Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Block

Thomas J. Block 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).

  • Surgical device with malleable shaft
    Publication number: 20030191494
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical device having a tissue engaging portion, a shaft member, and a handle assembly. The tissue engaging portion includes first and second opposed jaws for grasping, securing, and occluding body tissue and conduits. The shaft member is operatively coupled to the tissue engaging portion and is capable of being placed in different curvatures. The handle assembly is operatively coupled to both the shaft member and to the tissue engaging portion. The shaft member of the present invention allows the surgeon to bend and adjust the shape of the surgical device to minimize its intrusion and to allow for proper positioning in predetermined body locations. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the device is disposable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Allegiance Healthcare Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Donald Gray, Donald B. Williams, Thomas J. Block, Delos M. Cosgrove
  • Surgical device with malleable shaft
    Patent number: 6139563
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical device having a tissue engaging portion, a shaft member, and a handle assembly. The tissue engaging portion includes first and second opposed jaws for grasping, securing, and occluding body tissue and conduits. The shaft member is operatively coupled to the tissue engaging portion and is capable of being placed in different curvatures. The handle assembly is operatively coupled to both the shaft member and to the tissue engaging portion. The shaft member of the present invention allows the surgeon to bend and adjust the shape of the surgical device to minimize its intrusion and to allow for proper positioning in predetermined body locations. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the device is disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Delos M. Cosgrove, III, Joel Donald Gray, Donald B. Williams, Thomas J. Block