Patents by Inventor Robert B. Citron

Robert B. Citron 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: 7063704
    Abstract: A surgical trimming tool includes first and second handles pivotally attached to one another. A first cutting jaw extends from a first end of the first handle, and a second cutting jaw extends from a first end of the second handle. The first and second cutting jaws are configured to cut an object when closed towards one another. A resiliently flexible clip is attached to either the first or second cutting jaw. The clip is configured to flex upwardly as the object is cut to retain the object between the clip and the closed jaws until the first and second jaws are separated or the object is forceably removed from the clip. The clip is typically S-shaped, with the first end thereof attached to the associated cutting jaw, and a second end having a sharp edge extending over a cutting edge of the associated jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Citron, Lawrence L. Hampton, Oliver Buchert, Heather Savage
  • Patent number: 6641588
    Abstract: A surgical tool for tensioning cranial-flap clamps is provided. The tool includes first and second handles pivotally attached to one another. A first jaw extends from the first handle and has an aperture configured to accept a stem of the clamp therethrough. A second jaw extends from the second handle and has an aperture configured to accept a stem of the clamp therethrough. A ratcheting mechanism is positioned within a cavity of the second jaw for selectively locking the stem in place within the second jaw aperture while the first jaw moves clamp closure members toward one another. The ratcheting mechanism includes a pawl pivotally attached to the jaw, and having teeth on an outer edge thereof, and a spring associated with the jaw and pawl to bias the pawl in a locking position when the first and second jaws are separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Citron, Lawrence L. Hampton, Oliver Buchert, Heather Savage
  • Publication number: 20020169454
    Abstract: A surgical trimming tool includes first and second handles pivotally attached to one another. A first cutting jaw extends from a first end of the first handle, and a second cutting jaw extends from a first end of the second handle. The first and second cutting jaws are configured to cut an object when closed towards one another. A resiliently flexible clip is attached to either the first or second cutting jaw. The clip is configured to flex upwardly as the object is cut to retain the object between the clip and the closed jaws until the first and second jaws are separated or the object is forceably removed from the clip. The clip is typically S-shaped, with the first end thereof attached to the associated cutting jaw, and a second end having a sharp edge extending over a cutting edge of the associated jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Robert B. Citron, Lawrence L. Hampton, Oliver Buchert, Heather Savage
  • Publication number: 20020169463
    Abstract: A surgical tool for tensioning cranial-flap clamps is provided. The tool includes first and second handles pivotally attached to one another. A first jaw extends from the first handle and has an aperture configured to accept a stem of the clamp therethrough. A second jaw extends from the second handle and has an aperture configured to accept a stem of the clamp therethrough. A ratcheting mechanism is positioned within a cavity of the second jaw for selectively locking the stem in place within the second jaw aperture while the first jaw moves clamp closure members toward one another. The ratcheting mechanism includes a pawl pivotally attached to the jaw, and having teeth on an outer edge thereof, and a spring associated with the jaw and pawl to bias the pawl in a locking position when the first and second jaws are separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Robert B. Citron, Lawrence L. Hampton, Oliver Buchert, Heather Savage