Patents by Inventor Gerald L. Metcalf

Gerald L. Metcalf 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: 5660384
    Abstract: A container and a method of using the container for storing sheets of material, such as photosensitive materials, enables individual sheets to be transported from the container to an imaging unit by a feed mechanism of the imaging unit. The container fits within the imaging unit to provide a light-tight environment for the photosensitive material. The container includes shiftable walls, including a front ramp which can have a serrated surface to separate sheets. The container also includes a clamping components to allow for the removal of a light-tight bag which encloses the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Melinda K. Kovach, Gerald L. Metcalf, Stuart J. Wyman, Kenneth J. Hagen, Norman Herauf
  • Patent number: 5533977
    Abstract: A trocar for placement in the lumen of a cannula to facilitate inserting the cannula through tissue is disclosed. The trocar has an improved trigger/obturator assembly wherein the trigger comprises tissue cam parts each having (a) planar outer surfaces, and (b) an arcuate end portion at the distal end of the trigger including a distal edge surface that is arcuate about an axis normal to the outer surfaces. The arcuate end portions intersect at edge surfaces which are obscured by the arcuate end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Origin Medsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald L. Metcalf, Bradley C. Poff, John M. Barker
  • Patent number: 5453094
    Abstract: A kit assembly for use during a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The kit assembly may have a plurality of cannula or a plurality of trocar assemblies. The kit assembly affords the convenient use of different types of trocar or cannula assemblies during a laparoscopic surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gerald L. Metcalf, Vern E. Radewald, Melinda K. Samples, Kraig M. Keister, George L. Sommerfeld, Alan J. Solyntjes
  • Patent number: 5405328
    Abstract: A kit assembly for use to construct a desired trocar obturator used during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The kit includes a proximal portion of the obturator and a plurality of different distal end portions. The proximal portion may be releasably attached to a distal portion by virtue of a detent mechanism. Reuse of the proximal portion affords potential cost savings. The plurality of distal end portions affords the surgeon a choice between different trocar tips so that the trocar may be customized for a particularly surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Claude Vidal, Russell J. Redmond, Gerald L. Metcalf
  • Patent number: D349574
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gerald L. Metcalf, Alan K. Plyley, John M. Barker