Patents Examined by Manuel Mendoz
  • Patent number: 5897524
    Abstract: A cassette configuration, operative parts of which may be disposable or resterilizable, is configured with an adapter that may be mounted within the cassette receiving portal of a console that uses a peristaltic pump spaced apart from actuator and vent controls to engage the lower end wall of a cassette. The adapter is asymmetrically mounted in the available space, and allows a tubing loop from one side of a cassette inserted under it to be threaded through the peristaltic pump and to be seated in a bore in the adapter on the opposite side. A lower edge of the cassette fits into an interface slot in the console, and the interior tubing configuration enables clamping of irrigation and vent lines, while providing aspiration and irrigation flows to and from a handpiece. Within the cassette or in the console, flow control elements are provided to enable alternative venting of either air or fluid into the aspiration system to prevent excessive suction at the operative site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: Theodore S. Wortrich, Charles Beuchat
  • Patent number: 5827244
    Abstract: A quick-connect, needleless coupling assembly configured to shield its critical areas from contamination by environmental surfaces has a pair of interlocking, flow-through male and female components which may be used as part of a larger medicinal liquid therapy system. The male component has a generally rigid, blunt, open-ended cannula which is recessed with respect to a surrounding concentrically spaced collar so that the open end of the cannula is protected against contact from environmental surfaces which might otherwise contaminate the cannula. The female component has a socket which receives the male cannula to place the two components into liquid flow communication with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Via Christi Research Inc.
    Inventor: Conrad H. Boettger