Patents by Inventor Ralph C. McElvain

Ralph C. McElvain 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: 5118907
    Abstract: A system for interconnecting two medical devices with a flexible elongated interconnection member, such as a cord, a wire, or a tube, includes two separates lengths of the elongated member and a selectively releasable electric coupling therebetween. One or both lengths of the elongated member contain a cord dispenser which comprises a portion of that length of the cord wound into a tubular coil and a tubular casing coaxially encircling the coil and having openings at opposite ends thereof. Preferably, the inner surface of the casing is in gripping engagement with the outer surface of the coil. Depending on the manner in which the coil is wound, the cord and the coil can be controllably unwound from the coil in the casing by withdrawing an end of the cord from one or both exit openings in the casing. Preferably, however, one end of the cord passes longitudinally through the center of the coil from a winding at one end to an exit opening in the casing at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventors: Thomas D. Stout, Ralph C. McElvain