Patents by Inventor Robert L. Lathrop, Jr.
Robert L. Lathrop, Jr. 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).
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Patent number: 7582095Abstract: The clip applier of the current invention solves the problems of prior art tools by incorporating a pre-clamp mechanism, the function of which is to pre-clamp the vessel to be ligated to a dimension such that the center leg of the spring of the ligation clip need be lifted only slightly. In this manner the spring clip can be slid over the smaller pre-clamped dimension. This insures that the clip spring material will remain within its elastic limit while allowing the tool to maintain a low profile for use in endoscopic surgery, even on large diameter vessels.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Apollo Camera, L.L.C.Inventors: John I. Shipp, Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., Robert L. Lathrop, III, Donald R. Reichel, Robert J. Hayes
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Patent number: 6066131Abstract: Improved methods and devices related to laser-assisted transmyocardial revascularization (TMR), and more particularly, to improved methods and devices for creating branched TMR channels through myocardium in which a single opening is made in an epicardial surface with a plurality of channel branches, having predetermined geometries extending into and through myocardium, depending therefrom. A method of creating branched TMR channels comprises piercing an epicardial surface mechanically or with laser energy, directing laser energy through the opening in a first predetermined angular orientation with respect to the epicardial surface to create a first channel and delivering laser energy in a second predetermined angular orientation to create a second branch. A plurality of branches can thus be created in a single channel structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Eclipse Surgical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Mueller, Stuart D. Harman, Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., Bruce J. Richardson
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Patent number: 5993465Abstract: The clip applier of the current invention solves the problems of prior art tools by incorporating a pre-clamp mechanism, the function of which is to pre-clamp the vessel to be ligated to a dimension such that the center leg of the spring of the ligation clip need be lifted only slightly. In this manner the spring clip can be slid over the smaller pre-clamped dimension. This insures that the clip spring material will remain within its elastic limit while allowing the tool to maintain a low profile for use in endoscopic surgery, even on large diameter vessels.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1996Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Apollo Camera, LLCInventors: John I. Shipp, Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., Robert L. Lathrop, III, Donald R. Reichel, Robert J. Hayes
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Patent number: 5858018Abstract: The clip applier of the current invention solves the problems of prior art tools by incorporating a pre-clamp mechanism, the function of which is to pre-clamp the vessel to be ligated to a dimension such that the center leg of the spring of the ligation clip need be lifted only slightly. In this manner the spring clip can be slid over the smaller pre-clamped dimension. This insures that the clip spring material will remain within its elastic limit while allowing the tool to maintain a low profile for use in endoscopic surgery, even on large diameter vessels.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1994Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Apollo Camera, LLCInventors: John I. Shipp, Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., Robert L. Lathrop, III, Donald R. Reichel, Robert J. Hayes
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Patent number: 5766164Abstract: Improved methods and devices related to laser-assisted transmyocardial revascularization (TMR), and more particularly, to improved methods and devices for creating branched TMR channels through myocardium in which a single opening is made in an epicardial surface with a plurality of channel branches, having predetermined geometries extending into and through myocardium, depending therefrom. A method of creating branched TMR channels comprises piercing an epicardial surface mechanically or with laser energy, directing laser energy through the opening in a first predetermined angular orientation with respect to the epicardial surface to create a first channel and delivering laser energy in a second predetermined angular orientation to create a second branch. A plurality of branches can thus be created in a single channel structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Eclipse Surgical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Mueller, Stuart D. Harman, Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., Bruce J. Richardson
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Patent number: 5593414Abstract: A surgical ligation clip is preformed from a continuous piece of metal wire to assume a shape having a reduced cross-sectional area. A clamping arm of the clip is alternately moveable from a clamped to an unclamped position above a vessel support member. A tension coil joins the vessel support member to the clamping arm and provides the hemostatic clamping force from the clip to the targeted blood vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1995Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Assignee: Apollo Camera, L.L.C.Inventors: John I. Shipp, George Crothall, Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., Donald R. Reichel
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Patent number: 5555897Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for manipulating parts of the body in surgical procedures, particularly useful for peritoneal distension in laparoscopic surgery. The apparatus comprises a positionable support structure having an extendible horizontal arm rotatably mounted to an extendible vertical post, the post having a clamp at its lower end for mounting to a surgical table. An end segment at the distal end of the horizontal arm has a mount for mounting end-of-arm tooling, for example, peritoneal distension instruments. Locking mechanisms are disposed in the horizontal arm, vertical post and end segment to lock the support structure in a desired position. A motor is disposed within the vertical post for power-assisted extension and retraction of the vertical post. Preferably, the locking mechanisms and motor are controllable using switches mounted on the end segment.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1994Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: Origin Medsystems, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., Rick E. Emerson, James E. Wiley, James M. Sklenar, Albert K. Chin, Frederick H. Moll, David Forster
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Patent number: 5372147Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for manipulating parts of the body in surgical procedures, particularly useful for peritoneal distension in laparoscopic surgery. The apparatus comprises a positionable support structure having an extendible horizontal arm rotatably mounted to an extendible vertical post, the post having a clamp at its lower end for mounting to a surgical table. An end segment at the distal end of the horizontal arm has a mount for mounting end-of-arm tooling, for example, peritoneal distension instruments. Locking mechanisms are disposed in the horizontal arm, vertical post and end segment to lock the support structure in a desired position. A motor is disposed within the vertical post for power-assisted extension and retraction of the vertical post. Preferably, the locking mechanisms and motor are controllable using switches mounted on the end segment.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1992Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Assignee: Origin Medsystems, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., Rick E. Emerson, James E. Wiley, James M. Sklenar, Albert K. Chin, Frederick H. Moll, David Forster
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Patent number: 5318568Abstract: Hypothermia therapy apparatus comprises an inflatable blanket having a cavity therein, and a neck extending outwardly of the perimeter of the blanket body, the interior of the neck being in communication with the cavity. A nozzle is also provided, the forward portion of the nozzle being receivable in the outer end of the neck, and the rearward portion of the nozzle is connectable with a source of air. The nozzle includes an engagement mechanism for engaging at least a portion of the exterior surface of the neck. The engagement mechanism comprises a spring clip normally biased in the closed position and selectively openable to receive a portion of the neck thereunder. The forward portion of the nozzle is frusto-conical to facilitate insertion into the open end of the neck, and the neck is dimensioned to loosely engage the intermediate portion of the nozzle. A connector is provided for removably connecting an air hose to the rearward portion of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1991Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Assignee: Advanced Warming Systems, Inc.Inventors: Rick J. Kaufmann, Rick E. Emerson, Robert L. Lathrop, Jr.
