Patents by Inventor James M. DeCou

James M. DeCou 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).

  • Apparatus for removal of esophageal coins and similarly shaped objects
    Publication number: 20020099387
    Abstract: An apparatus developed for the safe, non-surgical removal of coin-like obstructing foreign objects from the esophagus is provided. The technique employs radiologic guidance. The apparatus has a pair of gripping jaws which are inserted through a mouth block and into a patient's esophagus. The apparatus provides a protective sheath surrounding the inserted jaws. A handle, remote from the jaws, is used to extend the jaws from the sheath which then grasp the end-on edge of the obstructing object. The apparatus and obstructing object may then be removed through the bite block as a unit. The technique requires no sedation or general anesthesia and minimizes the risk of collateral injury to the esophageal region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Michael W. L. Gauderer, James M. DeCou
  • Apparatus for removal of esophageal coins and similarly shaped objects
    Patent number: 6361540
    Abstract: An apparatus developed for the safe, non-surgical removal of coin-like obstructing foreign objects from the esophagus is provided. The technique employs radiologic guidance. The apparatus has a pair of gripping jaws which are inserted through a mouth block and into a patient's esophagus. The apparatus provides a protective sheath surrounding the inserted jaws. A handle, remote from the jaws, is used to extend the jaws from the sheath which then grasp the end-on edge of the obstructing object. The apparatus and obstructing object may then be removed through the bite block as a unit. The technique requires no sedation or general anesthesia and minimizes the risk of collateral injury to the esophageal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventors: Michael W. L. Gauderer, James M. DeCou