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).
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Patent number: 8128622Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Ronald J Podhajsky, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Arlan James Reschke
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Patent number: 7959633Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Joe Don Sartor, Arlen James Reschke, David Nichols Heard, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Steven Paul Buysse, Mark Huseman
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Patent number: 7244257Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Ronald J. Podhajsky, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Arlan James Reschke
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Patent number: 7179258Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Steven Paul Buysse, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, Kirk Bryan Olson, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, II, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
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Patent number: 7156842Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Joe Don Sartor, Arlen James Reschke, David Nichols Heard, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Steven Paul Buysse, Mark Huseman
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Patent number: 7156844Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Arlan James Reschke, Steven Paul Buysse, David Nichols Heard, Joe Don Sartor, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Ronald J. Podhajsky
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Publication number: 20040225288Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: Steven Paul Buysse, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, Kirk Bryan Olson, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
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Patent number: 6743229Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Steven Paul Buysse, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, Kirk Bryan Olson, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, II, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
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Publication number: 20040092927Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventors: Ronald J. Podhajsky, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Arlan James Reschke
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Publication number: 20030018332Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2002Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventors: Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, David Nichols Heard, Steven Paul Buysee, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
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Patent number: 6464704Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, David Nichols Heard, Steven Paul Buysee, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, II, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
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Publication number: 20020082596Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2002Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Steven Paul Buysse, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, Kirk Bryan Olson, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
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Patent number: 6352536Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Steven Paul Buysse, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, Kirk Bryan Olson, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, II, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
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Publication number: 20010037110Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventors: Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, David Nichols Heard, Steven Paul Buysee, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
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Patent number: 6277117Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 1998Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Philip Mark Tetzlaff, Steven Paul Buysse, Kate Ryland Lawes, Dale Francis Schmaltz
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Patent number: 6187003Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Steven Paul Buysse, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Robert Luzzi, Kirk Bryan Olson, Kate Ryland Lawes, Daniel Lee Trimberger, II, Mathew Erle Mitchell, Jenifer Serafin Kennedy
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Patent number: D449886Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1998Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Philip Mark Tetzlaff, Steven Paul Buysse, Kate Ryland Lawes, Dale Francis Schmaltz
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Patent number: D521641Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Arlan James Reschke, Steven Paul Buysse, David Nichols Heard, Joe Den Sartor, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Ronald J. Podhajsky
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Patent number: D535396Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Arlan James Reschke, Steven Paul Buysse, David Nichols Heard, Joe Don Sartor, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Ronald J. Podhajsky
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Patent number: D425201Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Sherwood Services AGInventors: Philip Mark Tetzlaff, Dale Francis Schmaltz, Steven Paul Buysse, Kate Ryland Lawes