Patents by Inventor Charles W. Dickerson

Charles W. Dickerson 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: 7914488
    Abstract: A needle point protective device for hypodermic and intravenous needles, catheter introducers, and similar devices protects users from injury and infection. The needle point protective device includes a needle point guard that is slidably mounted within the needle handle. In use, the needle point guard is integral with a cannula guide that is engaged with the needle cannula with enough force to cause the needle cannula to be subject to spring tension when the needle point is retracted proximal to the needle point guard, the needle point springs downward and behind the needle point guard. In one embodiment, the needle point guard is held in position manually as the needle is retracted. In another embodiment, the needle point guard is held in place automatically as the needle is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: C. Dickerson Co.
    Inventor: Charles W. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 6890321
    Abstract: A soft over-the-needle (OTN) catheter that has been treated at a distal end to provide a higher durometer (i.e., harder) surface to facilitate insertion of the catheter into a patient is provided. The catheter preferably comprises a soft flexible tube made of polyurethane and having a hardness in the range of 50A to 90A where the treated distal end has a hardness of above 90A. The OTN catheter may also include an annular abutment shoulder formed at a distance from the distal end of the catheter. An insertion needle also comprises an abutment means, preferably a collar positioned on the exterior of the insertion needle, to abut the abutment shoulder of the catheter. Where the catheter is to be fed significantly into the vascular system, an optional metal ring may be secured within the catheter, adjacent the internal shoulder. When the needle is removed, the metal ring remains in place, permitting electromagnetic tracking of the catheter as it is fed through the vascular system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventors: Ronald B. Luther, Charles W. Dickerson, James I. Wright
  • Publication number: 20040073170
    Abstract: A soft over-the-needle (OTN) catheter that has been treated at a distal end to provide a higher durometer (i.e., harder) surface to facilitate insertion of the catheter into a patient is provided. The catheter preferably comprises a soft flexible tube made of polyurethane and having a hardness in the range of 50 A to 90 A where the treated distal end has a hardness of above 90 A. The OTN catheter may also include an annular abutment shoulder formed at a distance from the distal end of the catheter. An insertion needle also comprises an abutment means, preferably a collar positioned on the exterior of the insertion needle, to abut the abutment shoulder of the catheter. Where the catheter is to be fed significantly into the vascular system, an optional metal ring may be secured within the catheter, adjacent the internal shoulder. When the needle is removed, the metal ring remains in place, permitting electromagnetic tracking of the catheter as it is fed through the vascular system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald B. Luther, Charles W. Dickerson, James I. Wright
  • Publication number: 20030220617
    Abstract: A needle point protective device for hypodermic and intravenous needles, catheter introducers, and similar devices protects users from injury and infection. The needle point protective device includes a needle point guard that is slidably mounted within the needle handle. In use, the needle point guard is integral with a cannula guide that is engaged with the needle cannula with enough force to cause the needle cannula to be subject to spring tension when the needle point is retracted proximal to the needle point guard, the needle point springs downward and behind the needle point guard. In one embodiment, the needle point guard is held in position manually as the needle is retracted. In another embodiment, the needle point guard is held in place automatically as the needle is retracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: C. DICKERSON CO.
    Inventor: Charles W. Dickerson
  • Publication number: 20030153873
    Abstract: A soft over-the-needle (OTN) catheter that has been treated at a distal end to provide a higher durometer (i.e., harder) surface to facilitate insertion of the catheter into a patient is provided. The catheter preferably comprises a soft flexible tube made of polyurethane and having a hardness in the range of 50A to 90A where the treated distal end has a hardness of above 90A. The OTN catheter may also include an annular abutment shoulder formed at a distance from the distal end of the catheter. An insertion needle also comprises an abutment means, preferably a collar positioned on the exterior of the insertion needle, to abut the abutment shoulder of the catheter. Where the catheter is to be fed significantly into the vascular system, an optional metal ring may be secured within the catheter, adjacent the internal shoulder. When the needle is removed, the metal ring remains in place, permitting electromagnetic tracking of the catheter as it is fed through the vascular system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald B. Luther, Charles W. Dickerson, James I. Wright
  • Patent number: 6595954
    Abstract: A catheter and insertion needle assembly comprising a catheter having a catheter hub and an insertion needle for disposition within the catheter and catheter hub. The assembly further comprises a shielding means comprising a generally cylindrical sleeve and means for locking the needle within the shielding means so as to safely enclose the tip of the needle to prevent exposure to clinicians. The shielding means preferably includes a retainer ring externally positioned thereon, wherein the retainer ring is configured to engage a corresponding retainer depression in an internal wall of the catheter hub. The locking means includes a locking ring on the exterior of the needle and a short, generally cylindrical, rigid insert disposed tightly within the interior of the shielding means. The insert has a slight decreasing taper at its proximal end and comprises cantilevered segments that may be biased outward to form a spring to permit movement of the locking ring in one direction, but not the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Luther Research Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald B. Luther, Charles W. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 6585704
