aug 2010 B2
7780055 Scirica et al. Aug 2010 B2
7784662 Wales et al. Aug 2010 B2
7789283 Shah Sep 2010 B2
7789889 Zubik et al. Sep 2010 B2
7793812 Moore et al. Sep 2010 B2
7793814 Racenet et al. Sep 2010 B2
7794475 Hess et al. Sep 2010 B2
7798385 Boyden et al. Sep 2010 B2
7798386 Schell et al. Sep 2010 B2
7799039 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2010 B2
7810690 Bilotti et al. Oct 2010 B2
7810691 Boyden et al. Oct 2010 B2
7810692 Hall et al. Oct 2010 B2
7810693 Broehl et al. Oct 2010 B2
7815090 Marczyk Oct 2010 B2
7815091 Marczyk Oct 2010 B2
7815092 Whitman et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819296 Hueil et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819297 Doll et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819298 Hall et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819299 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819796 Racenet Oct 2010 B2
7823760 Zemlok et al. Nov 2010 B2
7823761 Boyden et al. Nov 2010 B2
7824426 Racenet et al. Nov 2010 B2
7828186 Wales Nov 2010 B2
7828187 Green et al. Nov 2010 B2
7828188 Jankowski Nov 2010 B2
7828189 Holsten et al. Nov 2010 B2
7832408 Shelton, IV et al. Nov 2010 B2
7832611 Boyden et al. Nov 2010 B2
7832612 Baxter, III et al. Nov 2010 B2
7837079 Holsten et al. Nov 2010 B2
7837081 Holsten et al. Nov 2010 B2
7841503 Sonnenschein et al. Nov 2010 B2
7845533 Marczyk et al. Dec 2010 B2
7845534 Viola et al. Dec 2010 B2
7845535 Scircia Dec 2010 B2
7845537 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2010 B2
7845538 Whitman Dec 2010 B2
7850703 Bombard et al. Dec 2010 B2
7857183 Shelton, IV Dec 2010 B2
7857184 Viola Dec 2010 B2
7857185 Swayze et al. Dec 2010 B2
7857186 Baxter, III et al. Dec 2010 B2
7861906 Doll et al. Jan 2011 B2
7861907 Green et al. Jan 2011 B2
7866524 Krehel Jan 2011 B2
7866525 Scirica Jan 2011 B2
7866526 Green et al. Jan 2011 B2
7866527 Hall et al. Jan 2011 B2
7866528 Olson et al. Jan 2011 B2
7870989 Viola et al. Jan 2011 B2
7886952 Scirica et al. Feb 2011 B2
7891532 Mastri et al. Feb 2011 B2
7891533 Green et al. Feb 2011 B2
7891534 Wenchell et al. Feb 2011 B2
7896214 Farascioni Mar 2011 B2
7900805 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2011 B2
7901416 Nolan et al. Mar 2011 B2
7905380 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2011 B2
7905381 Baxter, III et al. Mar 2011 B2
7909039 Hur Mar 2011 B2
7909220 Viola Mar 2011 B2
7909221 Viola et al. Mar 2011 B2
7909224 Prommersberger Mar 2011 B2
7913891 Doll et al. Mar 2011 B2
7913893 Mastri et al. Mar 2011 B2
7914543 Roth et al. Mar 2011 B2
7918230 Whitman et al. Apr 2011 B2
7918276 Guignard et al. Apr 2011 B2
7922061 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2011 B2
7922063 Zemlok et al. Apr 2011 B2
7922064 Boyden et al. Apr 2011 B2
7926691 Viola et al. Apr 2011 B2
7926692 Racenet et al. Apr 2011 B2
7934628 Wenchell et al. May 2011 B2
7934630 Shelton, IV et al. May 2011 B2
7934631 Balbierz et al. May 2011 B2
7942300 Rethy et al. May 2011 B2
7942303 Shah May 2011 B2
7950560 Zemlok et al. May 2011 B2
7950561 Aranyi May 2011 B2
7950562 Beardsley et al. May 2011 B2
7954682 Giordano et al. Jun 2011 B2
7954683 Knodel et al. Jun 2011 B1
7954684 Boudreaux Jun 2011 B2
7954685 Viola Jun 2011 B2
7954686 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2011 B2
7954687 Zemlok et al. Jun 2011 B2
7959051 Smith et al. Jun 2011 B2
7963431 Scirica Jun 2011 B2
7963432 Knodel et al. Jun 2011 B2
7963433 Whitman et al. Jun 2011 B2
7967178 Scirica et al. Jun 2011 B2
7967179 Olson et al. Jun 2011 B2
7967180 Scirica et al. Jun 2011 B2
7975894 Boyden et al. Jul 2011 B2
7980443 Scheib et al. Jul 2011 B2
7988026 Knodel et al. Aug 2011 B2
7988027 Olson et al. Aug 2011 B2
7988028 Farascioni et al. Aug 2011 B2
7992758 Whitman et al. Aug 2011 B2
7997468 Farascioni Aug 2011 B2
7997469 Olson et al. Aug 2011 B2
8002795 Beetel Aug 2011 B2
8006885 Marczyk Aug 2011 B2
8006887 Marczyk Aug 2011 B2
8007505 Weller et al. Aug 2011 B2
8007513 Nalagatla et al. Aug 2011 B2
8011550 Aranyi et al. Sep 2011 B2
8011551 Marczyk et al. Sep 2011 B2
8011552 Ivanko Sep 2011 B2
8011553 Mastri et al. Sep 2011 B2
8011555 Tarinelli et al. Sep 2011 B2
8012170 Whitman et al. Sep 2011 B2
8015976 Shah Sep 2011 B2
8016177 Bettuchi et al. Sep 2011 B2
8016178 Olson et al. Sep 2011 B2
8020742 Marczyk Sep 2011 B2
8020743 Shelton, IV Sep 2011 B2
8028882 Viola Oct 2011 B2
8028883 Stopek Oct 2011 B2
8028884 Sniffen et al. Oct 2011 B2
8033438 Scirica Oct 2011 B2
8033440 Wenchell et al. Oct 2011 B2
8033441 Marczyk Oct 2011 B2
8033442 Racenet et al. Oct 2011 B2
8034077 Smith et al. Oct 2011 B2
8038044 Viola Oct 2011 B2
8038045 Bettuchi et al. Oct 2011 B2
8052024 Viola et al. Nov 2011 B2
8056787 Boudreaux et al. Nov 2011 B2
8056788 Mastri et al. Nov 2011 B2
8056791 Whitman Nov 2011 B2
8061577 Racenet et al. Nov 2011 B2
8066166 Demmy et al. Nov 2011 B2
