Patents by Inventor Dale Francis Schmaltz

Dale Francis Schmaltz 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: 8128622
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to electrosurgical pencils having variable controls. In one aspect, the electrosurgical pencil, includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing, the electrocautery blade being connected to a source of electrosurgical energy, an activation button supported on the housing, the activation button being movable from a first position to at least a subsequent position, and a transducer electrically connected between the activation button and the source of electrosurgical energy. The transducer is configured to transmit an electrical output signal to the electrosurgical energy source correlating to the movement of the activation button. The source of electrosurgical energy correspondingly supplies an amount of electrosurgical energy to the electrocautery blade dependant upon the electrical output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Ronald J Podhajsky, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Arlan James Reschke
  • Patent number: 7959633
    Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil is provided which includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing. The electrocautery blade is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. The pencil also includes at least one activation switch supported on the housing which is configured and adapted to complete a control loop extending from the source of electrosurgical energy. At least one voltage divider network is also supported on the housing and is electrically connected to the source of electrosurgical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Joe Don Sartor, Arlen James Reschke, David Nichols Heard, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Steven Paul Buysse, Mark Huseman
  • Patent number: 7244257
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to electrosurgical pencils having variable controls. In one aspect, the electrosurgical pencil, includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing, the electrocautery blade being connected to a source of electrosurgical energy, an activation button supported on the housing, the activation button being movable from a first position to at least a subsequent position, and a transducer electrically connected between the activation button and the source of electrosurgical energy. The transducer is configured to transmit an electrical output signal to the electrosurgical energy source correlating to the movement of the activation button. The source of electrosurgical energy correspondingly supplies an amount of electrosurgical energy to the electrocautery blade dependant upon the electrical output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Ronald J. Podhajsky, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Arlan James Reschke
  • Patent number: 7179258
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Steven Paul Buysse, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, Kirk Bryan Olson, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, II, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7156842
    Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil is provided which includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing. The electrocautery blade is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. The pencil also includes at least one activation switch supported on the housing which is configured and adapted to complete a control loop extending from the source of electrosurgical energy. At least one voltage divider network is also supported on the housing and is electrically connected to the source of electrosurgical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Joe Don Sartor, Arlen James Reschke, David Nichols Heard, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Steven Paul Buysse, Mark Huseman
  • Patent number: 7156844
    Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil is provided which includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing. The electrocautery blade is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. The pencil also includes at least one activation switch supported on the housing which is configured and adapted to complete a control loop extending from the source of electrosurgical energy. At least one voltage divider network is also supported on the housing and is electrically connected to the source of electrosurgical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Arlan James Reschke, Steven Paul Buysse, David Nichols Heard, Joe Don Sartor, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Ronald J. Podhajsky
  • Publication number: 20040225288
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Steven Paul Buysse, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, Kirk Bryan Olson, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6743229
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Steven Paul Buysse, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, Kirk Bryan Olson, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, II, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20040092927
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to electrosurgical pencils having variable controls. In one aspect, the electrosurgical pencil, includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing, the electrocautery blade being connected to a source of electrosurgical energy, an activation button supported on the housing, the activation button being movable from a first position to at least a subsequent position, and a transducer electrically connected between the activation button and the source of electrosurgical energy. The transducer is configured to transmit an electrical output signal to the electrosurgical energy source correlating to the movement of the activation button. The source of electrosurgical energy correspondingly supplies an amount of electrosurgical energy to the electrocautery blade dependant upon the electrical output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald J. Podhajsky, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Arlan James Reschke
  • Publication number: 20030018332
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for vessel sealing comprises first and second members connected by a pivot. A pair of jaws have opposable seal surfaces that are designed to grasp vascular tissue and conduct bipolar electrosurgical current therethrough. Electrodes on the jaws, including the seal surfaces, are removable and disposable. The jaws of the instrument have mechanical interfaces designed to accept replacement electrodes. The instrument further comprises interlocking ratchets designed to hold a constant closure force between the seal surfaces. Wires extend from the electrodes along one of the members and are connectable to an electrosurgical generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, David Nichols Heard, Steven Paul Buysee, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6464704
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for vessel sealing comprises first and second members connected by a pivot. A pair of jaws have opposable seal surfaces that are designed to grasp vascular tissue and conduct bipolar electrosurgical current therethrough. Electrodes on the jaws, including the seal surfaces, are removable and disposable. The jaws of the instrument have mechanical interfaces designed to accept replacement electrodes. The instrument further comprises interlocking ratchets designed to hold a constant closure force between the seal surfaces. Wires extend from the electrodes along one of the members and are connectable to an electrosurgical generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, David Nichols Heard, Steven Paul Buysee, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, II, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20020082596
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Steven Paul Buysse, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, Kirk Bryan Olson, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6352536
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Steven Paul Buysse, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, Kirk Bryan Olson, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, II, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20010037110
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for vessel sealing comprises first and second members connected by a pivot. A pair of jaws have opposable seal surfaces that are designed to grasp vascular tissue and conduct bipolar electrosurgical current therethrough. Electrodes on the jaws, including the seal surfaces, are removable and disposable. The jaws of the instrument have mechanical interfaces designed to accept replacement electrodes. The instrument further comprises interlocking ratchets designed to hold a constant closure force between the seal surfaces. Wires extend from the electrodes along one of the members and are connectable to an electrosurgical generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, David Nichols Heard, Steven Paul Buysee, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6277117
    Abstract: A removable electrode assembly for use in combination with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing which is removably engageable with the forceps and a pair of electrodes which are attachable to a distal end of the housing. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The electrode assembly also includes a cover plate which is removably attachable to the housing and at least one stop member for controlling the distance the electrodes move relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Philip Mark Tetzlaff, Steven Paul Buysse, Kate Ryland Lawes, Dale Francis Schmaltz
  • Patent number: 6187003
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has opposable seal surfaces on its jaws for grasping and sealing vessels and vascular tissue. Inner and outer instrument members allow arcuate motion of the seal surfaces. An open lockbox provides a pivot with lateral support to maintain alignment of the lateral surfaces. Ratchets on the instrument members hold a constant closure force on the tissue during the seal process. A shank portion on each member is tuned to provide an appropriate spring force to hold the seal surfaces together. During surgery, the instrument can be used to grasp and clamp vascular tissue and apply bipolar electrosurgical current through the clamped tissue. In one embodiment, the seal surfaces are partially insulated to prevent a short circuit when the instrument jaws are closed together. In another embodiment, the seal surfaces are removably mounted on the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Steven Paul Buysse, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, Kirk Bryan Olson, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, II, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
  • Patent number: D449886
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Philip Mark Tetzlaff, Steven Paul Buysse, Kate Ryland Lawes, Dale Francis Schmaltz
  • Patent number: D521641
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Arlan James Reschke, Steven Paul Buysse, David Nichols Heard, Joe Den Sartor, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Ronald J. Podhajsky
  • Patent number: D535396
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Arlan James Reschke, Steven Paul Buysse, David Nichols Heard, Joe Don Sartor, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Ronald J. Podhajsky
  • Patent number: D425201
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Philip Mark Tetzlaff, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Steven Paul Buysse, Kate Ryland Lawes