    Abstract: A system for retaining a tip protector on a needle having a curved portion or bend adjacent the tip. A Braun clip tip protector is used in combination with a small sleeve which fits around the needle such that it is free to slide towards the needle tip until stopped by the bend. In that stopped position, the tip protector covers the tip but cannot slide off the end of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: B. Braun Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Luther, Charles W. Dickerson
  • Publication number: 20020103463
    Abstract: A system for retaining a tip protector on a needle having a curved portion or bend adjacent the tip. A Braun clip tip protector is used in combination with a small sleeve which fits around the needle such that it is free to slide towards the needle tip until stopped by the bend. In that stopped position, the tip protector covers the tip but cannot slide off the end of the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald B. Luther, Charles W. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 6106499
    Abstract: An apparatus which is useable to blunt the sharpened distal tip of a hypodermic needle, said apparatus comprising an elongate blunting member which is axially disposable within the lumen of the needle, and which is axially advanceable from a "non-blunting" position within the lumen to a "blunting" position wherein the blunt distal tip of the blunting apparatus protrudes out of the distal end of the needle. A positioning member may be formed on the proximal end of the blunting apparatus, said positioning member being engageable with the needle to alternately hold the blunting member in either its "nonblunting" position or its "blunting" position. One such positioning member comprises a generally cylindrical body having a series of elastomeric engagement fins formed thereon such that, when advanced into the hollow bore of the needle hub, the engagement fins will be proximally deflected and frictionally engaged thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Luther Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Overton, Charles W. Dickerson, Ronald B. Luther
  • Patent number: 6045734
    Abstract: A catheter for intravascular use including an inner sleeve defining a hollow lumen and a middle sleeve which is disposed on the inner sleeve and includes a braided metal wire layer. Disposed on the middle sleeve is an outer sleeve which is preferably fabricated from a polyurethane material. The catheter has an outer diameter of 0.010 to 0.035 inches and a wall thickness which does not exceed 0.0035 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Ronald B. Luther, Richard A. Overton, Charles W. Dickerson, Lane Keith, Ron Roth, Bruce Nichols
  • Patent number: 5957893
    Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter for insertion into an anatomical passage through the use of an introducer. The catheter comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body defining proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. Partially inserted into and protruding from the distal end of the catheter body is a rigid, tubular sleeve which defines an abutment shoulder within the lumen of the catheter body. Disposed on and encapsulating the exposed portion of the sleeve is a distal tip member defining a central opening which communicates with the lumen via the sleeve. The abutment shoulder is adapted to abut a portion of the introducer in a manner which inhibits proximal movement of the tip member relative to the introducer to prevent the tip member from being pushed proximally over the introducer and collapsing the catheter body during the insertion of the catheter into the anatomical passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson & Co.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Luther, Charles W. Dickerson, Richard A. Overton, Harold Pearsall
  • Patent number: 5916208
    Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter for insertion into an anatomical passage through the use of an introducer. The catheter comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body defining proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. Partially inserted into and protruding from the distal end of the catheter body is a rigid, tubular sleeve which defines an abutment shoulder within the lumen of the catheter body. Disposed on and encapsulating the exposed portion of the sleeve is a distal tip member defining a central opening which communicates with the lumen via the sleeve. The abutment shoulder is adapted to abut a portion of the introducer in a manner which inhibits proximal movement of the tip member relative to the introducer to prevent the tip member from being pushed proximally over the introducer and collapsing the catheter body during the insertion of the catheter into the anatomical passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Luther Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Luther, Charles W. Dickerson, Richard A. Overton, Harold Pearsall
  • Patent number: 5913848
    Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter for insertion into an anatomical passage through the use of an introducer. The catheter comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body defining proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. Partially inserted into and protruding from the distal end of the catheter body is a rigid, tubular sleeve which defines an abutment shoulder within the lumen of the catheter body. Disposed on and encapsulating the exposed portion of the sleeve is a distal tip member defining a central opening which communicates with the lumen via the sleeve. The abutment shoulder is adapted to abut a portion of the introducer in a manner which inhibits proximal movement of the tip member relative to the introducer to prevent the tip member from being pushed proximally over the introducer and collapsing the catheter body during the insertion of the catheter into the anatomical passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Luther Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Luther, Charles W. Dickerson, Richard A. Overton, Harold Pearsall
  • Patent number: 5873864
    Abstract: A catheter comprising a flexible proximal portion and a rigid distal portion having a beveled needle tip. The beveled tip overcomes coring of a barrier such as a septum of an implanted percutaneous drug delivery port when the needle tip passes therethrough for ultimate insertion of the catheter within the port. The invention also includes a catheter assembly incorporating the above-defined catheter along with a hand-operable implantation grip having a stylet member extending into the catheter and two opposing parallel finger members adjacent the catheter therebetween for holding the catheter during introduction thereof into an implanted percutaneous drug delivery port. The invention additionally includes methodology for catheterizing a percutaneous drug delivery port implanted in a living being through utilization of the catheter assembly and manually manipulating the grip thereof to insert the catheter tip into the port for long term implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Luther Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Luther, Charles W. Dickerson, Roddy J.H. Clarke