8070033 Milliman et al. Dec 2011 B2
8070035 Holsten et al. Dec 2011 B2
8074858 Marczyk et al. Dec 2011 B2
8074859 Kostrzewski Dec 2011 B2
8074862 Shah Dec 2011 B2
8083118 Milliman et al. Dec 2011 B2
8083119 Prommersberger Dec 2011 B2
8083120 Shelton et al. Dec 2011 B2
8087563 Milliman et al. Jan 2012 B2
8091753 Viola Jan 2012 B2
8091754 Ehrenfels et al. Jan 2012 B2
8091756 Viola Jan 2012 B2
8096459 Ortiz et al. Jan 2012 B2
8096460 Blier et al. Jan 2012 B2
8100309 Marczyk Jan 2012 B2
8100310 Zemlok Jan 2012 B2
8113406 Holsten et al. Feb 2012 B2
8113407 Holsten et al. Feb 2012 B2
8113408 Wenchell et al. Feb 2012 B2
8113409 Cohen et al. Feb 2012 B2
8113410 Hall et al. Feb 2012 B2
8123101 Racenet et al. Feb 2012 B2
8127975 Olson et al. Mar 2012 B2
8127976 Scirica et al. Mar 2012 B2
8132703 Milliman et al. Mar 2012 B2
8132705 Viola et al. Mar 2012 B2
8132706 Marczyk et al. Mar 2012 B2
8136713 Hathaway et al. Mar 2012 B2
8141762 Bedi et al. Mar 2012 B2
8152041 Kostrzewski Apr 2012 B2
8157148 Scirica Apr 2012 B2
8157151 Ingmanson et al. Apr 2012 B2
8167185 Shelton, IV et al. May 2012 B2
8167186 Racenet et al. May 2012 B2
8172121 Krehel May 2012 B2
8172124 Shelton, IV et al. May 2012 B2
8181837 Roy May 2012 B2
8186555 Shelton, IV et al. May 2012 B2
8186558 Sapienza May 2012 B2
8186560 Hess et al. May 2012 B2
8196795 Moore et al. Jun 2012 B2
8196796 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2012 B2
8205619 Shah et al. Jun 2012 B2
8205780 Sorrentino et al. Jun 2012 B2
8205781 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2012 B2
8216236 Heinrich et al. Jul 2012 B2
8220688 Laurent et al. Jul 2012 B2
8220690 Hess et al. Jul 2012 B2
8225979 Farascioni et al. Jul 2012 B2
8231040 Zemlok et al. Jul 2012 B2
8231041 Marczyk et al. Jul 2012 B2
8235272 Nicholas et al. Aug 2012 B2
8236010 Ortiz et al. Aug 2012 B2
8241322 Whitman et al. Aug 2012 B2
8245897 Tzakis et al. Aug 2012 B2
8245898 Smith et al. Aug 2012 B2
8245899 Swensgard et al. Aug 2012 B2
8252009 Weller et al. Aug 2012 B2
8267300 Boudreaux Sep 2012 B2
8272554 Whitman et al. Sep 2012 B2
20030229344 Roane et al. Dec 2003 A1
20040108357 Milliman Jun 2004 A1
20040199180 Knodel et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040199181 Knodel et al. Oct 2004 A1
20040232201 Wenchell Nov 2004 A1
20040243151 Demmy Dec 2004 A1
20040267310 Racenet Dec 2004 A1
20040267311 Viola et al. Dec 2004 A1
20050103819 Racenet May 2005 A1
20050119669 Demmy Jun 2005 A1
20050139636 Schwemberger et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050145672 Schwemberger et al. Jul 2005 A1
20050189397 Jankowski Sep 2005 A1
20050216055 Scirica et al. Sep 2005 A1
20050247752 Kelly et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050247753 Kelly et al. Nov 2005 A1
20060049229 Milliman et al. Mar 2006 A1
20060144898 Bilotti et al. Jul 2006 A1
20060180634 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060289602 Wales et al. Dec 2006 A1
20070027469 Smith et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070029364 Kruszynski et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070039995 Schwemberger et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070039996 Mather et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070039997 Mather et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070073341 Smith et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070084897 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2007 A1
20070084899 Taylor Apr 2007 A1
20070102472 Shelton, IV May 2007 A1
20070106317 Shelton, IV May 2007 A1
20070114261 Ortiz et al. May 2007 A1
20070119901 Ehrenfels et al. May 2007 A1
20070145096 Viola et al. Jun 2007 A1
20070170225 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070175949 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070175950 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070175951 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070175955 Shelton, IV et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070179528 Soltz et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070181631 Bilotti et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070187456 Viola et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070194079 Hueil et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070194081 Hueil et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070194082 Morgan et al. Aug 2007 A1
20070219563 Voegele Sep 2007 A1
20070221700 Ortiz et al. Sep 2007 A1
20070221702 Kruszynski Sep 2007 A1
20070246508 Green Oct 2007 A1
20070255296 Sauer Nov 2007 A1
20070295780 Shelton et al. Dec 2007 A1
