Patents by Inventor Kendall L. Dobler

Kendall L. Dobler 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).

  • Ring applicator and method for applying elastic rings to anatomical tissue structures
    Patent number: 6547798
    Abstract: A ring applicator for applying elastic rings to anatomical tissue during surgical procedures includes an inner member with a forceps movably disposed within a middle tubular member having a distal end configured to hold a plurality of elastic rings in an expanded state and a proximal end with a plurality of longitudinally spaced steps. The middle tubular member is movably disposed in an outer tubular member, and an adjustable stop mechanism is mounted on the proximal end of the outer tubular member to limit axial movement of the outer tubular member relative to the middle tubular member to select which rings are to be ejected. A distal handle is connected with the inner member via slots in the outer and middle tubular members, and a proximal handle is pivotally connected to the middle tubular member via a slot in the outer tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventors: InBae Yoon, Ronald J. Brinkerhoff, Kendall L. Dobler, Hal H. Katz, Ronald J. Kolata, William J. Kraimer, Leo J. Nolan, Delbert E. Lucas, Donna R. Motz
  • RF bipolar mesentery takedown device including improved bipolar end effector
    Patent number: 6468275
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bipolar electrosurgical instrument suitable for use in mesentery tissue and other suitable tissue structures, including vessels. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to the present invention includes an end effector which includes a tissue slot and electrodes arranged on either side of the tissue slot. The opposing electrodes are electrically connected such that tissue passing through the slot is electrically treated with electrosurgical current passing laterally through the tissue. An end effector according to the present invention further includes a tissue separator arranged at the end of the slot to divide tissue as it is passed through the slot and after it is treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Wampler, Trevor W. V. Speeg, David C. Yates, Kendall L. Dobler
  • RF bipolar mesentery takedown device including improved bipolar end effector
    Patent number: 6165175
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bipolar electrosurgical instrument suitable for use in mesentery tissue and other suitable tissue structures, including vessels. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument according to the present invention includes an end effector which includes a tissue slot and electrodes arranged on either side of the tissue slot. The opposing electrodes are electrically connected such that tissue passing through the slot is electrically treated with electrosurgical current passing laterally through the tissue. An end effector according to the present invention further includes a tissue separator arranged at the end of the slot to divide tissue as it is passed through the slot and after it is treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Wampler, Trevor W. V. Speeg, David C. Yates, Kendall L. Dobler