Patents by Inventor David S. Porter

David S. Porter 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: 5405073
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible support shaft assembly which is capable of bending transversely relative to its longitudinal axis or centerline with a predetermined limit on the bending range. The flexible support shaft assembly comprises a first helical member with a series of coils of round cross section and a second helical member with a series of coils of wedge-shaped cross section. The first and second helical members are coiled together along a common longitudinal axis with the round coils alternating with the wedge-shaped coils which separate the adjacent round coils from each other when the support shaft assembly is straight. The wedge-shaped coils are slidable relative to the round coils to allow the support shaft assembly to bend into a curved shape until the round coils on the inside of the bend engage each other and limit the bending range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Porter