Patently Speaking highlights the technological achievements of Fort Wayne area residents.
Transaxle unit with integrated power takeoff unit and torque coupling device
•U.S. Patent No. 7,857,723
•Invented by: James A. Krisher, Fort Wayne
•Assigned to Dana Automotive Systems Group LLC, Maumee, Ohio
All-wheel-drive vehicles have been around for a long time, and with all the snow we’ve had, they’ve really come in handy.
Trucks and SUVs with all-wheel-drive capabilities typically have special transmissions and transfer cases distributing power to both the rear and front tires. A transfer clutch often controlled by a simple switch on the dashboard activates and deactivates the all-wheel-drive mode.
This patent describes a new transaxle system installed in front-wheel drive vehicles to provide all-wheel-drive capabilities. This transaxle unit includes integrated power takeoff and torque-coupling devices that can be installed in the vehicle and controlled in the passenger compartment just like ready-built all-wheel vehicles.
Method of delivering therapeutic implant
•U.S. Patent No. 7,785,332
•Invented by Anthony D. Zannis, Prasanna Malaviya and Herbert E. Schwartz of Fort Wayne and Keith M. McGrath of Warsaw
•Assigned to DePuy Products Inc., Warsaw
Our knees are amazing natural shock absorbers. They easily absorb the shock of running, jumping and even day-to-day walking.
We are able to do all these things is because of the meniscus. A crescent-shaped disc of cartilage, the meniscus sits in the knee and absorbs the compression and sheer forces. The meniscus is aneural meaning there are no nerves so it painlessly absorbs these load forces.
Unfortunately, the meniscus can be damaged either by disease, twisting injuries or even just time. Meniscus repair or replacement is a common surgery that helps us get back on our feet.
These surgeries are performed arthroscopically meaning only small incisions are made into the skin.
An instrument known as an arthroscope has a small television camera at the end and is inserted into the body and moved to the knee, allowing the surgeon to see the damaged joint. Other instruments are then inserted to perform the actual surgery. It is difficult performing surgery through a small incision.
This patent describes a new instrument to help with this surgery This instrument is an all-in-one-type device that delivers an artificial meniscus to the knee joint and manages the sutures used to attach the artificial meniscus to the original meniscus. Having one device perform multiple tasks can make the operation go much smoother.
The preceding are lay descriptions of patents obtained from the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s public records and are provided for general information purposes only. Nothing contained herein is a legal description of any claimed invention, identification of novelty, or offer of legal advice. Because issued patents are based on applications often filed years earlier, the subject matter of some patents may have been available on the market for some time prior to the issuance of the patent. Additional information on these patents is available at www.uspto.gov.