20080027466 Vitali et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080029570 Shelton et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080029573 Shelton et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080029574 Shelton et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080029575 Shelton et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080041916 Milliman et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080078800 Hess et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080078802 Hess et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080078803 Shelton et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080078804 Shelton et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080078806 Omaits et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080078808 Hess et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080093415 Bilotti Apr 2008 A1
20080105730 Racenet et al. May 2008 A1
20080110961 Voegele et al. May 2008 A1
20080142565 Jankowski May 2008 A1
20080149685 Smith et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080169328 Shelton Jul 2008 A1
20080169329 Shelton et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080169330 Shelton et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080169331 Shelton et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080169332 Shelton et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080169333 Shelton et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080272171 Viola Nov 2008 A1
20080287987 Boyden et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080296344 Cropper et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080296346 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080308602 Timm et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080308603 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2008 A1
20090001121 Hess et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090001124 Hess et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090001130 Hess et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090005808 Hess et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090065549 Viola Mar 2009 A1
20090078739 Viola Mar 2009 A1
20090090763 Zemlok et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090090766 Knodel Apr 2009 A1
20090134199 Heinrich et al. May 2009 A1
20090209946 Swayze et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090209990 Yates et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090236395 Scirica Sep 2009 A1
20090242610 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090255974 Viola Oct 2009 A1
20090272784 Farascioni Nov 2009 A1
20090272787 Scirica Nov 2009 A1
20090277946 Marczyk Nov 2009 A1
20090277949 Viola et al. Nov 2009 A1
20090283568 Racenet et al. Nov 2009 A1
20090306708 Shah Dec 2009 A1
20090308907 Nalagatla et al. Dec 2009 A1
20100012703 Calabrese et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100012704 Racenet et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100069942 Shelton, IV et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100072254 Aranyi et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100072257 Farascioni Mar 2010 A1
20100072258 Farascioni et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100076429 Heinrich Mar 2010 A1
20100076459 Farascioni Mar 2010 A1
20100089970 Smith Apr 2010 A1
20100127041 Morgan et al. May 2010 A1
20100127042 Shelton, IV May 2010 A1
20100133317 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100133318 Boudreaux Jun 2010 A1
20100147921 Olson Jun 2010 A1
20100147922 Olson Jun 2010 A1
20100155453 Bombard et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100170931 Viola Jul 2010 A1
20100193566 Scheib et al. Aug 2010 A1
20100213238 Farascioni Aug 2010 A1
20100224668 Fontayne et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100230468 Viola Sep 2010 A1
20100237130 Scirica Sep 2010 A1
20100243709 Hess et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100249802 May et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100252611 Ezzat et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100252612 Viola Oct 2010 A1
20100264192 Marczyk Oct 2010 A1
20100264193 Huang et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100264194 Huang et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100294828 Bindra et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100294829 Giordano et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100301095 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2010 A1
20100305552 Shelton, IV et al. Dec 2010 A1
20100308100 Boudreaux Dec 2010 A1
20100320252 Viola et al. Dec 2010 A1
20100320254 Zemlok et al. Dec 2010 A1
20110006099 Hall et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110006101 Hall et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110006103 Laurent et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110011914 Baxter, III et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110011915 Shelton, IV Jan 2011 A1
20110017801 Zemlok et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110024477 Hall Feb 2011 A1
