Patents by Inventor Daniel C. Merrill

Daniel C. Merrill 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: 5290294
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus of novel design for use in the rapid, non-surgical removal of foreign bodies from the urethra and bladder. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transurethral snaring tool for encircling and ensnaring a foreign body within the urethral lumen or bladder. The snaring tool is further provided in one embodiment with an introduction sheath, suitable for housing a cystoscope lens or other viewing means, and an obturator, for the atraumatic introduction of the sheath. In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a foreign body removal apparatus having additional tools to insert through the transurethral sheath, including a rigid forward forceps and a lateral grasping forceps. There is additionally provided a non-surgical method for removal of a foreign body from a body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventors: Brian Cox, Jay A. Lenker, Daniel C. Merrill
  • Patent number: 5125890
    Abstract: To simplify and increase the efficacy of tubular vacuum chamber (6) used to induce and maintain erections in impotent men, a penile sealing diaphragm (7) forms an airtight seal between the tubular chamber (6) and the penis (28). A constriction band dislodging mechanism comprising a flexible strap (36) which is attached to the sealing diaphragm (7) provides a simple method for transferring any constriction band (8) from the chamber (6) onto the penis (28). A constriction band dislodging-vacuum release mechanism is used to simultaneously dislodge a constriction band (8) and relieve the vacuum within a chamber with an air hole (38). A unique constriction band (44) is formed from an inexpensive rubber band and two strips of glass tape which is easy to dislodge from the vacuum chamber (8) and easy to remove from the penis (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Bak Medical Products
    Inventors: Daniel C. Merrill, William B. Andersen