Patents by Inventor Steven G. Yapp

Steven G. Yapp 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).

  • Trocar having an improved tip configuration
    Patent number: 5776112
    Abstract: A safety-shielded trocar having an obturator with a linear cutting edge surface defining a base width substantially less than the diameter of the safety shield is disclosed. When the trocar is inserted through tissue, the tissue dilates from the width of the linear incision to accommodate the size of the safety shield of the trocar, thus making it possible to provide an access opening greater than the incisional width made by the linear cutting edge surface of the obturator. In a preferred embodiment, the safety shield has a shield tip region which is asymmetric to facilitate the dilation of the tissue as the trocar is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy R. Stephens, Steven G. Yapp, Salvatore Privitera, Richard F. Schwemberger, Darrel Powell
  • Trocar having an improved tip configuration
    Patent number: 5709671
    Abstract: A safety-shielded trocar having an obturator with a linear cutting edge surface defining a base width substantially less than the diameter of the safety shield is disclosed. When the trocar is inserted through tissue, the tissue dilates from the width of the linear incision to accommodate the size of the safety shield of the trocar, thus making it possible to provide an access opening greater than the incisional width made by the linear cutting edge surface of the obturator. In a preferred embodiment, the safety shield has a shield tip region which is asymmetric to facilitate the dilation of the tissue as the trocar is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy R. Stephens, Steven G. Yapp, Salvatore Privitera, Richard F. Schwemberger, Darrel Powell