Title:
SHAPE-MEMORY COUPLING ESPECIALLY FOR SPINAL FIXATOR
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2000072770
Kind Code:
B1
Abstract:
An advanced coupling device (16) using shape-memory technology. The coupling device (16) includes a coupling element (18) defining a longitudinal passage extending therethrough, the passage bounded by a side wall (42) having a first end (42a) and an opposing second end (42b), the side wall (42) defining a first slot (62a) extending from the first end (42a) toward the second end (42b), and a second slot (62b) extending from the second end (42b) toward the first end (42a), and wherein a portion of the second slot (62b) is positioned proximately adjacent and longitudinally overlapping a portion of the first slot (62a). The device (16) further includes at least one compression element (20) at least partially formed of a shape-memory material and being disposed about at least a portion of the coupling element (18). The compression element (20) has a configuration which contracts about the coupling element (18) and compresses the side wall (42) against a member (12) disposed within the passage to limit movement of the member (12) relative to the coupling element (18).
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Inventors:
JUSTIS JEFF R (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2000/014568
Publication Date:
February 08, 2001
Filing Date:
May 25, 2000
Export Citation:
Assignee:
SDGI HOLDINGS INC (US)
JUSTIS JEFF R (US)
JUSTIS JEFF R (US)
International Classes:
G12B1/00; A61B17/58; A61B17/70; F16B1/00; F16B25/00; A61B17/00; (IPC1-7): A61B17/70
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