  • Patent number: 5817060
    Abstract: An apparatus which is useable to blunt the sharpened distal tip of a hypodermic needle, said apparatus comprising an elongate blunting member which is axially disposable within the lumen of the needle, and which is axially advanceable from a "non-blunting" position within the lumen to a "blunting" position wherein the blunt distal tip of the blunting apparatus protrudes out of the distal end of the needle. A positioning member may be formed on the proximal end of the blunting apparatus, said positioning member being engageable with the needle to alternately hold the blunting member in either its "non-blunting" position or its "blunting" position. One such positioning member comprises a generally cylindrical body having a series of elastomeric engagement fins formed thereon such that, when advanced into the hollow bore of the needle hub, the engagement fins will be proximally deflected and frictionally engaged thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Luther Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Overton, Charles W. Dickerson, Ronald B. Luther
  • Patent number: 5683370
    Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter for insertion into an anatomical passage through the use of an introducer. The catheter comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body defining proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. Partially inserted into and protruding from the distal end of the catheter body is a rigid, tubular sleeve which defines an abutment shoulder within the lumen of the catheter body. Disposed on and encapsulating the exposed portion of the sleeve is a distal tip member defining a central opening which communicates with the lumen via the sleeve. The abutment shoulder is adapted to abut a portion of the introducer in a manner which inhibits proximal movement of the tip member relative to the introducer to prevent the tip member from being pushed proximally over the introducer and collapsing the catheter body during the insertion of the catheter into the anatomical passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Luther Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Luther, Charles W. Dickerson, Richard A. Overton, Harold Pearsall
  • Patent number: 5533988
    Abstract: A catheter has an abutment member formed proximate the distal end thereof. The abutment member abuts a complimentary abutment surface formed upon an introducer so as to prevent collapsing of the catheter body during the insertion process. The abutment member preferably comprises an annular abutment shoulder, which reduces the diameter of the lumen of the catheter. An opening formed in the catheter body proximate the tip of the catheter facilitates fluid flow through the lumen of the catheter in the event that the reduced diameter portion of the lumen becomes obstructed. The tip of the catheter preferably comprises a rigid material, so as to assure positive locking action of the abutment member of the catheter with the abutment surface of the introducer during the insertion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Luther Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Dickerson, Richard A. Overton, Ronald B. Luther
  • Patent number: 4265916
    Abstract: An animal feed supplement in a solid, weather resistant block form and method of making is disclosed. The molasses based feed supplement block, intended for consumption primarily by ruminant animals, although not limited thereto, contains ferrous sulfate as a blocking agent. The feed supplement also comprises a water absorbent clay, a phosphorous source and finely ground magnesium oxide as well as an edible fat or oil in sufficient quantities to set into a solid block when admixed with the blocking agent. A preferred block composition is prepared by a method which comprises admixing the molasses, water, phosphate source and water absorbent clay under high speed shearing action for an effective amount of time to disperse the clay, admixing edible fat and dispersing it in the mixture and then admixing ferrous sulfate and finely ground magnesium oxide to obtain a nutrient mixture. The mixture is then poured into molds or packages and solidifies to form a hard block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: Ralson Purina Company
    Inventors: Leroy V. Skoch, Bud G. Harmon, Charles W. Dickerson, Nelson S. Chou
  • Patent number: 4171379
    Abstract: A method of preventing iron deficiency anemia in baby pigs and an animal feed supplement containing an iron source is disclosed. The molasses based feed supplement block, intended for consumption primarily by baby pigs, contains fat as a major energy source to aid in weight gain and an effective amount of a nutritional iron source to inhibit anemia in baby pigs. The animal feed supplement may also contain ferrous sulfate to aid in the setting of the supplement in block form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1979
    Assignee: Ralston Purina Company
    Inventors: Bud G. Harmon, Leroy V. Skoch, Charles W. Dickerson
  • Patent number: RE31804
    Abstract: An animal feed supplement in a solid, weather resistant block form and method of making is disclosed. The molasses, based feed supplement block, intended for consumption primarily by ruminant animals, although not limited thereto, contains ferrous sulfate as a blocking agent. The feed supplement also comprises a water absorbent clay, a phosphorous source and magnesium oxide as well as an edible fat or oil in sufficient quantities to set into a solid block form in less than one hour at room temperature when admixed with the blocking agent. A preferred block composition is prepared by a method which comprises admixing the molasses, water, phosphorus source and water absorbing clay under high speed shearing action of an effective amount of time to disperse the clay, admixing edible fat and dispersing it in the mixture and then admixing ferrous sulfate and magnesium oxide to obtain a viscous nutrient mixture that thickens quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Assignee: Ralson Purina Company
    Inventors: Leroy V. Skoch, Bud G. Harmon, Charles W. Dickerson