Patents by Inventor Doug Kratz

Doug Kratz 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).

  • Catheter sheath slitter and method of use
    Patent number: 7462167
    Abstract: A device and method for slitting a first elongated flexible catheter/sheath used with an elongated flexible component. The device includes a handle, an elongated groove and a cutter member. The cutter member has a sharp distally located cutting edge and a top surface from which a finger projects distally. The cutting edge is located under the finger and is arranged to be located within the annular space between the component and the first catheter/sheath when the first catheter/sheath is within the groove. The cutting edge serves to slice the first catheter/sheath longitudinally when the first catheter/sheath is pulled in a proximal direction. The finger protects the component from injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Kratz, Andrew W. Armour, Christopher A. Heine, Seth Worley
  • Catheter sheath slitter and method of use
    Publication number: 20060167417
    Abstract: A device and method for slitting a first elongated flexible catheter/sheath used with an elongated flexible component. The device includes a handle, an elongated groove and a cutter member. The cutter member has a sharp distally located cutting edge and a top surface from which a finger projects distally. The cutting edge is located under the finger and is arranged to be located within the annular space between the component and the first catheter/sheath when the first catheter/sheath is within the groove. The cutting edge serves to slice the first catheter/sheath longitudinally when the first catheter/sheath is pulled in a proximal direction. The finger protects the component from injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Thomas Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Kratz, Andrew Armour, Christopher Heine, Seth Worley