Patents by Inventor Michael D. Lontine

Michael D. Lontine 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: 6139547
    Abstract: A partially coated electrosurgical electrode has a portion of a medical grade metallic material as a substrate for energy application. Conductive of sites of metallic material or alloys thereof pass energy through peaks that define valleys nearby. A partial coating in the valleys has a low surface free energy. A treated surface across the peaks and generally over the filled valleys is relatively smooth for non stick characteristics during application of electrosurgery to tissue and bodily fluids. Openings in the treated surface through the partial coating are at the peaks of conductive sites to expose the metallic material or alloys thereof. The partial coating is a fluorinated polymer. The treated surface is a relatively even level that is not flat. The metallic material substrate is an alloy of stainless steel or nickel chrome. A mechanically deformed surface finish, plasma or vapor deposition on the substrate forms the conductive sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Michael D. Lontine, Gene Arts
  • Patent number: 6070444
    Abstract: A method of mass manufacturing a plurality of electrodes coated with a non-stick layer is disclosed for reducing eschar buildup and the like on the working tip of an electrode during electrosurgical procedures and facilitating ease of cleaning the tip. The plurality of electrodes are mass manufactured for connection to an appropriate electrical power source. One preferred method of mass manufacturing a plurality of electrodes includes the steps of: simultaneously coating at least a portion of a stock material with a non-stick layer; and forming the plurality of electrode blanks having the non-stick layer. The plurality of electrode blanks may be subjected to further finishing. Preferably, the plurality of electrode blanks are formed having the non-stick layer as the material is advanced through a stamping operation. Also, the material may be configured and dimensioned in the form of a tree to provide a plurality of electrode blanks with a non-stick layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Michael D. Lontine, Gene H. Arts
  • Patent number: 5713895
    Abstract: A partially coated electrosurgical electrode has a portion of a medical grade metallic material as a substrate for energy application. Conductive of sites of metallic material or alloys thereof pass energy through peaks that define valleys nearby. A partial coating in the valleys has a low surface free energy. A treated surface across the peaks and generally over the filled valleys is relatively smooth for non stick characteristics during application of electrosurgery to tissue and bodily fluids. Openings in the treated surface through the partial coating are at the peaks of conductive sites to expose the metallic material or alloys thereof. The partial coating is a fluorinated polymer. The treated surface is a relatively even level that is not flat. The metallic material substrate is an alloy of stainless steel or nickel chrome. A mechanically deformed surface finish, plasma or vapor deposition on the substrate forms the conductive sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Valleylab Inc
    Inventors: Michael D. Lontine, Gene Arts
  • Patent number: 5702387
    Abstract: A design and method of manufacture is disclosed for an electrosurgical electrode with a silicone coating. The coating resists the buildup of eschar. The silicone material is thick enough in the flat area of the blade to withstand the electrosurgical voltage without breakdown. The electrosurgical current path is primarily through the blade edges and tip. The flat of the blade remains insulated under most conditions. The relatively thick coating also provides high tear strength and added durability. The composition of the electrode coatings may include silicone elastomers in the form of adhesives, dispersions, or liquid rubbers. The coating composition may also contain adhesion promoters, heat stabilizers, plasticizers, release enhancers, crosslinking agents, and colorants. Several methods of manufacture are illustrated by way of examples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Valleylab Inc
    Inventors: Gene H. Arts, Jan E. Carr, Karen T. Kuk-Nagle, Michael D. Lontine, Brian A. Millberg
  • Patent number: 5382247
    Abstract: An electrosurgical tip for the application of electromagnetic energy in either a monopolar or a bipolar circuit through the tissue and the bodily fluids of an animal or human has a metallic electrically and thermally conductive electrode for connection to an electrosurgical generator proximally and for transmission of the electromagnetic electrosurgical energy to the tissue and the bodily fluids of the animal or human distally. A sheath of heat shrinkable fluorinated polymeric substance is an electrical and thermal insulator held about the electrode for preventing the flow of electromagnetic and thermal energy from the metallic electrically and thermally conductive electrode to the tissue and the bodily fluids. A smooth surface of the sheath contacts the tissue and the bodily fluids and has a low surface free energy. Openings through the sheath extend from the electrode to the surface for permitting the passage of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Valleylab Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Cimino, Michael D. Lontine, Michael P. Schollmeyer