Patents by Inventor Charles M. Rarey

Charles M. Rarey 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).

  • Patent number: 5501654
    Abstract: An elastically deformable element having multiple stacked strips for articulation in an endoscopic surgical instrument. The deformable element is usable in a variable retractor and an instrument having an articulating housing. The working section of the retractor variably moves from a curved configuration when outside of a sheath to a substantially straightened configuration when inside the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Failla, Michael J. Stokes, Daniel W. Price, Charles M. Rarey, Bennie Thompson
  • Patent number: 5382252
    Abstract: An improved transvaginal uterine manipulator is disclosed. In the most preferred embodiment, it has an elongated housing, a releasable tip attached to the distal end of the housing, a handle lever to actuate means for pivoting the tip in anteversion and retroversion motions in such a manner that a direct positional relationship between the handle lever and tip exists, an arcuate tip position indicator, a tenaculum holder attached to the housing, a constant force spring attached within the elongated housing and to the holder for applying a constant force on a tenaculum held by the holder regardless of its position on the housing, a handle lever locking means to lock the position of the handle, and fluid delivery means through the tip to deliver fluid to the uterus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery
    Inventors: Stephen J. Failla, Patrick J. Traini, Charles M. Rarey
  • Patent number: 5364410
    Abstract: Percutaneous suture externalizer devices are disclosed which grasp, secure and externalize sutures from within an abdominal or thoracic cavity. The suture externalizer devices include a thin tubular sheath with a penetrating point and a hook rod slidable within the sheath. The hook rod is slidable between an extended position and a retracted position. The hook rod is biased to the extended position. In the retracted position, a suture grasped within the hook is snugly held between the hook rod and the inner wall of the sheath, providing a positive means of securing the suture during externalization. An alternative embodiment utilizes a hollow tubular hook rod that can also be used to insufflate the abdominal or thoracic cavity. The alternative embodiment utilizes a valve to control the flow of gas through the hook rod, into and out of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Failla, Charles M. Rarey, Michael J. Stokes