Christopher H Berg

US Patent:

6932765, Aug 23, 2005

Filed:

Sep 9, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/936865

Inventors:

Christopher Lee Berg - Crystal MN, US

Assignee:

Minnesota Scientific, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61C001/32

US Classification:

600231, 600233, 600232

Abstract:

A retractor retaining device retains an otherwise handheld retractor in the retraction position. The device includes a flexible loop that is detachably attached to a retractor support proximate the surgical wound with the loop engaging a proximal end or handle of the retractor to retain the retractor in the retraction position.

US Patent:

7097616, Aug 29, 2006

Filed:

Oct 8, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/681480

Inventors:

Todd M. Bjork - River Falls WI, US
Todd William Sharratt - Birchwood MN, US
Christopher Lee Berg - Crystal MN, US

Assignee:

Minnesota Scientific, Inc. - White Bear MN

International Classification:

A61B 1/32

US Classification:

600230

Abstract:

A surgical joint includes a first clamping member for engaging a first support member and a second clamping member for engaging a second support member. The first clamping member includes a clamping bore wherein the first support member is positionable within the clamping bore. The second clamping member includes a socket wherein the second support member is positionable within the socket. A shaft is disposed through the first clamping member and is in communication with the second clamping member. An actuating mechanism is coupled to the shaft wherein the actuating mechanism is positionable to force the first clamping member frictionally engages the first support member and the second clamping member frictionally engages the second support member.

US Patent:

7125379, Oct 24, 2006

Filed:

Oct 31, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/698744

Inventors:

Todd M. Bjork - River Falls WI, US
Todd W. Sharratt - Birchwood MN, US
Christopher Lee Berg - Crystal MN, US
Walter J. Dobrovolny - St. Paul MN, US

Assignee:

Minnesota Scientific, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61B 1/32
B25G 3/36

US Classification:

600213, 600231, 600234, 403391

Abstract:

An assembly for exchanging retractor support arms within a retractor support clamp. The assembly includes a main body having a surface defining a cavity extending into the main body from a first end. A support arm having an end portion with a substantially complimentary configuration to the surface defining the cavity is positionable within the cavity. A retaining mechanism is disposed about the main body and in communication with the end portion where the retaining mechanism retains the end portion within the main body.

US Patent:

7297107, Nov 20, 2007

Filed:

Dec 10, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/732491

Inventors:

Todd M. Bjork - River Falls WI, US
Todd W. Sharratt - Birchwood MN, US
Christopher Lee Berg - Crystal MN, US

Assignee:

Minnesota Scientific, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61B 1/32

US Classification:

600227

Abstract:

A surgical joint includes a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface for engaging a first surgical rod and an attachment end. A second clamping member is mounted with respect to the first clamping member wherein the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for engaging a second surgical rod. A shaft is disposed through and positioned within the attachment end of the first clamping member and wherein the shaft is in communication with the second clamping member. A force providing mechanism is disposed between the first and second clamping members and disposed about the shaft wherein when the force providing mechanism and the shaft are movable with respect to each other and place the first and second clamping members in either a non-clamping position or a clamping position.

US Patent:

7309312, Dec 18, 2007

Filed:

Jan 12, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/034234

Inventors:

Todd M. Bjork - River Falls WI, US
Todd William Sharratt - Stillwater MN, US
Christopher L. Berg - Crystal MN, US

Assignee:

Minnesota Scientific, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61B 1/32

US Classification:

600231, 600233

Abstract:

A retractor retaining device retains an otherwise hand-held retractor in a retracting position within a surgical wound. The retractor retaining device includes a clamp that is attachable to a retractor support that is positioned about the wound. A retaining plate is attached to the clamp and engages a flexible loop. The flexible loop is detachably attached to the retaining plate for engaging a handle of the hand held retractor such that the hand held retractor is retained in the retracting position.

US Patent:

7320666, Jan 22, 2008

Filed:

Sep 17, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/664195

Inventors:

Todd M. Bjork - River Falls WI, US
Todd W. Sharratt - Birchwood MN, US
Christopher Lee Berg - Crystal MN, US

Assignee:

Minnesota Scientific, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61B 1/32

US Classification:

600227

Abstract:

A surgical joint includes a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface for engaging a first surgical rod and an attachment end. A second clamping member is mounted with respect to the first clamping member wherein the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for engaging a second surgical rod. A shaft is disposed through and positioned within the attachment end of the first clamping member and wherein the shaft is in communication with the second clamping member. A force providing mechanism is disposed between the first and second clamping members and disposed about the shaft wherein when the force providing mechanism and the shaft are movable with respect to each other and place the first and second clamping members in either a non-clamping position or a clamping position.

US Patent:

20030083553, May 1, 2003

Filed:

Oct 26, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/057840

Inventors:

Christopher Berg - Crystal MN, US

Assignee:

Minnesota Scientific, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61B001/32

US Classification:

600/201000

Abstract:

A retractor retaining device retains an otherwise handheld retractor in the retraction position. The device includes a flexible loop that is detachably attached to a retractor support proximate the surgical wound with the loop engaging a proximal end or handle of the retractor to retain the retractor in the retraction position.

US Patent:

20040059194, Mar 25, 2004

Filed:

Jul 18, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/623179

Inventors:

Christopher Berg - Blaine MN, US
Todd Sharratt - Birchwood MN, US
Steven LeVahn - Lino Lakes MN, US

Assignee:

Minnesota Scientific, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

A61B001/32

US Classification:

600/227000

Abstract:

The present invention includes a method of performing knee-joint replacement surgery. The tibia and the femur are positioned such that the knee-joint is disposed in a bent position. An incision is made over or adjacent the patella to expose the knee-joint. A retractor support is extended along at least opposite sides of the knee-joint. The skin flesh layers proximate the knee-joint are retracted utilizing a plurality of retractors which are attached to the retractor support. At least one of the retractors is attached to the retractor such that the retractor may be flexed sufficiently for movement of the knee-joint during surgery without having to reposition the retractors.