Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Bowers

Thomas F. Bowers 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: 5824002
    Abstract: A trocar device, comprising a trocar cutting element, a surrounding insulating sheath, and a cannula surrounding the sheath, also includes an arrangement providing a substantially smooth transition between the sheath and cannula at the distal end of the cannula during the insertion of the trocar device into a patient so as to reduce drag on the device at the transition. In one embodiment, the sheath includes a shaped portion of enlarged diameter, and the cannula includes, at the distal end thereof, inwardly directed slits forming corresponding resilient leaf members which engage the shaped portion to provide the smooth transition. The shaped portion includes oppositely tapered surfaces meeting at a common apex. In another embodiment, an expandable section, when expanded, provides the smooth transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Conmed Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Gentelia, Sharyn E. Longo, Thomas F. Bowers