Patents by Inventor William J. Zwaskis

William J. Zwaskis 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: 5234449
    Abstract: An improved surgical clip of the type having first and second leg members joined at their proximal ends by a resilient hinge region and terminating at their distal ends in latch means. Each leg member has an outer surface and a clamping inner surface, and the outer surface of each leg member is configured to be accepted by the jaws of the clip applier. The improvement in the clip design specifically relates to a reduction in the mass of the clip in the hinge region. A reduced mass in the hinge region lessens the strain at the hinge region when the clip is in a clamped position, and therefore increases its strength retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Izi Bruker, William J. Zwaskis, Dennis D. Jamiolkowski
  • Patent number: 5199566
    Abstract: A cartridge for housing a plurality of surgical clips that have opposed, hinged leg portions. The cartridge includes a base member having cavities formed therein and a retainer having openings formed therein that are in alignment with and configured to correspond to the configuration of the cavities. Retainer member is attached to the base member in a suitable manner such as a press fit connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Ortiz, Michael S. Cropper, William J. Zwaskis, Richard F. Schwemberger
  • Patent number: 5163945
    Abstract: A surgical device and cooperating cartridge for applying surgical clips during endoscopic surgery. The surgical device incluces a jaw assembly, a barrel assembly, and a handle assembly. The jaw assembly has movable jaw members, each including a substantially transverse grooved portion and at least one angular side shield extending inwardly from an upper and a lower portion of the jaw member. The jaw members are oriented at an angle of approximately 22.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel portion. The distal surface of each jaw member is oriented at an angle that extends distally and outwardly. The jaw members are insertable into a unique cooperating cartridge that retains the surgical clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Ortiz, Michael S. Cropper, William J. Zwaskis, Richard F. Schwemberger
  • Patent number: 4550729
    Abstract: Sterile, non-metallic bio-compatible hemostatic clips of absorbable and non-absorbable materials comprising two leg members joined with a resilient hinge. The distal ends of said leg members include latch means to lock the clip in a closed position. Each leg member has a vessel clamping inner face and the latch means includes means for preventing relative lateral movement between the vessel clamping inner faces when the clip is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Cerwin, Madhusudan Joshi, John R. Menges, Robert W. Mericle, William J. Zwaskis
  • Patent number: 4498476
    Abstract: Sterile, non-metallic, bio-compatible hemostatic clips of absorbable and non-absorbable materials comprising two leg members joined with a resilient hinge. The distal ends of said leg members include latch means to lock the clip in a closed position. Each leg member has a vessel clamping inner face and the latch means includes means for preventing relative lateral movement between the vessel clamping inner faces when the clip is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Cerwin, Madhusudan Joshi, John R. Menges, Robert W. Mericle, William J. Zwaskis
  • Patent number: 4476865
    Abstract: A hemostatic clip fabricated from absorbable or non-absorbable bio-compatible polymeric materials.The clips have a pair of leg members joined by a hinge at their proximal ends and terminating at their distal ends in latch means. The leg members have complementary configurations which urge the hook member towards the hinge means when the clip is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Failla, Stephen J. Jewusiak, William J. Zwaskis
  • Patent number: 4449531
    Abstract: Sterile, non-metallic, bio-compatible hemostatic clips of absorbable and non-absorbable materials comprising two leg members joined with a resilient hinge. The distal ends of said leg members include latch means to lock the clip in a closed position. Each leg member has a vessel clamping inner face and the latch means includes means for preventing relative lateral movement between the vessel clamping inner faces when the clip is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Cerwin, Madhusudan Joshi, John R. Menges, Robert W. Mericle, William J. Zwaskis