Patents by Inventor Kent D. Richards

Kent D. Richards 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).

  • Minimally invasive irrigator/aspirator surgical probe and method of using same
    Patent number: 5554112
    Abstract: An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe for laparoscopic surgery includes a rotatable handle assembly and a probe assembly having an electrosurgical electrode. The handle assembly has two valves, one for controlling the flow of irrigation fluid and one for controlling the flow of aspiration fluid. One of the valves can be locked at any selected setting with a locking lever. Fine adjustment of the valve is achieved in the locked position. The handle assembly further includes a valve body and valve members which are easily removable and disposable. The valve members in the valve body are made of an elastomeric material to provide effective sealing and inherent self return. The probe assembly can be rotated relative to the handle assembly as needed to reduce operator fatigue. The probe can be rotated in the probe assembly to position the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Birtcher Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold J. Walbrink, Roger F. Etherington, Charles E. Beuchat, Vincent J. Burgess, Kent D. Richards
  • Irrigator/aspirator surgical probe and valve assembly
    Patent number: 5514089
    Abstract: An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe for laparoscopic surgery includes a rotatable handle assembly and a probe assembly having an electrosurgical electrode. The handle assembly has two valves, one for controlling the flow of irrigation fluid and one for controlling the flow of aspiration fluid. One of the valves can be locked at any selected setting with a locking lever. Fine adjustment of the valve is achieved in the locked position. The handle assembly further includes a valve body and valve members which are easily removable and disposable. The valve members in the valve body are made of an elastomeric material to provide effective sealing and inherent self return. The probe assembly can be rotated relative to the handle assembly as needed to reduce operator fatigue. The probe can be rotated in the probe assembly to position the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Birtcher Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold J. Walbrink, Roger F. Etherington, Charles E. Beuchat, Vincent J. Burgess, Kent D. Richards