Patents by Inventor Charles E. Austin

Charles E. Austin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Electrosurgical instrument end effector
    Patent number: 5944718
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprising a handle, an end effector and an elongated hollow tube. The handle includes first and second grip members. The end effector includes first, second and third electrodes. The first electrode is substantially triangular in shape. The first electrode is adapted to pivot between an open position and a closed position. The first electrode also pivots around its proximal to distal axis and includes a coagulating surface and a cutting edge. The second and third electrodes are arranged substantially parallel to the first electrode when the first electrode is in the closed position. The elongated hollow tube includes a mechanism connecting the handle to the end effector such that movement of the first and second grip members relative to one another causes the first electrode to move relative to the second and third electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Austin, Kenneth R. Dafforn, Jay J. McElhenney
  • Bioplar cutting and coagulation instrument
    Patent number: 5702390
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument having a handle, an end effector and an elongated hollow tube. The handle includes first and second grip members. The end effector includes first, second and third electrodes. The first electrode is substantially triangular in shape. The first electrode is adapted to pivot between an open position and a closed position. The first electrode also pivots around its proximal to distal axis and includes a coagulating surface and a cutting edge. The second and third electrodes are arranged substantially parallel to the first electrode when the first electrode is in the closed position. The elongated hollow tube includes a mechanism connecting the handle to the end effector such that movement of the first and second grip members relative to one another causes the first electrode to move relative to the second and third electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Austin, Kenneth R. Dafforn, Jay J. McElhenney