20110024478 Shelton, IV Feb 2011 A1
20110036887 Zemlok et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110036888 Pribanic et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110036890 Ma Feb 2011 A1
20110036891 Zemlok et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110036892 Marczyk et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110036895 Marczyk et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110042439 Johnson et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110042441 Shelton, IV et al. Feb 2011 A1
20110062213 Scirica et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110068145 Bedi et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110068148 Hall et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110084114 Marczyk et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110084115 Bedi et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110087276 Bedi et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110089221 Masiakos et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110095067 Ohdaira Apr 2011 A1
20110101067 Johnson et al. May 2011 A1
20110101069 Bombard et al. May 2011 A1
20110108603 Racenet et al. May 2011 A1
20110114702 Farascioni May 2011 A1
20110121049 Malinouskas et al. May 2011 A1
20110132961 Whitman et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110132963 Giordano et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110132964 Weisenburgh, II et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110132965 Moore et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110139851 McCuen Jun 2011 A1
20110144640 Heinrich et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110147433 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110147434 Hueil et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110155781 Swensgard et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110155784 Shelton, IV et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110155786 Shelton, IV Jun 2011 A1
20110155787 Baxter, III et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110155788 Hillstead et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110163146 Ortiz et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110163147 Laurent et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110163149 Viola Jul 2011 A1
20110163150 Farascioni Jul 2011 A1
20110168757 Viola et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110168760 Viola et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110174130 Zhang Jul 2011 A1
20110174862 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110174863 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110180585 Czernik et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110186614 Kasvikis Aug 2011 A1
20110192881 Balbierz et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110192882 Hess et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110192883 Whitman et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110198385 Whitman et al. Aug 2011 A1
20110198386 Viola Aug 2011 A1
20110204119 McCuen Aug 2011 A1
20110204120 Crainich Aug 2011 A1
20110210157 Knodel et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110215132 Aranyi et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110215133 Aranyi Sep 2011 A1
20110226837 Baxter, III et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110233258 Boudreaux Sep 2011 A1
20110233259 Olson Sep 2011 A1
20110240713 Scirica et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110240714 Whitman et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110253765 Nicholas et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110257679 Ishitsuki et al. Oct 2011 A1
20110264137 Farascioni et al. Oct 2011 A1
20120029554 Kreidler Feb 2012 A1
20120080473 Farascioni et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120286021 Kostrzewski Nov 2012 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (2)
Number Date Country
202011107977 Nov 2011 DE
2009003575 Jan 2009 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (6)
Entry
GraingerItem4XY38, Nov. 14, 2010, https://web.archive.org/web/20101114121431/http://www.grainger.com:80/Grainger/shoulder-screws/screws/fasteners/ecatalog/N-8n6/No-16.
ShoulderScrew4XY38TechnicalSpecificationSheet, May 4, 2017, https://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-Shoulder-Screw-4XY38?searchBar=true&searchQuery=4XY38.
PIC Design Shoulder Screw Online Catalog, 2011, http://pic-designcatalog.com/cgi-bin/lansaweb?srve=PRDLST+F(LW3CATURL)=PH_SHOULDER_SCREWS.
PIC Design Shoulder Screw PDF Catalog, http://pic-designcatalog.com/Images/pdfcat/section_8.pdf#page=2.
Part 4315 CAD Model, http://www.product-config.net/catalog3/d/picdesign/?c=products&id=4315.
European Search Report for EP 14157583 dated Oct. 16, 2014.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20140252061 A1 Sep 2014 US