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Patent number: 5273387Abstract: A binding apparatus having a base portion and a binding mechanism is disclosed which binds a stack of punched paper sheets with a plastic binding element having an elongated linear spine and integral spaced resilient curled fingers extending from the spine. The binding mechanism includes a fixed binding comb and a series of push fingers. The binding comb has a series of upstanding fixed spaced pickets having sufficient clearance between each other to allow the binding element curled fingers to be manually shifted laterally relative to the fixed pickets such that each of the curled fingers surrounds a portion of the push fingers. The binding mechanism also has a device for moving the push fingers outwardly from the pickets to uncurl the curled fingers so that a stack of punched paper sheets can be placed on the uncurled fingers.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1992Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: Taurus Tetraconcepts, Inc.Inventors: Charles T. Groswith, III, Richard D. Phipps, Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., John F. Stewart, Rick J. Kaufmann
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Patent number: 5163350Abstract: A paper punch and binding apparatus has two punch mechanisms, one for punching round holes in a paper sheets stack and one for punching rectangular holes in another paper sheets stack. A single lever or crank simultaneously operates and drives a series of round end punches to shear the round holes and a punch plate with integral rectangular punch elements shear rectangular holes. A four-bar linkage connects the lever to the punch plate and the series of the punches in a manner that both the plate and punches are driven in a vertical straight line and with a greater mechanical advantage at the start and over the first increments of the punching operation. In a preferred embodiment, a binding station is provided in an apparatus base portion particularly for binding with a Douvry-type plastic resilient loops binding element. The binding station has an operating knob which operates a simple gear interconnect train for uncurling the resilient loops and allowing the punched hole stack to be inserted thereon.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1991Date of Patent: November 17, 1992Assignee: Taurus Tetraconcepts, Inc.Inventors: Charles T. Groswith, III, Richard D. Phipps, Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., John F. Stewart, Rick J. Kaufmann
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Patent number: 5007782Abstract: A paper punch and binding apparatus has two punch mechanisms, one for punching round holes in a paper sheets stack and one for punching rectangular holes in another paper sheet stack. A single layer or crank simultaneously operates and drives a series of round end punches to shear the round holes and a punch plate with integral rectangular punch elements shear rectangular holes. A four-bar linkage connects the lever to the punch plate and the series of the punches in a manner that both the plate and punches are driven in a vertical straight line and with a greater mechanical advantage at the start and over the first increments of the punching operation. In a preferred embodiment, a binding station is provided in an apparatus base portion particularly for binding with a Douvry-type plastic resilient loops binding element. The binding station has an operating knob which operates a simple gear interconnect train for uncurling the resilient loops and allowing the punched hole stack to be inserted thereon.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1989Date of Patent: April 16, 1991Assignee: Taurus Tetraconcepts, Inc.Inventors: Charles T. Groswith, III, Richard D. Phipps, Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., John F. Stewart, Rick J. Kaufmann
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Patent number: 4331633Abstract: A batch sterilizing unit, in the form of a tank having a top loading port and a bottom discharge port, holds a batch of cans for sterilization. The cans in contact with the door associated with the discharge port are prevented from transferring heat to the door and accordingly are maintained at sterilizing temperature by providing a perforated partition forming a wall of condensate sump. Thus the sterilizing medium, whether it be steam or water, is able to effect complete sterilization of those cans making contact with the partition. In addition, condensate is continually discharged from the unit, when steam is the sterilizing medium, insuring creation and maintenance of sterilizing temperatures to the cans resting on the discharge port door.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1980Date of Patent: May 25, 1982Assignee: FMC CorporationInventor: Robert L. Lathrop, Jr.
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Patent number: D320407Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1989Date of Patent: October 1, 1991Assignee: Taurus TetraconceptsInventors: Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., Richard D. Phipps, Loren D. Stirling
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Patent number: D330049Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1989Date of Patent: October 6, 1992Assignee: Taurus TetraconceptsInventors: Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., Richard D. Phipps, Loren D. Stirling
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Patent number: D380273Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1995Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Assignee: Becton Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Rick E. Emerson, Robert L. Lathrop, Jr., Donald R. Reichel, Ronald K. Lion